Locked out of RV

Door lock

On our 02 DSDP - When we stopped for fuel we could not unlock the dead bolt lock. We disassembled the lock from he inside and we able to open the door. The dead bolt is still inside the door and has dropped down inside the door and now we can not use the key to lock the door for the door handle either from the inside or outside. Any suggestions or has any one ever took the door apart or had this problem


Later, We disassembled the door and determined the dead bolt had dropped down into the door latch assembly. This happened because when I had a problem with the tumbler part of the door lock I removed it and put it in a plastic bag for safe keeping. This allowed the dead bolt to move around in the door due to road vibration. I should have reinstalled the tumbler parts and taped it in place on the outside of the door until I could get it fixed.

I tried to find replacement parts in the Kansas City metro area and was unable to find either parts or a new dead bolt lock the would fit. It is not a standard size door lock. In the end I had to order a new lock assembly from Newmar.

They must think it is gold plated as they charged a $169.00 for the dead bolt lock set.

marbilupton wrote:
We are locked out of our rv. Waiting for locksmith to come and make a key. Anyone with similar experience? What was outcome?

Gonzo42 wrote:
This kind of thing kinda/sorta bothers me about the newer class A MH. Most of the ones I see have only one door, as the driver and front passenger doors have been eliminated. Makes me nervous.

Newer Class A's??? I don't recall a time ever when most Class A's had more than one door. I think I recall some older Winnebago's maybe that had a drivers doors up high. I'm sure there are probably some Class A's out there someplace with more than one door but the vast majority only have one door and it's been that way for as long as I can remember.

we called the dealership where we bought our RV and they had a master key.
Fortunately we were near the dealership when it happened. They made sure we were the owners before they let us in! Since then we made an extra key and always keep one with us.

When you get through this, look up "Hide A Key" and put a door key somewhere that it can be retrieved when needed. Or, use Duck Tape to put a door key inside an non-locking external door/cover/panel.

We have done and used both methods.

Matt

We had this happen on a stop in Mesa, AZ. Fortunately it was the trimark lock versus the Kwikset lock. Locksmith had no problem opening the coach. (He was the one to say that he was glad it was the trimark lock versus the Kwikset.)

Lube your latch on a regular basis. This keeps the internals from breaking.

A good lock smith can pick the lock, lost my keys and locksmith came and picked the lock. Then made us several keys from master in coach

We solved our lock problem by have our second set of keys available from the truck. My truck has the push-button Key DOOR lock so is always available to gain entry as long as the battery is working I guess...

I do know the aluminum frames of most RV trailer allow you to use a heavy duty scrwdriver and can spring open almost any door without doing damage to the frame.

Gaining access to the storage bays would be where I would go with my 5th wheel. It has a laundry drop from the bed room area and small person can crawl up through that and open the doors from the inside. Don't know if your motorhome has that or not...

Also when camping it is a blessing sometimes to be around the other campers as most of the key blanks are the same especially for the storage bays etc... That happened to me one time and this is when I implemented the second key ring always inside the truck glove box.

Using the screwdriver on the storage bay door will only bend the inside lever of the storage key lock with is easily fixed or replaced from any hardware store. Of course if you have no way of getting inside the trailer from the storage bay you wouldn't want to force open this door...

Just passing along some of my thoughts.

Roy Ken

This kind of thing kinda/sorta bothers me about the newer class A MH. Most of the ones I see have only one door, as the driver and front passenger doors have been eliminated. Makes me nervous.


In Hollywood, a starlet is the name for any woman under thirty who is not actively employed in a brothel. --- Ben Hecht

Interestingly, this happened to us on Thanksgiving day! Needless to say, I was a bit irritated.

To get in, we ended up inserting a hacksaw blade through the panels of glass and cutting the latch of the lock. The metal used for the latch was very soft, so it was easy to cut through. Ended up taking about 10 minutes. Once through, I shoved my 10yo daughter through who unlocked the front door.

I assume I can buy a new lock for $20. Looks like it's just two screws to pull the old one out and replace with a new one. A lot cheaper and faster than waiting on a locksmith.