Security issues

[SandyH-HILO]

PopBeavers said - Do be aware that all TMs are keyed the same. Is that still true? The dealer I got my TM from had bought it at an auction, and there are no keys.

 

[MisterP]

PopBeavers said - Do be aware that all TMs are keyed the same. Is that still true? The dealer I got my TM from had bought it at an auction, and there are no keys.

Go to your local hardware and buy a standard lockset for the main door. TMs use standard door hardware.

The storage compartments use a common RV key. This is easily fixed by getting a set of cylinder key locks from Camping World. $20 will take care of someone getting into the storage areas.

 

[Terryl]

I'm a retired locksmith. I rekeyed the TM and my hunting camp trailer to my house key. I now only have to keep up with the one key.

 

[tentcamper]

The real question is how many people have had things stolen when camping. I have been camping with campers since the late 80's and have only once had an issue. Beer was stolen from a cooler that was outside.

Overall I think TM has better door locks than my previous 4 campers.

But what does it matter, if you are out camping in remote areas, or off season and there almost no one in the CG. A rock through a window is all it takes when no one is around.

Leave no valuables in your camper. I use to leave the camper unlocked thinking I would rather have someone take what they want, rather than damage the camper to get. But the DW likes the doors locked when we are not there.

 

[Terryl]

on the 2027sl all the thief has to do is push the rear bed up and he is in!

 

[kempert]

I hosted for the USFS & NPS for six years with very few theft problems.

Here's the total list of everything reported stolen during that time:

1 small cooler with half melted ice in it (it sloshed so they thought beer was in it at 2 AM & it was a long way to town plus all the places were already closed)

2 warm beers (3 teenagers had been dropped off by an adult for the weekend & I think the kids got thirsty)

1 cell phone left charging in a public restroom by a German tourist (it was plugged in right below a sign saying NOT to do it)

I was always amazed at Bryce by the tens of thousands of dollars of equipment left lying around every day.

Not once in the 14 years that I've used my TM have I heard of anyone even trying to enter someone else's RV or tent.

 

[Bailey'sMom]

The real question is how many people have had things stolen when camping.

Don't think I have ever had any problems in the 30+ years I have been camping on my own as an adult! and I never lock my camper or my car when it is on my campsite. I will lock my car when I drive elsewhere.

That being said....I thought someone stole my floating chair from the beach this past summer (I leave it tied up at the edge of the beach by the trees so I don't have to haul it everyday) but after we walked around the lake and found it on the other side of the lake, and talked to the campers there, realized that it had floated away the day before.

The prior day I had pulled it out to use, had it just resting on the shoreline and we decided to walk around the lake first. When we came back we were in a big hurry because it was now raining and very windy. Didn't notice that my floating chair had been blown into the water and was halfway across the lake. Forgot that I had untied it to use it, so I was thinking just grab our stuff and go before it got any more wet.

Next day we went to the beach and I think my floaty was stolen. I was pissed that someone would do that. I didn't care about the cost, just wasn't sure if I could find a replacement. Also shocked that anyone would do such a thing. Just unheard of up there. So I sure was relieved when we found it across the lake and then realized what had actually happened, that I had actually left it at the waters edge and that the wind pulled it Into the lake. Restored my sense of security and the goodness of campers that I had always felt.

Of course I have been going to the same state forest campground for over forty years. If was somewhere else I would probably lock up.

I don't even lock my camper when it is set up in my driveway at home for two weeks before I leave each trip. Never had any problems.

 

[scrubjaysnest-TMO]

Burro Creek had signs up warning of generator thefts, 3 in 2005-2006; not locked and 1 in 2008 locked and chained under the RV.

We had a tent stolen at a county park in Orlando Fl in 1981. But the sleeping gear, stove and cooler weren't touched. Most likely kids.

 

[ArkyDoodle]

@Terryl --- "I'm a retired locksmith. I rekeyed the TM and my hunting camp trailer to my house key. I now only have to keep up with the one key"

I NEED to do this to my unit.....This winter!!!

I can't believe that TM delivers this high dollar product assuming the owner can keep up with THREE different keys. Is this something that a relatively handy person can do "at home" without special locksmith's knowledge or tools?? What parts are necessary and where can they be found??

I can't begin to tell you how much this has frustrated me.........


THANX!!!

 

[Padgett]

Well if folded down there is no access, no way, no how. OTOH if you can pop the front module, that is all the access you need. They are not very securable so might as well key for convenience. (and make sure you engage slide and bed locks when open.

 

[rvcycleguy]

@Terryl --- "I'm a retired locksmith. I rekeyed the TM and my hunting camp trailer to my house key. I now only have to keep up with the one key"

I NEED to do this to my unit.....This winter!!!

