Van Security Locks
Van security locks add an additional mechanical layer of protection to the vehicle's standard door locking system. They are particularly useful for courier vans, trade and service vehicles, delivery vans and other commercial vehicles where tools, goods or equipment may remain inside the load area while the vehicle is unattended.
However, not every additional van lock works in the same way. Depending on the vehicle and working routine, an automatically locking Slamlock, a manually operated security lock or a universal mechanical door lock may be the better choice. This category includes different security systems from Gatelock and Daken for a range of applications.
Which security lock is right for my van?
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Quick answer: For courier and delivery vehicles where doors are opened and closed frequently, an automatically locking Slamlock can be particularly practical. If you prefer to decide when the additional lock is engaged, choose a manually operated security lock or a flexible locking system. The right choice mainly depends on the vehicle, door type, preferred operation and installation method.
The most suitable security lock therefore depends not only on the van itself, but also on how the vehicle is used in everyday work.
Compare our van security locks
The four security lock systems in this category use different locking and installation concepts. The following overview provides a quick guide to their main differences:
| Security lock | Locking principle | Installation / design | Particularly suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gatelock T-Lock | Slamlock | Compact design | Smaller vans, limited installation space and frequent door opening |
| Gatelock XP Van | Slamlock or Deadlock | Universal additional security lock | Users who want to choose between automatic and deliberate locking |
| Gatelock Small F-Series | Mechanical security lock | Only one drilled hole required | Universal applications and compact installation |
| Daken Saturn Evo | Manual | Permanently mounted to the vehicle door | Tradespeople and users who want full control over when the additional lock is engaged |
Important: This table is intended as an initial guide. Always check the vehicle, door type and installation situation before ordering.
Slamlock or manual locking – what is the difference?
One of the most important decisions when choosing a van security lock is how the additional lock should operate. This directly affects how practical the system is in everyday use.
Slamlock – automatic locking when the door closes
A Slamlock automatically engages when the vehicle door is closed. This is particularly useful when doors are opened and closed frequently during the working day.
Typical applications include courier services, delivery vehicles and other multi-drop operations. The driver does not have to remember to lock the additional security lock separately at every stop.
The Gatelock T-Lock operates exclusively as a Slamlock. The Gatelock XP Van, on the other hand, can be configured for Slamlock or Deadlock operation.
Deliberate manual locking
With a manually operated security lock, the driver decides when the additional security system is engaged. The vehicle door can therefore be closed without automatically activating the extra lock.
This can be particularly convenient for trade, installation and service vehicles where tools and equipment need to be accessed frequently while working.
The Daken Saturn Evo deliberately follows this manual operating concept. The Gatelock XP Van can also be configured as a Deadlock.
Before choosing a lock, consider how often the load area is opened during a normal working day. Automatic locking can be convenient for frequent-stop work, while deliberate manual locking may be more practical when tools or materials need to be accessed repeatedly.
Gatelock T-Lock – compact security for smaller vans
The Gatelock T-Lock is the compact Slamlock solution in our range. Its space-saving design makes it particularly suitable for smaller vans and installation situations where only limited space is available around the vehicle door.
The T-Lock is available exclusively as a Slamlock, making it particularly suitable for users who specifically want the additional security lock to engage automatically when the door is closed.
This principle can be especially practical for courier, delivery and service vehicles making frequent stops.
Gatelock XP Van – flexible automatic or manual locking
If you do not want to commit permanently to one locking principle, the Gatelock XP Van provides a particularly flexible solution.
The lock can be configured as either a Slamlock or Deadlock and is suitable for rear and side doors. The XP Van also features an internal emergency release.
This allows the operation of the security lock to be adapted to different working routines – for example, automatic locking for frequent delivery stops or deliberate manual locking for trade and service work.
Gatelock Small F-Series – universal design with one drilled hole
The Gatelock Small F-Series uses a different approach. It is designed as a universal security lock for vans and, according to the manufacturer, requires only one drilled hole for installation.
Imbema states an installation time of approximately 15 minutes per lock. The system is suitable for rear doors and side sliding doors and cannot be opened from inside the load area.
This makes the Small F-Series particularly interesting when a compact universal mechanical security lock is required and one drilled mounting hole is acceptable.
The Small F-Series cannot be released from inside the load area. If an internal emergency release is required, consider a security lock such as the Gatelock XP Van instead.
Daken Saturn Evo – manually operated stainless steel security lock
The Daken Saturn Evo follows a deliberately manual operating concept. The driver decides when the additional security lock should be engaged.
