Cabinet Catches -- Why Different? Any Options?

[howson]

Below is a picture of the hutch in my 2019 315RLTS. In the drawers are two different types of catches to hold them shut.




The left drawer has the CATCH FRICTION BLK PLASTIC DRS & DRWRS.



The right drawer has a CATCH DOUBLE ROLLER DOORS & DRWRS.



Question #1: Why the different catches in drawers in the same hutch installed right next to each other?

Neither of these catches, installed throughout my trailer, have proven themselves reliable. I've had two of the friction catches break and at least one of the double-roller catches that doesn't have enough umph to hold the drawer shut.



Question #2: While at my dealership recently I bought the JR Products double rollers (pic above). Are there any other options out there that you've tried and that have proven themselves as a solid replacement?

[Cate&Rob]

howson
Hi Howard,

Grand Design seems to use the more positive latching plastic part on cabinets and drawers that could be caught by an opening slide and the (cheaper) double roller version where something that opens during travel is not likely to interfere with a slide.

I have not had much luck with the more expensive plastic latches. They seem to latch more securely when they work, but are prone to breakage. If the spring loaded lever in the action part of the latch gets bumped closed and then the door/drawer is closed after, it will break the latch.

The tension of the metal double roller latch can be increased by using a straight blade screwdriver to spread the part that inserts between the rollers. I have replaced a single plastic latch with two double roller latches to get about the same retention.

Rob

[steve&renee]

They seem to latch more securely when they work, but are prone to breakage. If the spring loaded lever in the action part of the latch gets bumped closed and then the door/drawer is closed after, it will break the latch.

I was told my my dealer that the black plastic latches are what's used on Winnebago motor homes and that they provided a more secure latch, so I started replacing the metal ones that came with my 2018 Solitude. In my experience the plastic ones are indeed more secure, but we had one get bumped closed and though it didn't break, I did foul up the latch mechanism so it wouldn't open properly again.

I, too, would like to hear about a more effective drawer/cabinet latch for an RV -- and I still want to know the best way to align the two latch halves during installation.

-Steve