Why Your RV Key Can Open Different RV Locks
It’s no secret that many RV models and even brand names are owned by the same company.
For instance, Thor Industries owns Airstream, Dutchmen, Jayco, CrossRoads, Cruiser RV, Starcraft, and more.
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Most of the smaller companies owned by Thor have their own factories but the same parts can often be found throughout.
When multiple keyed latches are ordered for the same factory or company, the same key is often used for each latch.
That’s because it would be a huge hassle to have to make sure every latch gets its individual key.
When a factory is trying to push out as many RVs as possible in a day, stopping to sort keys and door latches isn’t a priority.
That goes for compartment door latches as well.
Even though the door key will be different from the one for the compartment doors, the compartment door locks that were ordered open with the same key.
So if you see another camper that’s the same year as yours, even if it’s not the same model or brand name, you might be able to open the main door or compartment doors with your RV keys.
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Why Change the Locks On Your RV?
For the reasons stated above it’s a good idea to change the locks on your RV if you plan on full timing in it, or if you have valuable camping gear or even OHVs inside.
For weekend campers who usually stay around the campsite and who don’t have a lot of valuables inside the RV, changing the locks might not be the biggest priority.
It’s recommended to at least change the main door latch on your RV when you get it for safety. If you want to go a step further I recommend changing the compartment door locks as well.
Even if the RV manufacturer used locks with different keys there’s often a master key that is meant to be used by RV dealers.
These master keys can be purchased by RV dealers, repair shops, and locksmiths. Even though they’re not technically available to the public, someone could still get their hands on one.
It’s usually fine for regular campers, but if your RV is also your home getting a lock that only opens with the key you have is important for safety.
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RV Lock Replacements with Unique Keys that Can’t Be Opened with a Master Key
Replacing the latch and lock on your RV door with a part from the manufacturer isn’t going to solve the duplicate and master key issue.
You need to get a replacement lock from a company that offers unique keys for each lock and is not compatible with the RV master key.
Below is a list of good options from companies that advertise individual keys for each lock sold and a deadbolt lock that cannot be opened by the RV master key.
I say deadbolt because most of these RV locks have the deadbolt lock not master key compatible but the upper handle lock is master key compatible.
If the company didn’t specifically say that each key was only for the door latch it came with or that the master key couldn’t open it, it wasn’t added.
It was fairly hard to find RV locks that weren’t master key compatible. Many companies do sell unique locks and keys but they end up being master lock compatible.
Make sure you also look into the master key compatibility if that’s something you care about.
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Front RV Door Locks
Last update on 2024-11-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Latch.it was started because of the multiple and master key issue in the RV world.
The company is very clear about each RV lock kit being sold with unique keys and master keys being unable to unlock them.
The only exception is with the keyless entry version that has the code and fob key. The top lock that locks the latch only can be opened by a master key.
The code and fob remote control the deadbolt lock, which means you can be protected from the master key even when using just the code or fob.
For RVs with multiple doors, Latch.it sells 2 packs of the front RV door locks. You will get two door locks that can be opened with the same manual keys.
The fobs and codes can all be synced to the multiple door locks.
RVLock V4 Keyless RV Door Lock
Much like the keyless entry sold by Latch.it, the RVLock V4 is sold with unique keys, and the deadbolt lock is master lock protected but the upper latch only lock can be opened by the master key.
RVLock doesn’t sell its RV door locks in multipacks. But according to them if you order multiple locks at the same time they will all be able to be unlocked by the same manual keys.
The door hole size for this lock is universal to most campers, but it won’t fit every Class C or Class A motorhome.
The company makes a different sized RV lock for motorhomes (click to view on Amazon).
It fits door openings that are 5.75 inches wide and 5.5 inches tall.
RV Compartment Door Locks
Last update on 2024-11-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Tubular locks are harder to copy than regular keys, making them more secure.
Many of the companies that make cam locks for RVs and cabinets change the key pattern periodically.
That means those who received locks and keys from the same batch will be able to open your locks as well.
The odds of coming across another person with the same key in these cases are very small, but I didn’t add those brands to my list since each kit technically isn’t sold with a unique key.
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RV Lock Compatibility
RV door latch sizes are fairly universal, even if the look of the latch doesn’t match the one on your camper it might still fit if the hole in the door is the same.
To be 100% sure remove the latch on your RV door and measure the hole it was installed in then match that to the replacement latch.
Have any questions about RV locks and getting options that have unique keys? Leave a comment below.
