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You can keep your RV fridge doors closed while traveling with childproof door locks made specifically for refrigerators (both standard and french door styles), the Fridge Fixer RV door lock, or you can DIY it with zip ties, velcro straps, bungee cords, etc.
Below, I break each of these down to help you find the best option for your fridge.
1. Child Proof Fridge Door Lock
The Child Proof Fridge Door Lock is a child safety product designed to secure refrigerators and freezers. This gadget is highly rated online with a unique double-button design that makes it difficult for children to open but easy for adults to operate with one hand.
The fridge latch is easy to install, with no drilling or tools required, and uses 3M VHB adhesive to secure the latch to your fridge without leaving any residue (a win-win). The latch is suitable for most types of fridges and freezers, making it a versatile choice for your RV.
I love that it features a one-handed operation latch, making it super easy to open the fridge while keeping the lock on it. That said, if you only want it locked when traveling, there is a setting that will leave it unlocked whenever you want, for example, when you’re set up at the campground.
Child Proof Refrigerator/Fridge/Freezer Door Lock
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2. French Door Fridge Lock
The French Door Fridge Lock is another highly rated, childproof safety device by EUDEMON designed to secure your refrigerator doors and prevent children from accessing its contents.
The lock is designed to be invisible and unobtrusive when installed, maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your refrigerator. It is easy to install with 3M adhesive tapes that firmly secure the lock to the fridge. No drilling or any special tools are required for installation.
The lock is versatile and can be used on various appliances, including fridges, freezers, and other double-door appliances. It is designed to fit most French door refrigerator models.
French Fridge Door Lock
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3. French Door Fridge Ties
These ties are designed to work with various French door refrigerators, offering a simple and effective way to prevent accidental openings while traveling and ensure optimal temperature maintenance.
The French Door Fridge Ties are not just limited to refrigerators. They can also be used on cabinets, ovens, RV cable straps, extension cord organizers, etc., making them a multifunctional tool for your RV travels.
I prefer these ties over bungee cords, as they are adjustable and can be tightened or loosened as needed, providing a custom fit for your appliances.
French Door Fridge Ties
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4. Fridge Fixer
The Fridge Fixer is an ingenious solution designed to keep the doors of your RV refrigerator securely closed during travel. It’s an easy-to-use and install device that does not require any modifications to your refrigerator.
The Fridge Fixer works by attaching a bracket to the refrigerator itself. This bracket has an extension that fits between the doors, and a “plug” fits into the extension, keeping the doors closed.
Here’s a video of how it works.
As a bonus, you can use this system to prop the doors open when you put your RV in storage, promoting air circulation and preventing unpleasant odors.
One downside to the Fridge Fixer is that it’s only available for certain models, so ensure it’s compatible with your fridge before ordering.
Fridge Fixer
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5. DIY Ideas
If you’re a hands-on person who enjoys a quick DIY project, there are several creative and cost-effective solutions you can implement to keep your RV fridge door shut while traveling. These tips and tricks often require minimal materials and can be customized to fit your specific needs. Here are some DIY ideas:
- Using Zip Ties: Zip ties can be used to create a simple lock by threading them through the handles of the fridge and freezer doors. This hack is limited to side-by-side doors, however.
- Using Velcro Straps: Velcro straps are another flexible solution. You can attach one side of the strap to the fridge door and the other side to the fridge body, creating a secure closure that can be easily opened and closed. For French-style doors, you can simply loop a strap through the doors to tightly secure them.
- Wedging Heavy Items Against the Fridge Door: This method may sound a bit primitive, but it can be effective in a pinch. By strategically placing heavy items in front of the fridge door, you can create enough resistance to keep the door from swinging open during travel.
- Using a Shower Curtain Rod: A tension shower curtain rod can be used to create a barrier in front of your fridge. By adjusting the rod to fit snugly between the opposite walls of your RV, you can effectively block the fridge door from opening and food from flying everywhere. On a similar note, some use tension rods inside the fridge to secure the items and keep them from slamming into the fridge door, causing it to open.
- Bungee Cords: Another simple yet effective DIY solution is using a bungee cord. These elastic cords are highly versatile and can be used to secure any style of fridge. Bungee cords are widely available, inexpensive, and come in various lengths, making them a practical solution for many RV owners. However, ensure that the tension is just right – too much tension may damage the door over time, while too little might not keep the door closed.
Related: How to Keep RV Fridge Cold While Driving
Wait! Before You Put a Lock on Your Fridge…
When it comes to securing your RV refrigerator, it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. There are several factors you need to consider to ensure you choose the right lock for your specific needs.
1. Warranty Implications
Before you install any lock on your RV refrigerator, check your warranty. Some manufacturers may void the warranty if any modifications (like drilling holes in the fridge) are made to the appliance. Always check your refrigerator’s warranty terms and conditions or contact the manufacturer directly to clarify this point.
2. Suitability for Your Specific Fridge Design
Not all RV refrigerators are made the same. They come in different designs, sizes, and models. Therefore, the lock that works perfectly for one type of refrigerator may not work for another. For instance, a lock designed for a single-door refrigerator may not be suitable for a double-door model. Similarly, the design of the handles and the material of the door can also influence the type of lock that can be used. Make sure the lock you choose suits your specific fridge design.
3. Ease of Installation and Use
Another important consideration is the ease of installation and use. Some locks require no tools for installation, while others may need some basic tools and some handyman skills. Choose a lock that you can easily install without causing any damage to your refrigerator.
In terms of use, consider how easy it is to lock and unlock the refrigerator. If it’s too complicated, you might end up not using it, defeating its purpose. Remember, the main aim is to keep the refrigerator door closed while traveling, not to turn it into a fortress.
Where to Find a Lock for Your Fridge
Once you’ve determined the type of lock that suits your RV refrigerator, the next step is purchasing it. There are several places where you can find a wide range of RV fridge locks to choose from. Here are some of the most common places:
- Hardware Stores: Your local hardware store will often carry a variety of home improvement and safety products, including locks for appliances such as refrigerators. The advantage of buying from a hardware store is that you can physically examine the product before purchasing and ask for advice from staff.
- Big Box Stores: Stores like Walmart, Home Depot, or Lowe’s also carry a range of fridge locks. These stores often have a larger selection than smaller hardware stores, and you may find some brands or models unavailable elsewhere. Plus, they often have both physical stores and online shopping options, giving you more flexibility.
- Online Stores: Online marketplaces like Amazon are fantastic places to find fridge locks, some specifically made for RVs. They offer a vast selection of products from different brands, all in one place. In fact, we linked to several items on Amazon above. You can easily compare prices, read customer reviews, and check product specifications.
What technique or product have you used to prevent your fridge doors from opening? Share your experience below!
I have a residential style fridge and the fridge fixer works perfectly
Great to hear!
Question? Our refrigerator door came off during travel. It broke the bottom left clip. Does anyone know if this can be fixed or do we need to buy another door? Other than the clip the door seems to be fine. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Lennie