MilencoDoor Frame Lock - Single

The Milenco caravan door lock is a retro-fitted security device that should fit most applications.It is made from a die cast aluminium, so it will not rust and it is supplied with two quality looking keys and a chromed lock, the body section is also coated in a hard white enamel finish. The only movement on this device (other than rotating the lock) is a sideways slide to position the device either open or closed. It can only be used as a security device when you leave your caravan unattended, but it does lock in the ‘open’ position when you are inside the caravan to avoid accidental or intentional locking of someone inside.First impressions maybe that even though the device is very sturdy it is only held in position by two self tapping screws. However as the fixing flange is hidden behind the device when locked and the two Stainless Steel 5mm self tappers actually pass through both sides of the extruded aluminium door frame, then it becomes apparent that it is as strong as it is possible to make it when compared to the caravans structure. I have always been of the opinion that locks only keep honest people out! But this device would make any attempt to break in a lot more difficult for the thief and involve a lot more effort to get in than the standard door lock would.My own caravan is of an older type and to be brutally honest I could get in just by using a large screwdriver and prying the door open and who could not get through a caravan window? Even worse my door is the split type so it only lock the one half and the lower section just has some securing clips, again easily prized open. I decided to increase my own security by positioning the Milenco lock at a position to bridge both door sections as the lock is quite wide at 80mm, so it was ideal for my purpose. There are no fitting instructions as the installation is quite basic and all you will probably need is a ruler, a pencil, an electric drill, a centre punch (or something sharp) to mark the centre of the hole, a small pilot drill bit (maybe 2mm) and a 4.5mm drill for the self tappers, oh and a large cross head type screwdriver.Most caravans have an extruded aluminium profile section around the door with maybe a decorative beading in it. The lock is designed to bridge over this profile so that there is no need to cut this in any way. In my case there was also a small raised bead on the inner face of that profile that would have tilted the fixing flange had I not removed it first. This was easy enough to do by using a small rotary burr and a battery drill (see photograph). There is usually very little gap between the outer extrusion and the outside of the door frame, maybe around 3 to 4 mm, so you need to close the door and see if the locks flange will insert into the available gap. Once again on my older and more knocked about doors there was a bit of misalignment which made the gap a bit on the tight side, but a bit of ‘judicious application’ with a file soon sorted that problem out.It is important to decide upon the best position for the lock and that it needs to slide side to side when in operation, on a single full length door maybe midway is ideal. Once you have decided on the ideal location, then press the locks flange hard up against the inner extrusion to see that it will sit flat when screwed down, the main body section should also be fairly parallel and flat against the outer skin. (see photograph). With a sharp pencil mark the inside of the top countersunk hole of the flange and put the lock aside. Carefully centre dot the marked pencil circle on the door frame and using the pilot drill make a hole through both sides of the door frame extrusion. As you will be drilling through one side, then into a gap before drilling the opposite side hole (which is within the wall thickness) then it is important to keep your drill square in both directions at all times, you don’t want a hole in the skin of your van!Take one of the screws and carefully screw it into the drilled hole until it also passes into the opposite side and leaves maybe 5mm protruding. Now remove it and re-insert it again through the locks flange and lightly tighten it down to hold the flange in position, this will reduce the risk of misalignment if you had tried to mark and drill both holes together. Repeat the procedure again for the second hole and if you are satisfied with the fit then tighten the two screws fully, but remember that excessive force is not required on aluminium. Carefully close the door to ensure that it clears the end of the lock, it may be quite close and even require a touch with a file on the door profile or the door seal to make this happen. I have added a few images to hopefully make the job a bit clearer.

This is the 2nd one of these we have had. They are really useful and really give added security to locking your caravan. They are simple to operate. The only thing you have to remember is to lock it open when you retire for the night, otherwise a nasty person may slide it to lock it and then click it shut and you can't get out! This has not happened to us fortunately, as I never thought about it until someone pointed it out to us!

Gives a visible deterrent as an extra layer of security, although unlikely to outwit the determined thief for long.Easy to install once you’ve drilled holes of the right size.Handy to stop the habitation door from swinging open if door mechanism fails, as they sometimes do.Suspect it’ll rattle a bit in transit.

Easy to fit and really is a good visual deterrant.Would definitely deter the opportunist thief.Glad i bought it.

Easy to fit

Looks good and good for protecting doors

Excellent for extra security

Security of my Caravan