Meroni

Which Meroni UFO Lock Is Right for Your Van?

Before browsing the lock lines, the most important decision is understanding the difference between a removable deadlock, a slamlock, and a fixed deadlock — because each serves a genuinely different operational need.

• Removable deadlock (UFO Classic) — The lock body can be detached from the van when not needed. You lock and unlock it manually with a key. Best for: owner-operators who want the flexibility to remove the lock, shared fleet vehicles, or leased vans where a no-drill Temporary version is needed.
• Slamlock (UFO+ and UFO³ COMFORT) — Locks automatically the instant the door closes. Key required only to open. Best for: delivery drivers and couriers who cycle through the rear doors dozens of times per day and can't afford to think about locking each time.
• Switchable slamlock/deadlock (UFO³ SMART DUO) — Functions as a slamlock during the workday and switches to manual deadlock mode for overnight parking, with a simple turn of the key. Best for: operations that need the speed of a slamlock during multi-drop routes and the deliberate security of a deadlock when the van is unattended overnight.

Meroni UFO Lock Lines

• UFO Classic

  The lock that started it all. The UFO Classic is Meroni's original van security lock — a removable, padlock-style deadlock whose spherical zamak cap sits flush against the door bodywork with no gap for pry tools to gain purchase. The tubular key cylinder carries 7 radial pins with up to 250,000 combinations, is certified anti-drill and anti-pick by TÜV and CNPP, and the reinforced shell contains internal hardened steel spheres for resistance against cutting and drilling attacks. The locking mechanism is entirely manual — you lock and unlock with the key each time, and the lock body can be removed from the vehicle when not in use.

  Dimensions: Ø 95 × H 39 mm. Average installation time: 30 minutes. Includes an adhesive drilling template and all mounting hardware. Available in single, double, and triple lock kits for different door configurations. A UFO Temporary no-drill version is available for applications where drilling the door panel is not permitted — contact our team for availability.

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• UFO+

  The UFO+ is Meroni's slamlock — engineered for delivery drivers and couriers who need the van's cargo area secured automatically on every door close, without the extra step of turning a key. The moment the door shuts, the UFO+ engages. A reversible flat key is required only to open. The lock is fixed permanently to the van body and does not require any special tool for regular daily operation.

  The UFO+ is the practical choice for multi-stop delivery routes, parcel operations, or any application where the rear doors are opened and closed frequently throughout the day. An interior emergency release cable is included, allowing the lock to be opened from inside the cargo area if a driver or colleague becomes locked in. Available in single, double, and triple lock kits. Average installation time: approximately 40 minutes — slightly longer than the Classic and UFO³ due to the slamlock mechanism integration.

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• UFO³

  The UFO³ is Meroni's flagship lock — the top of the range in materials, certifications, and versatility. Where the UFO Classic uses a zamak alloy body, the UFO³ is manufactured from hardened steel at HRC 52-54 — the same hardness category as cutting tools, significantly more resistant to angle grinder and drill attacks. The 8-pin radial cylinder offers 250,000 combinations and carries anti-drill and anti-pick certification, along with SS102:2019 GOLD, EN12320:2012, and Master Locksmiths Association certifications. An interior emergency release cable operates independently of the cylinder — if the key fails or is lost, the door can still be opened from inside.

  The UFO³ is universally compatible with both rear swing doors and side sliding doors on most cargo vans, with a bayonet mounting system for straightforward installation. Average installation time: approximately 25 minutes. Available in two variants:

  • UFO³ COMFORT — Slamlock with a reversible flat key cylinder. Auto-locks on door close, key to open. High-security cylinder with dust cover for reliable operation in dirty or dusty environments.
  • UFO³ SMART DUO — Switchable between slamlock mode (auto-locks on door close) and deadlock mode (manual key engagement required) with a simple turn of the key. The most versatile option in the lineup — slamlock speed during daily operations, deadlock control for overnight security.

  Dimensions: Ø 96 × H 50 mm. Available in black (standard), white, and grey finishes. All kits include the lock, mounting hardware, drilling template, emergency cable, and keys.

