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For those unfamiliar with RVs, travel trailers, and campers, there are a lot of things that may surprise you about how similar one vehicle is to another. One question many people ask is: Are all RV keys the same? People that are not familiar with RVs and trailers will be surprised to learn that factory RV door locks are all keyed the same.
Since RV door locks are all keyed the same, there are security issues that you can run into with your camper. It is much easier to break into your mobile home and rob you. As a result, there are security measures that you need to take after you purchase your RV, travel trailer, or camper. Without taking these security measures you are putting yourself at risk.
If you do not know what it means for all RV door locks to be keyed alike, it means that there is a universal key for all the RV door locks that were keyed the same. Manufacturers do this so salespeople can unlock several RVs and show them to interested buyers without carrying around dozens of RV keys.
Are RV Storage Compartment Locks the Same?
So, you know that camper door locks are usually universal but is that the case for the RV storage compartment locks as well? Unfortunately, the key that opens that storage compartment is the same for 90% of RVs. As a result, you will need to take safety precautions for this portion of your camper as well. Otherwise, you will be risking your RV gear getting stolen.
Thieves know that RVs and trailers are easy targets for theft. They know that many new RV owners do not know to get new locks placed on their RVs. As a result, they can easily find many targets to steal from. You need to avoid being one of those people by taking the proper precautions and getting your locks changed.
Are Entry RV Door Locks the Same?
Unfortunately, as we mentioned briefly above, entry RV door locks are the same in most cases. This will not be true for 100 percent of RVs, campers, and travel trailers. However, in most situations, the key you have will be the same as your neighbor. As a result, you are at a heightened risk of theft.
Almost anyone who has access to a camper key could get into your camper if they wanted to. As a result, you need to take the proper precautions to make sure that your camper cannot be so easily entered.
Can I Replace My RV Keys and RV Locks?
Fortunately, it is possible to change your RV locks and RV keys, and it’s not very difficult.
With your storage compartment locks, you need to remove the screw that holds the cam in the lock cylinder. Then you should use a 7/8 wrench to unscrew the nut that is holding the cam lock to the storage bin door. You can then slide the lock out of the mounting hole with ease. Once this is removed you can install new storage compartment locks.
When you are looking for new locks for your camper, you need to know what to look for. There are several locks out there that are not ideal and not as secure as you will not for your RV. As a result, you need to do a little research so that you know what to get. Ideally, you will get a tubular cam lock or a 3-digit combination cam lock. Both are secure and will protect against home invaders.
What Are the Best RV Lock and RV Keys Replacement Options?
Here we will look at five of the best replacement locks you can purchase for your RV or camper. You should note that although this is a numbered list, we did not rank the products. The locks are listed in no particular order.
1. RV Tubular Cam Lock for Storage Compartments
Since 90% of all RVs have the same RV keys for the RV storage locks I recommend using these tubular cam locks for your storage compartment. They come in a set of 4 locks with 2 RV keys.
First of all, they are a great deterrent because most thieves just use a standard key to unlock storage departments so as soon as they see your lock – like in the picture above on the right they will walk away because there is NO WAY a regular key will fit in these locks.
Just be aware ounce you unlock them you have to turn them back to the locked position to remove the key. Not a big deal in my opinion.
2. RV Travel Trailer Entry Door Lock
This RV trailer lock from Leisure Locks is the first of five good options for you. The lock has a built-in deadbolt. A deadbolt will provide you with an extra sense of security. Additionally, the model is built for travel trailers but can also work for cargo haulers, horse trailers, and custom utility trailers.
This lock comes with inside and outside latches with four double edge RV keys. The lock should fit most RV doors, but you should still check the measurements to be safe. This Leisure Lock trailer lock fits hole cut-outs from 2.5” x 3.5” to 3” x 4” and door thickness from 1.25” to 1.5.”
3. Exterior Camper Door Handle
This camper door lock from TRIMARK is another great option for you. It has interior and exterior assembly and comes with two sets of keys. It is coated with black powder so that it matches most RVs and campers.
The lock should fit home entrance doors with a thickness of 1.39” to 1.6.” This should be a size that fits most trailers.
4. Valterra Stainless Steel RV Entrance Lock
This lock from Valterra is a universal, 4-way entrance door lock. The locks feature a stainless-steel finish that matches most RV color schemes. The lock also has a panic-proof inside knob, as well as a solid steel interior. The locks work in standard and drive-in configurations.
The locks should 1-3/8 inch to 1-3/4 inch doors. They can fit 2-3/8 inch or 2-3/4 inch backsets.
5. Creative Products Group Black RV Door Lock
The final RV door lock on our list is from Creative Products Group. This lock is extremely durable and trustworthy, so you do not need to worry about anyone breaking in while it is on. Unfortunately, it is keyed to any global pro series lock. This means that anyone with that type of lock will have a key that matches yours. However, this is still an improvement from the lock that comes with the RV. Finally, the lock has a black powder coat finish, so it should look good on your RV.
Stay Safe After Finding the Best RV Lock Replacement for You
After reading, we hope you have all the information you need on locks and the problems that come with them in RVs and campers. The locks that come with your newly purchased RV or camper are solid locks. The big problem is that they are universal locks, so most people that have an RV will have a key that can unlock your RV. This is a problem for most people.
As a result, you need to take the proper precautions and get a replacement lock for your RV or camper. Installing a lock is not very difficult. However, before you install the lock, you need to make sure that you purchase a lock that is reliable. You do not want to buy a lock that is easy to break into. So, take your time, do your research, and get a lock that will work well and for a long time.
Are you a new or experienced RV owner? Have you bought a replacement door lock before? Are you interested in any of the products listed above? Let us know in the comments!
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