Traveling in your RV is a great experience. However, many RVers are annoyed by the RV’s cabinets and drawers swinging open every time they hit a bump on the road.
It is not only distracting, but it can also potentially cause damage to your RV. Worse, it can hurt you or your passengers, and even more so if they contain heavy objects and tools.
If you are looking for solutions on how to keep RV drawers closed while driving, you’ve come to the right place!
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How to Keep Your RV Drawers and Cabinets Closed
Keeping the RV drawers and cabinets closed might seem like a daunting task, but not. In this tutorial, we’re going to show you how to fix this issue using temporary and permanent fixes. If you’re ready, let’s begin with the following methods you can use to keep them closed.
What You’ll Need
Temporary fixes
- Anti-Slip Mats
- Bungee Cord or Rope
- Compression Bars
- Magnets
- Rolled-up Towel
- Velcro
Permanent solutions
- Child safety locks
- Magnetic latches
If you’ve only realized the problem and there’s no more time to fix it before you begin your journey, then using the items listed under temporary fixes is sufficient. However, if you can, please go for the long-term solution.
How to Keep RV Drawers Closed Instructions
Temporary Solutions
If you’ve only just realized the problem, or you don’t have the means or time, then you can apply these quick fixes to keep RV cabinets closed:
Anti-Slip Mat
- Measure the width and depth of the chosen cabinet. Apply and draw those measurements onto your anti-slip mat.
- Score those measurements using a utility knife. After, lay the cut line on a table or any other surface with a sharp edge.
- Bend the mat down and then up. If properly scored, the cut part should easily detach.
- Place the detached part onto your chosen cabinet or drawer. Add on your accessories or other stuff.
Bungee Cord or Rope
- Ensure that you shut your cabinets and drawers properly.
- Tie the end of the bungee cord or rope to the handles of your cabinet or drawer. Make sure that they are attached securely.
- Securely tie or hook the ends of the bungee cord or rope together.
- Longer ropes or cords can secure cabinets or drawers that are stacked together. For individual cabinets or drawers, you can use shorter ones.
Compression Bars
- Measure the length of your cabinet or drawer. Purchase a compression bar that has the exact measurement. However, compression bars are generally extendible, so you don’t have to worry too much.
- Extend the compression bar until it snugly fits inside the cabinet or drawer. Push them against your items to check if it’s attached properly.
- If you did it right, these bars will remain in place unless you decide to remove them.
Magnets
- Start by cleaning the surface of your cabinet or drawer. Removing any dirt or grease is essential to ensure that the RV drawer magnets will stick.
- Stick one of the magnets on the inside corner of the cabinet or drawer. If your magnet comes with an adhesive, then peel off the tape. Otherwise, you can use a glue gun to keep it in place.
- Hold the magnet in place for at least 10 seconds.
- Attach the other magnet on the frame of the cabinet or drawer. Make sure to align the two magnets with each other.
- Add more magnets if necessary.
Rolled Up Rug
- Slowly roll up your carpet.
- Place the rolled-up carpet against the drawer or cabinet to keep them from opening.
- If you don’t have a carpet, you can use a thick towel as an alternative.
Take Note: This only works on cabinets or drawers located at the bottom. Also, you might need to hold the carpet in place, especially during bumpy rides.
Velcro
- Make sure that the surface of the cabinet or drawer is clean. Wipe it down with water or alcohol if necessary.
- Attach one of the Velcro strips on the inside of the door. If it comes with an adhesive, peel it off. If it doesn’t, you can attach it using a glue gun.
- Attach the other strip on the frame of the cabinet or drawer. Make sure to align the strips with each other.
- Add more Velcro strips if necessary.
Permanent Solutions
If you have enough time, you can use these solutions to keep drawers closed when moving permanently:
Child Safety Locks
Take Note: Child safety locks come in various forms and types. Hence, the installation will depend on what you purchase. However, child safety locks typically don’t require any drilling.
For cord types:
- You can tie these onto the handles of your cabinet or drawer.
For magnetic or adhesive types:
- Ensure that the surface of your cabinet or drawer is clean.
- Make sure that both pieces are perfectly aligned.
- Peel off the adhesive or attach the lock using a glue gun.
- Check if the locks are aligned and attached securely.
Magnetic Latches
- Decide where you want to attach your RV drawer latches. Most place it on the sides, top, or bottom edges of the cabinet or drawer.
- After, mark the location of both sides of the latch. Make sure that these parts are aligned with each other perfectly.
- Mark the location of any screw holes, then drill pilot holes.
- With your screwdriver, attach each part to its respective locations.
- Check if the two pieces are properly aligned and attached. The door should open with slight resistance.
Bonus:
Storage Containers
Another way to prevent your RV drawers and cabinets from randomly opening is to store your items in baskets, boxes, or bins. This method can even help you maximize your space.
Proper Organization
Avoid overloading the RV’s cabinets and drawers. This way, when the drawer does open, only a few items will get pushed out.
Moreover, I recommend placing your heavier and bulkier items at the back to prevent them from spilling out. Also, make sure to pack the items snugly to keep them from moving.
Conclusion
Knowing how to keep RV drawers closed is essential for a peaceful journey. Nobody, driver or passenger, wants to be on alert for sudden crashes or falling items.
Hopefully, this article was able to provide you with some solutions to this problem. Did you find the article helpful? Do you have any tips to share? Let us know in the comments! Also, don’t forget to like and share the article.
Before you go, don’t forget to check out these related posts on other RV safety products:
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