How to Get Replacement Camper Keys for Your RV + FAQs

At some point, everyone gets locked out of their own RV.

If that’s the situation you’re in, don’t worry. You have lots of options for getting back into your RV (whether you lost your keys or somehow locked them inside) and getting replacement keys isn’t as difficult as you might think. 

Let’s not waste any time. First, let’s talk about what your options are if you’re locked out of your RV now.

After that, we’ll talk about the easiest ways to get replacement keys for your RV. 

What to Do If You’re Locked Out of Your RV or Camper

If you’re locked out of your RV, there are several things you can do.

But before we dive into any tips, step one is to stay calm. 

If you’re reading this and you can’t get inside your RV, depending on where you’re at you might be freaking out (just a little).

But you have several options for entry as well as for getting a new key even if you don’t have your master copy. So, don’t worry!

Let’s go through your options in order:

1. Check your windows and other entryways

First, before you do anything else, consider if you left a window open anywhere around your RV or another entryway unlocked. 

You may have a screen door, entry hatch, or exterior storage compartment you can use to get into your RV. 

In some cases, a window can be opened with a simple screwdriver from the outside.

The easiest way to get back into your RV is to find an open access point, but if that’s not possible– don’t worry. You have several more options.

2. Contact roadside assistance

The next step is to call someone who can get you into your RV again.

The most logical step is to call a locksmith, which we’ll talk about in a moment. However, before you do that, figure out if your roadside assistance plan covers locksmithing.

Call them and explain your situation. Some roadside assistance plans will be able to provide assistance free of charge, allowing you to avoid the extra cost of a locksmith.

3. Call a locksmith

If roadside assistance isn’t an option, you’ll want to look for locksmiths in the area.

Specifically, you want to ask around and find one that has the ability to create a key using the lock alone. 

Believe it or not, some locksmiths can do that and have you back into your RV that same day. However, it’s a service that many locksmiths don’t offer, so you’ll need to ask first.

Many locksmiths offer mobile services, so they may offer to come to you. If that’s not the case, the only other option is to remove the lock itself from the vehicle and bring it to them if you have a separate vehicle.

4. Speak with campground staff

If by chance you can’t find a locksmith in your area, you have a few more options.

The first you should try is talking to staff if you’re staying at a campground.

Many RVs use universal or master keys, that being a single key design that’s usable on multiple copies of the same RV model (sometimes even multiple models). 

And many campgrounds keep spare copies of these universal keys, meaning they might have the key you need to get into your RV.

5. Call your manufacturer

Alright, time for one last Hail Mary, but one which might work if all the previous steps haven’t: contacting your manufacturer.

This could actually be a great option to try earlier if you’re looking to save money, as some rigs have access points or ways to access the interior of the RV that are typically known only to the manufacturer.

It’s just a shot, and not the most reliable method, but one that might work if nothing else has. 

How to Get Replacement RV or Camper Keys

There are a few ways to go about getting replacement keys. Which you’ll want to use depends mostly on how fast you need them.

There are two primary wants to get replacement keys for your RV:

Fast: Get a copy made from a local locksmith or hardware store

If you’ve lost the only copy of your RV key and you no longer have access to your RV, there are a few places you can look to get a new key.

First, look online nearby for locksmiths who can create a key using the lock. Not all locksmiths have the ability to do this, but many experienced locksmiths can create a key using the lock anything else (no key necessary).

You might even be able to locate a mobile locksmith who can come to you, or at least meet you halfway.

Alternatively, your local hardware store or RV dealership might also be able to make a copy if you can’t find a local locksmith that can. 

Slow (but more convenient): Order a copy online

Alternatively, if you’re simply ordering copies of your existing key and you’re not in any emergency, there are plenty of websites online that allow you to order a copy of your key. 

One example is RV Locks and More:

Many trailers use the same type of key, making it easy to obtain copies for just a few dollars. 

To repeat, however, this isn’t the ideal method to use if you’re currently locked out of your RV as you’ll need to wait for your order to process and ship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are camper keys universal?

Camper keys are typically not universal. Especially the main entry and ignition are typically two different keys, so if you have your ignition key it typically won’t work on your RV door.

Can camper keys be duplicated?

Yes, modern locksmiths can typically make copies of any key within minutes. In fact, there’s a chance you can find a mobile locksmith in your area depending on where you’re at.