Adding keyless entry to a Coleman Lantern 17B or 17R is one of those upgrades that makes trailer life feel easier right away. It is not the kind of upgrade that changes how the trailer camps, but it absolutely changes how the trailer feels to use. No digging for keys, no fumbling around at night, and no standing outside the door with your hands full trying to get back in.
For a smaller travel trailer like the 17B or 17R, convenience matters. These are simple campers, and the best upgrades are usually the ones that save time, reduce frustration, and make everyday camping smoother. A keyless entry lock fits that perfectly.
If you are already working on convenience upgrades, this page also pairs well with Installing a Backup Camera in a Coleman Lantern 17B / 17R, First Trip Checklist for the Coleman Lantern 17B / 17R, and Coleman 17B / 17R Owner Resources.
What to check before ordering a keyless lock
Before buying any keyless entry lock, measure your current entry lock opening and confirm your hinge side from outside the trailer. The most common locks in this category are built around an opening close to 3.75 inches by 2.75 inches by 1.5 inches, but not every lock fits every door, and some models are specifically made for right-side hinges.
This is the biggest mistake people make with RV locks. They pick a lock based on features first and fit second. For the Coleman 17B and 17R, fit matters first. If the cutout and hinge orientation are wrong, the rest of the features do not matter.
The best keyless entry locks I would look at first
The product links below go to Amazon.
Best overall pick
Amazon pick:
RVLOCK V4 Premium Metal RV Door Lock on Amazon
This is the one I would put first for most Coleman 17B and 17R owners. Amazon’s current listing says the V4 is designed for common RV opening sizes around 3.75 inches by 2.75 inches by 1.5 inches, includes two remote fobs, two keys, four AA batteries, and installation hardware, and is built with weather-resistant metal construction. The listing also says installation is about 10 minutes and battery life is roughly 6 to 9 months.
What I like most about this one is that it feels like a step up without getting overly complicated. It is a straightforward keypad-and-fob setup, it is from one of the better-known RV lock brands, and it is clearly aimed at towable trailers like the Coleman 17B and 17R.
Best feature-rich option
Amazon pick:
CARMTEK 10 Digits V2.0 RV Keyless Entry Lock on Amazon
If you want more features, this is a strong option. Amazon’s current listing says this lock fits only 3.75-inch by 2.75-inch openings, is styled for doors with hinges on the right side, and includes a backlit keypad, two wireless fobs, four mechanical keys, IP65 waterproofing, adjustable sound volume, and a fully sealed electrical design. It also says it arrives ready to install and can be installed in about 10 minutes. At the time I checked, Amazon showed it as in stock and shipping from Amazon Fulfillment.
This is the pick I would lean toward if you want a more modern feature set and like the idea of a 10-digit keypad layout, silent mode options, and stronger weather sealing. The one thing worth noting is that Amazon’s listing says the keypad and fobs lock and unlock only the deadbolt, so that detail is worth understanding before you buy.
Best lower-cost option
Amazon pick:
Onnais RV Door Lock Keyless Entry on Amazon
If you want to spend less while still getting a proper keypad-and-fob keyless setup, this is one of the better lower-cost options I found. Amazon’s current listing says it fits standard 3.75-inch by 2.75-inch by 1.5-inch openings, is meant for right-side hinges, includes two fobs, two keys, a backlit keypad, waterproof design, low-battery alerts, and remote range up to 100 feet. The page also says installation is about 30 minutes or less. Amazon showed it available to order when I checked.
This is the one I would look at if budget matters most, but you still want something that checks the main boxes for RV use. It is not the premium choice here, but it covers the basics well.
Which one I would choose
For most Coleman 17B and 17R owners, I would start with the RVLOCK V4. It hits a nice middle ground between quality, simplicity, and convenience. If you want more features and do not mind paying more, the CARMTEK is the more full-featured option. If you want the cheapest path into keyless entry while still buying something built for a standard RV entry door, the Onnais is the budget pick.
How to install a keyless entry lock on a Coleman Lantern 17B / 17R
The nice thing about this upgrade is that the install process is usually pretty straightforward. Keystone’s current entryway lock replacement guide says most standard RV entry lock assemblies come out by removing four screws from the interior section, then two screws from the striker cover, then turning and removing the outside assembly from the door cutout. Before installing the new assembly, the guide says to clean the cutout area, place the new assembly into position, test the lock before shutting the door, and then reattach the striker cover and interior assembly.
Step 1
Open the trailer door and remove the screws from the interior section of the current lock assembly. Set the screws and interior section aside somewhere safe. Most standard entry assemblies use four screws here.
Step 2
Remove the two screws from the striker cover. This gives you access to remove the rest of the lock assembly cleanly.
Step 3
Remove the old lock assembly from the outside of the door. Keystone’s guide says the outside portion usually comes out by turning it slightly and removing the striker portion from the cutout in the entry door frame.
Step 4
Clean the cutout area before installing the new lock. This helps the new assembly seal better and sit properly in the door.
Step 5
Fit the new keyless lock into the opening and make sure it sits snugly and aligns properly before tightening everything down. This is the moment to stop if the cutout or hinge orientation does not match what the lock needs.
Step 6Install the new interior section and any striker or mounting hardware that came with the lock. Follow the lock manufacturer’s instructions for the exact screw order and alignment. Most of these kits are designed as DIY installs and come with their own hardware and instructions.
Step 7
Install the batteries, program your code, and pair the fobs if your lock includes them. Before you close the door, test the keypad, key, and fob several times. Keystone’s official guide specifically says to test the lock before shutting the door so you do not lock yourself out.
Step 8
Once everything works properly, tighten everything down, reattach the striker cover, and test the door again from both inside and outside. Make sure the latch and deadbolt engage smoothly and do not require forcing.
Practical tips for the Coleman 17B and 17R
Keep your original mechanical keys in a safe place even after switching to keyless entry. The keypad is the main convenience, but the backup key is still something you want on hand.
Test the lock several times with the door open before trusting it on your first trip. That sounds obvious, but it is the easiest way to avoid an annoying lockout.
Do not assume a new lock will fix a door that already closes poorly. If your trailer door is sagging or the striker alignment is off, sort that out first. A better lock works best on a properly aligned door.
If you camp a lot in darker conditions, look for a backlit keypad. That is one of those small features that becomes a big convenience when you are getting back to the trailer at night. The CARMTEK and Feikenee listings both specifically call that out.
If you want to keep building out easy convenience upgrades, you may also want to read Installing a Backup Camera in a Coleman Lantern 17B / 17R and How to install an Electric jack in your Coleman Lantern 17B / 17R.
Final thoughts
Keyless entry is one of the easiest ways to make a Coleman Lantern 17B or 17R feel a little more modern and a lot more convenient. It is not a flashy upgrade, but it is one you will notice every single trip.
If I were buying one today for this trailer, I would start with the RVLOCK V4, look at the CARMTEK if I wanted more features, and keep the Onnais in mind if I wanted a lower-cost option that still covers the basics. Just make sure you measure your opening and confirm hinge side before ordering.