RVs are factory-made homes on wheels with door and cabinet locks that offer a false sense of security. That’s because professional thieves know that a limited number of keys open the majority of RVs.
This is the result of RV lock manufacturers producing great quantities of the same keys and locks with little variation from RV to RV. Consequently the best thing you can do to protect your belongings is to ditch the factory default locks and install better aftermarket ones.
Why keyless RV door locks are a smart choice
Keyless entry locks are an ideal choice not just for home security measures but for convenience. Once you start using a keyless lock you’ll wonder why you waited so long to enjoy the many benefits they offer, such as:
- Being able to go out on walks or take an all-day excursion without having to worry about your keys
- Opening the door with or without keys, just by remembering your pre-programmed pass code
- Feeling secure with the ability to lock the door from the inside with a traditional dead bolt latch
- Giving you the option to use keys that will lock or unlock it from the outside
- Using a key fob to secure the door if you’d rather lock and unlock it that way
- Creating a pass code just for friends who want to stay in your RV while you’re away
- Changing the pass code if your friends trash your rig
Ask any RVer and you’ll find different opinions on the variety of aftermarket door locks that are available for all types of RVs. Search through iRV2 Discussion Forums using the phrase “keyless entry” and you’ll find helpful input like:
I have been looking at RVlock keyless entry , just wondering if anyone has good are bad reviews about this product? – From: iRV2.com General Discussion: Keyless entry
Keyless entry door locks are fairly easy to install with a minimal amount of tools and mechanical aptitude. Maintenance is also relatively simple. Some things you can do to keep your lock working well include regularly replacing the key fob batteries and cleaning all points of body frame, door, and lock contacts with cotton swabs and rubbing alcohol.
Here are some well-rated keyless entry locks for RVs that you might want to consider.
AP Products 013-509 Electric Travel Trailer Lock
- No wiring needed; uses 4 AA batteries (not included) It’s retrofitable in most RV entry doors and it’s easy to install Programmable with a 4 digit PIN number. The large buttons are easy to see and use Proximity sensing which illuminates the buttons.
- Self-contained electronic RV latch with Capacitive Touch Technology.
- Offers hassle free touch pad access: no key or fob to carry with you.
- An integral touch pad to the latch which controls the dead bolt.
- The key will always be able to operate the paddle or dead bolt lock in case of the user forgetting the code or having a dead battery, 8 inch x 5 inch x 4 inch.
RVLock RVLv4.0 – Polished Black RV Lock V4.0 W/ Integrated Keypad
- Kit Includes- RVLock v4 Handle, Remote, 2 keys and Installation Hardware. (Keypad is integrated into handle.)
- Replaces this handle: Your current handles outside dimensions should be around 3.5″ wide x 4.25″ tall
- HOLE DIMENSIONS: The hole size should be approx. 3.75″ x 2.75″ x 1.5″
- RVLOCK SPECS: The overall product size is approx. 4.25″ x 5.5″
- Standard Warranty Package – 90 day standard warranty (Included)
If you buy a unit like these, let us know your feedback in the iRV2 Discussion Forum topic “Product Evaluations.”
Is there someone that sells scratch & Dent or used RVlock for under $100.00.? being a disabled veteran retired have to look for an affordable price. Please let me know
Try amazon or call the manuf. I. Called them and they sent me a new one just to keep a customer satisfied. Good luck
We had the electronic locks as shown in the first picture of this article….WOW, what a disappointment…..I should have just skipped it and stayed with the key lock …. they were just OK…
I too had one like the first picture which failed. Manufacturer sent me a replacement but I never trusted it, Always carried the key- so no point to it.
We have two doors on our trailer and replaced both lock with the RVLv4.0. One would never allow us to change the PIN from the default 1234. After three short camping trips it quit working. Makes noise but does not lock or unlock. The second lock did not work at all. It acted as though the batteries were dead. I do not recommend the RVLv4.0. Total waste of money.
I’ve had my RV lock for 4 years and have only had to replace the batteries. I give it a 👍 up.
We have had ours (RV Lock 4.0) for 7 months with minimal usage during the summer last year. Now we’re having nothing but trouble. Most of it stems from customer service. For two months we’ve been trying to get it fixed. Rather than sending us a new unit they send us one part at a time to see if that does the trick. Each time it requires us to go out to the storage lot, take it apart, put in the new part and test it. Oh and their first solution was to change out the batteries (like we hadn’t tried that already). Now they want us to take it all out, put our old handle back on (hope you kept yours!), and ship it to them so they can determine the issue. OR tell us there’s nothing wrong with it and the problem is on our end. I cannot believe the lengths they’ll go to not send a new unit. AND they won’t give us a refund so we can be done and move on. I would NOT recommend this company.
We have had the RvLock V4 (the second handle shown above), two different handles on two different rigs over the past 6 years. We have loved ours. Was easy to install, easy to program and it works every time we use it. We recommend it to everyone…
Well it looks like I made the right decision & bought the key version. Been in use about 6yrs & still works good.
We bought a keyless door lock for ourselves at Christmas. I felt it was a little frivolous but was outvoted. After several weeks use, I am convinced it was money well spent. The lock is well made and oh so convenient. Glad we did it.
What brand did you buy?
The first one we bought from EBay and it came from a fly by night company, it all worked fine except could not change factory code, after myself and EBay tried several times to contact they closed up business, I bought another from a dealer and it has worked great !!!! I guess what I am saying is not to buy stuff like this cheap !!!!
I have the RvLock V4 and it is fantastic. I use the keyfob all the time. Super simple to install as well.
We installed our keyless a year ago November. Has been our fail-safe option. Keep 1 key in house, 1 key in tow vehicle in case battery goes dead. Wouldn’t have anything else.
Will it work in a 2003 Holiday Rambler Endeavor? The HR’s handle is different than any other RV I’ve owned.
We bought our rv 3 months ago has the RVlock V4 on it, today the lock locked me out, both sets of keys were in the RV!! I tried the 4 digit code, it made the sound like it was opening, but nooo. I called a locksmith, cost me $75, all he did was insert a small hex wrench and a lock picker and 2 seconds later open… He said this sometimes happens and very easy to pick.. I have lost total confidence in this product. Going to look elsewhere!!!!
They are total junk do not waste your time or money
My experience with these has not been good. Stick with regular keyed locks, tubulars for higher security, or take a look at the magnetic cam locks manufactured by Capitol Industries in Canada.
Do you have a link by chance? I don’t see RV locks…