Drawer knobs/catches that lock automatically on closing

[Jane NotRog]

Once again one of us (Rog this time, whew) forgot to lock our top drawer shut and it threw itself all over the van when cornering, needing the wood filler treatment before reassembly.

What I’d really like is a set of catches that automatically lock when the drawer is closed, and that you have to press in to open - the reverse of what we have now.

Do such drawer locks / catches exist?

 

[Carpmart]

You can install magnet catches on all draws, cupboards, doors which gets locked from one switch to magnetise all; you throw the switch before travel. I would imagine retrofitting would be a challenge, however everything is doable..

 

[Jane NotRog]

You can install magnet catches on all draws, cupboards, doors which gets locked from one switch to magnetise all; you throw the switch before travel. I would imagine retrofitting would be a challenge, however everything is doable..

Even then, you have to remember to flip the switch. I’m hoping for a mechanical catch that locks when you close the drawer and you have to press to unlock it - I think our Adria Twin might have has such a thing.

 

[landranger]

I've wondered about doing this and using D+ and a relay so they automatically activate when the engine is started. It's on the project list, but some way down at the moment.

 

[captainPaul]

Ignition keys placed in one the drawers....
Bright ribbon on steering wheel or co pilots seat visible.....
Laminated check list in co pilots view area... ️

 

[Manic]

We have these catches, push button to open , no lock needed.

 

[MichaelT]

Even then, you have to remember to flip the switch. I’m hoping for a mechanical catch that locks when you close the drawer and you have to press to unlock it - I think our Adria Twin might have has such a thing.

Dethleffs do them, as soon as ignition on they locked then you have a switch to unlock them.

 

[activecampers]

We have these catches, push button to open , no lock needed.
View attachment 1255701

I have those, more satin

Saw them on some top-end vans, and they are available in UK but not cheap, but the exact ones are on ali express.

They are fantastic, good solid metal handles, push button to open and then latch when closed and the latch plate also has spring buffers to stop rattles.

See https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005012652688549.html

Can be had for £4 ea (+ postage if you buy a few to make it worth while) too. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005010650805177.html

 

[BusyBuilder Retired]

Our previous Hymer had soft close with catches, worked very well. Frankia are similar.

 

[John and Jo]

Change the name of the Merc welcome message to "LOCK DRAWS!".

 

[berni109]

Do a search for toddler safe door catches.
We have 2 enormous draws and even when locked would decide to open when centrifrugal forces and bumpy roads coincided.
Downside is you need to apply magnet every time you want to open.

 

[Lenny HB]

Couple of weeks ago at the first roundabout from home almighty crash, middle draw sitting on the floor lucky no damage. Lost count off how many times we have set off without the draws locked.

Our last Hymer they latched when you closed the draws but it still happened unless you double checked them.

I was looking at fitting electric locks last year but decided it would have to wait until I've finished all my other mods.

The draw locks I looked at required power to keep them locked.
I think a better option would be a push/pull latching solenoid. But you still have to make sure the draws are properly closed for them to work, so you might end up with all the draws flying open.

 

[Johnny99]

Adria draws have catches

 

[Lenny HB]

Change the name of the Merc welcome message to "LOCK DRAWS!".

When my draw flew out the other week I said to the boss, I wonder if I can put a message on my phone that with Android Auto will come up on the Fiat screen.

 

[B+W vanman]

Think you lot should upgrade your vans to a more sophisticated range, like a well-known French version, as Chausson motorhomes come equipped with integrated soft-close, self-latching drawers designed specifically to stay securely shut while driving.
KISS

 

[Scottish Scrutineer]

Knaus drawers are self latching, as long as you close them fully.

 

[Grey Fox]

EVOmatic XL Door & Draw Catch

The EVOmatic XL is a new self locking door catch designed for leisure vehicles. A modern design with practical features (The only discount we offer on the catches, is via this products quantity/Bulk discount options. There is no further trade pricing/discount available) Bulk buying discounts...

www.evomotiondesign.co.uk

 

[CazPaul]

Ours do on our 2005 motorhome, when you close the drawers they snap shut.

