Side loading fridge and off roading

[bemerritt]

Anyone have problems with a side loading fridge and off roading? I have always had a top loading fridge, but now we want to go to a side loading one in order to complete the interior build out and have more of a usable space above the fridge.

We do a fair amount of offroad travel and id be worried about things moving around and the door swinging open. sure, we could probably put a lock on the door, but would rather not if people use one all the time in this manner.

Side note: we dont want to put the vertical one on drawer slides.

[BroncoHauler]

When I owned my SMB with the Norcold fridge, I put a baby latch on the fridge, both to keep my son out of the fridge, as well as to keep the door from opening when I didn't want it to. Not sure if it ever would have opened without it based on the vehicle motion, but I never had problems with the fridge door with the baby latch installed.




Herb

[saline]

I have a traditional side load Norcold 3 cu ft fridge. I decided to go with a side load fridge again on this build. They're convenient and an efficient use of space. Although I imagine they're not nearly as energy efficient as a top load.
I have no problems with stuff rattling around because we use those little RV expanding bars to hold stuff in place.
I do a lot of off pavement/4wd travel.

[Ben10281]

My side load fridge has a latch that keeps the door closed. I also use the latch to keep the door slightly ajar when the van is parked for longer periods of time at home, to allow it to air out.

With the latch in the locked position we have never had any issue with the door popping open.

[1der]

Truck fridge 4 cu ft with the included standard latch. Just have make sure it is actually latched. I have never had it open on its own. It is mounted so the bottom of the fridge sits atop the rear wheel well.

Large fridge - I keep stuff in the door shelves, we use the plastic bottom drawer bin for stuff. If smaller amount of food on the fridge shelves, I try to keep stuff in bags or all on one shelf if it is not full.

We also have a National Luna chest which we use as a freezer.

[bemerritt]

Originally Posted by 1der

Truck fridge 4 cu ft with the included standard latch. Just have make sure it is actually latched. I have never had it open on its own. It is mounted so the bottom of the fridge sits atop the rear wheel well.

Large fridge - I keep stuff in the door shelves, we use the plastic bottom drawer bin for stuff. If smaller amount of food on the fridge shelves, I try to keep stuff in bags or all on one shelf if it is not full.

We also have a National Luna chest which we use as a freezer.

Is this the TF130 model? That was the direction we were planning on going.

[bemerritt]

Thanks all for the responses, seems like a non issue. Just wanted to make sure I wasnt making a big mistake with unintended consequences.

[kccourtney]

My Norcold opens every time when I'm off roading. Every time. I keep meaning to put a latch on it but only remember about it when it happens and there's eggs and beer all over the floor.

[1der]

Originally Posted by bemerritt

Is this the TF130 model? That was the direction we were planning on going.

Yes, TF130. Our door latch is on the right looking at the fridge.

I designed the fridge cabinet opening to accommodate 3/4” ridged board insulation around bottom, sides, back and top. I left cutouts for the condenser area to be open for air flow. Make sure your cabinet has openings in upper back right corner (back and side) for good airflow.

[pjpvi]

Many years of 4wheeling with our Norcold and it has never opened on the trail (except for me to get a beer out maybe). Only time it opened unexpectedly on the road was right after we bought it when we hadn't latched it all the way. Have to hear the "click" then it's all good!

Now that I think of it, I'm amazed it still works after all these years of trail abuse! Hope I didn't just jinks it ...