If you happen to’re touring full-time like we’re—and even in case you simply take your rig out on weekends—upgrading your RV’s safety and comfort is at all times a sensible transfer. After coping with low cost manufacturing facility door locks and retaining monitor of flimsy keys, we lastly determined to check out the RVLock Keyless Entry Deal with. Spoiler alert: We want we’d made the swap sooner.
Why We Selected RVLock
We’ve seen RVLock pop up repeatedly within the full-time RV neighborhood, and after some analysis, it was clear this wasn’t simply hype. Manufacturing facility RV door locks are infamous for sharing key codes throughout items, which means another person on the campground may simply have a key that works in your rig—not an incredible feeling.
Earlier than going with RVLock, we really tried an off-brand model as a result of it was on sale and appeared like a simple means to save cash. Large mistake. It had a number of points proper out of the gate—most notably, it didn’t actually have a deal with to drag the door shut from the within (which is fairly wild). It additionally broke inside two months. After reaching out to the corporate, they despatched us a “new and improved” model that not less than included an inside deal with, but it surely nonetheless gave us issues. Ultimately, we gave up, reinstalled our authentic manufacturing facility lock, and went again to utilizing the outdated keys. That’s once we determined to chew the bullet and put money into probably the most advisable model on the market—RVLock. The distinction was instantly noticeable. It replaces your present deal with with a safer, keyless entry system that not solely works higher however appears to be like and feels much more strong.
What’s within the Field
This assessment is particularly for the RVLock Compact Keyless Entry Deal with, however from what we’ve seen, the extra superior fashions seemingly include comparable contents. Contained in the field, you’ll discover the compact keyless deal with unit, one wi-fi key fob for distant locking and unlocking, two mechanical keys for backup entry, and all the required mounting {hardware}. It additionally features a clear, step-by-step set up information. The unit is powered by 4 AA batteries (not included), so be sure to have these prepared. All the things arrives neatly packaged, making set up fast and easy—even in case you’re not significantly helpful.
Set up
With any RV undertaking, irrespective of how minor, you by no means fairly know what to anticipate. However actually, this one was surprisingly simple. It took about 15–20 minutes with only a screwdriver and a little bit of persistence. The directions had been clear, and the whole lot we would have liked got here within the field. No drilling, no difficult wiring—only a clear, easy swap from our authentic manufacturing facility door lock and deal with to this. As soon as it’s put in accurately, you possibly can try it out to ensure it latches correctly. Then you possibly can create your new passcode for keyless entry!
Setting Up the Customized Passcode
The most effective options of the RVLock is the flexibility to create your individual customized entry code. Setting it up was surprisingly easy and solely took a couple of minutes. After putting in the deal with and inserting the batteries, we adopted the included directions to program our private code utilizing the keypad. The method includes holding down the lock button till you hear a beep, coming into your new code, after which confirming it. It’s straightforward to vary later if wanted—no tech abilities required. We additionally made it some extent to speak with our kiddos about retaining the code personal. We instructed them it was our “cool secret household code,” which made them really feel included whereas serving to them perceive the significance of not sharing it with anybody else. Now, everybody within the household can come and go with out fumbling for keys or a fob.
Options We Love About RVLock
- Keyless Entry: You’ll be able to unlock the door utilizing a customized code on the keypad or with the included key fob (it comes with two). No extra fumbling for keys at nighttime or worrying if the children misplaced theirs.
- Strong Construct: The deal with feels rugged and good high quality—undoubtedly extra sturdy than the manufacturing facility latch we initially had on.
- Backup Keys: Despite the fact that we’re loving the keyless choice, we respect the normal key fob and key set as a backup since you by no means know what life will throw at you.
- Peace of Thoughts: Figuring out that we’re the one ones with entry to our door code is a giant psychological reduction once we’re out mountain climbing, exploring, or simply sleeping at evening.
Issues to Take into account
- Value: It’s dearer than a daily alternative deal with/lock, however for us, the added safety and comfort made it price it as a result of I actually hate carrying round keys.
- Battery Powered: It runs on AA batteries. We haven’t had any points but, however we’ll hold spares readily available simply in case.
Ultimate Ideas
The RVLock Keyless Entry Deal with has rapidly turn into one in all our favourite RV upgrades. It’s a easy change that’s made on a regular basis life on the highway noticeably simpler. Past the added comfort, it supplies a stage of safety we didn’t notice we had been lacking. If you happen to’re fed up with the flimsy manufacturing facility lock and wish one thing extra dependable, this improve is completely price it.
Would we purchase it once more? Completely.
Would we suggest it to different RV households? With out hesitation. When you have questions on putting in it or wish to know the way it holds up after extra months on the highway attain out to us on our Instagram web page!
Different useful sources: All the things You Have to Know About RV Door Locks