Van Security Locks
Van security locks provide an additional mechanical layer of protection alongside 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, equipment or valuable cargo may be left inside while the vehicle is unattended.
However, not every additional van lock works in the same way. Depending on the vehicle and how it is used, a Slamlock, Deadlock, manually operated security lock or vehicle-specific no-drill lock may be the better choice. This category includes security systems from Gatelock and Daken for a range of vehicles and 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 Deadlock or manually operated security lock. If you want to avoid drilling into the vehicle body, the vehicle-specific Gatelock XS Van provides a no-drill solution.
The right security lock depends on several factors, including the vehicle, door type, preferred locking operation and installation method. Comparing these points before ordering makes it much easier to choose the right system for your everyday work.
Compare our van security locks
The five 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 | 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 the flexibility to choose between automatic and manual locking |
| Gatelock Small F-Series | Mechanical security lock | Only one drilled hole required | Universal applications and compact installation |
| Gatelock XS Van | Deadlock | Vehicle-specific, no drilling into the vehicle body | Lease and rental vans or users who want to avoid drilling into the bodywork |
| Daken Saturn Evo | Manually operated | 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 individual installation requirements before ordering.
Slamlock or Deadlock – what is the difference?
One of the most important decisions when choosing a van security lock is how you want the additional lock to operate.
Slamlock – automatic locking when the door closes
A Slamlock automatically engages when the vehicle door is closed. This can be particularly useful when doors are opened and closed many times during a 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 is designed exclusively as a Slamlock. The Gatelock XP Van, on the other hand, can be configured for either Slamlock or Deadlock operation.
Deadlock – you decide when to lock it
With a Deadlock, the driver deliberately engages the additional security lock. The vehicle door can therefore be closed without automatically activating the extra lock.
This can be convenient for trade, installation and service vehicles where tools and equipment need to be accessed frequently while working on site.
The vehicle-specific Gatelock XS Van uses this locking principle. The Gatelock XP Van can also be configured for Deadlock operation.
No-drill van security lock – Gatelock XS Van
If you want additional door security but do not want, or are not permitted, to drill into the vehicle body, the Gatelock XS Van is particularly worth considering.
The system uses vehicle-specific brackets and existing mounting points. This makes it especially interesting for lease and rental vehicles as well as owners who prefer to avoid drilling into the bodywork.
Because the mounting system is vehicle-specific, the correct version for the van must be selected when ordering.
Depending on availability, Gatelock XS Van versions are offered for vehicle groups including:
- Fiat Ducato / Citroën Jumper / Peugeot Boxer
- Peugeot Expert / Citroën Jumpy / Opel Vivaro L2
- Renault Trafic / Nissan NV300 / Opel Vivaro
- Ford Transit
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter / VW Crafter
- MAN TGE / VW Crafter
With a vehicle-specific security lock, the model name alone may not always be enough to identify the correct version. Before ordering, check the model generation, year and, where relevant, the wheelbase or body configuration against the compatibility information for the selected variant.
Gatelock Small F-Series – universal design with just one drilled hole
The Gatelock Small F-Series takes 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 can be used on 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 solution is required and drilling one mounting hole in the vehicle is acceptable.
Gatelock XP Van – Slamlock and Deadlock in one system
If you do not want to commit permanently to a single 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 additional security lock to be adapted more closely to the way the vehicle is used.
Gatelock T-Lock – compact security for smaller vans
The Gatelock T-Lock is the compact Slamlock solution within our range. Its space-saving design makes it particularly suitable for smaller vans and installation situations where only limited space is available for an additional door lock.
The T-Lock is available exclusively as a Slamlock, making it particularly suitable for users who specifically want the additional lock to engage automatically when the door is closed.
Daken Saturn Evo – manually operated stainless steel security lock
The Daken Saturn Evo follows a different concept, using deliberate manual operation. The lock is opened and closed using the key together with a rotating housing mechanism.
The housing is made from AISI 304 stainless steel. The cylinder features a steel Defender system providing additional drill protection and is certified according to EN 1303:2015, grade 6.
According to the manufacturer, the cylinder has been tested for more than 100,000 opening and closing cycles. Saturn Evo is available as a single-, double- or triple-lock system, with keyed-alike configurations also available.
Which van security lock suits which application?
| Requirement | Suggested system to consider |
|---|---|
| Automatic locking for multi-drop work | Gatelock T-Lock or XP Van in Slamlock mode |
| Choice between Slamlock and Deadlock | Gatelock XP Van |
| Universal lock with compact installation | Gatelock Small F-Series |
| No drilling into the vehicle body | Gatelock XS Van |
| Lease or rental vehicle | Consider Gatelock XS Van |
| Manually operated stainless steel security lock | Daken Saturn Evo |
| Internal emergency release required | Gatelock XP Van |
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.
Always check the product description and vehicle compatibility information for the selected security lock before ordering.
5 things to check before buying a van security lock
- Vehicle: Is the security lock universal, or is a vehicle-specific version required?
- 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 as a Slamlock, or only when deliberately locked as a Deadlock or manual system?
- Installation: Can holes be drilled in the vehicle, or do you specifically require a no-drill solution?
- Daily use: Is the load area opened dozens of times during a delivery round or only a few times each day? This can make a major difference when choosing the most practical locking principle.
FAQ – Van Security Locks
Why fit an additional security lock to a van?
A mechanical security lock adds another physical locking point alongside the vehicle's standard door locking system. Depending on the system, the lock may also be clearly visible from outside, providing an additional visual deterrent.
What is the difference between a Slamlock and a Deadlock?
A Slamlock automatically engages when the vehicle door is closed. A Deadlock is deliberately locked by the user. The more suitable system depends mainly on how often the load area is accessed and whether automatic locking is required.
Which van security lock can be fitted without drilling?
The Gatelock XS Van uses vehicle-specific brackets and existing mounting points, so no holes need to be drilled into the vehicle body. This makes the system particularly interesting for lease and rental vehicles.
Which security lock is suitable for a courier van?
For courier and delivery vehicles with frequent stops, a Slamlock can be particularly practical because the additional lock engages automatically when the door is closed. The Gatelock T-Lock operates exclusively as a Slamlock, while the XP Van can be configured as either a Slamlock or Deadlock.
Which security lock is suitable for a tradesperson's van?
If tools and equipment need to be accessed frequently while working, a deliberately operated locking system may be more convenient. Depending on the vehicle and preferred installation method, a Deadlock or a manually operated security lock such as the Daken Saturn Evo may be suitable.
Does every security lock fit every van?
No. Depending on the lock, the vehicle model, model year, door configuration and installation situation may need to be considered. Vehicle-specific systems such as the Gatelock XS Van must be ordered in the correct version for the vehicle.
Choose a van security lock that fits the way you work
The right security lock is not simply the system with the most technical features. What really matters is how the vehicle is used in everyday work.
For a courier driver making frequent stops, automatic Slamlock operation can be particularly convenient. A tradesperson may prefer to decide exactly when the additional lock is engaged. With a leased vehicle, avoiding drilled holes in the bodywork may be one of the most important requirements.
Start by comparing the vehicle, door type, locking principle and installation method. This makes it much easier to select the Gatelock or Daken security system that best matches the vehicle and its daily use.