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Last weekend when driving home from camping, I heard a loud crash.
When I went back to see what happened, I found my nightstand drawer not only opened but fell out, completely crashing to the floor.
Thankfully, my pets weren’t lying next to the bed at the time it happened, so my dogs and cat weren’t hurt, but things could have gone very differently.
Though RVs come with specially equipped drawers and doors to stay closed when traveling, sometimes they begin to wear, requiring alternative methods to keep your cabinets closed.
Additionally, it never hurts to reinforce these drawers and door closures to help keep people safe when you are driving down the road.
Finally, there are times that you may be driving in less than desirable conditions, such as super bumpy roads or windy days.
When the RV is jostled or pushed about, this momentum can cause the doors and drawers to open on their own, which is just another reason to consider ways to make sure things stay shut and secure.
Top 3 Ways to Secure Your Drawers and Doors in the RV
Tip #1 – Magnetic Latches
Magnetic cabinet latches come in a variety of strengths and are an excellent option for keeping cabinets and drawers closed.
Plus, magnetic locks are easy to install. However, they do require you to mount the components in place.
Additionally, magnetic latches are an economical way to keep drawers and cupboards securely shut.
When choosing the right magnetic latches look for ones with all metal hardware and that have more robust locks that can withstand a fair amount of pressure.
I like JQK Cabinet and Drawer Magnetic Latches. For a more low-profile setup, try JQK Extra Thin Magnetic Latches.
Tip #2 – Baby Locks
Baby Locks are another excellent choice since many do not require tools or drilling holes to install these latches.
And baby locks are even more economical than the magnetic options.
There are a few varieties to choose from; my preference for the baby lock is Benny Bradley’s Invisible Child Locks.
The drawback to the hidden latches is that some require you to attach at the top of the cupboard, which may not work for the top cabinet doors.
The second drawback is that they are not always easy to release and require a bit of a learning curve. Though it is something you can easily overcome in a short time.
However, if you rent your RV out or even lend it to others, not everyone is familiar with these latches, and they may cause frustration or could even break if people are not careful.
Skyla Homes Sliding Cabinet Locks might be a better choice in this circumstance.
Yet, on the positive side, they are lightweight, and many can withstand up to 20 pounds of pressure.
Tip #3 – Velcro
Velcro is another easy to install method to keep drawers shut.
Plus, no tools are needed to install Industrial Strength Velcro to the inside of the cupboard doors.
However, there are two primary drawbacks to using Velcro.
First, the noise; Velcro is loud when being pulled apart, so there is no hiding you’re grabbing a cookie from the cupboard.
And second, Heavy Duty Velcro Tape is great for keeping things in place like the coffee maker and pictures on the wall.
But heavier-duty hook-and-loop isn’t intended to be pulled apart many times (stronger fasteners wear faster[1]), so over time, the Velcro may begin to wear, compromising its strength.
Top 3 Ways to Keep Your RV Drawers and Doors from Opening when Driving
Though it is good to reinforce your doors and drawers to keep them from opening when you are driving your RV, another vital component is keeping your stuff from sliding around, causing the doors and drawers to open.
For example, if you don’t keep your dishes secured in place and they hit your cabinet door from the inside, it can cause the door to open, even when the latch is engaged.
However, if you take proactive steps to prevent items from moving around, that too will help keep everyone in the RV safe from falling objects.
Tip #1 – Compression Bars
I put Camco Compression Bars in my cupboards and refrigerator to ensure things don’t slide around and hit the doors, as well as topple out when I go to open a cabinet later.
Compression bars are easy to use and don’t require any tools for installation.
Plus, you can take them in and out of place numerous times, and you don’t have to worry about wearing them out.
Camco Double Compression Bars are good for longer storage areas, too.
Tip #2 – Anti-Slide Mats
I use anti-slide mats in all of my cupboards and drawers to help keep things from moving around.
Yachee Low Profile Non-Slip Mats are great! They come in a roll and can be cut down to size.
Plus, I use the more cushioned option to add an extra layer of protection.
Finally, anti-slide mats can also be used in between items to keep them from rattling about, such as dishes or glasses.
And as an extra bonus, Gorilla Grip Drawer and Shelf Liners come in a variety of colors to match your RV.
Tip #3 – Organization Tools
When it comes to RVing, organization is critical to both sanity and safety.
Keeping things organized using boxes and baskets is another excellent way to keep things from hitting the inside of the doors, causing them to open.
Plus, using bins can aid in maximizing the space in your RV, which I think all RVers can appreciate.
The solution is finding the right bin or basket to fit the area without wasting space. I like Teyyvn Plastic Storage Baskets.
mDesign Long Clear Bins are great for seeing what’s inside the bin, too!
Conclusion
All of these products work great to keep you safe and your stuff secure.
However, there is one more important thing to keep things in place, and that’s to put things away before leaving.
I can’t count the number of times I think that we are all set to go only to see I forgot to put the dish soap back under the cupboard or my coffee cup away in the sink.
It is normal to forget the less obvious things we sit out all day every day when we’re parked at a campground.
Though this recommendation doesn’t help keep doors shut, it is still preventing things from falling and breaking or worse hurting you, your family, or a pet.
Keeping everyone safe when Rolling Down the Highway is essential to a successful and fun RV trip.