While reading through some recent comments, we noticed a trend: forgotten trailer keys at home. Yikes.
It’s an easy mistake to make. You’re focused on packing clothes, stocking the fridge, hooking up the trailer, checking tire pressures, and making sure the dog made it into the truck. Then you arrive at your campsite, reach for the keys… and realize they’re sitting on the kitchen counter several hundred miles away.
Some RVers catch the mistake before they’ve gone too far, like reader Roy D., who said, “One time we forgot the keys to the camper, but fortunately we hadn’t gone that far away. From that time on we kept a set of camper keys in the tow vehicle all the time.”
Others aren’t quite so lucky. Phil R. wrote, “We drove 250 miles to our destination and found I’d left the RV keys at home. Had to call a locksmith on a Saturday!! Not cheap.”
And sometimes, as Tim learned, forgotten keys can create more problems than simply getting into the RV. “We packed up and hitched up the day before departure. Upon arrival at our destination, we discovered that we forgot the RV keys. A friend helped us break into the trailer without damage so the weekend was saved. We couldn’t even unhitch because a padlock was on the coupler.”
If you’ve ever left your trailer keys behind, you know that sinking, gut-wrenching feeling. The good news is that a forgotten key doesn’t have to ruin your trip. Depending on your situation, there are several ways to get back into your RV and salvage your camping plans.
Option 1: Have someone overnight the keys
If a family member, neighbor, or friend can get into your house, they can send the keys via overnight delivery to your campground or a nearby shipping store. It’s not ideal, but it’s often the simplest solution.
Option 2: Use a spare key
Many RVers keep a spare:
- In the tow vehicle
- In a magnetic lock box
- With a trusted family member
- Hidden somewhere on the RV (though that’s less secure)
If you have one, now’s the time to remember where you put it. And, if you don’t have one, maybe the comments above will inspire you to make one and keep it in your tow vehicle.
Option 3: Call a locksmith
A locksmith may be able to open the RV and, in some cases, make a new key from the lock. RV entry locks are often simpler than automotive locks. If you’re at a campground, ask the office if they know a local locksmith familiar with RVs.
Option 4: Check for common RV keys
A surprising number of RV baggage compartment locks use common “CH751” keys. If your problem is getting into a storage compartment rather than the main entry door, another RVer nearby may have a key that works.
Option 5: Contact the lock manufacturer
If you know the brand of your lock and can access the lock code, the manufacturer may be able to provide replacement keys. This won’t help immediately, but it’s worth pursuing if you’re on a longer trip.
Option 6: Enter through another unlocked access point
Sometimes a window, rear door, garage door, or pass-through compartment was accidentally left unlocked. It’s worth checking before you panic.
Option 7: Replace the lock
If you’re near an RV dealer or hardware store, replacing the entry lock may be faster and cheaper than multiple locksmith visits, especially if you’re far from home.
What not to do
Don’t force the door open. RV doors and frames are surprisingly easy to damage and surprisingly expensive to repair.
Additionally, do not break a window unless it’s a genuine emergency involving a person or pet.
What to do… now!
- Hide a spare key somewhere secure or carry one in your tow vehicle.
- Give a spare to a travel companion, a family member or friend who could ship it overnight in case of an emergency.
- Upgrade to a keyless RV lock.
Being locked out of an RV is usually inconvenient rather than catastrophic. A locksmith, spare key, or overnight shipment can almost always get you back inside without damaging the trailer.
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