Keyless RV Door Locks: Are They Worth It?

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

AP Products 013-509 Electric Travel Trailer Lock

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.”

Rene Agredano

Often called “The O.G. of full-time RVing,” Rene Agredano and her husband Jim Nelson hit the road in a fifth wheel trailer in 2007, after their dog Jerry lost a leg to terminal cancer. Sixteen years later they are still traveling and sharing their nomadic adventures at LiveWorkDream. As a self-employed wordsmith, Rene shares her expertise for many RV industry videos, publications such as the Escapees RV Club Magazine, and has authored numerous books, including the Essential RVing Guide to National Parks, and  Income Anywhere, a guide to earning money on the road. She has been featured in global media outlets including the PBS documentary “NATURE: Why We Love Cats and Dogs,” The Guardian Sunday Edition, and the Dan Pink book Free Agent Nation.