An alternative approach to securing the pantry and kitchen drawer

[ChrisFSB]

The pantry and kitchen drawer on our 4081 would open while driving. I decided to take a different approach to securing them – magnetic locks (maglocks). Maybe overkill; but they work like a charm.

Locking: There are two parts to securing the door / drawer. The electronic lock is mounted to the frame. The metal plate the lock holds is mounted to the door / drawer:

Here's the pantry door - I used one maglock top and bottom.



Here's the rear of the kitchen drawer. Photo taken from above (induction cooktop removed for access).



When 12 volt power is applied – a strong magnetic field is generated; and keeps the door closed.


Power supply: You have two options – tap into an existing 12 volt supply in the coach; or use a 110 volt to 12 volt power supply. I chose the latter; as there is 110v power behind the kitchen drawer; and in the bedroom cupboard adjacent to the pantry. Both receptacles are powered by the inverter – so remain on while we’re driving.

Control: Rather than drill a hole for a power switch, I used a remote control relay to control each maglock.

Here's the control box. The 12 volts from the power supply goes to the input; the maglock(s) on the output.



And the RF Remote:


Parts list:
110 to 12 volt Power Supply
Remote Control
Magnetic Lock

[LJowdy]

interesting concept. Out of curiosity how many amps does the magnet draw?? I didn't see any spec's in the ad or at least I don't think I did LOL

[ChrisFSB]

Current Draw: 0.11A ~0.15A.

[LJowdy]

Thanks again, very interesting

[ChrisFSB]

We like it; especially as you can remove the three latches you normally have to yank against to get the pantry to open.

[rfg9585]

Originally Posted by ChrisFSB

The pantry and kitchen drawer on our 4081 would open while driving. I decided to take a different approach to securing them – magnetic locks (maglocks). Maybe overkill; but they work like a charm.

Locking: There are two parts to securing the door / drawer. The electronic lock is mounted to the frame. The metal plate the lock holds is mounted to the door / drawer:

Here's the pantry door - I used one maglock top and bottom.
Attachment 288284


Here's the rear of the kitchen drawer. Photo taken from above (induction cooktop removed for access).

Attachment 288288

When 12 volt power is applied – a strong magnetic field is generated; and keeps the door closed.


Power supply: You have two options – tap into an existing 12 volt supply in the coach; or use a 110 volt to 12 volt power supply. I chose the latter; as there is 110v power behind the kitchen drawer; and in the bedroom cupboard adjacent to the pantry. Both receptacles are powered by the inverter – so remain on while we’re driving.

Control: Rather than drill a hole for a power switch, I used a remote control relay to control each maglock.

Here's the control box. The 12 volts from the power supply goes to the input; the maglock(s) on the output.

Attachment 288286

And the RF Remote:
Attachment 288287

Parts list:
110 to 12 volt Power Supply
Remote Control
Magnetic Lock

Great idea! If you don't want to deal with electrical, try the magnets you can order from HD. I used several of these to lock down my counter top that mounts in front of the new induction top I installed. I used the 16# versions and they work great so far. I used a bit to create an inset to drop them in flush and embedded washers on the opposing side.

[Dav L]

neat.
I can see our control system that monitors the ignition On feed, to turn on a relay that applies current to the electro magnet to keep doors closed while driving.
I would also put a simpler dumb magnet to keep the doors closed when not driving (saves electricity).

[TomAndPeg]

Questions:

Once power is applied, is the induced magnetic field self-maintained? Or does it require constant power? If the latter, what happens when the power goes away?

Just curious...

[Dav L]

Originally Posted by TomAndPeg

Questions:

Once power is applied, is the induced magnetic field self-maintained? Or does it require constant power? If the latter, what happens when the power goes away?

Just curious...

Power goes away, door unlocks.

[ssimonto]

Hey Dav L,
Did you have to drill through the pantry door to attach the metal plates or can it be secured with screws which don't penetrate the door. I don't really want have anything showing on the outside of the pantry door.

We recently had the pantry fly open on a curvy road in the mountains. We heard it happen. When we stopped, the pantry was closed but stuff from inside the pantry was in the floor.....it opened, dumped some stuff out, slammed shut! Both little plastic hooks at the top and bottom are now broken and the center latch is all that is holding it. I like your solution!

[dons2346]

Can a chain of locks be controlled by one remote? Neat idea if it can be done.

[Dav L]

Originally Posted by ssimonto

Hey Dav L,
Did you have to drill through the pantry door to attach the metal plates or can it be secured with screws which don't penetrate the door. I don't really want have anything showing on the outside of the pantry door.

We recently had the pantry fly open on a curvy road in the mountains. We heard it happen. When we stopped, the pantry was closed but stuff from inside the pantry was in the floor.....it opened, dumped some stuff out, slammed shut! Both little plastic hooks at the top and bottom are now broken and the center latch is all that is holding it. I like your solution!

This is ChrisFSB's thread
But, understanding what can be done...you can just use short panhead screws to attach the maglock non powered side to the door. If you get the right length screws you should be good to go.

I would put a maglock that doesn't require the non powered side...all some locks need is a steel plate. Would be less weight and less intrusive. There are other electrically controlled locks / solenoids / strike plates that can also be considered for the use case. I probably have some stuff lying around here that would work...will have to rummage a bit...

Dons23456, yes that is certainly possible. I will be posting some screenshots in the near future.
Edit: here is a way to do that. Mine will be more "elegant"....
https://www.wish.com/product/5ee7517..._wcB&share=web

[ChrisFSB]

I didn’t use the mounting hardware that came with the lock; just wood screws to hold the plate to the door. Leaves the front of the door unblemished.

Couple of learnings:
- when doors/drawers are locked make it obvious to your traveling companions. They will try hard to open them otherwise!

- the RF remote I originally installed has a habit of releasing power for no apparent reason. I’m testing alternatives and will update when I’ve found one that’s reliable.

[FLJOE]

Or.......spend less than $3.00 and put two I-hooks inside pantry. One over the top of the highest drawer and one on the inside edge of the door. When preparing for travel simply connect a tight bungee between the hooks to keep the door pulled tight.