Community Forums

Wisdmhilites · 06-04-2018, 03:12 PM

Has anyone felt the need to upgrade the locks on any of their doors (especially the entry door), or are they substantial enough to deter theft? E.g. Do you worry about someone getting in your coach while you go into Walmart to shop?

Arch Hoagland · 06-04-2018, 04:12 PM

My motorhome was broken into while in storage.

I have a wonderful lock.

The thief had a wonderful hammer which he used on the glass.

I don't care what lock you use, they will get in if they want to.

okmunky · 06-10-2018, 12:37 PM

Locks only deter honest people. A determined thief will get in despite any lock. Generally speaking they'll cost you more in damages trying to defeat the locks than they will in stolen goods. It's usually wiser to leave it unlocked. I lock mine mainly because I don’t want anyone letting the dog out - she's a runner.

In 7+ years of fulltime RVing I've never had anything stolen.

computerguy · 06-18-2018, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wisdmhilites

Has anyone felt the need to upgrade the locks on any of their doors (especially the entry door), or are they substantial enough to deter theft? E.g. Do you worry about someone getting in your coach while you go into Walmart to shop?

Not substantial to deter theft.
Nope.

Unicorn Driver · 06-18-2018, 08:08 PM

I once watch a locksmirh break in to my old coach as the lock was bust. It took him 5 minutes with a flat head screwdriver to Jimmythe door. He said if he was in hurry he could do it quicker. Door was never right after.

Tacouser · 06-18-2018, 08:17 PM

The very first upgrade I did on my class C was to replace every outside storage compartment lock. Since every camper rolls off the line with the exact same key.

Enjoy Life · 06-18-2018, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tacouser

The very first upgrade I did on my class C was to replace every outside storage compartment lock. Since every camper rolls off the line with the exact same key.

Wow I didn't know that. Are you serious??

Unicorn Driver · 06-18-2018, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tacouser

The very first upgrade I did on my class C was to replace every outside storage compartment lock. Since every camper rolls off the line with the exact same key.

Did you do it yourself?

computerguy · 06-24-2018, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enjoy Life

Wow I didn't know that. Are you serious??

This is incorrect.

jrwitt · 06-24-2018, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by computerguy

This is incorrect.

Actually, there is some truth to this statement. Back in the day that I was pulling a travel trailer (1976 model), someone told me the same thing. I walked around the campground I was staying at and ask anyone I found outside if there outside compartments used the same key as mine (I forget the number on the key, but I think it was something like "726" or similar. Nearly every RV I came across that was from the 70s or 80s did have that same key. I even used my key to verify that it would open a few the others. Not a single one failed. I doubt that is still true since the types of compartment door keys on today's RVs don't even seem to be the same type of key blank, but it was true back then. Needless to say, I bought new locks for my two compartments. Most of the people I asked were aware of this before I even mentioned it. The trailer I had was a Fleetwood Prowler, but several of the ones I checked were other brands. Really surprised me.

okmunky · 06-25-2018, 12:42 AM

I've used my key to open friend's storage bays and my brother's 2018 toy hauler. When I bought locking hatch doors for my water inlets in 2016 both of them came with the same key as all my other doors. My RV is a 2011. So it is true of many of today's RVs as well.

Gidyupgo · 06-25-2018, 06:57 AM

Wisdmhilites, like ArchHoagland, our outside compartments were broken into over Christmas weekend last year while in storage. They just used a pry bar (screwdriver?) and popped the doors open. If we would have had better locks (regardless of key type) they still would have pried them open, but there would have been more damage to the door and door frame. We added a (monitored by cellular) SimplySafe system with sensors on all outside doors and motion detector inside and pay $24 a month (after initial purchase) for peace of mind. When we travel, we use their app to set the sensors for notify only. We could also enter a new location if we are going to be in one place for long.

Wisdmhilites · 07-02-2018, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gidyupgo

Wisdmhilites, like ArchHoagland, our outside compartments were broken into over Christmas weekend last year while in storage. They just used a pry bar (screwdriver?) and popped the doors open. If we would have had better locks (regardless of key type) they still would have pried them open, but there would have been more damage to the door and door frame. We added a (monitored by cellular) SimplySafe system with sensors on all outside doors and motion detector inside and pay $24 a month (after initial purchase) for peace of mind. When we travel, we use their app to set the sensors for notify only. We could also enter a new location if we are going to be in one place for long.

Makes a lot of sense! With all you hear about Ring with sticks and bricks, it would make sense to have something like that for a MH. Thanks for the suggestion!!!

Arch Hoagland · 07-02-2018, 10:37 PM

When mine was broken into at the storage yard they also broke into a brand new Fleetwood parked next to me that the owner had paid $2,000 for an alarm system to notify him and the police.

Guess what, he didn't know he had been broken into until the police that I called looked at his RV and notified him. I talked to him later and that's when he told me about the alarm system he had paid a bundle for. He lost a lot of stuff...drop down CD, stereo system and speakers, etc.