RVLOCK installed on 2017 21' Escape

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by sclifrickson

How many digits can one choose for your key code? Just four, or more?

v4 instructions say 4 to 6 digits recommended. So more than 4 are allowed, but I'm not sure of the maximum number allowed.

[Jim Bennett]

Oh man, I went for 4.keep it as simple as possible.

Another good thing about these locks, friends and family can get in without a key.

[sclifrickson]

Six isn’t bad. Four is. Because there are only four actual buttons there are only 256 possible access codes with 4 digit. With 6 digits there are 4096 combinations, which is significantly better. I would still much prefer a true ten digit keypad or at least five keys to allow for a 9/0 key. Taking those two numerals out sharply reduces user ability to create mnemonic codes, eg a birth month/birth year, at least for anyone born before the 21st century.

[sclifrickson]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Oh man, I went for 4.keep it as simple as possible.

Another good thing about these locks, friends and family can get in without a key.

I bet I could open your door in under ten minutes, Jim, just by trying each of the only 256 possible 4-digit codes. Maybe 5 minutes [emoji6]

[Jim Bennett]

Five bucks says I can bust in way faster than anyone trying to figure out a 4 number code.

[sclifrickson]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Five bucks says I can bust in way faster than anyone trying to figure out a 4 number code.

Of course you can. But using your lock leaves no trace.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by sclifrickson

Of course you can. But using your lock leaves no trace.

If you are someone who leaves no trace I will just give you the code. If your intent ifs to rob and destroy, then you will leave a trace. Most criminal types don't really care about damage.

Besides, I carry good insurance.

[sclifrickson]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

If you are someone who leaves no trace I will just give you the code. If your intent ifs to rob and destroy, then you will leave a trace. Most criminal types don't really care about damage.

Besides, I carry good insurance.

Fair points. I like the idea of these locks, but wish their security were a bit more robust. I initially did not care for a similar setup on our F150, but in use have become a fan. My former life instilled a fairly reflexive habit set of analyzing security systems, both from offensive and defensive standpoints.

[NW Cat Owner]

At the now-concluded Oregon Coast Gathering, I show my RV Lock to quite a few folks that came by to view the trailer. Everybody liked what they saw.


Two tips: Make sure you have an extra battery for the remote (forget what size, but it's a super small one) and that you have a super small screwdriver (such as one for eyeglasses) for when the original battery dies and you need to replace it. Once you get used to using the remote to lock and unlock it, you won't want to go too long without it.

[Jim Bennett]

I found we abandoned our remotes as they seemed to defeat the purpose of the lock, to not have to carry anything to open the door. In fact we now leave all the keys inside the trailer, with the exception of the keys to the lock itself should it lose power. We have those in our truck.

Nice to have options though.

[rotateclockwise]

One note of caution about the RV Lock. When we first installed it, everything worked well. Over the next few months we noticed the door would lock, but not unlock via the keypad or remote, only the key. We could hear the motor working, but the lock would not retract. This was concerning and we began to carry a key to be safe. Ultimately, it was realized there is a short bar connecting the motor and the lock and this bar was rubbing against the top metal plate. This friction was preventing the bar/lock from retracting. By taking the lock out and slightly unscrewing the four bolts holding the metal plate on, it decreased the friction and allowed the bar to move again.

The metal backing plate located inside the opening is what was too tight.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by rotateclockwise

One note of caution about the RV Lock. When we first installed it, everything worked well. Over the next few months we noticed the door would lock, but not unlock via the keypad or remote, only the key. We could hear the motor working, but the lock would not retract. This was concerning and we began to carry a key to be safe. Ultimately, it was realized there is a short bar connecting the motor and the lock and this bar was rubbing against the top metal plate. This friction was preventing the bar/lock from retracting. By taking the lock out and slightly unscrewing the four bolts holding the metal plate on, it decreased the friction and allowed the bar to move again.

The metal backing plate located inside the opening is what was too tight.

I have seen this same thing with door knobs and deadbolts in homes. Overtightening will often cause binding.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by sclifrickson

Six isn’t bad. Four is. Because there are only four actual buttons there are only 256 possible access codes with 4 digit. With 6 digits there are 4096 combinations, which is significantly better. I would still much prefer a true ten digit keypad or at least five keys to allow for a 9/0 key. Taking those two numerals out sharply reduces user ability to create mnemonic codes, eg a birth month/birth year, at least for anyone born before the 21st century.

Other literature I found indicates a maximum of 8 digits.

[Jim Bennett]

The thing is, someone coming to my trailer to do evil has no idea whether I programmed in 4, 6 or even 8 numbers. Sure they could guess at 4 and go through all the combinations, but I really doubt they would.

[gbaglo]

I doubt they would have Googled to see how many numbers may be needed.

[Red Dog]

I’m not important enough to have anything of value. If they can crack the code, they can take what they want.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Red Dog

I’m not important enough to have anything of value. If they can crack the code, they can take what they want.

It's our little secret, Fred. I won't tell Dora what you just said.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by sclifrickson

Six isn’t bad. Four is. Because there are only four actual buttons there are only 256 possible access codes with 4 digit.

I am happy to report after lots of testing that though it looks like only four buttons, there is in fact 8 individual ones, which leads to WAY more combinations.

I know my truck has 10 numbers, but definitely only 5 buttons.

[cpaharley2008]

10 numbers, I bet everyone uses their telephone number, otherwise it would be impossible to remember.....

[sclifrickson]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

I am happy to report after lots of testing that though it looks like only four buttons, there is in fact 8 individual ones, which leads to WAY more combinations.



I know my truck has 10 numbers, but definitely only 5 buttons.

Well that’s cool [emoji106] But I still wish there were a 9 and 0. That omission is probably the biggest thing keeping me from getting one. Also, I’d prefer to be able to disable the remote control. It’s just another key to lose plus subject to other vulnerabilities. I’d like just straight number pad and hard key without the wireless capability. Anyone know if the wireless can be disabled?