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View Poll Results: Would you have any interest in purchasing a product like this?
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Yes
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18.18% |
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No
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81.82% |
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09-16-2016, 12:52 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 149
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Residential Refrigerator Opening While Driving?
Does anyone else have problems with the residential refrigerator opening while driving? I don't drive with excessive speed, or do severe maneuvers, but my fridge kept opening while I was driving.
My coach came with a bungee cord wrapped around the handles, but it doesn't hold much back, and I was having trouble with my kids getting snapped in the face when they tried to get in.
I've seen some discussions about how to load the fridge to help keep this from happening, but I was wanting a better solution.
Being a retired engineer, I designed a device that will positively keep the doors shut, and is so easy to install and remove that my kids can do it. Additionally, the same device can be used to keep the doors open during unpowered storage so that mold and mildew don't form.
The installation is easy (10 minutes), and does not require any modifications to the refrigerator. Also there are no messy glues, or adhesives.
I'm currently pursuing patents on my design, and hoping I can find a retailer that would be interested in carrying my device.
I was just wondering how many other people have this problem with their refrigerators? Would a device like this be something that you would be interested in purchasing? I'd appreciate any feedback you all have before I go too far down the financial rabbit hole... Thanks!
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09-16-2016, 01:50 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Oswego il
Posts: 2,430
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I have no idea what your device is so how would I apply this to our residential refrigerator?
I have the 19 CUFT residential refrigerator and the doors will not open when we are towing the trailer. The refrigerator has a star screw and thread rod that is used to keep the refrigerator doors close when towing. This has worked for 10K miles so far on our unit.
We also place tension rods in the refrigerator to keep items in place during travel.
__________________
Jim W.
2016 34RL CC; 2008 Ram Mega Cab 2500HD, 6.7L, 68RFE 6 speed, 4X4, Smarty S67, TDR 145K+miles
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09-16-2016, 07:10 PM
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#3
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bigdaddy1
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: West Tennessee
Posts: 160
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We just use a couple of short bungee ball wraps on the handles plus the cords that came with our camper. It works for us without doors coming open just be carefully opening the left door.(milk and tea jugs)
__________________
 BigDaddy1
2015 F350 CC Lariat 4/4 SRW
6.7 diesel
2019 3350RLX
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09-17-2016, 02:39 PM
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#4
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Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 85
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We made a couple of long straps with clips on them to go all of the way around the fridge. Even made one for the freezer. In a rig we had come through I saw a genius idea. It was a large padded upside-down "U" that went behind the fridge door handles and dropped down through the freezer handle.
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09-17-2016, 02:48 PM
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#5
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Phat Phrog Stunt Team
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Tipp City, OH
Posts: 7,154
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A velcro strap around the handles and it will keep the doors shut. Had the same bungee cord setup (still use that for freezer drawer), but after first trip went to the velcro strap. Cheap and easy.
__________________
2016 Georgetown 364TS
2017 Jeep Rubicon Recon toad
Nights Camped 2019 - 17
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09-17-2016, 03:28 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Carlisle, Arkansas
Posts: 1,387
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I just got a new Camping World sale flyer and it had a two door ref locking mechanism for $4.99. it looked like it would work. you mite try their website and look.
__________________
 2005 Cedar Creek 30RLBS/TrailAir Hitch/ MORryde 7K IS/Disc Brakes/ PI PT-50 EMS/ RV Flex Armor Roof
2015 RAM 3500 DRW 6.7 Cummins 3.42/ Garmin 760RV
40 Gal TransferFlow fuel tank/ TST 507
Amateur Radio W5CI 2019 Days Camping 25
2020 Days Camping 7
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09-18-2016, 12:35 PM
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#7
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7 Year Class A RV'er
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Winter Park, FL
Posts: 1,068
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__________________
2015 Legacy SR340 360RB
2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Toad
Gigi, Poppy and Sadie Lady...On the road, but not full time!
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09-18-2016, 12:46 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Seymour, TN
Posts: 225
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I had the same issue. My simple fix is this. 1/4" plywood, red felt, spray glue, done. Easy for kids/wife to get in and out while driving and the freezer keep frig doors closed and frig keeps freezer closed, no need for the bungees any longer. 
__________________
2015 Georgetown 364TS, '05 TJ flat, or '14 Fiesta 5 spd w/Tandem Tow Dolly HDXL 8x10, & EZGO Customized Cart
Days Out '17-25{Days in Shop 141}; '16-59; '15-56.
