Survey - Keyless Door Locks

[sourdough]

I am going to buy a keyless door lock for the RV. I know this has been discussed in the past and I've tried reading many of the posts but between those, and reading some various reviews on the internet, I'm a little torn both about the amount of trouble they cause and therefore the level of benefit you receive.

I know many on the forum have made this upgrade and I've read many positive posts. At this point I'm sort of leaning toward the RVLock V4. Has anyone had any experience with this unit? The brand? If so, did you have to make modifications for it to work correctly?

Those that have made the mod, has it been beneficial or problematic - regardless of brand? I'm not stuck on the RVLock brand just looked like folks liked them. Thanks for your assistance.

[Frank G]

we had one and the first time we were locked out due to dead batteries, it was the last time. The batteries lasted less than 3 months and yes they were new Duracell batteries.

[sourdough]

In the scenario of dead batteries, wouldn't the spare keys that I would carry in the TV open the door? Or is that not how they work?

[MattHelm21]

V4 here on garage and main door. My batteries have been going on two years. I always keep the keys with my though. The fob is a convenience for me not a replacement to carrying keys. I did the Black Friday sale which was I think 30% off. This last year I got the baggage door locks and plan on doing the pass through storage.

My key fobs(1 came with each lock) are configured so the top rocker controllers the main door and the bottom rocker controls the garage. Finally, because of the way the lock has to slide into the jam at an angle, the opening the previous lock used wasn’t large enough. I had to take a couple of millimeters off the fiberglass with a Dremel in order to get them to fit but no so much that the door seal was compromised in any way.

[Frank G]

Originally Posted by sourdough

In the scenario of dead batteries, wouldn't the spare keys that I would carry in the TV open the door? Or is that not how they work?

Yes the spare key gets you in, when it failed it was on our property, no big deal. On our B&S we have multiple keyless locks and change the battery once a year weather they need it or not.

[Alpine]

We have been enjoying our RVLock V4 since November 2018. No issues with the install. Like said earlier, with a lil' finagling it slid into "our" cut-out without any trimming. Finished in just minutes.... 4 screws out 4 screws in!!!

[Javi]

When we bought the 333MKS the dealer proudly installed NEW batteries in our RV Lock... and showed us how convenient it was to not carry a key... towed it home and started loading it and the lock worked flawlessly... two weeks later went to hook up and the lock batteries were dead... changed them and went on... next trip same thing...

End result... I took the batteries out and now we have a keyed lock... with push buttons for decorations

I just figure that if I got to carry the key so I can open the door when the batteries fail... I might as well just use the key from the get go...

[Pull Toy]

Not worth it ^^^.

Battery life is a major issue. Why bother if you need a back-up key anyhow? Took my brand new (dead) batteries out, after less than one month, and left them out.

Good Luck,

[sourdough]

The comments about the batteries are some that were echoed in other reviews about them. Makes you a little hesitant, but, at the end of the day, if you replace it with the keyless unit and the batteries keep failing so you remove them to use it manually......wouldn't you have a new lock with keys that aren't one of the 50 or so variations of the regular RV door keys? Seems that would add some security alone???

[MarkEHansen]

If the batteries are going dead in a month, did you report the problem to the manufacturer for warranty replacement? Sounds like it was a defective unit.

[mia26]

This may be a dumb question, but has anyone bolted a good-quality key lockbox onto the frame for quick and easy emergency key access? They seem pretty inexpensive.

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by mia26

This may be a dumb question, but has anyone bolted a good-quality key lockbox onto the frame for quick and easy emergency key access? They seem pretty inexpensive.

Not a dumb question. But IMO why have to have a key to get a key to get into your unit.

[mia26]

Oh I was thinking a combination type box for a spare key and also a place to hide small valuables... I'd probably use it in place of a keyless entry lock, but it could also be used for a spare fob battery I suppose

[john_w]

I have done the mini lock box trick. I mounted inside my LP tank cover. You wouldn't know it's there unless you lifted the cover and looked down inside. It has a 4-digit combination needed to open the box. I keep a spare key to the rig inside there in case I lose my primary key or don't have access to it. I don't have an electronic lock but they look cool. Nice hearing everyone's feedback about the battery life.

Lock box:
https://amzn.to/2ZASpfq

[LarrySharon]

I have had no issues with my RVLOCK. Installed in 2016. I had to replace batteries after 2 years. Use the keypad mainly, followed by remote. Rarely ever use the key. Has performed very good. I upgrade that I was glad to do. It was done for convenience mainly.

[cookinwitdiesel]

I recently installed an RVlock v4 in my trailer and also replaced all cargo door cam locks with RVlock stuff as well, now all my trailer doors are "keyed-alike" which is nice (had the CH751 on all but main door before). The quality seems pretty good. For me the install was simple although I had to tweak my screen door some so it would happily coexist with the RVlock v4.

One thing that was a disappointment though was that there is a lot more plastic in the frame and body of the RVlock v4 compared to the 100% metal OEM lock I took out. I think the actual handles you pull to open the door are the only metal parts (that are not internal mechanical stuff). For the price that was a let down but otherwise very happy so far.

[Rber1234]

I just installed the RVLock today. Very simple to install and setup key fobs. Installed in about 25 mins (15 mins for lock and 10 mins to find dropped screw in grass) The deadbolt is the electric part of the lock. If you want to lock the handle also you do still need a key. Overall I’m glad I bought the lock

[larryflew]

Thanks for this post. My Alpine came with keyless and a couple of fobs. After 5 years it no longer works. Did some minor digging and can't find where the receiver is buried in the door area or where the 12 volt power comes from. Pulled the door and sill apart and only thing I discovered was that there used to be a sill light that had been disconnected and wire ends taped. Appears as though the power came from that same area but since it has always been that way it isn't the problem. No diagrams out there that I could find so we have been deciding on replacing with ones like being discussed. Too bad as not having batteries to deal with was great. Don't want to mess with this thread but if anyone has ANY ideas.........

[mj5150]

We have the RVLock v4 and love it. The range on the fob is nice, and we use that all the time. As we pull up in the car, we click the fob and the doors unlock.
Zero issues with the batteries so far. We've had ours well over a year. We have a spare key in each vehicle and hidden nearby in case there is a battery issue.

-Mike

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by mj5150

We have the RVLock v4 and love it. The range on the fob is nice, and we use that all the time. As we pull up in the car, we click the fob and the doors unlock.
Zero issues with the batteries so far. We've had ours well over a year. We have a spare key in each vehicle and hidden nearby in case there is a battery issue.

-Mike

How did you get the additional keys? Did RVLock supply them or did someone make them? In my little corner of the world I'm afraid the proper blanks may well be non existent.