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Topic: How to Keep Drawers from Opening while Underway (Read 702 times) previous topic - next topic
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How to Keep Drawers from Opening while Underway
Over the last 17 years, I have tried every tip offered up to keep my kitchen drawers from popping open while underway. Recently I saw a tip in MotorHome magazine (I think) and decided to try it. You can see in the photos how I used eye hooks secured with plastic wall anchors. And yes, refinishing the drawer panels is on my to do list.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: How to Keep Drawers from Opening while Underway
Reply #1 –
"I used eye hooks secured with plastic wall anchors"

At first glance, I thought those were golf tees.  Would they work, too?  Would the variation in thickness be of value, or a hindrance?

   Virtual hugs,

   Judie  <-- Sierra Vista, Arizona
   Adventures of Dorrie Anne | Photographing the West

   Today:  Tarantula
         *********************************

 

Re: How to Keep Drawers from Opening while Underway
Reply #2 –
Quote from: Judie Ashford  - 
"I used eye hooks secured with plastic wall anchors"

At first glance, I thought those were golf tees.  Would they work, too?  Would the variation in thickness be of value, or a hindrance?

 Virtual hugs,

 Judie  <-- Sierra Vista, Arizona
 Adventures of Dorrie Anne | Photographing the West

 Today:  Tarantula
        *********************************

 


Because the plastic anchors are tapered, they snug in and work well. I found them in my small parts organizer. Golf tees would work. Anything that would fit in the eye hook and not fall through would work.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: How to Keep Drawers from Opening while Underway
Reply #3 –
That's pretty cool.

Ken F in WY
'08 MB
Re: How to Keep Drawers from Opening while Underway
Reply #4 –
I have this same problem on 2 drawers in the kitchen and 4 drawers in the bedroom.  I was thinking about getting some of the super magnets and putting on on the frame and one on the drawer.  Dont know if anyone has done that or not.
Re: How to Keep Drawers from Opening while Underway
Reply #5 –

We have one drawer that refuses to stay put, that will be rectified tomorrow, thanks Chris.

Our rig had a door that popped open often, even with two latches and a couple of magnets. The Factory latch was changed to one that needs to be pushed in to open.
It took a while to retrain the brain to push the door to open, instead of pulling. It cured the problem.
Mc-37 Non-Magnetic Touch Latch Safe Push Latch Black - Cabinet And Furniture...

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61ugPJjWHZL._SL1000_.jpg

Larry

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: How to Keep Drawers from Opening while Underway
Reply #6 –
Chris,

Thanks for posting this mod. I had been using bungee cords but since I changed my pulls and knobs, they weren't working as well. I only have the drawers opening problem with the drawers below the wardrobe closet.

I installed the eye hooks yesterday and drove for about  2 hours today, with no issues (and less rattling around in general)!

Thanks!
My wheels:
2003 MB
2012 Jeep Liberty
Re: How to Keep Drawers from Opening while Underway
Reply #7 –
We use Mag Locks by dream baby. They are child proof locks that install inside the front of the drawer.
We stick the magnet on the vent hood for the stove top so it is always close at hand. And when you are parked you can switch them off so they just open and close without the magnet.
2006 50th Anniversary Blue/Gold Edition
Re: How to Keep Drawers from Opening while Underway
Reply #8 –
Most of the slide rails on the drawers in my LD are original, and they include the lift and pull feature that is supposed to keep them closed while driving. 

I had to replace the slide on 1 drawer, and the replacement didn't indluce that feature.

I cut a wooden wedge that is just taller on the high end than the space between the bottom of the drawer and the cabinet frame.  I glued it to the bottom of the drawer, close to the cabinet frame. 

When closing the drawer, the frame rides up along the edge and doesn't interfere with closing.  Once closed, the drawer doesn't slide open unless I life the drawer slightly and pull it over the edge. 

Rich
'03 MB in NC
2003 MB
Re: How to Keep Drawers from Opening while Underway
Reply #9 –
Larry,

It took a while to retrain the brain to push the door to open, instead of pulling. It cured the problem.
Mc-37 Non-Magnetic Touch Latch Safe Push Latch Black - Cabinet And Furniture...

I like this solution.  Wife has a difficult time opening the wardrobe cabinets in my RK.  I think this latch would be perfect.

Bob
2006 RK
Re: How to Keep Drawers from Opening while Underway
Reply #10 –
Quote from: rprice  - 
It took a while to retrain the brain to push the door to open, instead of pulling. It cured the problem.
Mc-37 Non-Magnetic Touch Latch Safe Push Latch Black - Cabinet And Furniture...
I like this solution.  Wife has a difficult time opening the wardrobe cabinets in my RK.  I think this latch would be perfect.

