We have tried several latching ideas for the new residental refrigerator without success until we tried this. So far it has worked perfectly!
Interesting. We have taken 2 trips so far with our new Samsung (which we LOVE). 1st trip, no problems - 2nd trip (on some fairly curvy, bumpy roads) we had the freezer AND the fridge doors pop open a couple times. We are using a vinyl strap (given to us by David Flanagan) that wraps once around the door handles and then both ends loop around the freezer handle and secure with velcro. No offense to David, but it is obviously not the answer. Will consider your solution!
i put on a sliding door lock. Works great but you have to drill into the side of the freezer door to install a few screws. Not a big deal but it is a positive latch that locks the doors shut. Then we can tie the velcro around only the fridge and it does not open.
I agree with cajk the David Flanagan supplied strap only works well if you are straight and level. I'm still looking for ideas that don't require drilling. I haven't put much time into but I am hoping to find an existing hole in a bracket that can be used/modified for a locking device
We did not want to drill holes into the frig because that would void the warranty. We have driven 1200 miles so far on twisty up and down roads without any problems (with a full freezer!) We will be at Foretravel this weekend if you want to see it Cajk. Super simple and effective. Very pleased so far. Used 1" Velcro secured to refrigerator side wall that is 12" long. The refrigerator doors would be fine with Velcro strap but the u shaped bracket that we made works great and also will stop the freezer from slamming open if the Velcro straps were to fail.
Great! We will check out your solution. Are you coming for the Driving School, or other business? Either way, we'll be watching for you at Camp FOT!
See you there ^.^d We are having a step conversion done. Looked into driving school but it was full and super expensive
Me too in sliding door lock, BUT door cavity is vacuum evacuated to improve insulating qualities. Drilling voids warranty and use lose the vacumn in the door.
If I was doing it again, I would use sliding door lock but use 3M 5200 to glue on the part to the door rather than screw into the door
We just stretch a bungee from the towel rack on the bathroom closet thru the fridge doors, down thru the freezer door and to the guard on the stove. Just took 3200 mile trip over some rough roads with no unwanted door openings.
We will be arriving at Camp Foretravel on or before the 11th ... we have an appointment for service and then will be leaving the coach for a fridge install. Will there be a door latch or 2 there for me to look at?? If not ... please give David F and Larry a seminar!!!
We also have the side-by-side with a velcro strap on the doors and no issue despite some pretty challenging roads (water sloshed out of the TurboTurd 3000).
I think the drawer of the French door model adds a unique challenge. Bob and Faith's solution to that one is slick ^.^d
We will be at FOT Nov. 7 -12ish so we will see you there Carol :))
Anne and I are arriving on the 9th or 10th to leave the coach for a month for some service. See you.
I finally got around to making a Samsung residential fridge/freezer door keeper. I based my design on Bob and Faith's example (see initial post), but made some modifications. Mine is thinner and wider. I used 3/8" cabinet grade plywood, covered on both sides with FOT ceiling material (Thanks, Larry). The "legs" and the top cross section are about 5" wide. The overall dimensions (height and width) are 26" by 15". The wider, thinner material seems to be plenty rigid in the areas where I need it, yet is easier to slide behind the door handles. So far we are getting along fine without needing the Velcro straps on the freezer drawer!
It also finally gives us something to store in that weird shaped tall/shallow cabinet in the side of the hutch!
My thanks to
@flite2010 for demonstrating the excellent prototype.
We are using a short velcro strap through the door handles and a common latch for the freezer. I used 3M VHB tape on the door. Amazing stuff.
I saw this and added to this discussion for those looking at solutions to holding your new residential fridge doors closed when traveling. Thought it might be useful to someone.
Home of the Fridge Fixer (https://www.recubed.solutions/)
Great, simple & effective solution. I'm happy with my current setup but might consider this as they refine their manufacturing process. The 3d printed results are a little jagged.
Interesting idea! Our big flat upside down "U" shaped keeper is still functioning perfectly (Reply #13 above) but if it ever breaks (not likely) then I would consider trying this device.
This will not stick to the stainless steel refrigerator doors. Doesn't seem to have anything to keep it from leaving rub marks on the doors either. I like what we have. Simple, effective, easy, nothing to stow.