Extra key for MS Sprinter

[Nancyc7]

I want to hide a key and I have just discovered you can buy a key that will unlock the MH door. It's not for driving. It's only $40. Before you jump and shout, a valet key is $70. If you accidentally lock your keys in the truck you only need a door key anyway.

We trialed magnetic boxes, empty, to hide keys and they have fallen off. So that failed.

Does anyone have a good idea about hiding keys? I have a special skill of inadvertently locking vehicle doors at the most inconvenient times and places and I have to work with me, not against me.

[MNtraveler]

Originally Posted by Nancyc7

I want to hide a key and I have just discovered you can buy a key that will unlock the MH door. It's not for driving. It's only $40. Before you jump and shout, a valet key is $70. If you accidentally lock your keys in the truck you only need a door key anyway.

We trialed magnetic boxes, empty, to hide keys and they have fallen off. So that failed.

Does anyone have a good idea about hiding keys? I have a special skill of inadvertently locking vehicle doors at the most inconvenient times and places and I have to work with me, not against me.

All of our RV keys (two sets, each on one ring) are clipped to small carabiners. After using a key, the carabiner is clipped to our belts or belt loops. They stay there from morning until bed time. Having two sets helps make sure no one gets locked out.

Also always, always lock the RV entry door from the outside using the key (never lock then pull closed), and always lock the cab using either the key or the remote lock control from the outside. That way you always have the key outside and in your hand when the door is locked.

If using a spare key that is not a large fob, I would suggest keeping it in your wallet. Thieves know to look below and on top of tires, in the wheel wells, under the metal step, inside the bumpers. There are only so many places so it's an easy find.

If none of this works for you, you could replace your RV entry door lock with a numerical entry lock set for about $125. Just Google RV keyless entry lockset.

[Nancyc7]

Oops, under the metal step is the first place we tried a magnetic key box...........

I thought of gorilla duct taping a combination key box somewhere but a thief could take it, break it open at their leisure. I guess the keypad lock is the best, it would certainly be convenient.

I have a new Subaru and after loading it up with stuff at Costco, I closed the back door, it locked itself and locked me out. I swear I didn't push any buttons to lock it, I am very careful about that. My keys were on the carabiner hooked to my jeans, thank goodness. I subscribed to Starlink. But. you have to have your phone on you, not in the car.........

[FFred]

Use duct tape on the waste dump pipe in a couple of spots like a crappy repair.

Leave the key wrapped in one of the "repairs".

[Nancyc7]

Originally Posted by FFred

Use duct tape on the waste dump pipe in a couple of spots like a crappy repair.

Leave the key wrapped in one of the "repairs".

Great idea, low tech rules!

[Wolverine 1945]

I installed a combination key lock box in the propane cabinet !!!

[barnbnb]

I keep my spare chassis key inside. I hid coach keys in the sewer hose storage area. Though unlocked, it's not likely someone would poke around thru the sewer connections, plus they wouldn't see it unless they knew where to look. Haven't had to use it yet!

[MNtraveler]

Originally Posted by Wolverine 1945

I installed a combination key lock box in the propane cabinet !!!

Great idea. I recently rented an AirB&B place, and they kept the keys in a lockbox on the door, the same as realtors use on homes for sale.

[Wolverine 1945]

I think I found our Combination lock box @ Amazon ???

[OREddie]

I use lockbox too.

Also try to avoid closing the coach door hard/slam. I returned to my rig after a 6 day hike and couldn't open the coach door. Deadbolt rod inside mechanism had enough room to pop out of position. It pushed the deadbolt in but couldn't pull it out.

[sailski]

I'm a retired locksmith that provided valet keys for $50 or mercedes keys for $15 in my former business. However, I also made the keys for the coach door for $3.50.

[Nancyc7]

When I originally posted this I wrote MH door when I meant Truck door. Hiding one key is easier than 2.

I visited several locksmith shops and I was told by every one they couldn’t make a key for the Mercedes. Even just to open the door. The key we have folds out of this black box, maybe that’s why?

Maybe now that we have a flat key from MB, a shop could make another, I should probably try that, for less than 40$. I have very special key losing powers and have to make plans.

[FFred]

Why not hide the MB extra key inside the cabin and just have a dozen $3.50 door keys made?

[Nancyc7]

When car keys were cheap and easy, I used to tie several in various places under my car with dental floss. Less expensive and easier than finding a pay phone to call home and no one answers. Remember those days??

I'll let you know if the key shop will make a copy of my flat key. I seriously doubt it has special electronics inside.