How to lock RV door from inside

Securing your RV is like securing your vehicle and your home at the same time. Not only are you interested in making sure no one can steal your RV, but you’re also ensuring that no one breaks in and takes what is most valuable to you. In that sense, it’s doubly important to make sure that your RV’s door latch is strong, dependable and secure. We’ll go over the things you need to know when repairing or upgrading your door latch.

RV Door Latches

Most RV door latches use what is referred to as a paddle entry. Instead of a doorknob you might find in your house or a handle you might find on a car, these paddle entries sit flush with the door of your RV and require that you cup your fingers around the edge to pull the door latch and opening the door up.

These paddle entries usually have two keyholes, just like your home door. One locks the handle and the other typically locks the deadbolt. Many use two different keys. It’s important to always lock both! As we all know, deadbolts provide more physical security than a handle lock but together, they are hardest to defeat.

Something else to consider is what your RV door latch is made out of. Typically these kits come in plastic or metal. If you live in colder climates, you’ll want to consider a metal latch as plastic can freeze and break in certain temperatures, defeating the purpose of a latch.

Perhaps one of the more safe options is a keypad entry. These types of locks allow you to come up with your own passcode, which you can share with family and friends who you want to have access to your motorhome. This ensures that only those people you have given the passcode can enter the RV. And if you suspect that your security has been compromised, you can always change the code. Additionally, should you somehow forget this combination, these locks are typically sold with a physical key as well.

RV Door Latch Installation

When installing your new RV door latch, you’ll want to first begin by removing the old latch. Make sure that the door is in good condition before replacing your latch with the new parts. A door latch is only as strong as its door, so you don’t want to put a perfectly new RV latch into a worn out door if the door isn’t going to hold.

Next, you’ll want to insert the new latch and secure it to the door frame. There are a number of online tutorials that can walk you through this installation process. In addition, your latch kit should come with detailed instructions specific to the type you purchased, including descriptions of all included RV door latch parts.

After installing your new RV door latch, you’ll want to consider rekeying the lock. Many times, these locks are all manufactured with the same key, which means that anyone with the same latch can use their key to get into your RV. Of course, to stay safe, the manufacturers will give you a different combination of deadbolt and handle locks, so the person would need the same two keys. But if you happen to lock only one or the other, you might be out of luck. And while you might want to believe no one would do that, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

For the same reason, you’ll also want to consider rekeying your RV storage door latches as these locks are also made with a limited number of key types and combinations.

When it comes to utilizing your precious RV, we can safely say that the RV door plays a very important role. After all, it’s what you use to enter and leave your vehicle!

While it might seem like a simple component of any camper or motorhome, there’s much more to your RV door than meets the eye. Today, we’ll be talking about the various components of these doors, as well as additional advice that every RV enthusiast should know about RV entrance doors.

An Introduction to the RV Door

Every motorhome has at least one door on it, but did you know that these doors come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles? The two most popular styles of RV doors include square or radius (rounded) corners, while some can be fully-enclosed or contain a glass panel (like a window) to let more light in.

The RV Access Door

RVs also come with what’s known as an RV access door. Not to be confused with the front door of an RV, an access door provides access to the small cargo area on your trailer or RV. An RV access door needs to be both secure and easy to get to, so it’s vital that it comes with a lock and key. These doors are often made from heavy-duty materials such as steel to provide durability against weather conditions. Generally speaking, an RV access door usually ranges in size from 14 inches to 70 inches.

Replacement RV Doors

Over time, it comes as no surprise that you’ll have to seek replacement RV doors, particularly if it becomes loose or the RV door glass has cracked.

A number of companies specialize in RV door repair, or it may be worth considering a brand-new door altogether. Before you make your purchase, be sure to measure the space accurately and note down the particular style or material you had in mind. You can even have RV doors custom-made to fit your particular model of RV, camper, or trailer. If you are looking for a ready to go high quality solution, check out this RV door on Amazon for $700. 

A used RV door can come in handy, as it’s a thrifty way to ensure your RV is in top-shape as prices range from $100 to $350. You can find plenty of used RV doors on marketplaces such as Facebook, eBay or Craigslist, or be sure to check your local classifieds. 

RV Door Locks

Your standard RV lock is a latch and handle feature with key entry. Many RVs come with upgraded deadbolt locks for added security at the door. A lock, of course, is only as strong as the door it’s working with, so it can pay to also consider an upgrade for your RV door. If you feel the door is flimsy or just old, an improved door can work as both a security measure and an insulator, keeping the temperature inside your RV at its most comfortable with a solid seal. Something else to consider is what your RV door latch is made out of. Typically these kits come in plastic or metal. If you live in colder climates, you’ll want to consider a metal latch as plastic can freeze and break in certain temperatures, defeating the purpose of a latch.

