Upgrading an RV Entry Door Lock for Better Security

[kingdaddy]

So I am getting spammed by this company offering the lock in the photo on a "sale". I have thought about upgrading my door latch/lock for security purposes primarily. Is this a decent choice? I don't want to buy something just because it's on sale only to find out that it's not all that secure (for whatever reason).
Any better alternatives out there? Personal experiences appreciated as always... thanks!

 

[Bobby P2]

I have been looking at those also. We were ready to buy one from RV Lock but according to their website fit guide, they don't make one to fit our rig. Been looking at alternative brands and that looks like one that come up. Seams like a quality product but not sure either. Other brands don't seam to have a fit chart on their website so search on hold for now.

 

[Daryles]

We have RV L v4. It malfunctioned after two years. They replaced it. Only paid for shipping.
Highly recommend them.

 

[jkxtreme]

Not sure what they want to charge, but Amazon has a lot of choices. Search "RV keyless entry" They start at $140 and go up to $275. One thing to note is they are battery powered and we need to change our batteries every 3 months. We like our lock but after 3 years we're thinking of replacing it with a new unit because it has opened on its own a couple times.

 

[LeftOverParts]

If a mechanical lock with a sidewinder style key is on the table, we went with a Latch.It lock (Amazon). Had it since Feb and working well so far but don’t know about long term reliability.

 

[RecruiterGerry]

My $.02 is RV lock as well. We bought a Lippert that worked fine for a year or so. The deadbolt kept on sticking inside the lock when using the keyless function. In addition, the clear plastic film over the buttons was delamination showing what buttons were regularly pushed. For such a pricey lock, it wasn’t built too well. The icing on the cake was Lippert wouldn’t sell me a spare key after I lost one of the two the lock came with.
We went with RV lock after recommendations from a few trusted friends and many online reviews.

 

[VagabondLove]

Make sure the lock components are metal, not plastic. We installed the global link ultra e a decade ago and have been happy with it.

 

[DutchmenSport]

Doesn't matter what kind of lock you put on an RV door. If a thief wants to access your camper and it's locked, they'll use a crow bar and break the entire door and totally destroy the door frame. It's been reported to happen way too many times on the various RV forums over many years now.

The advantage of such a lock as pictured above, is the combination lock feature, which does not require an actual key. For some, this is a nice feature, never having to deal with a key.

But, as far as "security", nope! Someone determined to get into your camper will simply break the flimsy door and frame and step right in. It doesn't matter how well made the lock is. Locks keep only honest people honest and is a deterrent against "temptation." Nothing will stop a thief if they are determined.

 

[mlh]

For the reasons Dutchman states we never lock and doors. The camper is so flimsy there is no need and the house is so far away from anyone a thief would just knock a window out and help himself so why sacrifice a window.
Lynwood

 

[Mikendebbie]

Good point Lynnwood. I started thinking “What exactly would a thief want from inside my camper?” There is not much of any significant value inside.
The washer and dryer…they will have to work hard to get those heavy things out.
The TVs? My TVs are already outdated and they don’t come out easily. A pawn shop would laugh at them.
Our $75 air fryer? Who cares. My flip-flops or socks? The dog leashes? The towels? Can of vegetable soup?

Even if they took my little box of dirty tools I carry…no big deal.
Why DO we lock the door?

 

[kingdaddy]

To each his own... I will continue to lock my door on my RV. I assume you would want to lock it at night before retiring for the evening?
I actually have a few items I would like to hang on to in mine...
Yeah, I get the old argument... if they want it bad enough, they can still get it.
OK, so then we should never lock ANYTHING? Or just the RV?
I still lock my truck... and my bike and generator. As the kids like to say..."you do YOU"!

 

[Mikendebbie]

All good points kingdaddy! I was really just joking about the “high quality” junk I tote around…which I need to clean up a weed out.

 

[EdH_]

We have an RV Lock as well. Shipped to & installed at the 2024 rally. The combo is definitely convenient. But make sure you do your due diligence in following the fitment guide. I was reading somewhere else where a customer was complaining that the lock he ordered didn't fit and the company would not just "give" him another. From what I recall, it seems he misread the website or otherwise ordered the wrong lock and was blaming the company for not accommodating him.

I recall being somewhat confused myself when ordering, double checking several times to make sure I was ordering the correct one. If it *is* that confusing, perhaps the company does bear some responsibility (I think my engineering is showing!)

 

[kingdaddy]

Yeah, I get it... I sure have my share of semi expendable "stuff" in the RV. I do think I will try one of the better RV locks as a fairly simple upgrade... Security is kinda relative IMO, the best you can really do is make it more inconvenient or difficult for thieves and bad guys. And have multiple layers of security as well... interpret that however you like!

 

[kingdaddy]

Doesn't matter what kind of lock you put on an RV door. If a thief wants to access your camper and it's locked, they'll use a crow bar and break the entire door and totally destroy the door frame. It's been reported to happen way too many times on the various RV forums over many years now.

The advantage of such a lock as pictured above, is the combination lock feature, which does not require an actual key. For some, this is a nice feature, never having to deal with a key.

But, as far as "security", nope! Someone determined to get into your camper will simply break the flimsy door and frame and step right in. It doesn't matter how well made the lock is. Locks keep only honest people honest and is a deterrent against "temptation." Nothing will stop a thief if they are determined.

Gotta disagree about the old adage regarding locks keeping "honest people honest". Truly honest people don't need something to be locked in order to not steal it.
Good locks (expensive, yes) keep what I call "opportunists" or low level thieves from stealing stuff. True enough, that really hard core, determined thieves can make off with just about anything. That doesn't mean I won't make a reasonable attempt to keep my stuff from "walking off".
How I go about doing that, is of course not something I discuss in public forums for the most part...

 

[BVVQ Travels]

We have the onnais lock on ours and it is very convenient. We did have to modify the hole in the door slightly to get it to fit but once installed it works great. The keychain remotes to lock/unlock are very handy.

 

[mlh]

All good points kingdaddy! I was really just joking about the “high quality” junk I tote around…which I need to clean up a weed out.

That sounds like my RV dealer “They are all junk”. That isn’t far from truth.
Lynwood

 

[ChuckS]

You arent gonna gain anything from a security standpoint.. The OEM setup is adequate .. don't need batteries, and works fine... Money could be better spent on upkeep items like new slide out wiper seals, EMS, change out hyd leveling/ slide system fluid, inspect/seal roof , wheel bearing/brake insp and grease repack

 

[kingdaddy]

You arent gonna gain anything from a security standpoint.. The OEM setup is adequate .. don't need batteries, and works fine... Money could be better spent on upkeep items like new slide out wiper seals, EMS, change out hyd leveling/ slide system fluid, inspect/seal roof , wheel bearing/brake insp and grease repack

Thanks, appreciate all the feedback and opinions (even ones I don't agree with )
Yeah, I try to keep up with all the maintenance items already... upgrading the door lock has no bearing at all with my upkeep efforts in other areas.