Refrigerator locking brackets

[toshu]

The lock brackets on my domestic refrigerator are difficult to lock and are popping open often during a ride.
After 6 months they are a constant pain. I have to lift the door to engage. Since the bracket on the door is lower than that on the wall, I am guessing it's not properly installed. I can't find any info online.

Photos and info would be appreciated.

[bclemens]

https://www.sugatsune.com/product/sl...h-indicator-5/

The door may have settled and it is not lined up perfectly. Should be able to tweak an adjustment.

This is the latch that we added by popular demand. Personally, I would adjust the jamb side (not the fridge side) and you might be able to just adjust the fridge door at its hinges. More than one way to skin that cat.

[bclemens]

Plus, if you swap in a "pan head" for the countersunk...that might give you a little play without any new holes.

[johndjmix]

FYI guys, ive been working on the lathe and mill to machine a latch that works like the RV fridges, so it locks every time you close the door.


Im sure there will be a lot of interest in this from owners and MFG's, so ill keep everyone posted.


Im on my 4th design of it, i think this one might be the winner.


--John

[toshu]

Sounds interesting. Keep us posted

Originally Posted by johndjmix

FYI guys, ive been working on the lathe and mill to machine a latch that works like the RV fridges, so it locks every time you close the door.


Im sure there will be a lot of interest in this from owners and MFG's, so ill keep everyone posted.


Im on my 4th design of it, i think this one might be the winner.


--John

[V6TOY4X]

Originally Posted by johndjmix

FYI guys, ive been working on the lathe and mill to machine a latch that works like the RV fridges, so it locks every time you close the door.


Im sure there will be a lot of interest in this from owners and MFG's, so ill keep everyone posted.


Im on my 4th design of it, i think this one might be the winner.


--John

I would love to see what you come up with, this is a piece that has been needed since RV mfr hopped on the res refer wagon. Iprefer compressor based refrigeration vs absorption in the heat but someone needs too come up with a compressor that can be supported by 3-400 amp ours and 500 watts solar.


Maybe there is one but I havent come across it yet

[Phreak480]

If you want more efficient dc refrigeration looks at some 12v native stuff using danfoss compressors.



A lot of efficiency is lost in using an inverter to power a fridge.

[V6TOY4X]

Originally Posted by Phreak480

If you want more efficient dc refrigeration looks at some 12v native stuff using danfoss compressors.

A lot of efficiency is lost in using an inverter to power a fridge.

Dan foss is a good choice but still pulls considerable juice when you look at worst case, 90+ degree weather in a shaded campsite.


Inverter efficiency is another part of the equation for sure. Our inverter is left on most of the time so it would be the loss of efficiency in the conversion as opposed to inverter "operation" loss which we already have.



1st option is a JC conversion of our existing, more work but minimal modifications needed and pricing is in line with a small resi but no ice maker. I want an ice maker for days when we have good solar. The ice makers circuit is 120 volt but it can be broken out separate to run off inverter and you can choose to power it or not via a switch for "ice maker"
Pretty sure I can adapt one in though.


2nd option is a smaller resi with builtin ice maker on inverter, still breaking out the ice maker.


I figure someone will come up with the next "oh my god" idea and cut power consumption



OR I make room for another 200AH of lithium.

[toshu]

My residential GE refrigerator works perfectly fine. My concern is with the locking latch.

Originally Posted by V6TOY4X

Dan foss is a good choice but still pulls considerable juice when you look at worst case, 90+ degree weather in a shaded campsite.


Inverter efficiency is another part of the equation for sure. Our inverter is left on most of the time so it would be the loss of efficiency in the conversion as opposed to inverter "operation" loss which we already have.



1st option is a JC conversion of our existing, more work but minimal modifications needed and pricing is in line with a small resi but no ice maker. I want an ice maker for days when we have good solar. The ice makers circuit is 120 volt but it can be broken out separate to run off inverter and you can choose to power it or not via a switch for "ice maker"
Pretty sure I can adapt one in though.


2nd option is a smaller resi with builtin ice maker on inverter, still breaking out the ice maker.


I figure someone will come up with the next "oh my god" idea and cut power consumption



OR I make room for another 200AH of lithium.

[V6TOY4X]

Originally Posted by toshu

My residential GE refrigerator works perfectly fine. My concern is with the locking latch.

Fill me in;


Off grid;

solar, battery bank, conditions you camp in, i.e. solar capability (shade or inclement weather) duration off grid, and temperatures.


Running a resi in Arizona in the desert during the summer with decent solar and 400AH is a lot different than october in the california sierras for a week snas decent solar harvest. The numbers dont add up in my calculation.


Your real world would trump my calculations for sure!

[toshu]

Check out my thread and feel free to post questions there.
"Xplorer solar system settings and data discussion"

Originally Posted by V6TOY4X

Fill me in;


Off grid;

solar, battery bank, conditions you camp in, i.e. solar capability (shade or inclement weather) duration off grid, and temperatures.


Running a resi in Arizona in the desert during the summer with decent solar and 400AH is a lot different than october in the california sierras for a week snas decent solar harvest. The numbers dont add up in my calculation.


Your real world would trump my calculations for sure!

[V6TOY4X]

Originally Posted by toshu

Check out my thread and feel free to post questions there.
"Xplorer solar system settings and data discussion"

Aww!!
Will do, reading that thread requires a clear and focused mind, i did read it initially and commented that it was a great real world resource.


Now I guess I have committed to reading it ALL, a lot of info in there.


I remember having to set up my ME-ARC for AGMs first and then switching to lithium, it almost melted my brain! You have to read it all , you just can't look at the pictures!!!

[johndjmix]

I camp almost exclusively off grid and I can go from 6pm to noon the next day without the generator auto starting. Using standard AGM batts.

Running all my stuff fridge and TV most of the night and all my internet gear (router, touch screen etc).

—John

[toshu]

But do you have a lock on your refer like mine and how do I fix my problem?

Originally Posted by johndjmix

I camp almost exclusively off grid and I can go from 6pm to noon the next day without the generator auto starting. Using standard AGM batts.

Running all my stuff fridge and TV most of the night and all my internet gear (router, touch screen etc).

—John

[bclemens]

Originally Posted by toshu

But do you have a lock on your refer like mine and how do I fix my problem?

Have you tried my suggestions in post #2 & 3?

[TrailWayz]

We just installed these Sugatsune latches (love them!). However, we used stainless steel rivets to attach the plates to the doors. We just felt like the screws we never going to hold up.

[Lvnthedream]

Originally Posted by toshu

The lock brackets on my domestic refrigerator are difficult to lock and are popping open often during a ride.
After 6 months they are a constant pain. I have to lift the door to engage. Since the bracket on the door is lower than that on the wall, I am guessing it's not properly installed. I can't find any info online.

Photos and info would be appreciated.Attachment 254900Attachment 254901

They need to be remove and repositioned. Mine were hard to lock and would come unlocked driving to the point the frig door would open and hit the table. Now I have a dented frig door. The freezer door lock was fine.

In my photo, you can see where the lock was mounted and where I filled the old screw hole. Position it where it locks easy, mark the new hole locations with a pencil, drill and mount. That solved the hard locking and now doesn’t unlock driving.