RVLock company stands behind its product

[Galileo]

44 minutes ago, jd1923 said:

So, when the new one fails, are you going to go through this again?

Yes, but it’s a no-pressure kind of situation. I already have my “spare” RVLock installed, which I’ll just cycle out when the new one arrives. It’s either that, or toss out an item that still has life to it. Besides, I have so many spare parts I can keep these things going for years!

As for our least favorite things - if EVERYTHING went smoothly ALL the time - we’d get bored.

If only my leaky windows and LOUD A/C were so easily fixed - and at no cost to me - I’d be a happy camper. 

Actually, I’ve come to realize that -everything- that you own - car, home, board, trailer - requires maintenance, repairs, cleaning, etc, etc, etc. To avoid all of that - you’d have to live in a cave. (Aw nuts - I have to haul firewood and keep these things sabretooth tigers away?!)

[jd1923]

26 minutes ago, Galileo said:

Yes, but it’s a no-pressure kind of situation.

And you are a forgiving person. For me the first call is pressure, and I certainly wouldn't bother with the second, let alone a 3rd or 4th call!

Earlier this year, I purchased a Fairview LP regulator. It failed in two weeks camping. I asked around and found out Fairview is not considered the better make. I could have done a warranty claim for the $50 I spent, but not worth my effort. Why, because I would get the lesser product replaced after all the time and hassle.

So I purchased a Marshall Excelsior regulator, spent new money for the more reliable product. Happy I spent $60 on a new manual lock. I could have spent triple for keyless with all the issues cited in this and other threads.

I expect the manual door lock to be out-of-sight, out-of-mind, for another 10 years. 😎  

[Galileo]

6 minutes ago, jd1923 said:

 

I expect the manual door lock to be out-of-sight, out-of-mind, for another 10 years. 

So long as your keys for your manual lock are always in you’re pocket, you’re golden. I never have to carry a key. Even when the lock “failed” it didn’t fail in a catastrophic way. 

We got the keyless lock as part of the electronics package. Honestly, the lock is the only thing in that package I’d buy again. We never use the backup camera, the cell booster is a joke, and the “auto-vent” isn’t really “auto”. 

I guess if someone wanted to be truly “manual”, they’d still have a knob on the dash for the choke, you could makes the same argument for that. Automatic chokes would frequently fail open or closed - causing a no start/hard start - or flooding.
 

Maybe even a lever on the steering column for spark advance. (Let’s see how many know that reference!) 

Like I said - I’d gladly deal with the RVLock failing every six months than to have to put up with windows that can’t be opened - even a crack - when it rains - and leak even when they’re closed.

 

It’s all a matter of scale. I can deal with RVLock via email and they do the right thing. 

Of the things that vex me about the Oliver - the RVLock barely merits a mention. I only bring it up because we’ve all agreed the windows inhale deeply and with great force, and the Dometic A/C is like putting a class D fluorescent ballast in a library. 

[Snackchaser]

4 hours ago, Galileo said:

So long as your keys for your manual lock are always in you’re pocket,

Great story!  It's exactly why I'm a big RVlock fanboy!  

They are an underrated convenience.  I can't count all the extra steps we've saved from having to fetch the elusive keys!  I'm totally fine with my failures, I blame it on living in the great northwet rainforrest, where it even rains in my garage.  I respect how they've used the failures to refine a more reliable and better quality product.  The last free upgrade they sent looks well sealed, should last a long time!  Their outstanding customer response is reason enough for me to be faithful to the brand!  

Besides, they're great looking too!  They compliment the Olivers modern hi- tech look, and the neighbors are always impressed!   Love the sound effects!

[Galileo]

23 minutes ago, Snackchaser said:

Love the sound effects!

Our old/original lock has an obnoxiously loud lock/unlock sound. The new one is much more subtle. It even had voice guidance. Just putting batteries in gives you a “Welcome to RVLock!”

Anyway, it’s the only part of the “Electronics Package” I’d buy again. I actually just disconnected the power from the cell booster. We keep spare bedding in that compartment - and having anything remotely flammable pressed against something that looks like a heatsink is obviously worrisome. 

[Galileo]

I’d like to put an exclamation point on this thread by letting you all know that RVLock sent me out a whole new unit at no cost  - keyed the same as our old lock - so we have 4 keys now - and with two new fobs. (Kind of ironic because aside from testing - we’ve never used a key or fob for our RVLock!) 

I’ve certainly had WORSE customer service out of things I’ve paid a lot more for than my RVLock. 

All things considered - I’d say the RVLock is about on par with the rest of the accessories on the Oliver. Pretty much every one of them has had a problem that required I fix, replace, or buy extra parts to  make or keep something working. 

[Tony and Rhonda]

Our Oliver had the RVLock installed when we purchased it (used). In the 24 or so months we've owned it, I've had to call RVLock three time with issues.

First time was when the lock just stopped working. Not too big a deal since we could still lock/unlock the door with the key. They sent replacement parts and I installed.

Second time was after we closed the camper door and the key lock (not deadbolt) locked us out of the camper. Of course the keys were inside the camper. Luckily we were at the storage yard where we keep the camper so we just drove home to get the spare set. Inconvenient but not catastrophic. RVLock sent a replacement paddle with lock that I have yet to install.

Third time was after the lockout above. I ordered a spare set of two keys with the replacement paddle and RVLock only sent one key. Called them and they sent out another set of two keys at no charge. Now have three spares and never leave the camper without a set in my pocket.

Since we are not the original purchasers of the lock, we've had to pay for the replacement parts and shipping. I've thought the costs were very reasonable and RVLock customer service has been very helpful and easy to work with.

I'm not sure I would replace a manual door lock with the RVLock but it's installed so we'll use it until/unless it becomes too much trouble.

I would prefer the locks like were on our Four Wheel Camper. It had a standard RV style paddle lock and a home style deadbolt. Much more robust than the RV style locks.

@jd1923 Have you considered having your white powder coated door lock re-powder coated in gray? You'd have to disassemble it for powder coating but it would be gray.

Edited 6 hours ago by Tony and Rhonda
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[jd1923]

4 hours ago, Tony and Rhonda said:

I'm not sure I would replace a manual door lock with the RVLock but it's installed so we'll use it until/unless it becomes too much trouble.

I would prefer the locks like were on our Four Wheel Camper. It had a standard RV style paddle lock and a home style deadbolt. Much more robust than the RV style locks.

@jd1923 Have you considered having your white powder coated door lock re-powder coated in gray? You'd have to disassemble it for powder coating but it would be gray.

I would go the other direction, first or second strike, if I had to pay for parts and shipping (or not). And yes, there are much better door locks, in RVs that come with thicker doors.

Gray would be cool, but the lock cost me $50 and I'd hate to spend 2-3x total cost just to make it gray. I'll remove the ugly door bumper and latch holder this week (unnecessary with Lippert friction hinges) and remove the RVIA and Oliver stickers before our next ceramic coating maintenance. She will keep looking better!

No powder-coating service up here, and with a forecasted high of 116F in The Valley today, our next planned trip down the mountain is in October! 🤣