 There are now RV door locks on the market featuring keyless entry. These digitized keypads required a numeric code, which you can program and share with anyone who you want to have access. A perk for these types of locks is that you can’t lose the key, although, like safes, many come with a backup physical key for emergency situations when you forget that code.

If you’re still concerned about locking your camper, consider investing in an RV security system. These range in price and sophistication but can let you know when someone is trying to enter your motorhome. Some will record and store footage of a break-in while others simply chime to alert a burglar that a security system is in place.

RV Door Lock Replacements

The first is to purchase a proprietary replacement from the manufacturer of your vehicle or trailer. While this is typically the more expensive option, it also ensures that the replacement part you receive will fit your vehicle exactly. Be sure to purchase a replacement for the same make, model, and year of your RV as these features change like any other from one version to the next.

Another option is to upgrade with a third-party manufacturer. Many of these companies will make universal style locks and latches for your motorhome that fit no matter the brand.

RV Door Latch/Lock Installation

When installing your new RV door latch, you’ll want to first begin by removing the old latch. Make sure that the door is in good condition before replacing your latch with the new parts. A door latch is only as strong as its door, so you don’t want to put a perfectly new RV lock into a worn out door if the door isn’t going to hold.

Next, you’ll want to insert the new lockand secure it to the door frame. There are a number of online tutorials that can walk you through this installation process. In addition, your latch kit should come with detailed instructions specific to the type you purchased, including descriptions of all included RV door latch parts.

After installing your new RV door latch, you’ll want to consider rekeying the lock. Many times, these locks are all manufactured with the same key, which means that anyone with the same latch can use their key to get into your RV. Of course, to stay safe, the manufacturers will give you a different combination of deadbolt and handle locks, so the person would need the same two keys. But if you happen to lock only one or the other, you might be out of luck. And while you might want to believe no one would do that, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

RV Door Holder

An RV door holder (also referred to as an RV door catch) does just as the name suggests: it holds the door open to prevent it from automatically closing or slamming in the wind. Allowing your RV door to be held open can come in handy when expecting guests, carrying things in or out of your RV, or even just to let a cool breeze in during the warmer months. While many RV models might come with a plastic one already in place, stainless steel or metal (like this one) is the way to go for extra strength and durability.

RV Door Handles

RV door handles serve one important purpose: to make opening and closing your RV door a lot easier! When it comes to adding or replacing the handle on your RV door, you have a wide variety of styles to choose from, including folding handles, paddle handles, swing handles, grab handles. ‘L’ handles, and ‘T’ handles. The type of RV door handle you choose will largely come down to the style and material of your RV door, as well as your personal preference.

RV Storm Door

Along with a sturdy RV door, some models also come with a screen door, which is located behind this. These screen doors can be unstylish and hard to care for, not to mention prone to rips and tears. This is why many RV owners have opted for an RV storm door instead, as these are made from durable, yet see-through materials such as plexi-glass. Not only can the door withstand the extreme weather conditions that come with storms (such as hail or heavy rainfall), but they’re also great for providing clear and uninterrupted views from inside your RV.

RV Screen Door Repairs and Replacement

Let’s begin by discussing screen door repairs and RV screen door replacement. Luckily, repairing parts of a screen door and putting in a replacement RV screen door are both fairly easy jobs, meaning the average handyman should be able to get their door up and running again in no time. 

RV Screen Door Slide

The most commonly broken part is the RV screen door slide. This is the plastic bit that slides back and forth. It’s meant to keep bugs out of the rig when closed while still allowing the user to use the latch by sliding it open. Unfortunately, because these are 1) plastic, 2) sometimes exposed the elements, and 3) used often, they become weathered, warped, and cracked over time. 

Replacing your RV screen door slider is no big deal. The plastic parts come in clear, white, and black colors, and as long as you purchase one that fits your door properly, you’ll find it pops right in without any tools at all.  You can find a screen door slide for your RV on Amazon or anywhere else RV parts are sold. 

RV Screen Door Latches

RV screen door latches are another thing that can break easily. After all, they are used every day, and honestly, very few campers are gentle with them. 

While replacing an RV screen door latch does take a bit more effort than replacing the slide, it still isn’t a difficult task. Generally, a few spins of a screwdriver is enough to remove the old latch, and putting a new one in is just as simple. Plus, you are looking at an average $10 piece so it makes for a cheap replacement!

The one thing you’ll want to be aware of when replacing your screen door latch is the fact that these parts come in right- and left-handed models. To determine which one you need, stand on the inside of your camper and face the door. If your latch is on the right-hand side while doing this, you need a right-hand latch (and vice versa).