The housing is made from AISI 304 stainless steel. The locking cylinder is protected by a steel Defender system with additional drill protection.
According to the manufacturer, the cylinder is certified according to EN 1303:2015 and has been tested for more than 100,000 opening and closing cycles.
The Saturn Evo is also available as a single-, double- or triple-lock system. Keyed-alike versions allow several vehicle doors to be operated with the same key.
Which van security lock suits which application?
| Requirement | Suggested system to consider |
|---|---|
| Automatic locking for frequent stops | Gatelock T-Lock or XP Van in Slamlock mode |
| Choice between automatic and manual locking | Gatelock XP Van |
| Universal security lock with compact installation | Gatelock Small F-Series |
| Internal emergency release required | Gatelock XP Van |
| Lock deliberately not releasable from inside | Gatelock Small F-Series |
| Compact dedicated Slamlock | Gatelock T-Lock |
| Manual stainless steel security lock with Defender drill protection | Daken Saturn Evo |
Which van doors can be secured?
Depending on the lock and vehicle, additional security can be fitted to side sliding doors and rear barn doors. However, not every security lock is suitable for every door design.
It is particularly important to distinguish between rear barn doors and a top-hinged tailgate. A security lock designed for barn doors is not automatically suitable for a tailgate.
For example, the Gatelock XP Van is intended for side sliding doors and rear barn doors, but not for a top-hinged rear tailgate.
Always check the product description and the actual installation situation before ordering.
Can a van security lock be opened from inside?
The question of internal release should also be considered when choosing a van security lock.
The Gatelock Small F-Series is deliberately designed so that it cannot be opened from inside the load area.
The Gatelock XP Van, on the other hand, features an internal emergency release.
Which approach is more suitable depends on the vehicle and the required security concept.
Should the additional security lock be releasable from inside the load area, or should this deliberately be prevented? Answering this question can make it much easier to choose between otherwise similar security systems.
5 things to check before buying a van security lock
- Vehicle: Is the security lock suitable for the van and the available installation situation?
- Door type: Do you want to secure a sliding door, rear barn doors or another door configuration?
- Locking operation: Should the additional lock engage automatically when the door closes, or only when deliberately activated?
- Installation: How is the lock mounted and what modification to the vehicle is required?
- Internal release: Should the security lock be releasable from inside the load area, or deliberately not?
FAQ – Van Security Locks
Why fit an additional security lock to a van?
A mechanical security lock adds another physical barrier alongside the vehicle's standard locking system. Depending on the design, a visible external lock may also provide an additional deterrent.
What is a Slamlock?
A Slamlock automatically engages when the vehicle door is closed. This can be particularly practical for courier and delivery vehicles making frequent stops.
Which security lock is suitable for a courier van?
For courier and delivery vehicles with frequent door opening, an automatically locking Slamlock can be particularly practical. The Gatelock T-Lock operates exclusively in this way, while the XP Van can be configured for automatic locking.
Which security lock is suitable for a tradesperson's van?
If tools and equipment need to be accessed frequently during the working day, a deliberately manually operated security lock may be more convenient. Depending on the required features, the Gatelock XP Van or Daken Saturn Evo may be suitable.
Can a van security lock be opened from inside?
This depends on the system. According to the manufacturer, the Gatelock Small F-Series cannot be opened from inside the load area, while the Gatelock XP Van features an internal emergency release.
Does every security lock fit every van?
No. Depending on the security lock, the vehicle, door type and installation situation must be considered. Always check whether the selected lock is suitable for the specific vehicle and door configuration before ordering.
Which van security lock requires only one drilled hole?
According to the manufacturer, the Gatelock Small F-Series requires only one drilled hole for installation. This makes it particularly interesting when a universal mechanical door lock with relatively straightforward installation is required.
Choose a van security lock that fits the way you work
The right security lock is not simply the system with the longest list of technical features. What really matters is how the van is used in everyday work.
For a courier driver making frequent stops, automatic locking may be particularly convenient. A tradesperson may prefer to decide exactly when the additional lock is engaged. On another vehicle, an internal emergency release, compact installation or robust stainless steel construction may be the deciding factor.
Start by comparing the vehicle, door type, locking principle, installation method and required internal release. This makes it much easier to choose between the Gatelock T-Lock, XP Van, Small F-Series and Daken Saturn Evo and select the security system that best matches the vehicle and its daily use.