Are all T@B keys the same?

Slip7
Slip7 Member Posts: 32
in Trailer & Towing
When I was shopping for T@Gs, I noticed the dealer was using the same key for all the trailers he was showing. He mentioned that's how they all come from the factory and you have to order custom locks to have a unique key. Does the same hold true for the T@Bs? I'm assuming it's the same lock model that NuCamp uses regardless of T@B or T@G.

I saw Verna's remote lock post and wondered if I might as well throw it on the upgrade list. I know it's not likely a fellow owner would be poking about in someone's trailer. I'm more concerned about RVs in general and if there are only a few model locks in use on the market. Kind of a peace of mind thing I guess. 
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Comments

  • pthomas745
    pthomas745 Administrator, Moderator Posts: 4,529
    edited October 2024
    Pretty much, yes, apparently...here are some threads...

    https://www.google.com/search?q=tab+keys+the+same+site:tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com&oq=tab+keys+the+same+site:tab-rv.vanillaforums.com&gs_l=psy-ab.12...0.0.0.13880.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0..0.0....0...1..64.psy-ab..0.0.0....0.WcbyhrcKusw


    2017 Outback
    Towed by 2014 Touareg TDi
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  • ericnliz
    ericnliz Member Posts: 4,437
    :rofl:, Ours & @Homebodyatheart, @Dalehelman's all opened 3 different year T@Bs. Good part is...I KNOW where they live! :);)
    2016 T@B MAX S-aka: WolfT@B
    TV: 2006 Chevy Avalanche LT Z71 aka: WhiteWolf, or 1972 Chevy Custom10 P/U aka: SnarlingWolf
    Spokane, Wa.
    Eric aka: Lone Wolf  


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  • Estancio
    Estancio Member Posts: 243
    For decades, all BMW motorcycles in the world could all be started with the same key! Never once heard of any biker stealing another one's BMW. Curious how times change....
    Stancil Campbell
    2011 T@B
    Rockingham, NC

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  • Hvtymwiltravel
    Hvtymwiltravel Member Posts: 51
    All I can add is when I was at the factory for some warranty work, they had a new 400 that had been shipped back from the dealer for warranty work.  It was shipped without the keys and Austin could not unlock the door until he had that particular key.   So at that time, for that model it seems as if the key was not universal.
    2017 T@B 400   TV  Colorado Duramax
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  • Luckyj
    Luckyj Member Posts: 286
    Hum, I might have to stop by my dealer with my kees and start pocking around just to make sure.   :o
    2017 T@G Max Outback "Le Refuge"
    TV 2005 jeep TJ unlimited
    and/or 2005 Nissan X-Trail 4wd
    Alaskan Malamuthe on board!

    Les Escoumins and Petite-Riviere-St-Francois QC
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  • Tabaz
    Tabaz Member Posts: 2,421
    I have a 2016 Outback with key number G345.  Went to a friend's house and tried it on his 2015 T@B.  It opened his doors.  Will be ordering the 900 series lock tomorrow from rvlocksandmore.com tomorrow.  Wow. What an eye opener.
    2016 Outback 320
    2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
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  • Tabaz
    Tabaz Member Posts: 2,421

    Just confirmed that many manufacturers will order the same keyed lock for their trailers so they don't have to mess with hundreds of different keys.  I just ordered a 900 series replacement lock for my Outback from rvlocksandmore.com.  Best to call in your order if you want extra keys shipped with it.  Very nice people.

    2016 Outback 320
    2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
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  • Slip7
    Slip7 Member Posts: 32
    @tabaz it's this one, right?

    http://www.rvlocksandmore.com/LocksKeys/Security-Upgrades/TTL-43900-2006
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  • Tabaz
    Tabaz Member Posts: 2,421
    Slip7 - yep, that's the one.  Comes with two keys.  Call them if you need extra.  Once cut to your lock, you'll get a serial number.  They will not make any replacement keys without that serial number.  Dealer master keys will not work with this lock.  Cheap insurance.
    2016 Outback 320
    2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
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  • pthomas745
    pthomas745 Administrator, Moderator Posts: 4,529
    Anyone just changed out the "lock barrel" part?

    http://www.rvlocksandmore.com/LocksKeys/Security-Upgrades/CLB-Cam-Lock-Barrel


    2017 Outback
    Towed by 2014 Touareg TDi
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  • Tabaz
    Tabaz Member Posts: 2,421
    I believe those cams replace the cargo door locks (not the entry door).  I think you can get the entry and cargo locks keyed alike.  Just need to measure the depth of the cargo door cam.
    2016 Outback 320
    2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
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  • pthomas745
    pthomas745 Administrator, Moderator Posts: 4,529
    Thanks, Tabaz.  I went out and looked at the Tab's lock assembly and replacing the whole lock seems very easy.