 

[scotzsue]

Despite what seem like good catches our middle drawer also flew out after going over a bump and round a corner at the same time. We now employ an expanding curtain rail on the move and have a check list including that. (Still sometimes forget)

 

[bigwood]

I have just fitted child proof catches to our house cupboard doors to make them grandson proof. This would stop van locker doors opening fully en route.

 

[nicholsong]

We have these catches, push button to open , no lock needed.
View attachment 1255701

Dethleffs do them, as soon as ignition on they locked then you have a switch to unlock them.

I am against adding any electrical gadgets - another source of faults.

Our 2003 Arto has one knob to twist which moves a rod to lock all 3 drawers, gets done at same time as manual fridge lock. KISS

Alternatively for OP - Change door lock operator.

 

[DesmoDog]

If you forget to lock the drawers etc shut as part of your routine for setting off, then I can guarantee it’s going to be far more frustrating when you forget every single time you try to open a drawer whilst parked up that they are all locked shut all the time and won’t open easily.

 

[Jane NotRog]

If you forget to lock the drawers etc shut as part of your routine for setting off, then I can guarantee it’s going to be far more frustrating when you forget every single time you try to open a drawer whilst parked up that they are all locked shut all the time and won’t open easily.

No, because in that case we won't have a broken drawer to repair and drawer contents to clean up.

 

[Eurohomer]

Have a look at sailing chandlers, there are solutions out there.

I suspect that is a case of the old adage that security and convenience are on opposite ends of the same scale.

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

PRESTA catches may be the nearest thing to what you're looking for,traditionally used on loft hatches. The fitting of them may be, convoluted.
Mike.

 

[Whippet93]

Our van has catches on all the lockers and one drawer, that lock as you shut it (as long as you push it firmly) then press the catch to open.

 

[DesmoDog]

Ignition keys placed in one the drawers....
Bright ribbon on steering wheel or co pilots seat visible.....
Laminated check list in co pilots view area... ️

We have lengths of Red ribbon which we hang from the skylights when open to remind us they are open and to close them before driving off.

 

[Lenny HB]

EVOmatic XL Door & Draw Catch

The EVOmatic XL is a new self locking door catch designed for leisure vehicles. A modern design with practical features (The only discount we offer on the catches, is via this products quantity/Bulk discount options. There is no further trade pricing/discount available) Bulk buying discounts...

www.evomotiondesign.co.uk

I like those, I think I'll have a look at the possibility of fitting them.

 

[rod_vw]

Couple of weeks ago at the first roundabout from home almighty crash, middle draw sitting on the floor lucky no damage. Lost count off how many times we have set off without the draws locked.

Our last Hymer they latched when you closed the draws but it still happened unless you double checked them.

I was looking at fitting electric locks last year but decided it would have to wait until I've finished all my other mods.

The draw locks I looked at required power to keep them locked.
I think a better option would be a push/pull latching solenoid. But you still have to make sure the draws are properly closed for them to work, so you might end up with all the draws flying open.

Hi Lenny,

My camper draws are 'soft close' with push button catches however just occasionally we forget to push the button to lock a draw with the obvious results!
In your research did you manage to find small solenoids that would work in this situation if powered using a signal from the D+ circuit? My idea would be the solenoid mounted on the side wall of the cabinet with a steel plate on the inside of the draw front i.e. a miniature version of the electric locks found on key pad operated security doors. A manually operated bell push (to disconnect) may be handy so that draws could be opened if required whilst the engine was running.
Any pointer to a source of such items would be a good start for the project.

Rod

 

[fishplug]

I'm fitting marine slam latches on mine (eventually)

Simple, mechanical, and reasonable easy on the eye IMO

You can get them in other colours I think (pretty sure I saw some black ones once) and you can get them with keys to lock them as well.

They lock when 'slammed' shut and you just pull the little loop thing to unlock them - incredibly easy to operate and as long as you've remembered to close the drawer / cupboard before driving off then you're fine.