Drawers open while in transit

[mhilley]

Does anyone have a fix for drawers coming open while moving? We have the kind with the cam latch on the frame and the fishook looking thingy on the door. I added a magnetic catch but it didn't seem to help much. The main culprit is the drawer under the oven/microwave where we keep the pots (heavy). It comes open and jumps the track, spilling everything all over the floor. I would bet some clever soul has come up with something!

[deauxrite]

We use a yardstick that goes through the handle and runs up in front of the oven. Keeps it all nicely in place.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by mhilley

Does anyone have a fix for drawers coming open while moving? We have the kind with the cam latch on the frame and the fishook looking thingy on the door. I added a magnetic catch but it didn't seem to help much. The main culprit is the drawer under the oven/microwave where we keep the pots (heavy). It comes open and jumps the track, spilling everything all over the floor. I would bet some clever soul has come up with something!

Do you have the complete running gear balanced?

If not, then that's probably the cause.

Andy

[Al - K4GLU]

There is a stronger version of the latch that Airstream uses and they have them. Don't know why they aren't used to begin with but maybe they cost a penny more. Have used this on 2 trailers - including a 2007 20' - and it worked both times. Give Airstream a call and tell them you want some of the stronger versions of the drawer latch. Since I doubt you're still under warranty the cost will probably be around 10 bucks each. I had mine replaced under warranty.

[dznf0g]

Yeah, what And said. For some reason I think you're bouncing down the road more than normal.

Running gear balanced?
How much tire Pressure?
WD hitch setup?

I have found my AS to be much smoother ride than any other trailer I have had. I've never had a drawer, door, or shower door open while traveling. In fact stuff accidently left on counters and table have pretty much stayed in place!

[mhilley]

Thanks for the answers and here I go opening Pandoras box! If didn't mention that when I bought the trailer it had brand new load range E tires (Maxxis)and !he PO suggested I inflate them to 75 psi! I have since lowered the pressure to 60 psi. I did notice that the drawers do in fact stay closed much better. That very well may enforce the opinion (I think it was Andy's opinion) that the "E" tires are too stiff. I will call A/S about the latches, but there isn't much I can do about the tires.

[boondockdad]

I'm all about "more is gooder", but (4) "E" loads at 75psi, for 5000 GVWR seems a bit excessive...

Upgraded latches are great... much stronger, not only do they keep our drawers shut in transit, but they keep the little crumbsnatchers out when camping!

[dznf0g]

Yeah, here we go again...but "E"s at 5000lbs.....I think I'd go lower than 60psi even.

[Aage]

I am always careful to make sure my drawers are completely closed before I leave the house.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Is this the drawer latch you have?

Andy

[mhilley]

Yes, that is the latch I have.

[Foiled Again]

Spring tensioned curtain rods - either from counter top to floor in front of the door, or jammed across the hallway against some solid surface like a wall, refrigerator, etc. Play "limbo" or "jump the stick" when entering if you use this fix. Oh, Centramatics, too. Do a search - they are dynamic balancers.

Paula

[Gene]

Drawers with heavy objects are more likely to come open. Not knowing what a 20' looks like inside, I don't know if you have any lower cabinets with doors, not drawers. If so, place the heavy things in them. They are less likely to open.

Gene

[mhilley]

Mr. Finalcutjoe - the 20' has one axle so there are only 2 brick hard tires at 70 psi! Also, when I read your note I immediately thought they have sprays that will get rid of crumbsnatchers and then I realized you meant rug rat crumbsnatchers. I give you credit for airstreamin' with wee ones. Growing them up right I would say. And to Aaeg I would say - no comment! Does anyone have any strong opinions of the balancers? I have read about them but don't know anybody that has purchased.

[HowieE]

If you are running ST tires 65 lbs. would be right for 225 75 15 . If you are running LT tires 85 is right.

This is the chart. The pressures are standard for any given size independent of manufacture as the a Government Standards.

http://www.goodyear.com/truck/pdf/da...dInflation.pdf

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by mhilley

Yes, that is the latch I have.

They are available in 3 and 10 pound ratings.

Original production used the 3 pound version.

If balancing the running gear and a reasonable tire pressure doesn't correct the issue, then the 10 pound latches will be your only answer without using some kind of gimmick.

They are not cheap. but they are not expensive either.

Andy