RVLock V4.0 Review: The Upgrade We Should Have Done Sooner
One of the small but constant annoyances of RV life was the keys.
Every time I left the camper, I had to think about it.
Did Alan have his keys?
Was I going to be gone long?
Should I just leave it unlocked?
If I locked it and he did not have his keys, he was stuck waiting on me. If I left it unlocked, that didn’t feel great either. And when I went on my daily walk, I always had to bring keys with me.
It was not a huge issue. It just got old.
After moving into our 44′ Fifth Wheel full-time, I started paying more attention to upgrades that would make everyday life easier. The RVLock V4.0 Keyless Handle kept coming up in conversations with full-time friends who had been using it for years, so we decided to install it on our Alliance Valor 42V13.
In this RVLock V4.0 review, I am sharing:
- Why we upgraded from our factory lock
- How installation went
- What it is actually like using it full-time
- The pros, the minor cons, and who this upgrade makes the most sense for
If you are tired of juggling RV keys or coordinating who has what, this might be one of those upgrades you end up wishing you had done sooner.
RVLock V4.0
If you are tired of juggling keys, coordinating who has them, or leaving your RV unlocked longer than you would like, this is the exact RVLock V4.0 model we installed on our Fifth Wheel.
Why We Upgraded to the RVLock V4.0
Our factory lock was not bad. It worked exactly the way it was supposed to.
But it only worked with a key.
And the more we lived in our RV full-time, the more I realized how often that small detail was inconvenient.
If I wanted to go on a walk with Coco, I had to grab keys.
If we came back with groceries or laundry, one of us had to dig around for keys while balancing bags.
If we left for dinner and came home at different times, we had to double check who had what.
It just felt unnecessary.
There is also the reality that many RVs use very similar key patterns. I would not say security was our main reason for upgrading, but it was something we had thought about before. Many factory RV locks use common key codes like CH751, which means another RVer’s key can sometimes open your lock. That has been a known issue in the RV industry for years.
Knowing we could use a keypad and custom code instead of a standard RV key gave us a little extra peace of mind.
The final push came from full-time friends of ours who have been using RVLock for years without issues. After hearing their experience, we decided it was time to stop overthinking it and just install one ourselves.
We chose the RVLock V4.0 Keyless Handle specifically for fifth wheels and travel trailers. Just make sure you select the correct left or right version for your door before ordering.
👉 Click here to get the exact RVLock V4.0 model we installed on our 44′ Fifth Wheel.
Installing the RVLock V4.0
I was fully prepared for this to take at least an hour.
It did not.
Alan handled the actual install while I read through the instructions, which is pretty typical for us. From start to finish, including programming the code and key fobs, it took about 5 to 10 minutes.
We removed the factory lock, slid the RVLock into place, tightened everything down, and that was it. No drilling or modifications. And more importantly, no yelling or major frustration.
One thing that immediately stood out to me was the weight.
It was heavier than I expected, which actually made me feel better about it. It did not feel cheap or flimsy. It felt solid and sturdy in hand, especially compared to a standard factory lock.
The only small hiccup was programming the key fobs. The instructions felt a little unclear at first, but after a quick Google search we figured it out easily. Once it clicked, it was simple.
The biggest thing to pay attention to is ordering the correct version for your door. RVLock makes both left and right handle options, so double check which side your hinges are on before you buy.
If you want an upgrade that does not require drilling, wiring, or an afternoon of frustration, this is one of the easiest installs we have done.
One of the easiest RV upgrades you can make is the one you’ll use every single day. 👉 Get the RVLock V4.0 now and make coming and going from your RV completely stress-free.
What We Love After 60 Days of Using It
After using the RVLock V4.0 full-time for over two months, this is where it really shines.
The Key Fobs Are Incredibly Convenient
The lock comes with 2 key fobs, and we use them all the time.
They have about a 100′ range, which means we can unlock the door from the truck when we pull into our site. If we are carrying groceries or laundry, one of us can hit the button to unlock the door from inside our truck.
Each fob has 4 buttons (2 lock and 2 unlock buttons), so you can program multiple locks on the same remote if you have more than one door. You can also program up to 10 key fobs total, which is great if you travel with family, host friends, or want to give access to someone temporarily.
For us, the fobs are not about replacing keys entirely. They are about removing the hassle in those “arms full” moments.
The Backlit Keypad Is Easy to Use
The keypad lights up, which is great at night. You do not have to press hard, and it does not feel overly sensitive either. We have accidentally entered the wrong code before, but you just wait a second and try again. No issues.
You can set a 3 to 8 digit code, which I like because it gives you flexibility. It also has a low battery alert, which is reassuring since this is something you do not want dying without warning.
We have used it in rain and cold weather without any problems. In the rain especially, it is nice to use the key fob and get inside quickly.