I can't believe that TM delivers this high dollar product assuming the owner can keep up with THREE different keys. Is this something that a relatively handy person can do "at home" without special locksmith's knowledge or tools?? What parts are necessary and where can they be found??

I can't begin to tell you how much this has frustrated me.........


THANX!!!

Just for my own info, what 3 keys are you referring to? Entry Door and rear trunk? is there another one? The Ext shower door is the same as the rear trunk, is it not? It is on mine...

rv

 

[tentcamper]

Go to your local hardware and buy a standard lockset for the main door. TMs use standard door hardware.

The storage compartments use a common RV key. This is easily fixed by getting a set of cylinder key locks from Camping World. $20 will take care of someone getting into the storage areas.

See if your house key will slide in the lock. If it does you can take off the two locks and take it to a lock smith and have him re-key the locks at his shop. I would expect it would cost you around $8 -10 per lock to re-key.

I thought about doing it, but we have a hand full of keys we take camping. So thought I would just have a set for camping. DW and myself would have a set. I also made a hide a key in case we lock our self's out.

 

[Bill]

Art has the right idea. Assuming your house key fits into the deadbolt lock, remove the deadbolt from the door and take it to a hardware store. Most can do rekeying, and it is not expensive.

Incidentally, way back in 2008 (post #6 above), when Pop Beavers said "all TMs are keyed alike", he was not correct. The compartment keys may be alike, but the entry door keys are not. Been there, tried that, each TM has a different entry door key.

If your house key does not fit into the lock on your TM, then you have no choice but to carry a separate key for the TM entry door. Incidentally, on my TM, one key operates both the knob lock and the deadbolt, so no need for two keys there. I actually leave this entry-door key in the tow vehicle, so I don't clutter my keychain, and I don't accidentally leave the key at home.

Incidentally, in my opinion, the deadbolt provides all the security you are going to get. The knob lock won't make you any more secure, so I don't even use it. But if you are a fan of the knob lock, it can also be rekeyed to match the deadbolt.

As for the compartment locks, it is my understanding that there are a few (but very few) different keys for these locks. The entire industry uses these few keys, not just TM. All of the compartment locks on your TM should work with the same key, but since it is a different style key from the entry door key, you cannot make them the same. If you want more security for the compartments, you might be able to have those locks re-keyed, but since there are a number of them, it can get a little pricey. Again, my opinion is that it is not worth doing. But then, I don't carry anything real valuable in the compartments, and I've never had anything stolen. And again, I leave the compartment key in the tow vehicle with the door key.

Just my thoughts, which seem pretty much in line with earlier posts.

Bill

 

[Terryl]

Replacement cam style locks that will fit all the compartments on a TM are readily available from any locksmith. They will range from about 6 dollars a lock to 20 depending on the amount of security you want. They can be keyed to use the same key.
Bear in mind that the edges around these compartments aren't very sturdy and any cam lock can be bypassed with a large screwdriver. If a thief wants in he will get in no matter what you do about the locks. Locks are mostly for the benefit of piece of mind of the owner.

 

[tentcamper]

The knob lock is the reason I have the hide a key. To easy to turn the lock and get locked out with all my keys in the camper and the TV locked. Wish the TM only had the dead bolt, which you have to use a key to lock it from the outside.

 

[Bill]

I understand your dilemma. Of course you can replace the locking entry knob with a (probably identical) non-locking knob. But a hide-a-key is cheaper and probably easier.

My tow vehicles have always had the electronic lock/unlock buttons on the driver's side door, so we can't get locked out of the vehicle. Not all vehicles have that, of course, but it is handy. And of course, although I didn't mention it above, I put two TM entry keys in the console of the tow vehicle. This means I can pull out one key, go into the TM and close the TM door without replacing the key, still with no fear of being locked out. Handy if it is raining, for example.

To each his own. This has worked for us, but it is not for everyone.

Bill

 

[moaboy]

My knob and dead bolt key are the same. I hide an extra key-not saying where-in an always accessible place on the TM- let your imagination run wild!
I figure if someone wants to get in, they will. However, usually if there is mischief, it is some "thirsty" kids unless you are at the wrong place at the wrong time and some desperate drug addict is looking for something to pawn...that's a problem, but could happen anywhere and more likely in an urban area not out in a more isolated CG.
I'm curious about the discussion of gaining entry via one of the beds. Never tried it, but think I will next time my TM is set up. Will report back of my success or not.
PS In PA we lived in a very safe neighborhood. Nevertheless, one summer some teenagers stole beer from the frig in our garage and a neighbors. Reckon thirst and youth are a bad combination no matter the location.