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WNJeffers's avatar
WNJeffers
Explorer
Jun 15, 2016

Locked out - 1997 Safari Sahara

We had excess guests over the weekend and early this week, so I had my daughter and son-in-law sleep in the coach, which is parked out back with full hookups.

I just went out to get sheets and towels to wash and I find I cannot open the door. The deadbolt is not a problem, but the other lock will not open. We have never used this to lock the door, from inside or out, always the deadbolt only. As I’ve never used this lock, I have no idea which key should open it if locked. The key for the basement compartments will go in the lock, but will not work. The key for the service bay doors will not go in the lock. I’m not aware that I have another key; if I do, it is locked inside with the spare keys. I do have an extra deadbolt key available, but that is not the problem.

I assume that they used this problem lock to lock the door at night, and maybe got it unlocked only barely enough to open the door, but when the door shut again it fell into the locked position.

Can anyone tell me if the key for the basement compartments should open this door? Or the ubiquitous CH751 key use in the entry locks in travel trailers and fifth-wheels?

Should a locksmith be able to open this without totally destroying the lock? Can anyone tell me the brand of lock used, so I can research it myself?

Anyone faced a similar problem?

Any thoughts on how I may gain entry, either by defeating the lock to open the door, or otherwise gain entry while doing the minimum of damage to be repaired later?

Thanks!

Wayne
1997 Safari Sahara 3540
Class A
  • John_Joey's avatar
    John_Joey
    Explorer
    Jun 16, 2016
    If you never plan on using that lock, then a piece of tape over the bolt would take the worry out of it being used again.
  • WNJeffers's avatar
    WNJeffers
    Explorer
    Jun 16, 2016
    Mr.Wizard - The key that works for the basement storage compartments also locks and unlocks this entry lock. Not that I ever intend to use it for that.

    I will make sure future guests that I allow to stay in the coach know to use only the deadbolt. And, of course, I now know that to use the key it must not be quite all the way into the lock cylinder.

    Wayne
  • Bill_Satellite's avatar
    Bill_Satellite
    Explorer II
    Jun 15, 2016
    I had a similar issue with my '95 Thor Residency. I left the keys inside the RV at a rest area and just closed the door. When we returned we found ourselves locked out. Since we had NO keys, getting something (anything!) to work was not an option and, yes, all the windows were closed and locked. We called a locksmith and I explained that the key turned to the right to unlock. He ignored that information and could not get the door opened. He finally called his Dad who came out about 30 minutes later and opened the door in about 30 seconds (turning the lock to the right). It's lucky that you got your lock open and I suggest that you carry a spare entry door key in your wallet!
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Jun 15, 2016
    Glad you got in
    The compartment keys are Not the correct key

    Check your spares find one of get one made, put one on your key ring
    Just for this sort of thing might happen again
  • garyemunson's avatar
    garyemunson
    Explorer II
    Jun 15, 2016
    Now's your chance to take the lock to a locksmith and have him make a key for it!
  • WNJeffers's avatar
    WNJeffers
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2016
    Solved!

    I was playing around with the basement lock key, jiggling it around in the lock, etc., and suddenly it turned. It seems the secret was to insert the key slightly less than all the way into the lock cylinder.

    Thanks to everyone who replied.

    Wayne
  • jplante4's avatar
    jplante4
    Explorer II
    Jun 15, 2016
    I assume all the windows are locked and you can't crawl in one???

    I don't have a key for that lock on my 96 Sahara either. Like you, we always use the deadbolt.

    An old trick may help here. If you can get the basement key in the lock, insert it and apply turning pressure while simultaneously tapping th key lightly with a hammer. It may be enough to jiggle the tumblers in place.

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