One of the nightmares of RV driving is to see your items flying everywhere outside of your drawers. I’ve experienced it, and I swear to myself, never again. So, how to keep RV drawers closed for that peaceful ride of your life?
You can use temporary solutions, like an adhesive child lock, Velcro, and magnets. For a more permanent solution, we recommend installing a magnetic latch.
Keep reading to learn all the details.
Table of Contents
Method 1: Locking Drawers With Child Locks
This solution hits two birds in one stone. You keep the drawers closed while driving and help prevent your kids from getting their hands on any items that could be harmful to them at the same time.
What to Prepare
- Child Locks: We don’t like to use any special tools, so we recommend adjustable child safety strap locks, preferably come with a reliable adhesive.
- Cleaning Solutions: A solution of isopropyl alcohol and water is good in cleaning the surface from any dirt, light grease, and dust.
Solvent-based cleaner or a degreaser should be used for heavy oils
Step 1: Clean The Installation Surface
You want the adhesive to stick very firmly into the surface, so clean it up.
- Clean the installation surface with the alcohol solution. In most cases, this solution is enough to remove dust or any residue.
- If your cabinet is smeared with heavy oil, use a solvent-based cleaner or a degreaser. Rinse the surface with water afterward.
- Consider sanding the surface when it feels a little rough.
- Consider priming the surface when you want to improve the bonding performance.
Step 2: Install The Child Safety Lock.
Once the cabinet surface is dry, get the child safety lock and install it properly. You can refer to the product’s manual for correct instructions or follow this guide.
- Measure and adjust the length that will cover the corner of the drawer opening, then close the sliding side. The best thing about the adjustable safety lock is that it can adjust from 3 inches to 7 inches to fit any size.
- Return the cut strap onto the base of the sliding side, then slide back in the lock. At this point, you’ll hear a “clicking sound”.
- Remove the foam tape on the back, then press firmly to stick to the surface.
Open the latch to open the drawer and close the latch when securing the drawer while driving.
Method 2: Sticking a Velcro
If the child locks look childish for you, you can try this solution. Velcro will keep RV cabinets closed while driving.
What to Prepare
- Self-Adhesive Velcro Tape- This hook-and-loop fastener is usually available in strips or in a roll of tape. Choose a color that matches your drawers for a clean look.
- Scissors
- Alcohol Prep Pads or any type of cleaner
Step 1: Prepare The Area For Application
Surface preparation is key to the successful application of Velcro. Velcro won’t stick to dirt, grime, or any debris.
- Clean the surface with alcohol prep pads. You can also make your own cleaning solution with equal amounts of water and isopropyl alcohol.
- Pay attention to the corners of every drawer opening because this is where we’ll be placing the Velcro.
- Clean thoroughly and wait for it to dry.
Step 2: Apply The Velcro Tapes
Once the surface is dry, it’s time to apply the Velcro tapes to each drawer opening. The adhesive may last up to 24 hours or longer
- Use scissors to cut the Velcro tape roll into desired pieces.
- At each corner of the drawer opening, place one piece vertically and another piece horizontally to enclose it fully.
- If you don’t want to use it anymore, simply remove the second piece of Velcro and stick it to the side.
Watch this video to see how this particular method is done properly.
Method 3: Using Adhesive Magnets
This other solution uses RV drawer magnets to keep drawers closed when moving on the road. We recommend this method to provide that additional security for lighter drawers.
What To Prepare
- Adhesive-Backed Magnets: These disc magnets feature an adhesive backing to stick on any surface. They come in pairs, each with different polarities, to attract one another. Alternatively, you can use a magnetic strip.
- Cleaner
Step 1: Install The First Magnet
Like the adhesive solutions above, you’ll need to clean the surface prior to the installation of the magnets. Use alcohol or any cleaning solution like in Method 1-Step 1.
After each surface is cleaned and dry, it’s time to install the first magnet.
- Peel off the sticky part on the back of the magnet, then stick it inside or at the side of the drawer if there’s space.
- Hold the magnet for several seconds to bond effectively.
Step 2: Install The Second Magnet
Next, it’s time to place the second magnet in the drawer frame. Make sure that it’s aligned to work correctly.
- Position it slightly above the first magnet, then peel the adhesive backing part.
- Close the door and press it firmly for a couple of seconds to give a sturdy bond.
Make sure not to overload the drawers when using this method. Also, avoid slamming the drawer to prevent the magnets from getting damaged.
Method 4: Securing With Magnetic Latches
A more permanent fix is to use RV drawer latches to make sure nothing falls off while driving.
What To Prepare
- Magnetic Latches: These latches are built with two magnetic parts. They come with supplied wood screws and a template, making them easy to install.
- Screwdriver
- Drill
- Pencil
- Bracket or spacer- in case the latches don’t align properly.
- Screws or mounting tape to attach the bracket
Step 1: Figure Out How to Install The Magnetic Latches
You have two options here- inside the drawer or on the side of the drawer. If the drawer’s sidewall and backside are too high or too narrow, install one part of the magnetic latch inside the drawer.
If there’s enough clearance on the side of the drawer, install the magnetic latch on that area. You might need to use a bracket or a spacer if you run out of space.
Step 2: Install The Magnetic Latches
Option 1- Inside The Drawer
You may have to give up a little bit of drawer space if you choose this option. The good part is that you can access the latch more easily.
- Open the drawer and make sure there’s enough lip to fix part of the magnetic latch. Mark the spots where you’ll position the latch and drill in the holes.
- Fix the bulky portion of the magnetic latch inside the drawer with the supplied screws and screwdriver.
- Line up the other part of the latch on the top framework, then screw in with the supplied wood screws.
- If the magnetic latches can’t be installed in the right orientation, use a space or a right-angle bracket.
Option 2- On The Side Of The Drawer
This is an ideal place to fix a magnetic latch. However, when the space between the frame and drawer is a little narrow, follow these steps.
- Fix the bulky portion of the magnetic latch on the back of the drawer’s frame.
- If there’s not enough clearance, attach a right-angle bracket with screws or mounting tape.
- Bolt the screws as instructed in the manual.
- If you can’t open the drawer fully, use a spacer.
Conclusion
There are so many ways on how to keep RV drawers closed. You can use a self-adhesive child lock, Velcro, or magnets, so you don’t need to use drills. For a more secure fix, bolt some magnetic latches.
I hope you enjoy this tutorial. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below, and share this article if you like it.
Okay, so I’m Philip Lopez. I join Riverside Trailer as an editor, where I will be doing research for both content and reviews. I contribute to studies aimed at understanding the most typical problems encountered by RVers on the road. I also keep up with the newest RVing gadget innovations so that I can promptly evaluate and recommend the best options.