If you’re an RV owner, you know the panic of opening your camper door after a long drive, only to be greeted by a cascade of pots, pans, and canned beans. It’s almost a rite of passage—one you’d probably rather skip. Keeping your cabinets and drawers shut while traveling isn’t just about convenience, it’s about maintaining your sanity (and your toes).
Luckily, there are some clever, affordable, and downright ingenious hacks out there to keep your RV cabinets closed for good. We found a great video from the Randi’s Adventure, where Randy shares six tried-and-true solutions straight from real RV owners.
1. The Classic Dowel and Eye Hook Trick
One of the most popular solutions featured in the video is using dowels and eye hooks to keep your cabinet doors locked tight. As Randy explains, “Please, please just buy a couple of i-hooks and a couple of dowels and lock your door so that they’re not popping open.” By drilling a hole through the side of your cabinet and the door, you can slide a dowel in to keep things secure.
It’s simple, effective, and, as Randy notes, “This is secure, doesn’t pull open.” Honestly, if you can wield a drill and a stick, you’re halfway to RV cabinet nirvana. Who knew childproofing could be this satisfying?
2. Heavy-Duty Screws for the Big Jobs
For those heavier drawers (like the ones under your bed), sometimes a wooden dowel just isn’t enough. That’s when it’s time to bring out the big guns: screws. “We were afraid that maybe the dowel may not be strong enough, so we actually do use a heavier screw here,” Randy says.
By drilling through the side and using a screw as a locking pin, you can keep even the most rebellious drawers in check. It’s like giving your cabinets a security guard—minus the tiny uniform and whistle.
3. Double-Headed Nails: The Slide-In Solution
If you’re looking for something quick and easy, try the double-headed nail method. “Just drill a hole into the side here, just stick the nail in, it’s on a slight angle,” Randy demonstrates. The nail slides right in, holding the drawer closed, and can be pulled out just as easily when you need to access your stuff.
It’s so simple, you might wonder why you ever bothered with bungee cords and prayer. Plus, it’s a great excuse to finally put that random box of nails to use.
4. Velcro Straps: Stick and Secure
For a no-drill, no-mess option, Velcro straps are a game changer. “These Velcro straps that we added to keep these cabinet doors shut… you close your door, you unlatch it, slide that through, back through, and strap shut,” Randy explains. The result? “Come open, he’s not going anywhere else.”
Velcro is basically the duct tape of the RV world—if it can’t fix it, you probably need a new RV.
5. Baby Locks: Not Just for Babies
Turns out, baby locks aren’t just for keeping toddlers out of the cookie jar. “Baby locks on cabinets… now they won’t open when you get to the site,” says Randy. When you’re parked, you can simply disengage them for easy access. “You’ve not had a problem with anything opening with using those? We have not.”
If it’s strong enough to outsmart a toddler, it’s strong enough for your RV adventures. Bonus: you’ll never have to worry about your snacks making a break for it.
6. Magnetic Latches and Boat Hardware: The Pro Upgrade
If you want your cabinets to look like they came straight from the factory, magnetic latches and boat hardware are the way to go. “These peel and stick were my magnet fixes for the drawers… they hold, can I try to open it? Yep, you’ll be able to open it but it gives it just a little bit more resistance,” Randy says. For the ultimate in RV chic, some owners even install custom boat latches: “I like the way it looks ‘cause it’s clean, looks like it came out of the factory that way.”
If you’re willing to do a little “screwing around,” as Randy puts it, you’ll have cabinets that are both secure and stylish. Who says you can’t have both brains and beauty in your RV?
Watch the full video below for step-by-step instructions, and let us know which hack you’ll be trying on your next adventure!