    2017 Outback
    Towed by 2014 Touareg TDi
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  • TikiBarTab
    TikiBarTab Member Posts: 39
    This is an eye opener!  I had no idea!  Imagine if car manufacturers made their cars with universal keys!  
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  • Michigan_Mike
    Michigan_Mike Member Posts: 2,858
    edited September 2017
    This is also a good time to remind others to check the screws on the locks and door jamb fittings to ensure they are tightened down good.  Over time they do tend to loosen up via travel and as I recall there was a member locked inside their trailer a year or two ago as the door lock jammed, trapping the individual inside his trailer and he was messaging the forum looking for advice on what to do.   :o=)
    Mike - Elmira, Mi / 2019 T@B 400 / 2021 Chevy Silverado LTZ
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  • Ratkity
    Ratkity Member Posts: 3,770
    Keep in mind that the plastic trim and some of the screws don't need to be torqued down hard. Like house vinyl siding, there's some expansion and contraction. Some light looseness is good to allow temp expansion. It doesn't take much... it's just a tiny, itty, bitty bit of not being tight. I hope you know what I mean. M_Mike is correct about bolts holding your bin, the keder rails, and other things that need to be tight!!! Some actually are in the "backing out" mode. Also take a gander at the sealing (silicone) and make sure it's still doing well. 
    2017 820R Retro Toy Hauler from 2015 Tabitha T@B from 2009 Reverse LG Teardrop (but a T@Bluver at heart)
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  • ericnliz
    ericnliz Member Posts: 4,437
    @Michigan_Mike, & @Ratkity, Just finished (yesterday) putting the Wolf T@B to rest for the winter. Before closing the door, I checked (as Mike stated above) the lock & door jam screws. They ALL took about a quarter turn to snug them up. After having the door "snag" a little once, I check them periodically to avoid the scenario of either being locked in, or out. At least if you're inside, and have the right tool, you can take the lock apart to escape, outside, not so much. Screws are now tight, cover is on, and everything is well.....except I wish I could still go campin'.....life stuff is interrupting a LOT of things right now... :s
    2016 T@B MAX S-aka: WolfT@B
    TV: 2006 Chevy Avalanche LT Z71 aka: WhiteWolf, or 1972 Chevy Custom10 P/U aka: SnarlingWolf
    Spokane, Wa.
    Eric aka: Lone Wolf  


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  • Ratkity
    Ratkity Member Posts: 3,770
    @ericnliz, if you lived a leeeetle more south, you could camp with my crazy group (I'm the sane one) in October and November!
    2017 820R Retro Toy Hauler from 2015 Tabitha T@B from 2009 Reverse LG Teardrop (but a T@Bluver at heart)
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  • TabberJohn
    TabberJohn Member Posts: 588
    edited October 2017

    Common RV door and hatch locks are manufactured in bulk and allow use of a master key by model or series key code. The master key opens any lock of the same model while a series master key works on any lock of the same series.

    You are not going to prevent a determined thief from breaking into your trailer by changing the door lock. However, a uniquely keyed lock will prevent "opportunity theft" where an unscrupulous person with a master key walks up to your unoccupied trailer and lets themselves in. That could happen in broad daylight without anyone noticing. <sigh>

    RVLock states "This is a Non-Mastered Key Code Series That is Not Accessible With Any Master Key."
    That means serialized keys whether you opt for their 900 series exact replacement model ($35) or a high-end model with fob and keypad ($$$). You'll need the 3 digit number engraved on the series key and proof of prior purchase to obtain replacement keys.
    They also offer a Mechanical Entry Door Handle ($29.99) at RVlock.com which lists on Amazon. This model has slightly larger "ergonomic" finger pull indent. However, the interior door side of this lock is sturdy plastic, not metal. 
    The Security Series Entrance Lock ($35) is a direct replacement, 98% metal, and comes in white, black, or chrome. It is only available at RVlocksandmore.com.
    I ordered an RVlock Mechanical on Amazon before I knew the differences and decided to keep it. Metal sounds better though. =)
    I don't know what portion of the premium models are plastic.
    It is unclear what brand/model lock is on the T@B 400, but it looks more substantial than the common RV door lock on our 2015 T@B 320. 

