Traveling on back roads or less maintained routes can often cause significant jostling to an RV. It’s not uncommon for drawers to come loose under these conditions, spilling their contents or, in worse cases, causing damage to the drawer slides. While some newer RV models are equipped with locking drawer slides and hinges to prevent such mishaps, these mechanisms aren’t always foolproof. In older RVs, there might be no safeguards at all against drawers and cabinets swinging open. A surprisingly simple and effective solution is to use child safety locks.
These locks are an affordable and efficient way to secure drawers and cabinets, preventing them from opening during transit. Implementing this method is especially useful in RVs that lack built-in locking mechanisms. It’s a practical approach to “child-proofing” the RV – a strategy that’s beneficial regardless of whether there are actual children onboard.
Child Safety Lock Options
There are many types of child safety locks available. Some of them are incredibly simple in the form of a plastic hook that you screw into the drawer or cabinet. Others are magnetic and can be much more effective but, of course, more costly.
Plastic Hooks
The plastic hook child safety lock is the most common because of its low cost and simplicity of installation. It is a very basic design that features a plastic hook that holds the drawer or cabinet at the closed position with a hooked end. All you need to do is press down on the hook to release the lock. Early models were annoying as they did not offer a way to disengage the lock if you were planning on accessing the drawer frequently without unlocking it every time. That has thankfully been rectified!
Magnetic Child Safety Locks
The magnetic child safety lock is quickly becoming the most popular option. It has the added benefit of keeping the door or drawer entirely closed, whereas the hook style allows the door to open a few inches. The magnetic locks also are able to be disengaged with a provided key or by a button on the lock itself. This means it would be easy to just use the locks while in transit and disengage them while parked.
Strap Locks
The strap lock is not the prettiest option available, but it is by far the easiest to install and disengage. They work by using a band that stretches between two locking bases attached to whatever surface you choose. These are great for anyone who does not want to bother with installing the above options.
Push Latch Child Safety Locks
The 10lb push latch is commonly used by RV manufacturers to prevent drawers and cabinets from opening. Opinions on these latches vary among RV owners. Some have found them unsatisfactory in previous experiences, while others highly recommend them for their effectiveness. These latches are particularly useful for replacing older ones that have become brittle or broken.
Wrap Up
Indeed, the world of RV locks offers a plethora of choices, each with its unique features and benefits. Many RV owners prioritize ease of use, durability, and the ability to withstand the rigors of travel when selecting locks. Options like child safety locks are often favored. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs, the specific layout and construction of the RV, and personal preference for security and convenience.
We invite your input: What strategies do you use to secure drawers and cabinets in your RV? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below – your advice could be invaluable to the community!
I thought about it a lot and finally decided that I didn’t want to have to unlatch a cabinet every time I opened it, f I’m staying at a campground for a few days. I decided, finally, upon a “push lock” which could latch directly into the side of the cabinet itself. I used the “Cyber Lock” from “Rok Hardware”. It’s a simple push on, push off lock. We have 10 of them in our trailer. As long as you’ve latched all 10, you’re good to go. If you’re at a campground and you see one still latched, you know to open it *carefully*. Once it’s been unlatched and opened, you’re fine until you latch them to get on the road again.