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, in this post, 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. They 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, but 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 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.
The “key” reason for a keyless RV door lock is to not need to worry about carrying a key!
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 worth noting that custom-coded locks are more secure than standard RV locks.
Code Customization
Many keyless RV door locks allow you to customize the entry code an unlimited number of times, so changing your code is easy. 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 remember the new code!
What to Look for in a Keyless 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 RV doors & locking mechanisms may not be compatible with any of the aftermarket keyless locks on the market. Check the measurements of the keyless entry handle to ensure they align with your door handle/lock and 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 customize codes is essential so that your code can be changed at any time, or so that different people can have different entry codes.
It’s critical to make sure a keyless door lock will fit the lock space of your RV’s door. You may want to consider features such as a backlit keypad as well.
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 powered by the RV’s electrical system. There are also systems that are powered by a small solar panel. Be sure to note the power source 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 consider.
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:
- Remove your traditional RV entry door lock.
- 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.
- Attach the front to the back making the connections/screws noted in your owner’s manual.
- Program the code as noted in the instructions in your owner’s manual.
What Are the Best Keyless RV Door Locks?
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 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.
- PATENTED SECURITY TECHNOLOGY: As inventors of the rv keyless entry door lock, our handle has been protecting hundreds of thousands of Americans on the...
- DESIGNED FOR YOU: The RVLock V4 is packed with features to make your life easier—including a simple-to-program keypad, convenient key fobs, a...
CARMTEK RV Keyless Entry Lock – 10 Digits (V2.0)
CARMTEK’s keyless RV door lock is made with IP65 waterproof technology. Both front and back handle parts are made of 100% premium zinc-alloy and flame-retardant nylon material. It has a pre-installed internal cover with fully sealed internal parts.
Carmtek’s keyless entry lock has three locking/unlocking solutions, including the 10-digit backlit keypad, a key, and wireless key fobs. The lock is powered by AA batteries (included) and includes the door lock, 2 key fobs, 4 mechanical keys, 4 AA batteries, a sealing gasket, the necessary mounting hardware, and a user manual. CARMTEK provides a lifetime warranty.
NOTE: 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. Also note that the keypad and FOBs lock/unlock only the deadbolt.
- ✔ WILL IT FIT MY CAMPER? Will NOT fit all RVs. Please check the fit guide in the product images! Fits ONLY trailers and RVs with an opening size of...
- ✔ UPGRADED 10 DIGITS Version2.0 KEYLESS FREE ENTRY - Our 10 DIGITS keyless lock technology is one of the RV accessories and 5th wheel accessories...
Lippert Keyless RV Door Lock With 60′ Bluetooth
This keyless RV door lock from Lippert offers a 60′ Bluetooth range, lighted keypad buttons, and three battery modes. It’s made of aluminum with a black powder-coated finish. This Bluetooth RV lock comes with three options for locking/unlocking your entry door: a key, the keypad, or Lippert’s OneControl app. It offers a 60’ Bluetooth range for codeless unlocking or locking when near your entry door, and you can pair up to six smart devices per lock and add multiple locks to a single app.
This lock provides audible feedback when locking and unlocking functions are successful, and the keypad lights up in green, red, or yellow to indicate proper code entry, errors, or a low battery. In the OneControl app, you can switch to different modes to extend your battery life when your unit is in storage or when the battery is running low.
This RV keyless entry door lock fits RVs with a 2-3/4″ x 3-3/4″ cutout, and door thickness of 1-3/8″ to 1-1/2″. DIY installation should be straight-forward on most RV entry doors with standard latches. Be sure to choose the appropriate left or right-hand configuration for your RV when ordering.
- SAFE & SECURE — With the Lippert keyless RV door lock, you can keep your family and your belongings safe while you’re asleep at night or when your...
- THREE ENTRY OPTIONS — Our Bluetooth RV lock comes with three convenient options for locking and unlocking your entry door using a key, the keypad or...
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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Quentin Fields
Wednesday 5th of November 2025
I have a 2003 Newmar Dutch Staar that’s similar to your old Newmar. I’m going to see if you have any YouTube tutorials on how to upgrade to keyless entry. I’ve seen coaches like ours with the keys entry buttons on the outside grab handle.
TheRVgeeks
Wednesday 5th of November 2025
Hi Quentin! Unfortunately, we don't have a video like that because we never upgraded our Newmar with keyless entry. You're right that the factory-installed system uses a keypad that's built into the door handle, but we don't think that's easily retrofitted into an RV (unless you could make it to Nappannee to have Newmar do it themselves).
Hugh RJ
Wednesday 5th of November 2025
I installed a RV Lock on my class A, 2007 model. It took a while because upon removing the old lock, I found that the door was compromised due to an attempt to break in when the PO had it. So I had to fix that first. Once done, it was an easy process.
The control board failed after a couple of years, but the customer support was great, sent me a new one immediately under warranty, easy fix, been working perfectly ever since.
(PS: looking forward to seeing what boat J&N buy ;-), and their trip to Antarctica videos)
Primo Rudy
Wednesday 5th of November 2025
I have installed 2 keyless locks on two different fifth wheels. I did not hesitate buying the second lock. My only complaint it the key pad tends to get hard and yellow under the South Texas sun. I have found replacements
Marc
Sunday 5th of November 2023
I optioned our 2016 Newmar Dutch Star with a TriMark Keyless Entry doorlock system when the coach was ordered. One of the times I apreciate it the most is when I realize that I forgot to unlock the electric basement doors when I need to dump the tanks. Although the fob won't work from the wet bay area I don't have to walk all the way around to the door.
One project I've been wanting to do is to wire in a 3-way switch for the electric driver window inside the electric compartment located at the driver side front left, beneath the electric window. This is just in case the entry door latch mechanism jams or otherwise fails to open the door. I always keep door and cargo door keys available so I can manually unlock them. But if the doorlatch fails the only recourse is to break out the driver side window and crawl in to remove the screws securing the door latch.
TheRVgeeks
Tuesday 7th of November 2023
Sounds like a good plan for a failsafe, Marc!
Dan
Sunday 6th of November 2022
Thank you, great info as usual!
Quick question: do you have budget friendly bay locks suggestions to replace the ‘universal keys’ put on all RVs?