    2015 T@B Max S (White/Silver) -> 2014 Ford Escape 2.0L (turbo, AWD, factory tow)
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  • Ratkity
    Ratkity Member Posts: 3,770
    edited October 2017
    Some RVs are going to the "One Key" system that eliminates the CH751 key that is ubiquitous to all storage areas on RVs nearly everywhere. I won't say "all", but it's pretty close unless the folks have changed the locks. Because many folks know that RV/Camper keys are identical (primarily storage areas), there is a huge market for unique keying sets. I really like the electronic options. Best carry extra batteries for dem remotes! 

    I rode the motorcycle to an event and then couldn't start it to leave. Wha? Do'h, the bike I have has a keyless system. Just carry the fob. Why yes, I had two batteries for the fob (which needed two)! I impressed the dewds. There's a manual way, but it was easier to change the batteries. hehe.
    2017 820R Retro Toy Hauler from 2015 Tabitha T@B from 2009 Reverse LG Teardrop (but a T@Bluver at heart)
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  • CanyonTravelers
    CanyonTravelers Member Posts: 40
    Has anyone tried adapting home dead bolt lock to the T@B door, would solve the key issue.
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  • Tabaz
    Tabaz Member Posts: 2,421

    The throw(?) of a common household deadbolt is probably is too wide (thick) for the narrow door frame.

    2016 Outback 320
    2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
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  • ChrisandAlexis
    ChrisandAlexis Member Posts: 120
    I don't know much about the inner workings of a T@B lock but if I can manage to remove the lock from our T@B, can I take it to a locksmith and get it re-keyed?
    Chris and Alexis-- Roseville, California--2017 T@B CS-S--Toyota 4Runner
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  • bramptontab
    bramptontab Member Posts: 16
    Our RV dealer stated that there is a master key for dealers for one of the two locks, the latch lock I believe, the deadbolt is unique on our 2017. 
    2017 T@B S Max
    2016 Toyota Venza 3.5V6
    2012 ShihPoo White
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  • Tabaz
    Tabaz Member Posts: 2,421
    ChrisandAlexis said:
    I don't know much about the inner workings of a T@B lock but if I can manage to remove the lock from our T@B, can I take it to a locksmith and get it re-keyed?
    A new complete lock is only $35. Can't imagine a locksmith charging less than that.
    2016 Outback 320
    2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
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  • Towanda
    Towanda Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2010 Dutchman and need new keys for my door and my cassette toilet. What are my options?
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  • dragonsdofly
    dragonsdofly Member Posts: 1,927
    @Towanda, welcome to the forum. You didn't specify if you just lost the keys or you are undergoing mechanical failure. But I think the options would be similar. Have a locksmith replace or rekey, or do it yourself. Most locksmiths are going to charge a premium for traveling to any location, so if you have easy access to your trailer, take it to a locksmith during normal shop hours and have them do the work there. That solution might save you considerable cost if you are not doing the work yourself. Good luck!
    2017 t@b sofitel(Dr@gonsFly)TV 2015 Silverado 2500hd(Behemoth). Wyandotte, Michigan.
    Draco dormiens numquam titilandus.
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  • rajamar
    rajamar Member Posts: 112
    Tabaz said:
    ChrisandAlexis said:
    I don't know much about the inner workings of a T@B lock but if I can manage to remove the lock from our T@B, can I take it to a locksmith and get it re-keyed?
    A new complete lock is only $35. Can't imagine a locksmith charging less than that.

    Just had a local locksmith rearrange the wafers in our T@B 320S door locks and cut 4 keys for $30. The G345 key no longer works for our T@B. (This, of course, only provides a relatively minor increase in security - wafer locks are easy to pick and most any RV door can be opened like a tin can with a crow bar.) The locksmith pointed out several loose screws - so periodic checks will definitely be on my list.
    2016 T@B S - TV 2004 Toyota Sienna
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