Caravan drawer falling open

Quietdogs
Quietdogs Forum Participant Posts: 6
edited June 2017 in Caravans #1

Hello.

Our Swift Archway Ruby has a single drawer over the space heater. Whenever we travel we find on arrival, that it has opened, at least half way out. It has just about managed to stay on it's runners, but last wekeend it had fallen out completely.

It has single magnetic catch to hold it shut, but  despite adjusting this, it really is not up to holding a drawer shut, that only contains a few kitchen utensils and cutting boards.

Had anyone else had this problem, and did any of you have a workaround?

Many thanks for your thoughts.

Comments

  • triky auto
    triky auto Forum Participant Posts: 8,690
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2017 #2

    undecided Possibly add another magnetic catch ,or a larger /stronger one ??

  • Quietdogs
    Quietdogs Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited June 2017 #3

    Thanks triky.

    Yep, tried that but was not that effective. Still opened. Wondering if anyone has worked out a system using a catch or latch or similar?

  • triky auto
    triky auto Forum Participant Posts: 8,690
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2017 #4

    undecided A brass bolt ?? 

  • Dave
    Dave Forum Participant Posts: 141
    First Comment
    edited June 2017 #5

    I used a pair of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pair-Double-Roller-Catch-Latch/dp/B01BMD011G/ref=pd_sbs_60_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=26DJFWS63K9T4MM8G6YF

    on a swift drawer that wouldn't stay shut. Then found it was difficult to open so reduced it to one. 

    Dave

  • Quietdogs
    Quietdogs Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited June 2017 #6

    Thank you Dave for  your suggestion. That looks a good solution and tahks also for expalining your experience, and the tip on maybe using only one.

    Very best to you

    Rob

  • Tigi
    Tigi Forum Participant Posts: 1,038
    500 Comments
    edited June 2017 #7

    Surprisingly difficult problem to solve depending on the style of the draw and surrounding unit. I fitted a brass bolt from the underside of the draw locking into the unit. All you have to do then is persuade the domestic goddess to remember to use it!

  • bandgirl
    bandgirl Forum Participant Posts: 440
    100 Comments
    edited June 2017 #8

    We usd to have the same problem with exactly the same drawer on our previous van, an Abbey Gts.  It's amazing how far across the floor the cutlery would travel.  We never did manage to sort it out.

  • Jemmydog
    Jemmydog Forum Participant Posts: 25
    edited June 2017 #9

    Very useful discussion. Have 'xactly same prob and will now fit a catch as per Dave's suggestion to our Swift 480 Conqueror 

  • Quietdogs
    Quietdogs Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited June 2017 #10

    Thanks to all and interesting to see others have had the same issue.

    Going back to the magnetic catch route, it would have had some useful function, had Swift not put the drawer in slghtly askew and aso set too low for the magnet and plate to 'bite'.

    if i had been the van's first owner I would have got it amended straight away before accepting delivery.

    Yes, definitely down the route of Dave's suggestion.

    Might also reinforce the drawer runners, (somehow!), as they have been put in poorly and already said too low. Look at the gap at the top of the drawer, and the angle of the right hand runner, as shown in the photo, causing the drawer to be skew-wiff.

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