Major trends continue to drive the dramatic growth in RV purchases. These include the increasing appeal and sophisticated range of amenities in these vehicles, coupled with the decision by more people to make RVs their vacation home—or even their permanent home—as more adopt the “work-from-anywhere” lifestyle.
Providing the right security technology to protect these valuable, mobile dwellings is a critical consideration for RV manufacturers. Electronic Access Solutions (EAS) can provide a safe, reliable and complete platform to secure vehicle doors, drawers and cabinets, as well as both interior and exterior storage compartments, electronically. This eliminates the need for physical keys and provides greater flexibility for the RV owner/operator.
EAS systems featuring smartphone apps and electronic keys can provide a comprehensive security system for RVs, with particular appeal for the Class A motor homes and large trailers. EAS systems offer a versatile way for one person to control and track who accesses their vehicle or an exterior panel, without having to always be on location.
EAS platforms typically consist of three basic elements: an electronic lock, a user interface and digital credentials loaded to a convenient tool, such as an app that can then be accessed via a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone.
There are a range of options RV builders can choose from to add electronic access to their vehicles. Electronic sensors and latching systems for both interior and exterior drawers, doors and storage access panels can be retrofitted into existing vehicle control networks.
For example, RV builders can integrate low-cost sensors with mechanical or electronic latches used for cabinet doors and other interior panels. As with a car door lock or hood latch, the system can alert the RV driver if a door latch isn’t fully engaged before shifting into drive.
EAS platforms with smartphone apps offer attractive flexibility. An RV owner may be out hiking while other family members have gone shopping. If the shoppers return early, they can alert the owner, who can either unlock the RV doors remotely or supply an electronic key for the same purpose.
If everyone is away from the RV but a maintenance or cleaning person is scheduled to provide service for the vehicle, the same smartphone app can provide a one-time electronic key to the service personnel, limiting their access to only the storage panel or other parts of the vehicle for specific times and purposes.
As well as securing interior doors and storage areas, Class A RVs can often have up to 15 storage panels and slide-out fixtures such as outdoor kitchens and porches that must be properly secured against the elements. To secure these panels and fixtures, electronic locking technology providers now offer locks that secure the door and pull it in tight. This action is similar to trunk latches on luxury automobiles and ensures proper alignment and gasket compression.
Leading RV manufacturers can manage these latches via touchscreen control panels that are becoming common in the RV’s cockpit. Exterior panels and slide-out fixtures can be released or secured all at once or individually, based on the owner’s needs and activities.
Choosing the best electronic locking and access platforms depends on multiple factors, including cost and the qualitative experience RV manufacturers want to deliver for their brand. Working with technology suppliers with expertise in EAS systems can help zero in on the best platform for every vehicle.
Mike Kiefer, PE, is a business development manager at Southco. He is responsible for the development of the appropriate product and strategy to grow the RV industry. He earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and a Master of Science in engineering from University of North Carolina in Charlotte. Contact him at mkiefer@southco.com.