RV Door Screen Replacement

Sometimes the screens in RV screen doors end up being damaged. This is annoying but totally fixable, and in most cases it doesn’t even require an entire door replacement. If you’ll be replacing your screen door, be sure to consider all of your options. Since you’ll be doing the work of putting in a new door anyway, you may want to think about upgrading to an RV retractable screen door or some other nicer version of screen door. 

Most RV door screens are held in place by a rubber strip that fills a channel in the door frame. By pulling the rubber out, you can easily remove the entire screen. Another piece of screen and another rubber strip can then be placed in the channel using a special screen rolling tool made specifically for this job. You can find a screen repair kit in Amazon for only $19. 

Putting your new door in might just be the most difficult repair option on this list, and it’s certainly the most expensive. That said, even this job isn’t too hard for most people who are handy with tools, and replacement doors can be found for as little as $45 to $50 online.

RV Screen Door Upgrades

For some RVers, even if their door is in perfect working order, it’s still not quite what they want or need. In these cases an upgrade is in order. Problems keeping bugs out—along with a desire to keep kids in—definitely contribute to the need for an upgrade, and once you have the door you really want and need, you’ll be so glad you took the leap and made those changes. 

RV Screen Door Closer

An RV screen door closer works by using a spring to ensure the door closes behind you every time your go in or out of your rig. It’s perfect for those with kids or for people who tend to walk in or out with their hands full on a regular basis. 

RV Screen Door Guard

If you have pets or young children, you may find yourself fearing for your screens. An RV screen door cover will protect your screens from accidents. These come in a solid plastic form as well as RV screen door grill style, and are the perfect RV screen door protector. 

RV Screen Door Handle

An RV screen door handle is a great way to make your door a bit sturdier and gives you a way to close the door from the inside without pulling on the plastic slide. It’s a great addition to every RV. 

RV Screen Door Lock

An RV screen door lock is a great addition for those with young children who may leave the rig without permission, as well as campers who enjoy leaving their door open but would like to feel more secure. These locks are easy to install and can really help give you some peace of mind while camping. 

RV Screen Door Opener

Finally, we must discuss the screen door opener. This handy gadget allows you to open the screen door from the inside without moving the slider, meaning it’s much easier to keep bugs out. These are super easy to install and can be purchased individually. However, many campers prefer to purchase an RV screen door slide with opener already attached, making the installation process even simpler.

How to Unlock Your Camper Door Without a Key

The first question to help you in this situation would be to ask yourself… Do you have a CH751 key in your RV?

Many manufacturers do make the same locks for RVs because they discovered it was easier for dealers to show RVs without needing multiple keys. These are called CH751 keys and can open a variety of locks. If you didnt change your locks from the original set up in your RV its most likely you have these keys which means getting a hold of a fellow RVer or campground host key will get you back in. 

Call a locksmith

If you haven’t recovered your key and still can’t get in, you can call a locksmith to help.  This is certainly more expensive than the above options, but it’s cheaper than breaking the door or window to get inside. If you rent an RV with RVshare, their 24/7 Emergency Roadside Assistance covers a locksmith, or towing if your RV needs to be taken to town before it can be unlocked. AAA members may also be covered, and other insurance companies might cover the cost as well.

If your lock is stuck

Perhaps you have your key, but the lock won’t turn, the key gets stuck, or the door is jammed and won’t open. This can be a common problem for RVs with the Global Lockset. You’ll know if you have a Global lock, because it will have a “G” on it. Global locks have a small lip that can jam and keep the door from opening. Push on the left of the door, near the handle, while you’re trying to open the door and it should come unlocked. 

Older RVs can often suffer from jammed locks as they age. Start by jiggling the key around to see if you can get it to click. You can also try WD40 or a lock cleaner to see if that gets the mechanism moving.

If you are locked out or in check out this Youtube video for a what steps to take. 

How do I avoid getting locked out again?

To avoid a jammed lock that would prevent you getting into your RV, be sure to keep them cleaned and well-oiled with a lubricant like WD40 or Loctite. A little maintenance by checking your lock every so often and oiling if it needs it can prevent getting locked out at a bad moment.

To avoid getting locked out when you lose your keys, you may want to consider a lockbox. A lockbox lets you store your key somewhere else, perhaps in the compartment where you keep your propane tanks or batteries. After punching in your lockbox code, you can retrieve the spare set of keys and let yourself in.

You may also want to consider getting a coded lock system for your RV. Simply punch a code into the lock and access your RV that way, rather than with a key. Most coded lock systems also have a backup key in case the battery in the system dies, so you’ll have that as an option as well.

This brings up to the end of the ultimage guide for RV door locks, we hope we answered any and all the questions you had. We do the work so you can just do the RVing – fun having part!

For more information on RV security check out our blog: 5 Smart & Simple Tips to Increase RV Security

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