You lock up your RV, trailer hitch or fifth-wheel and think it’s safe to leave to go check out a few sites but only to come back to either your entire rig missing or very valuable items missing from storage compartments. Both are frightening because what you thought was secure has been breached and leads to a very big headache to recover your items via insurance.

Take the steps necessary to ensure this does not  happen again in one simple solution, change your locks!

Many people aren’t aware of the fact that the storage compartments on at least 75% of all travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers, and motor-homes are accessed by the same key. If the key for your outside storage compartments has CH751 printed on it, then your storage areas can be accessed by almost every RVer on the road.

Sometimes when dealers get used RVs in on trade or purchased from auctions, they don’t get keys with them. Almost all keys can be ordered at RV dealerships, most dealerships will at the very least sell you the key blank.  You will then have to take the blank(s) to a hardware store to have cut.

So, you might want to think twice before you leave valuable items in your RV storage compartments. It sure would be a shame if your fancy tailgating barbecue turned up missing one day. Those matching outdoor recliners you have were probably pretty expensive too. Those types of things are easy pickings when left in your RV storage compartment. If you leave your RV trailer in public storage when you’re not using it, you might want to remove some of the more valuable accessories that you keep on-board.

The point I’m trying to make is that a fresh-from-the-factory RV with all factory locks in place can be entered in less than a minute by anyone who is aware of the shortcuts that the factories take to save money. Standardization is good for the factory, but doesn’t leave you with much security. When you turn in for the night or leave your RV unattended, always lock the deadbolt!

A common saying is that locks simply keep honest people honest. If a thief really wants something, they will get it. There’s only so much you can do to prevent theft. Hopefully, if you throw a couple stumbling blocks in their way, they’ll go after the next guy who didn’t bother. [Source: RV Road Trip]

There are also special travel trailer hitch locks and fifth-wheel hitch locks are made specifically to prevent theft of your rig. Cable locks are also very handy to have around and are very universal. For new locks and parts check out the Lerch RV Parts Department. They’ll also be able to help you with any questions you have about locks and lock accessories. You can reach our parts people at 800-722-1236 and press menu selection #4.

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