RV Lockout Prevention: A Simple Spare Key System That Works

RV lockout prevention is one of those things most RVers don’t think about until they’re standing outside their rig, locked out, wondering how it happened so fast.

Getting locked out of your RV is one of those mistakes you don’t think will happen… until it does. And when it does, it usually happens at the worst possible time.

Barefoot.
Phone inside.
Keys on the counter.

RV lockouts are far more common than people like to admit, especially if you travel full-time or spend a lot of time going in and out of your rig. After a few close calls, we decided it was time to stop relying on memory and put a real system in place.

This is exactly how we handle RV lockout prevention, and how you can adapt the same idea no matter what type of RV you have.

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Why RV Lockouts Happen So Easily

RV doors are deceptively easy to lock unintentionally. All it takes is:

Stepping outside “for just a second”
Letting the door close behind you
Realizing your keys are still inside

Add pets, frequent stops, campground routines, or boondocking into the mix, and the chances go way up. Muscle memory kicks in, the door shuts, and suddenly you’re locked out of your own home.

Calling a locksmith isn’t always an option, either—especially in remote areas or after hours.

The Best RV Lockout Prevention Method We’ve Found

The most reliable solution we’ve found is keeping a spare RV key in a lockbox mounted outside the RV, but hidden well enough that it’s not obvious or accessible to passersby.

The goal is simple:

The RV can be fully locked
A spare key is always accessible
No one casually walking by would ever notice it

In our case, we mounted a small key lockbox inside an exterior compartment that’s only accessible from the outside. It’s protected from the weather, easy for us to reach, and completely out of sight unless you already know it’s there.

Inside the lockbox:

One spare RV entry key

That single setup has eliminated the stress of accidental lockouts entirely.

Where to Put a Lockbox on Your RV

The exact location doesn’t matter nearly as much as how discreet and secure it is. Different RV types offer different options.

Pass-Through Storage Compartments

For many fifth wheels and travel trailers, this is the best option.

Why it works:

Exterior access only
Hidden unless the compartment door is opened
Plenty of mounting space
Protected from rain and road spray

Mount the lockbox high or toward the back so it isn’t immediately noticeable.

Utility or Wet Bay Compartments

Utility compartments can also work well if:

The area stays dry
The lockbox doesn’t interfere with hoses or valves
It’s mounted securely

These compartments are rarely opened by anyone except the owner, making them a solid choice.

Propane Compartments

Some RVers, especially motorhome owners, choose the propane compartment area.

This works well as long as:

The lockbox doesn’t interfere with propane components
It’s securely mounted
It remains accessible with the RV locked

Battery Compartments (Use Caution)

Battery compartments can work in some setups, but they’re not ideal for every rig.

If you use one:

Avoid excessive heat
Keep clear of wiring
Make sure access doesn’t require tools

Frame-Mounted Locations (Only If Well Hidden)

Frame-mounted lockboxes can work, but this is where people get careless.

If it’s easy to spot, it’s a bad location.

Avoid obvious places and anything that looks like a classic “hidden key” attempt.

Why a Lockbox Is Better Than Hiding a Key

Simply hiding a key under the step, behind a tire, or taped to the frame is risky.

A proper lockbox:

Requires a combination to open
Keeps the key secured
Is harder to find accidentally
Allows controlled access if you ever need help

If you need to give someone temporary access—such as a campground neighbor or a mobile technician—you can share the code and change it later.

What to Look for in an RV Key Lockbox

You don’t need anything fancy. In fact, simpler is better.

Look for:

Mechanical combination (no batteries)
Solid metal construction
Weather resistance
Compact size
Easy mounting options

This is a reliability upgrade, not a tech project.

Our Recommended RV Key Lockbox

A simple, reliable lockbox solution for RV lockout prevention that works for motorhomes, fifth wheels, and travel trailers.

Check Price on Amazon

Installation Tips

No matter where you mount it:

Secure it so it won’t vibrate loose while driving
Keep it clear of RV systems
Make sure you can access it comfortably
Test it with the RV fully locked

Five minutes of planning here prevents a very bad day later.

Final Thoughts on RV Lockout Prevention

This lockbox setup isn’t flashy, but it’s one of the smartest upgrades we’ve made.

It costs very little.
It takes almost no time to install.
And it removes one more unnecessary stress point from RV life.

Whether you’re in a motorhome, fifth wheel, or travel trailer, the principle is the same: don’t rely on memory—build systems that protect you from yourself.

Because getting locked out of your RV is not an adventure anyone wants to repeat.

Don’t wait until you’re standing outside your RV wishing you’d planned ahead. A simple lockbox is an easy, inexpensive way to handle RV lockout prevention once and for all.