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locking cabinet latch

Having read some of the horror stories of rigs that turned on their side in an accident and contents of overhead cabinets crashing down on the occupants, we are looking at putting in locking latches as a precaution (Kristi won't let go of this).  Has anyone found a suitable latch that will serve this purpose that didn't require completely re-engineering the door? I reviewed some previous posts but none "jumped out".
2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8

Re: locking cabinet latch

Reply #1 –
If often thought of the same thing, but then I start doing something else and forget about it. I'm sure there is a latch out there that would work.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: locking cabinet latch

Reply #2 –
Something that's been at the bottom of my project list is 200lb electromagnets in the cabinets that engage when the ignition turns on.  Haven't put much thought into it other than I think it would work. I was only planning on doing the pantry doors but now I think I'll add the overhead cabinets near the front to the list too.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: locking cabinet latch

Reply #3 –
Two issues come to mind. One, would be what if any metallic items stored in those cabinets. Second would be what, if any electromagnetic interference it might induce to other wiring.
Future Foretravel Owners
2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Retired USAF, Retired DOD Civ's
FAA A&P, Indust. Eng., Acft Depot Lvl. Maint.
Larry and Becky Rountree

Re: locking cabinet latch

Reply #4 –
Quote from: master2301 –
Two issues come to mind. One, would be what if any metallic items stored in those cabinets. Second would be what, if any electromagnetic interference it might induce to other wiring.
Good questions. Regarding #1 - probably not an issue with the pantry doors given their contents but I'm not sure it can be solved for the overhead cabinets. For #2...need to noodle on that.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: locking cabinet latch

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Elliott –
Something that's been at the bottom of my project list is 200lb electromagnets in the cabinets that engage when the ignition turns on.  Haven't put much thought into it other than I think it would work. I was only planning on doing the pantry doors but now I think I'll add the overhead cabinets near the front to the list too.
How much power would they use and would you install a impact/position  switch to override ignition being turned off? Although no one would be opening while in motion, would there also be a override if the ignition was on and you wanted to open a door? I genuinely think you need to make up Kits to market. 👍👍
Scott

Re: locking cabinet latch

Reply #6 –
A manual safety latch isn't idiot proof, but even an idiot can open it, given enough time.
If the latch is controlled electrically, even an idiot can't fix it if it malfunctioned. Safety feature would be that latch is automatically opened due to loss of electricity. Would this feature then negate the safety idea in the event of a rollover or crash?
I like to think that I am NOT your average idiot, but an ABOVE average idiot and even I would be hesitant about relying on an electrical control in the event of a power failure caused by loss of electricity. Bit more than once and now very "shy" about electrical controls, but not electricity.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: locking cabinet latch

Reply #7 –
Quote from: nitehawk –
A manual safety latch isn't idiot proof, but even an idiot can open it, given enough time.
If the latch is controlled electrically, even an idiot can't fix it if it malfunctioned. Safety feature would be that latch is automatically opened due to loss of electricity. Would this feature then negate the safety idea in the event of a rollover or crash?
I like to think that I am NOT your average idiot, but an ABOVE average idiot and even I would be hesitant about relying on an electrical control in the event of a power failure caused by loss of electricity. Bit more than once and now very "shy" about electrical controls, but not electricity.
Airbags deploy before the entire chassis is involved in a accident and have a great record of safety. I think this is a very viable idea and if pushed threw the Department of transportation could be quite a idea, if its not already in existence. Egress would be greatly improved in a rollover. Weakest link would be that little screw in a piece of wood.

Re: locking cabinet latch

Reply #8 –
Could I be the slightest bit biased because our coach has tambourin cabinet "doors"?? >:D  :))
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: locking cabinet latch

Reply #9 –
Quote from: dsd –
How much power would they use and would you install a impact/position  switch to override ignition being turned off? Although no one would be opening while in motion, would there also be a override if the ignition was on and you wanted to open a door? I genuinely think you need to make up Kits to market. 👍👍
Scott
I think the trick is going to be to find the minimal amount of holding strength required to reduce the amp draw, but to answer your question, I haven't done the maths yet. I'd definitely put an override switch in to break the circuit if you need to get into one while the ignition is on.

Quote from: nitehawk –
A manual safety latch isn't idiot proof, but even an idiot can open it, given enough time.
If the latch is controlled electrically, even an idiot can't fix it if it malfunctioned. Safety feature would be that latch is automatically opened due to loss of electricity. Would this feature then negate the safety idea in the event of a rollover or crash?
I like to think that I am NOT your average idiot, but an ABOVE average idiot and even I would be hesitant about relying on an electrical control in the event of a power failure caused by loss of electricity. Bit more than once and now very "shy" about electrical controls, but not electricity.
Power to the magnets would just need to hold long enough for the initial impact... whether or not what I'm suggesting would hold long enough, I don't know but I feel pretty good about it. My initial motivator for this was really just for convenience. It'd be nice to have drawers and cabinets that open easily when parked but hold tighter than hell when in motion.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.