Wifey likes to use Mikasa dishes in our RV. It's our home away from home so, I get it.
We use the Non-skid stuff between plates and on the bottom of cabinets. Never had an issue.
We close the fridge and freezer and do a good pull to make sure they're secure.
Why? Many years ago., (more than I'd care to tell you ), my parents had a TT that had a floor furnace, directly under the fridge. Don't remember where we were going but, when we got there, we had an omelette. Eggs and milk out of the fridge, directly onto the furnace.
* This post was
edited 06/11/12 03:56pm by Stranger *
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving
safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out and defiantly shouting "Wow, what a ride!".
2002 3500 6 Speed
2005 ALFA
Just 72 feet!
Sorry to hear of your misfortunes and what a frustrating way to start a trip. I'm really surprised at the refrigerator and cabinets opening. We have never had either happen when towing. Since 2004 we have been towing fivers which are very smooth when towing. We leave most of our nick knacks in place with no trouble. Good luck and I wonder what really caused your troubles.
NorthernLimits wrote: I don't understand how the fridges come open on the road. I read many posts where people say it happens. Every camper fridge I have ever owned locked closed. Some with slide latches, and the last couple, like the one I have now, just push it hard and it clicks and locks.
I think ours must have opened because we had some heavy drinks bottles inside the door. The fridge was pretty packed. I guess when something shifted it probably set off a whole lot of other things shifting. We have since learned not to overload the inside of the door and to pack liquids into something hard to break open. It only happened once and hopefully we'll never have to clean up spaghetti sauce again!
"Those who dwell...among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life."--Rachel Carson, environmentalist, 1956
2009 Ford F250 XL
2006 Dutchmen 25F
Me & DH in non-parenting mode!
Does your RV have shocks and balanced tires?
We had problems with the pantry flying open even with latches. Might have spilled dishes once or twice.
Back then many towables did not have shocks on them nor were the tires balanced. Ours had shocks and a air ride hitch. I have talked with others that did not have them and seen some going down some roads bouncing a lot. I40 use to be bad about the fifth wheel wanting to bounce. I59 south will loosen anything that can be loosened including shower walls and toss anything that can be tossed.
Balancing our tires helped a bit. We still had to use wire ties and bungies to hold the racks in the pantry.
The cushioned rubber shelf lining and some little racks wife found at CW for the dishes. The kitchen was over the axles.
We have a tall maple paneled door enclosing 4 slide out drawers next to the fridge. The friction lock was not enough on tight right turns. The door was forced open by the drawers and came apart when it slammed the wall. All fit back together with somw good glue and will never open again after I put in a small slide gate lock and metal tab at the top corner. Just remember to slide the lock open or it will feel like you are trying to pull the door handle off.
Well I don't wanna make too many judgement calls here but back when I was younger and about two or three trailers ago I used to drive a lot faster, .. I was always in a hurry to get where ever I was going. I didn't watch out as much for pot holes and other things in road and wasn't as concerned about rough roads and sharp turns / corners and such. Also I carried a LOT more STUFF!
We have found we just don't need more than 4 regular plates (Mine too likes Noritaki and real wine flasses) We just don't need a set for 12?!?! and DO dishes after each meal. We do carry a supply of paper and sporks for cookouts. We have a regular 18 ft refridge that, and I Ive never seen another like it , but has a little knob to lock it closed, we used it once, since then we havn't bothered.
I drive like an old man because now I AM an old man HHmmmmm I'd rather get there! and have less mess when I do!!!
2012 Cedar Creek 36 RE Touring ED, all avail options
2011 GMC 2500 HD Denali DMax 4wd Superglide firestone bags
95' Procraft V-180-C 120HP OB, 80# cust TM, side/down image sonar
Don and Rosie, Annie the wonder Dog clicky to our photobook album
NorthernLimits wrote: I don't understand how the fridges come open on the road. I read many posts where people say it happens. Every camper fridge I have ever owned locked closed. Some with slide latches, and the last couple, like the one I have now, just push it hard and it clicks and locks.
In my case, I hit a very rough spot that caused a violent sideways motion of the TT. I had a latch and a "lock" of sorts, but they're both plastic. I think the heavier stuff in the freezer/frig was throw against the door and it broke both. It also broke some plastic on the hinges which let the door come off. That was the first day of my trip and I was able to jury rig the hinges and replace the latch to complete it.
Another vote for the rubber sheets that you can cut to size. We line the cabinets with it, then put one between each plate, bowl, pot...everywhere and it keeps everything in its place.
Also, we put brass hooks and eye's on all of the drawers and cabinets because most of them came open on the way home from the dealer...granted that was my first time ever towing, but we didn't want to take any chances. Not the most aesthetically pleasing way of making sure the drawers and cabinets don't come open, but it's not terrible.
Ed & Jess - Suffolk, Va
2012 V-Cross Classic 29'
2009 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD
I use the giant rubber twist ties that you can get at Costco or the As Seen on TV store. I got them as a gift, but they work great for wrapping around cabinet handles to keep them closed. They are much less awkward than the childproof locks because you can toss them in the cabinet when you are going to be staying still for a while.
As you mentioned it as a new rig the cabinet latches may not be up to the task. There should be a positive lock when the cabinet is closed. Fridge should also have a lock for use when traveling - time to find out where it is.
You unfortunate trip does point out the value of a few short shakedown trips to get used to the rig and maneuvering it safely as well as how to pack your gear so it arrives intact at your destination. I always did this with my sailboats before a long cruise to see what would break and then deal with it while it was still easy to do and not 1000 miles out to sea. I do this with RV's as well as stuff happens and better to find out when you are near your home than many miles down the road.
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), my parents had a TT that had a floor furnace, directly under the fridge. Don't remember where we were going but, when we got there, we had an omelette. Eggs and milk out of the fridge, directly onto the furnace. 
