The big difference between RV latches and locks is the specific purpose each one plays to keep an RV properly fastened. While the general purpose of an RV latch is to hold doors and compartments closed, a latch is merely a mechanical mechanism which secures an entrance by catching onto a catch or hook. In fact, RV Life Magazine reports that approximately 80% of all RV owners rely solely on latches as a means of securing compartments and doors while on the move. A latch is only a simple mechanism that holds the door in place without preventing any potential unauthorized entry.
An RV lock provides heightened security in that it prevents unauthorized access. RV locks can be key or combination types, but the higher-end ones include electronic and biometric technologies. According to a study by Consumer Reports, RV locks with advanced features, such as keyless entry, were 45% more effective in preventing theft compared to standard latches. These locks work actively to defeat tampering and are designed to resist picking, drilling, or forced entry, which is less of an issue with latches.
Latches are much easier to operate than locks, hence more convenient in case one wants quicker access. A 2023 survey by MotorHome Magazine showed that 60% of RV owners use latches for non-security purposes, such as securing storage compartments or kitchen cabinets. This ease of use makes them suitable for areas where security is not as critical, such as internal compartments or lockers.
Locks are generally installed on exterior doors, where security may be considered more of an issue. According to a Travel Trailer Magazine report, over 50% of all RV thefts are made possible by unlocked doors. Unlike latches, which may only hold a door closed, locks actually prevent it from being opened without a key or code.
Another important difference is the aspect in which RV locks prove much sturdier against environmental abrasions compared to their counterpart, latches. Materials like hardened steel and alloys of zinc often build lots of locks to prevent deteriorative environmental conditions, according to RV Industry News, top-notch RV locks endure some 40 percent more long as compared to their companions called latches that seem frequently exposed to areas getting rains or severe changes of temperatures.
Although the majority of latches are cheap and more straightforward to mount, locks are more secure and are a must when risk factors are higher. In an ideal case, having both-a latch for convenience and a lock for security-provides the ultimate solution to securing an RV.
To learn more about securing your RV with heavy-duty latches and locks, see rv latch.