The Code Sharing Is a Game Changer
This has probably been my favorite unexpected benefit.
On Alan’s birthday, we ended up staying out longer than planned. Instead of rushing back to let Coco out, we called friends in the campground and gave them our door code.
They let her out, locked up when they left, and we got to enjoy the rest of the evening without stress.
You can also change the code easily later if you want to. So if you give it to a neighbor, dog walker, or visiting family member, you are not stuck with that same code forever.
As someone who also uses a temperature monitor inside the RV to keep an eye on Coco when we are gone, this just adds another layer of convenience and flexibility. You can read our full Necto temperature monitor review if keeping an eye on your pets while you are away is important to you too.
If convenience matters to you the way it does to us, this is the exact RVLock V4.0 model we installed on our Fifth Wheel.
Skip the hassle of digging through bags, pockets, and cupholders every time you come back to your camper.
👉 Try the RVLock V4.0 and make getting into your RV as easy as pressing a button.
Anything We Don’t Love?
Honestly, there is not much to complain about.
The only minor frustration we had was programming the key fobs the first time. The instructions were not super clear, but once we looked it up and understood the process, it was easy. It has worked perfectly ever since.
It is also an upgrade, so it is not the cheapest thing you could add to your RV. If you are extremely budget focused and perfectly happy using traditional keys, you may not feel the need for it.
The other small thing we noticed is that after installing the RVLock, our step handle no longer folds over the door the way it did with the factory lock. The handle can swing backward instead, so it has not really been an issue for us.
However, if you like using the folded handle as an extra bit of security while towing, that may bother you. You could probably make a small adjustment to get it working again, but we have not felt the need to.
And then there is Alan’s only “complaint.”
Sometimes he walks up to the RV assuming I am inside and that the door will be unlocked. When it is not, he has to grab the fob or punch in the code instead of just pulling the handle.
Not exactly a real problem… just a change in habit.
Other than that, we have not experienced glitches, battery issues, keypad sensitivity problems, or weather-related issues.
Ready to stop fumbling with keys and finally make your RV setup feel effortless?
👉 Shop the RVLock V4.0 here and see why so many RV owners consider it a must-have upgrade.
Is the RVLock V4.0 Worth It?
For us? Absolutely.
This was not a flashy upgrade. It is not as obvious as some of the bigger items on our RV essentials list, but it has made just as much of a difference in our day-to-day life.
I no longer think about who has keys.
I do not have to carry them on every walk with Coco.
We can unlock the door from the truck when our hands are full.
And if someone ever needs to go inside to help with the pup, we can share the code and then change it later.
That level of flexibility is worth it to us.
Who I Think This Is Perfect For
- Full-time RVers
- Couples who come and go at different times
- Pet owners
- Anyone tired of juggling keys
- RVers who want a simple, easy-to-install upgrade
If that sounds like you, this is the exact RVLock V4.0 model we installed on our 44′ Fifth Wheel. Just make sure you select the correct left or right version for your door before ordering.
Who Might Skip It
If you are perfectly happy using traditional keys and do not mind carrying them with you, you probably do not need this.
It is not a necessity.
But it is one of those upgrades that quietly improves daily life. Once you have it, you will probably wonder why you waited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the RVLock V4.0 compatible with all RVs?
No. The RVLock V4.0 is designed for most travel trailers and fifth wheels, but not every RV door is the same. Before ordering, double check your door thickness and whether you need the left- or right-handed version.
Is the RVLock V4.0 more secure than a standard RV lock?
I would not say this lock turns your RV into Fort Knox, but I do think it is more secure than a standard factory lock. Many RVs use the same key patterns, which means another key could potentially work on your lock. Using a keypad and custom code removes that concern.
Can You Change the Code on the RVLock V4.0?
Yes. You can easily change the code whenever you want. That makes it nice if you give the code to a friend, neighbor, dog sitter, or family member and want to update it later.
How Many Key Fobs Can You Program?
The RVLock V4.0 comes with 2 key fobs, but you can program up to 10 total. That is helpful if multiple people regularly need access to the RV.
New to RV Life? Here’s What to Read Next
If you’re just starting your RV journey, we’ve got more resources to help you hit the road with confidence:
- 👉 RV Essentials for Beginners – Gear you actually need (and what you can skip)
- 👉 How to Plan Your First RV Trip – A step-by-step trip planning guide
- 👉 Helpful RV Apps – Navigation, campgrounds, weather, and more
- 👉 Unwritten Rules of RV Etiquette – Don’t be that neighbor
- 👉 RV Travel Is the Best Way to Explore the US – In case you need a reminder of how awesome this life is
Whether you’re setting up for the first time or the fiftieth, we’re glad you’re here—and we’re always just a blog post away.