Disclaimer: Kohree sent this product to us for free for a review. That does not affect our opinion about the product. In this article, we list both what we like and dislike. Read more about this here.
Leave the Keys Behind With the Kohree Smart RV Lock
We’ve had a keyless entry door lock on our RV for a couple of years now, but calling it “smart” would be generous. It came with a remote key fob, and that was pretty much it.
The Kohree Keyless Entry Handle is a step up in every way. It has a built-in fingerprint reader and Bluetooth, so you can lock and unlock your door straight from your phone.
One thing I want to mention upfront: this lock did not fit our Class C RV. So before you order one, please measure your current door handle opening first.
We couldn’t install it, but I’ve been testing it still to see how well it works.
First Impressions and Build Quality
The box comes with four AA batteries, four keys, 16 screws, a strike plate, a pinch plate, and a manual. The batteries are already included, which is always nice.
The lock itself feels heavy and well-made. It’s rust-proof and weatherproof with an IP66 rating, so it should hold up just fine through rain, humidity, and all the other stuff nature throws at your RV door.
Before doing anything else, I put the batteries in and powered it on to make sure everything worked. I set up my fingerprints and a personal entry code through the app.
One thing I immediately didn’t like is that the code has to be at least six digits long and only uses numbers 1 through 8. No 9, no 0. I’d love the option for a four-digit code since it’s just easier to remember, but the longer code makes it more secure.
You don’t have to use the app to set things up either. The manual walks you through every feature step by step if you’d rather skip the app altogether.
The Installation Process
Replacing a door lock on an RV is pretty simple. You just need a screwdriver and a lock that actually fits your door.
Kohree says this fits most RV and trailer doors with an opening of 3.75 x 2.75 x 1.5 inches. Ours measured 4.5 x 5 x 1.5 inches, which is why it didn’t work for us.
If the sizing checks out, it’s just a matter of removing the screws from your old lock and separating the inside piece from the outside piece. The one thing you really want to pay attention to is the weatherproof foam. Get that seated right so water can’t sneak in around the edges.
Key Features and Functionality
The fingerprint reader is the main reason I wanted to try this lock, and it works really well. As long as my finger and the reader are both dry, it unlocks almost instantly. Wet fingers won’t work, but that’s true of pretty much every fingerprint reader out there.
What I really like is that you don’t have to press any button before using it. Just put your finger on the reader and it tries to unlock right away.
In the GIF below, I lock the door with a single button press and unlock it again with just my fingerprint.
The buttons also have a backlight that kicks on when you touch them, which makes using it at night way easier.
There is a USB C port on the inside section of the lock that can power the lock if it has run out of battery, or if you would prefer a battery-free setup.
The Smartphone App
The Kohree lock uses the Tuya IoT platform, so you’ll download the Tuya app on your phone. Getting it connected was quick and easy.
From the app, you can add fingerprints, create codes, set up temporary codes for guests, share access with family members, and check a history of who’s been locking and unlocking the door.
It also shows the battery level of the lock on the main page, which is very useful information.
The app sends notifications to your phone when the lock is locked or unlocked, as long as you’re connected through Bluetooth.
Both the app and the Bluetooth connection to the lock have worked great. Locking and unlocking with the app seems to be as quick as doing it on the handle.
Just remember that the app only works when you have an active Bluetooth connection between the phone and the door lock, so you can’t unlock it when you’re not nearby.
Is It Worth the Upgrade?
If this lock had fit our RV, it would already be on our door. The fingerprint reader is fast, the build quality is good, and smart RV locks are a lot more affordable now than they used to be.
The code limitation is a little annoying. Six digits minimum, numbers 1 through 8 only, so there’s a chance your usual PIN won’t work here. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to be aware of.
Overall, if the measurements line up with your door, I’d recommend it. You can pick one up for $124.99 at Kohree.com.
