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Boxster1971 · 11-28-2014, 10:09 PM

The Mercedes Sprinter, as equipped by Airstream for the Interstate, is probably the safest RV on the road today. But, first I had an incident with the overhead cabinet doors flying open while driving. Then after seeing some videos of RV crashes I realized there is a real risk of thinks flying forward during a driving incident if the overhead cabinet doors should open unintentionally.

So I began a search to get a more secure latch for the overhead cabinets. The stock push knobs are LAMP PK-03/CR Chrome Push Knobs by Sugatsune. www.sugatsune.com

After a bit of research I found a suitable replacement that fits in the same 28mm hole in the overhead cabinet doors. This push knob latch has a locking deadbolt action when the knob is pressed in. The holding force of the deadbolt is rated at 44 lbs. The LAMP TLP Push Knob Latch works as a drop-in replacement. Specifically it requires two parts; 1) the TLP-BB/CR Chrome Push Knob/Base and 2) the TLP-LBM/WHT Latch Body. The best price I found was from an eBay vendor.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/250995789012

This new push knob latch protrudes a bit more than the stock Interstate push knobs. Installing it is straight forward, but took a bit of adjustment to make it work correctly. Here are a few photos of the push knob latch installed.

73shark · 11-29-2014, 12:10 AM

I don't recall w/o looking but is there a lip already there for the deadbolt to latch against?

UKDUDE · 11-29-2014, 02:17 AM

My tall wardrobe has a catch like that. Don't see why they couldn't have used them on all doors.

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Protagonist · 11-29-2014, 03:25 AM

I just adjusted the tension on the spring hinges. I've never had a door come open by accident; EXCEPT a couple of times the full-height wardrobe door! I trust the spring hinges more than I trust the latch on that door, that isn't adjustable to provide more holding power.

Boxster1971 · 11-29-2014, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 73shark

I don't recall w/o looking but is there a lip already there for the deadbolt to latch against?

Yes the deadbolt latches behind that aluminum trim lip.

- - Mike
2013 Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter

Boxster1971 · 11-29-2014, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Protagonist

I just adjusted the tension on the spring hinges. I've never had a door come open by accident; EXCEPT a couple of times the full-height wardrobe door! I trust the spring hinges more than I trust the latch on that door, that isn't adjustable to provide more holding power.

If you could adjust the spring tension for a 44 lb. pull to open - do you think you could even open it with one hand? High spring tension would also be a problem for my 5 ft. tall travel partner. With spring tension tighten to high level you should check the length of the screws holding the door to the spring mechanism. Mine were only 3/8" and they ripped out on one door while opening it.

This upgrade isn't for everyone - those latches are over $30 each. I only offer it as a solution to my problems. My van gets fairly heavy use at over 20,000 miles per year - so maybe it is wearing faster than others.

Hope this is useful,

- - Mike
2013 Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter

Boxster1971 · 11-29-2014, 01:46 PM

I should have included this spec sheet on my original post.

PSchw · 11-30-2014, 06:48 AM

Thanks for the info this is what I was looking for I only found larger once.

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PSchw · 01-06-2015, 03:51 PM

I got it and try to install. It just does not fit. It fits the hole perfect but the latch is to close to the edge. The body of the back side does hit the edge of the cabinet. So there is no room for it to work proper.

Boxster1971 · 01-06-2015, 06:36 PM

That looks like you are trying to install latch on the wardrobe door next to the bath. I don't think that will work. From my measurements these latches only work on the overhead cabinets.

- - Mike
2013 Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter

InterBlog · 01-11-2015, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]... after seeing some videos of RV crashes I realized there is a real risk of thinks flying forward ...

Do you have any vids you could recommend for those of us who'd like to learn more about this issue?

Our 2007 Interstate doesn't have cabinet latches at all - just the spring tension on the doors. At times, I have wondered what I ought to do to in terms of stowage procedures to maximize safety.

Crashes have a low probability of occurrence, but if you are that person with a wreck and your gear isn't stowed well, then you have a high probability of a projectile risk. I saw a TV show once about how this issue can affect people with loose objects in passenger cars. It featured a woman who was rendered into a permanent vegetative state because she wrecked while taking home her groceries. As near as they could deduce, an airborne frozen chicken impacted her skull.

Protagonist · 01-11-2015, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InterBlog

Crashes have a low probability of occurrence, but if you are that person with a wreck and your gear isn't stowed well, then you have a high probability of a projectile risk. I saw a TV show once about how this issue can affect people with loose objects in passenger cars. It featured a woman who was rendered into a permanent vegetative state because she wrecked while taking home her groceries. As near as they could deduce, an airborne frozen chicken impacted her skull.

My best suggestion for that is to take a cue from boaters, who have to worry about things staying put through a much wider range of motion than we'll ever see. On each side of each overhead locker, right behind the door, put two screw eyes on each side. One set right below the hinges, the other set about halfway between the bottom of the hinge and the lower lip of the opening. Stretch a bungee cord between each pair of eyes. To put stuff in or take it out, you undo the bungee cords from one end. The rest of the time, the cords will restrain things from falling out, except for those items small enough to pass between the two cords.

73shark · 01-11-2015, 09:51 AM

Or maybe some type of cargo net like that that comes on some SUVs.

Boxster1971 · 01-11-2015, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InterBlog

Do you have any vids you could recommend for those of us who'd like to learn more about this issue?

......

Search Google with the phrase "rv crash test" and you will find several.

PSchw · 01-21-2015, 03:48 PM

Mike you right it works fine on the overhead bins but not on anything else. I have more problems with the drawers an the cabinet door.
So my search will continue .
Thanks
Peter

Boxster1971 · 01-22-2015, 06:53 AM

Some here once suggested using a child lock on the drawers. I haven't tried that yet, but the drawer under the stove top does fly open some times.

nesoutlook · 01-22-2015, 10:07 AM

On the draw under the stove I use a Velcro strip. Drawer doesn't open on turns and speed bumps anymore. This draw is used for kitchen utensils and silverware. The weight of these items was too much for the latch.

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Boxster1971 · 01-22-2015, 12:18 PM

Thanks nesoutlook, that sounds like a good idea. We also use that drawer for our flatware and utensils - so it is heavy.

PSchw · 01-22-2015, 05:12 PM

Yes that what we use it too. The Velcro sounds like a good idea I will try that.
Thanks
Peter

Haasman · 01-16-2017, 02:10 AM

The cabinet drawers under the sink and range open on corners. Took it to the dealer and they installed additional/heavier magnets that hold the drawers shut.

Good news/bad news: The stronger magnets do hold the drawers better, but they are hell to open now. I one's hand is even slightly wet, getting enough grip to pull the drawer open is almost impossible.

Boating industry, that's what I've been thinking. Looked through several sites, didn't find any.

Haasman