How to Rekey RV Locks Easily? – The Correct Way

Do you feel hopeless when looking for your RV keys and could not find them in your pocket? Don’t worry. RV owners like us have been there.

This nerve-wracking situation can make us worry, especially when we have a busy schedule ahead or when we’re on the side of the road.

But did you know that learning how to rekey RV locks doesn’t have to be complicated and stressful? All you have to know is the brand of your lock and replace the pins. This tutorial will help you navigate when you’re rekeying your RV doors.

Gather the Following for this Tutorial:

These are the essential tools you need when you want to rekey your RV locks.

Start Rekeying Your RV Lock

Follow through these simple steps, and you can re-key rv storage locks in no time.

Step 1: Determine the Brand of Your RV Lock

Before you begin looking for an RV lock cylinder replacement or tinkering with your RV locks, you must first verify the brand. The brand, make, and model of the lock in your RV should be listed in your owner’s manual.

If you don’t have your owner’s manual, you can look for it online, particularly in RV community forums. You can inquire with forum users who own the same RV model as yours. They may even advise you on the best rekey kit to purchase.

Each manufacturer has its own method of rekeying and its own set of tools, so it’s best to figure out what they are first. Once you’ve determined the brand of your locks, you may order the appropriate rekey kit.

There are also RV locks keyed alike to make the whole process more convenient. Some custom RV locks and upgraded RV locks do the opposite as they give users a keying challenge.

Step 2: Remove the Lock

When you have the appropriate rekeying kit for your locks, it is time to remove the lock from its fixed position. Unscrew the RV lock’s locking mechanism with a screwdriver.

Depending on the model of your lock, you may need to remove four to six screws from the mounting plate. By removing the screws, you can move the lock from its set position.

It is essential to understand that RV locks come in a variety of mounting styles. For example, if you want to rekey RV storage locks, you only need to remove one screw.

Step 3: Remove the Lock Cylinder

You may notice a complex locking mechanism, depending on the RV lock you want to rekey. I strongly advise you to become familiar with your lock’s locking mechanism to pinpoint the lock cylinder’s specific placement.

After successfully removing the lock housing from its fixed position, you can now remove the lock cylinder. You may do this with the retainer ring tool that came with your rekey kit. When you push the lock cylinder out of its set hole, it will quickly come off.

Step 4: Remove the Old Pins

I recommend that you thoroughly read the rekeying instructions before removing the old pins. Even with RV locks that are keyed alike, some manufacturers require a few more steps in the rekeying process.

The next step is to remove the old pins to accommodate your new key. To do so, insert the key at a 90-degree angle into the lock cylinder and turn it clockwise.

After that, remove the old key from the lock cylinder and use the plug follower tool to remove the old pins. If you apply too much pressure on the barrel, the pins will get completely lost, or the spring will pop out, so avoid doing so.

Step 5: Insert the New Pins

Get the rekey kit and double-check the new lock pins. Some manufacturers color-code their pins to make installation easier. If your kit does not include color-coded pins, I recommend learning which pins go to which slots in the lock cylinder.

As the old pins have been removed, you may insert the new pins for the new key. Using tweezers, transfer the pins from the kit to the cylinder one at a time.

I don’t recommend inserting the pins with your bare fingers since oils and grime can contaminate the surface of the pin. These particles and substances may cause your RV lock to malfunction.

Step 6: Test the New Pins of your RV Lock

When all of the new pins have been inserted, it is critical to test whether or not the new key functions smoothly.

You can now insert the new key into the rekeyed lock to see if it works smoothly. You should rotate the new key counterclockwise or to the right a few times.

Check to see if the key smoothly unlocks and locks the cylinder. If it doesn’t, you may have inserted a pin into the incorrect slot. You may have to repeat step 5 to correct it.

If nothing works, it is conceivable that you have a faulty RV lock. If this is the case, you will need to purchase new RV locks.

Step 7: Return the RV Lock to its Fixed Position

If the new key works properly, it is now time to return the lock to its fixed position. To return the RV Lock to its original position, use the original screws that came with it. Ensure that the screws are tight and that they secure RV locks.

Give the lock a few more checks with your new key to ensure the mounting’s security and stability, as well as the lock’s proper operation.

Now that you have a concrete idea on the steps to rekey RV locks, you can quickly rekey your RV locks in no time. In case you have questions regarding the whole process, you can also check out this video tutorial.

Pro Tips:

Conclusion

Did you enjoy following the simple steps above?

As long as you know how to rekey RV locks, everything becomes easy, and nothing can stop you even if you get stuck on your next trip. Keep in mind that rekeying RV locks isn’t rocket science, and everyone can do it entirely on their own.

We’d also love to hear from you! So, let us know how your rekeying went. If you have any suggestions for other RV owners, share them in the comments section. Sharing this article can also help us a lot, so we’d greatly appreciate it if you do so.

Philip Lopez

Okay, so I’m Philip Lopez. I join Riverside Trailer as an editor, where I will be doing research for both content and reviews. I contribute to studies aimed at understanding the most typical problems encountered by RVers on the road. I also keep up with the newest RVing gadget innovations so that I can promptly evaluate and recommend the best options.