New Deadlock

Jzack605

Advanced Member
Joined
Sep 4, 2023
Posts
81
Can someone recommend a reliable deadlock I can replace the defiant brand with? Would like a keypad option so I could lock keys in camper when I surf. Is there a good mechanical one so I don’t have to rely on batteries?
 
I don't think you will find a purely mechanical combination lock deadbolt that will work well on a FWC door. A different option would be to use something like a Hitch Vault (Hitch Vault | Key Storage Systems) to stash your keys in. I have one and it works great.

For added stealth I bought a cheap rubber hitch plug cap (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073TV3JV6), cut the plug insert portion off and glued it to the vault. Drive down a dusty road for a bit and it no one would ever see it for what it really is.
 
Does your door have the typical RV handle? (I know there is a separate dead bolt also). If so you can get a key pad one of those, I have an RVlock compact on my trailer that has worked well and the key pad engages the deadbolt portion of that lock. Its not as secure as the larger separate dead bolt but neither are the door/camper windows if their is a motivated thief.

 
Years ago I replaced my factory deadlock with a high quality Schlage commercial duty unit. Still going strong and as a bonus was able to have it keyed to match the door to my house.

For surfing, get yourself a Relator type lock box that you can temporarily attach to your bumper when needed. Advantage is you don’t have to worry about mud, sand, salt air, etc destroying it as would happen with something permanently attached to the outside.
 
Does your door have the typical RV handle? (I know there is a separate dead bolt also). If so you can get a key pad one of those, I have an RVlock compact on my trailer that has worked well and the key pad engages the deadbolt portion of that lock. Its not as secure as the larger separate dead bolt but neither are the door/camper windows if their is a motivated thief.

Do you feel the battery life is good? Any issues with the cold causing it to not work?

RE: the realtor locks and hide away for keys. I currently use the magnetized one (lock truck keys in camper and a set of camper keys go in the lock box) and have used the locking ones. They are good and I’ve had no issues but there have been areas across the country where thieves are getting savvy to this and targeting surfers.

And the idea of getting my camper keyed the same as my house is outstanding. I have to get my new house rekeyed so this is perfect timing.
 
Do you feel the battery life is good? Any issues with the cold causing it to not work?
On my trailer, which isn't used every day, batteries last over a year. I've not had any issues with it down into single digit temps.
 
Do you feel the battery life is good? Any issues with the cold causing it to not work?

RE: the realtor locks and hide away for keys. I currently use the magnetized one (lock truck keys in camper and a set of camper keys go in the lock box) and have used the locking ones. They are good and I’ve had no issues but there have been areas across the country where thieves are getting savvy to this and targeting surfers.

And the idea of getting my camper keyed the same as my house is outstanding. I have to get my new house rekeyed so this is perfect timing.
Ya, surfer theft is a problem around here too. Back when my wife or I would go out we’d just do it the old fashioned way and hang our key around our neck under our wetsuits. Can’t do that anymore with the new electronic fobs, but no problem with the camper key.

The problem with the magnetic hide a keys is of course people seeing where you put it. With a good Realtor lock you just hang it out in the open on something solid (can use in conjunction with a bike cable). Also handy at trail heads.
 

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