A Keyless RV Door Lock: Don’t Get Locked Out!

If you’ve ever been locked out of your RV, you know that it can be far more than a minor inconvenience. It’s a huge hassle, can be very expensive to deal with, and may even impact pet safety in certain circumstances. That’s why today we’re looking at the keyless RV door lock.

What Is a Keyless RV Door Lock?

An RV keyless entry door lock is one that can be operated without a physical key. Keyless locks allow RVs and trailers to be unlocked even if keys or key fobs are lost or locked inside the rig.

Keyless door locks have a door handle with an integrated keypad that allows you to unlock your RV door using a pin code that is programmed into the lock.

They also have mechanical keys and/or key fobs that make unlocking your door possible in three different ways.

The bottom line is that even if you lose your keys or key fob or accidentally lock them inside the rig, you can still lock or unlock your RV using the digital keypad.

What Are the Benefits of a Keyless RV Door Lock?

There are a number of benefits to having an RV door lock with a keyless lock feature.

They Don’t Require a Key!

As the name “keyless” implies, the foremost reason to have a keyless RV door lock is the fact that a key isn’t required to unlock the door to your rig.

This is a matter of convenience, of course, since you don’t need to remember to grab a key when you head out. It also means you don’t need to carry a key while you’re hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming, etc.

And if you forget your key inside your RV, it’s a great benefit to be able to easily gain entry via the code, especially if you have a pet inside. With traditional keyed locks, if you lose your key or leave it inside, it could be hours before a locksmith can arrive to assist you in gaining access to your RV.

Easy to Install

Keyless RV door locks are generally easy to install as a simple DIY project.

Some require nothing more than the ability to turn a couple of Phillips screws.

So, for many people, there’s no need to spend additional money or time to have a keyless lock installed.

Multiple Ways to Operate Your RV Entry Lock

When you have a keyless lock, you have a key and usually a key fob as well, giving you multiple ways to operate the lock, even if you’ve lost your keys or accidentally locked them inside the RV.

More Secure than a Traditional Lock

Believe it or not, lots of RV entry doors use the same key. You may be able to unlock your neighbor’s RV entry door with your keys… or vice versa!

While this isn’t always the case, it’s fair to note that a customized code is more secure than a standard RV lock.

Code Customization

Many keyless RV door locks allow the entry code to be customized an unlimited number of times so that if you have a need or a desire to change your code, it’s easy to do. This could come in handy if you’re away from your rig and need to allow access to someone else in an emergency.

Then you can just change the code when you return. Just be sure to remember the new code!

What to Look for in a Keyless RV Door Lock

When shopping for a keyless RV door lock, there are a few things you may want to consider.

Fit

First things first: Make sure the lock you choose will fit your rig. Not all RVs are the same, and some may not be compatible with any of the aftermarket keyless locks on the market.

Check the measurements of the keyless entry handle to make sure they align with your door handle/lock and will fit in the space where your current lock is installed.

Ease of Installation

Many keyless RV door locks are very simple to install as a DIY project. Some take 15-20 minutes to install and require only one or two simple tools. (Note that this is likely not the case if you’re installing a unit that integrates with a security system.)

Look for a lock that’s easy to install. For reference, you can take a look at our post on how to repair, replace, and install an RV door latch.

Backlighting

Backlighting is great when you approach your RV at night so that you can see the keypad to enter your code.

Code Customization

The ability to have customizable codes is important so that your code can be changed should it become necessary at any time, or should you want different people to have different entry codes.

Universal Fit (Right or Left)

Some RV door handles open to the right and others to the left.

Some keyless RV door locks open only one way, while others can be installed either way. Make sure any model you’re considering is compatible with the direction your door swings.

Key Fobs Included

All keyless RV keyless entry systems will come with a key, however not all come with key fobs (remote controls).

If you’d like a key fob or two, be sure the kit you buy includes them.

Power Source

Some keyless door locks are powered by AA batteries while others are integrated into the RV’s power. There are also systems that are powered by a small solar panel.

Be sure to note the source of power for the system you choose for your RV. If you don’t have power available anywhere near the door, that’s something you’d likely want to take into consideration.

May Be Integrated with Your RV’s Security System

If you’re looking for a keyless locking mechanism that can be integrated with your RV’s security system, be sure to look for that feature, because not all systems offer this capability.

How to Install a Keyless RV Door Lock

Installing a keyless RV door lock is very much like installing a traditional door lock. They’re generally quite easy to install with the following steps being most common:

1. Remove your traditional RV entry door lock.
2. Arrange your new lock on your RV entry door to make sure it fits the space properly, noting any adjustments that need to be made.
3. Attach the front to the back making the connections/screws noted in your owner’s manual.
4. Program the code as noted in the instructions in your owner’s manual.

What Are the Best Keyless RV Door Locks for Your RV?

The best keyless systems are arguably those made by RVLock. They’re more expensive than some systems, but in our humble opinion, the importance of quality in a lock that allows entry to your RV is hard to overstate.

There are other good locks on the market, so we’ll include links to a couple of those as well.

RVLock V4 Keyless Entry Handle

RVLock’s V4 keyless system offers entry via the keypad code, a key, and a couple of key fobs.

This system is made of 100% metal, is silicone sealed, and is easy to install.

The lock replaces a number of standard RV door handles for travel trailers, 5th wheels, and other RVs, too.

Dimensions are approximately 3.75″ x 2.75″ x 1.5″ and the system can be synced to as many as 10 key fobs that can be programmed to multiple locks.

Power to the electrical components of this keyless lock is with 4 AA batteries (included).

With headquarters in Utah, RVLock has been the #1 manufacturer of RV keyless RV handles for the past 10 years, and they offer a lifetime warranty on their products.

See RVLock’s fitment guide to determine which model best fits your make and model of RV.

CARMTEK RV Keyless Entry Door Lock V5.0

CARMTEK’s keyless RV door lock is waterproof and made of steel and nylon. It has three locking/unlocking solutions including the 8-digit backlit keypad, a key, and 2 wireless key fobs. All electrical components are fully sealed.

The lock is powered with AA batteries (included) and comes with the door lock, 2 key fobs, 4 AA batteries, 2 mechanical keys, a sealing gasket, an extra keypad overlay, the necessary mounting hardware, and a user manual.

CARMTEK provides a lifetime warranty.

Note that in order to use this keyless RV lock system, your rig must have an opening of 3.75″ tall x 2.75″ wide x 1.50″ thick. It also only fits doors with hinges on the right, and only replaces locks with the latch bolt + deadbolt style.

LATCH.IT RV Keyless Entry Door Lock V3.0

This all-metal keyless RV door lock comes with 2 mechanical keys and 2 key fobs. It has fully sealed electronics and a backlit keypad.

In addition to the waterproof door lock, 2 mechanical keys, and 2 key fobs, this kit includes 4 AA batteries to power the electronics, a sealing gasket, an extra keypad overlay, mounting hardware, a screwdriver, and an owner’s manual and installation guide.

LATCH.IT also offers a Lifetime Warranty on its keyless lock systems. The company is out of Florida and states that its warranty is the strongest lifetime replacement policy on the market.

Note that this lock will also only fit lock holes that are 3.75″ tall x 2.75″ wide x 1.5″ thick.

Have You Installed a Keyless RV Door Lock on Your RV?

All three of the keyless RV locks we’ve linked to in this post are easy to install, offer solid warranties, and have large numbers of excellent reviews.

If you’ve installed a keyless door lock on your RV, we’d love to hear about your experience. What system did you install and what type of RV do you have? Was it easy to install? Has it held up well to the elements, and has it worked well for you in general?

Drop us a comment!

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