5 Ways To Keep RV Drawers And Cabinets Secure While Driving

Some people prefer using recreational vehicles (RV) when they know they'll be on the road for a long time. Others prefer using other types of cars or other forms of transport, such as air and sea transport. 

Using an RV when traveling is more popular because it's cheaper (you don't have to pay for accommodation), it offers maximum flexibility, and it carries everything you need without worrying about space. It can accommodate large families while still leaving enough room for social distancing. In addition, you can travel alongside your furry members in an RV, unlike some forms of traveling that don't allow pets. 

When traveling, it's essential to ensure security in the RV to reduce the possibility of accidents in the vehicle. Cabinets and drawers are part of the things that need to be secure while you’re on the road. This article provides some ways that you can use to keep RV drawers and cabinets secure while driving. 

1. Using Child Locks 

One of the best ways of ensuring the security of your RV drawers and cabinets while driving is using child safety locks. This safety measure is mostly used by people who often drive with their kids and furry members. Even if you don’t have kids or a pet, you can still use child safety locks.  

Child locks are affordable since they don't require many skills and tools. Moreover, they have a lasting, strong grip and can hold out against 20 pounds of force. 

On the downside, though, they aren't suitable for top cabinet doors since you’ll have to keep putting the latch on the top of the cupboard. They also don't release easily. Because they don’t release easily, you’re more likely to pull with so much force, which may break the lock, drawer, or cabinet. So, first timers will find them challenging to use. However, the more you use them, the easier it gets to use them. 

2. Attaching Magnetic Latches To The Drawers And Cabinets 

Magnetic latches use magnetic pull to keep the cabinets, and drawers secure. Just like child safety locks, most magnetic latches are designed in such a way that they're easy to install. Aside from their practical design, they can be used on drawers and cabinets of any size. You can consider buying some latches from reliable providers like Reid store and Supply.

Unfortunately, you can't use magnetic latches on heavy-weight cabinets since they can't support large stuff. On the upside, it’s easy to install magnetic latches. So, if you can handle the manual work yourself, you don’t have to hire professionals.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing magnetic latches: 

Step One:  Place the magnet's base on your drawers and mark spots that you'll drill.

Step Two:  After marking, drill in holes. The length of the holes varies, depending on the screws you'll be using. 

Step Three:  Screw in your bolts. Using a screwdriver, not an electric drill, is recommended, as the latter may damage your cabinets and drawers due to its power.

Furthermore, if you don't have magnetic latches, you can use a hot glue gun and magnetic strips instead. Use the hot glue to stick two magnetic strips to the cabinets' edges. You have to glue the magnetic strips well for them to work. It's best to use durable magnetic strips too because they can hold the weight in drawers. 

3. Using Velcro Strips 

Velcro strips are mainly used to fasten jackets, hang frames on walls, fasten shoes, or organize loose cords. They can be used to secure drawers and cabinets as well. However, these strips can only be used to secure small cabinets and drawers. This is because Velcro strips aren't strong enough to support heavy things. It’s also advisable to use them on cabinets that don't have heavy weights. 

Keep in mind that the effectiveness of these strips reduces the longer they're used. Therefore, you need to replace them frequently after using them for a while to prevent them from being cut apart and causing damage or an accident. 

4. Rolling Up Rugs 

If you don't want to spend extra money to secure your RV drawers and cabinets, you can use the rugs in the vehicle. The first thing to do is put all your stuff in the bottom cabinets and drawers. The reason for this is that the method is only applicable to cabinets and drawers on the ground level.  

The next step is rolling the rugs and placing them against the drawers to prevent them from opening. However, this method isn't really reliable because of the following: 

• The rolled rugs can't support heavy weights and might move when driving. Thus, you need someone else in the car to keep readjusting them. 

• It's recommended to use this method with other methods, such as using magnetic latches, to make the cabinets and drawers more secure. 

5. Using Ropes

If you don't have access to items like locks and latches, you don't need to worry, as you can use ropes to secure cabinets while driving. This strategy involves the following steps: 

Step One:  Ensure the doors of the cabinets are shut.

Step Two:  Tie the rope on the cabinets' handles and pull them to make them tight.

Step Three:  Make a knot using the ends of the ropes to secure the cabinets.

This method is preferred because it's not affected by the weight of the cabinets. Hence, you can drive without worrying about the ropes getting loose. 

Besides, if your RV's cabinets have knobs instead of handles, you can use bungee codes instead of ropes. Bungee codes come in different lengths that are fit for various cabinet lengths or sizes. When using bungee cords, you can follow the same steps for using a rope. 

Wrapping Up 

Whether you're driving for a short or long distance, it's vital to ensure that your RV's cabinets and drawers are well-secure. Keeping them secure will help prevent RV accidents and damage to property stored in them. As discussed above, there are various ways to ensure your drawers and cabinets remain safe while you’re on the road.