It does take awhile to learn to push, in return the push latch keeps the cabinet for from opening. I was a little skeptical that is would break with use but it has held up for almost a year.
Wish the refrigerator had a push latches, after having the lower door open a few times on twisty roads, always making a mess.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: How to Keep Drawers from Opening while Underway
Reply #11 –
"Wish the refrigerator had a push latches, after having the lower door open a few times on twisty roads, always making a mess."

Unsightly, no doubt, but what about some sort of Velcro contraption to keep it closed?  We have one on our Sportsmobile refrigerator, but it is to keep it "open" when not in use.  Seems like it would be possible to put up Velcro tabs relatively out of sight, and then use the longer strap when needed to keep it closed.


   Virtual hugs,

   Judie
Re: How to Keep Drawers from Opening while Underway
Reply #12 –
Has anyone tried installing baby-proof drawer latches? (push them down to open/spring keeps latch in the "closed position)


2018 Mid-Bath Beatrix (bringer of joy)
Re: How to Keep Drawers from Opening while Underway
Reply #13 –
Quote from: Kit  - 
Has anyone tried installing baby-proof drawer latches? (push them down to open/spring keeps latch in the "closed position)

I did try those but I found them irritating. Plus they didn't keep the drawers from rattling because they could still open a small bit.
My wheels:
2003 MB
2012 Jeep Liberty
 
Re: How to Keep Drawers from Opening while Underway
Reply #14 –
We had the refrigerator door (in our '94 MB) open, going around  sharp corners.    DH found an awning pin at an RV parts store that worked wonders.    There is a  triangle of metal above the freezer door and another above the fridge door and each had a very convenient hole that matched a hole in the top of the door(s).   I tied some bright pink yarn through the metal ring on the pin so it was easily noticed.   Putting that pin in place before heading out kept the door from opening. 
On our '06 RB we haven't had that problem.   I also am very careful what I put in the refrigerator door, weight-size.   I think Dometic also improved the latch on our fridge. 

JuliW
Juli W.
Former owner 1994 mid bath,  2006 26.5'rear bath
Re: How to Keep Drawers from Opening while Underway
Reply #15 –
Quote from: JuliW  - 
On our '06 RB we haven't had that problem.  I also am very careful what I put in the refrigerator door, weight-size.  I think Dometic also improved the latch on our fridge. 

Our refrigerator was replaced about four years ago and the updated latches have worked fine...so far.
It's the things that shift and fall out on your feet, when the door is opened after a vigorous drive, that gets us now.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: How to Keep Drawers from Opening while Underway
Reply #16 –

We use the baby latches also.

Amazon.com : Safety 1st 42 Pack Wide Grip Latches : Baby

Similar to these,  the drawers do slide open a little bit but they don't fly out and slam back with these. 
I am so used to having them on my sticks and bricks to keep grand kids out of stuff that they are just second nature to us now.  And cheap with nothing visible on the outside a couple of screws into the latch inside the drawer and your done.  Easy to replace when someone pulls to hard and snaps them off. 

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Sand Castle (Theresa & Everett) Surfside
01'  26.5 Mid Bath,   2018 31IB
Michigan born and starting to explore the US with my  spouse and our furry friend. Enjoying joining LD group rallies.
Re: How to Keep Drawers from Opening while Underway
Reply #17 –
Quote from: tlbh2o  - 
We use the baby latches also.

Amazon.com : Safety 1st 42 Pack Wide Grip Latches : Baby

Similar to these,  the drawers do slide open a little bit but they don't fly out and slam back with these. 
I am so used to having them on my sticks and bricks to keep grand kids out of stuff that they are just second nature to us now.  And cheap with nothing visible on the outside a couple of screws into the latch inside the drawer and your done.  Easy to replace when someone pulls to hard and snaps them off. 

Just my opinion, but I used baby locks on the drawers before the eye hook hack, but found it annoying to have to stick my hand in the drawer every time I wanted to open it, especially when parked. The alternative was to leave it partially ajar which offended my sense of order.  ;)

Chris
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: How to Keep Drawers from Opening while Underway
Reply #18 –
Just me, but I would forget to put the anchor back in, or forget where I put them.  I think yours is a great idea though.
Sand Castle (Theresa & Everett) Surfside
01'  26.5 Mid Bath,   2018 31IB
Michigan born and starting to explore the US with my  spouse and our furry friend. Enjoying joining LD group rallies.
Re: How to Keep Drawers from Opening while Underway
Reply #19 –
I had one drawer that would not stay shut. On close examination I found that the catch mechanism on the slide was worn. So I removed the screw at the handle end of the slide, added a thin piece of wood between the drawer bottom and the slide and replaced the screw. The drawer now requires lifting before it opens.

David
RV: 2002 MB
Toad: 2014 CR-V