Review on Convenient RVLock Key Fob and Compact Keyless Entry Keypad: Essential Accessories for Your RV/5th Wheel Lock by Ivan Carson

As a new owner of a 2020 Grand Design Imagine 2020RL caravan, I've learned that many front door and cargo area locks use keys that work with more than just your trailer. In other words, not every RV lock is unique. Excited to be able to reduce the size of my keychain, the convenience of a remote/keypad, and the added security of my fob, I purchased this lock. The high percentage of good reviews also seemed to make this a great device. However, upon opening the box and inspecting, as with many other reviews here, the predominant plastic construction was disappointing. How can it be as strong as the all-metal construction of my current door lock? Installation was fairly easy, as was removing the factory door latch and lock. Having an assistant hold the inside of the assembly during installation while you hold the outer assembly to install the first screw makes the job a lot easier and reduces the chance of dropping one of the latches. After installing about 5-10 minutes I was able to try this. Closing the door from the outside worked well, but I had to press the door fairly hard with my palm to close it. Then I entered the trailer to close the door. Oh oh! The only way to force the door to close is to slam it hard. I mean really hit it. Using the inside plastic handle to close the door didn't work as the entire plastic handle assembly was bent so much I was afraid it would break. Okay I thought I'd just adjust the striker plate on the trailer to slide outward to have more leeway to secure the latch without slamming or heavy pressure. There are no dice. I didn't have enough clearance and didn't want to cut, bend or modify the strike plate to make it work as I wanted to fall back on the factory lock if needed. I then spent the next hour adjusting how the lock assembly fits my door etc and trying everything I knew to get it to work without having to slam the door with excessive force. While closing. Pros: The lock fits very well and is easy to install. Cons: I couldn't live with having to slam the door so hard to close it from the inside without fear of breaking the plastic handle or whatever. I've never gotten around to programming the lock since returning it, so I can't comment on that functionality. One star is a result of the mostly plastic construction, inability to work for my application and relatively high cost as it is mostly plastic.