2011 Flagstaff V-Lite 30WFKS '14-24, '13-33, '12-36, '11-29, '10-23.
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09-18-2016, 01:11 PM
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#9
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Senior Member - Retired
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Yorba Linda, CA
Posts: 396
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Earlier this year I copied Sternhappens design. Only differences are mine is natural wood finish on the front and black felt where the device sits against the doors. I still use the two bungee cords that came with the MH. Works perfectly!
__________________
John & Gloria Hunsaker FROG Member CA-0030-988
2014 Georgetown XL 334QS (class A with 4 slides)
2013 Smart Car TOAD
Blue Ox Aventa LX tow bar, base plates, diode kit
SMI Stay-IN-Play Duo auxiliary braking system
25' Off shore blue water fishing boat
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09-18-2016, 01:42 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Seymour, TN
Posts: 225
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This was a first try. If I was going to make another one I would extend the bottom out into a modified upside down V shape. I always enjoy seeing what others have done to customize their setup ans share ideas.
__________________
2015 Georgetown 364TS, '05 TJ flat, or '14 Fiesta 5 spd w/Tandem Tow Dolly HDXL 8x10, & EZGO Customized Cart
Days Out '17-25{Days in Shop 141}; '16-59; '15-56.
2011 Flagstaff V-Lite 30WFKS '14-24, '13-33, '12-36, '11-29, '10-23.
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09-18-2016, 03:56 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Haslet Texas
Posts: 774
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SternHappens
I had the same issue. My simple fix is this. 1/4" plywood, red felt, spray glue, done. Easy for kids/wife to get in and out while driving and the freezer keep frig doors closed and frig keeps freezer closed, no need for the bungees any longer. Attachment 120545 |
Made the same thing last year with left over plywood and an old towell. The legs on mine stick down several more inches.
I just measured the width of the fridge doors and the length down to the freezer.
Did the same thing (one leg) for the 3 drawers below and left of the stove. One or two drawers always came open going down the road, now none do.
__________________
Former Owner of
2016 Cedar Creek 36 POS (My Last FR Product)
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09-18-2016, 04:35 PM
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#12
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Mature Citizen
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Issaquah, WA
Posts: 85
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Bungee Cords & Velcro Strap
I utilize the bungee straps but wrap it twice around one of the fridge handles. I also use a velcro strap on the handles. Hasn't opened since I started doing this.
__________________
Darlene, Ralph and Pippin
LTC (USA Retired), W7TLD
2023 - 199 days, 6966 miles
2013 - 2019 - 901 days & 37171 miles
2013 Georgetown XL 378 TS, 2014 Honda CRV
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09-18-2016, 05:04 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,832
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We've been using the NiteIze gear ties to keep cabinet doors etc closed underway...I'm sure they would work for fridges too. They are useful for lots of different needs.
__________________
________
Cam
2015 Georgetown 280DS
2019 Vespa Primavera 150's (pair)
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09-18-2016, 08:52 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 150
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We add a few strips of blue painters tape across the doors. Works real good. The fridge has started "walking " while traveling. I tightened down the feet and hope that cures it. Any other ideas to keep it from moving?
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09-18-2016, 09:47 PM
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#15
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Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Gatineau, Québec, Canada
Posts: 29
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Did as Aqua Man did. Velcro straps attached to either side of the fridge and the freezer. Haven't had a problem since.
__________________
André Lizotte
Coachmen 37TZ 2014
flat towing 2014 Honda CR-V AWD
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09-19-2016, 09:54 AM
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#16
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Junior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 13
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I had same issue, bought a couple of child safety straps at Walmart. Part of it sticks to the main refrig body and another part sticks to the doors. there is a strap that connects the two pieces. Works great and barely visible. Check them out in the baby/child section in Walmart.
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09-19-2016, 12:19 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Calgary
Posts: 994
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In another thread, post #10 describes my solution to the problem. It also allows you to hold the doors open for ventilation during storage.
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...-new-post.html
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09-19-2016, 04:21 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Haslet Texas
Posts: 774
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When we bought our trailer it didn't have a strap so for a while I just used an old belt.
__________________
Former Owner of
2016 Cedar Creek 36 POS (My Last FR Product)
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09-20-2016, 11:39 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 149
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This is my solution...
Thanks for all the great replies! This is what I love about RVing - lots of people with inventive solutions to problems.
The attached video is my solution. The block simply slides out of the frame to allow access to the refrigerator. When not in use the block sticks to the refrigerator door. When the refrigerator is to be stored, you put the block in the back of the frame, and the doors will no longer seal.
It's quick, simple, and can be easily used one-handed.
Thoughts?
Carl
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