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About Serrature Meroni

Serrature Meroni S.p.A. was founded in 1945 in Inverigo, in the Como province of northern Italy. For the first decades of its existence, Meroni built locks across the full spectrum of security hardware — padlocks, cylinder locks, door hardware — and developed a reputation in Italian and European markets for precision manufacturing and innovative design. The company introduced the original UFO van lock in the early 2000s, recognizing that cargo van operators across Europe had no purpose-built security solution and were resorting to improvised measures: padlocks welded to doors, metal rods, surface-applied steel hasps, and other approaches that were visually unappealing, mechanically unreliable, and often ineffective against a determined attack.

The UFO addressed all of those problems simultaneously. The spherical cap design — the defining visual element of the Classic — was engineered to sit flush against the door bodywork with no exposed surface that pry tools could grip. The tubular key cylinder was more pick-resistant than standard key profiles. And the entire package was self-contained, professionally finished, and installable in under an hour on any van door without specialized tools. The UFO Classic became the European market standard almost immediately, and Meroni expanded the range progressively — the UFO+ added slamlock functionality for multi-drop delivery operations, and the UFO³ elevated the platform with hardened steel construction and universal door compatibility.

Today, Meroni holds certifications from the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), TÜV, CNPP, and SS102:2019 GOLD for its UFO lock range. The UFO³ EXPERT variant uses a Kaba "experT pluS" cylinder — a 23-pin high-security cylinder with a patented key profile that cannot be duplicated without the owner card. All UFO products are manufactured in Italy. The brand carries a 5-year warranty against manufacturing defects across the entire range.

In North America, Meroni UFO locks are exclusively distributed by National Fleet Products, based in Buffalo, Minnesota.

UFO Lock Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions — Meroni UFO Locks

What is the difference between the UFO Classic, UFO+, and UFO³?

The UFO Classic is a removable manual deadlock — zamak body, 7-pin tubular key cylinder (TÜV + CNPP certified), spherical cap flush against the door. Lock and unlock with a key each time; removable from the van. The UFO+ is a slamlock — auto-locks when the door closes, permanently fixed to the vehicle, reversible flat key to open. Ideal for multi-drop delivery. The UFO³ is the flagship: hardened steel HRC 52-54, 8-pin cylinder, emergency interior release cable, universal rear and side door fit. COMFORT variant is slamlock only; SMART DUO switches between slamlock and deadlock with a key turn.

What is a slamlock and why would I want one?

A slamlock engages automatically when the door closes — no key needed to lock, only to open. For delivery drivers opening and closing rear doors dozens of times per day, this eliminates the risk of accidentally leaving the van unlocked between stops. The UFO+ and UFO³ COMFORT are slamlocks. The UFO³ SMART DUO can be set to slamlock mode for daytime deliveries and deadlock mode for overnight security.

Is the UFO Classic removable?

Yes — the lock body detaches from the vehicle. A no-drill "UFO Temporary" version is also available for leased vans where drilling the door isn't permitted. The UFO+ and UFO³ are both permanently fixed to the vehicle.

What makes the UFO³ harder to defeat than the Classic?

Primarily the shell material: hardened steel HRC 52-54 vs. zamak alloy. HRC 52-54 is the hardness of cutting tools — it's significantly more resistant to angle grinder and drill attacks. The UFO³ also has an 8-pin cylinder (vs. 7-pin), SS102:2019 GOLD certification, and an emergency interior release cable independent of the key cylinder.

Will a Meroni UFO lock fit my van?

UFO locks are universal-fit — no vehicle-specific brackets required. The included drilling template and mounting hardware work across most cargo vans including the Ford Transit, RAM ProMaster, Mercedes Sprinter, and Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana, on both rear swing doors and side sliding doors. Contact our team if you have an unusual door panel thickness or configuration.

Does installation require removing door panels?

No. UFO locks mount on the exterior door panel. Installation involves drilling through the door at the template-marked locations and securing the lock housing with the included hardware. No interior panel removal needed. Installation times: UFO Classic ~30 min, UFO+ ~40 min, UFO³ ~25 min.

Can I get UFO locks keyed alike across my fleet?

Yes. Meroni UFO locks are available in keyed-alike configurations. Contact our team when placing a fleet order. Keep the Owner Card included with each lock — it's required for key duplication.

What warranty do Meroni UFO locks carry?

5-year warranty against manufacturing defects across all UFO lock lines. Upfit Supply carries Meroni UFO locks through National Fleet Products, the authorized North American distributor.