The hood locks on my 1997 Thor Residency have finally given up and I can't seem to find any place that has replacement parts. I've tried Camping World, several large RV stores and ebay and can't seem to find anything. The closet was some locks at Ace Hardware, but they didn't work. Does anyone have any suggestions for replacements or a different system to secure the hood? Any comments would be appreciated. Here are some pictures. Thanks.

Looking at your pictures then you might use something like these, just need to now the length and throw. If you have a lock smith they could help steer you right. Need something for outside. also look in the boat shops.http://www.thehardwarehut.com/cabinet_locks.php?google&gclid=CLTZ2puHpbcCFadcMgod_hYAMQ

This may be a stupid answer (there are no stupid questions, right?), but did you try contacting Thor?http://thormotorcoach.com/I'd also suggest Google....I did a quick search of "Thor RV Parts", and there were tons of suggestions. Not sure if they would solve your problem, but it's a start.That latch looks fairly common, though the actual size may make it tougher to find.You may also want to check with Junkyards (do a search) and see if they can locate what you need.E-bay may also be helpful?And there is always the bungee cord option:BGood Luck:)

Try a good size locksmith, I was in FS where I used to work. They are common locks for file cabinets and book cases and the such maybe even Home Depot or Lowes might have them.:)

Lowe's and HD actually have a pretty good selection of these locks. You might get lucky there.

Take a look at McMaster Carr web site under camlocks. Many to choose from.Terry

Need help with hood locks - pictures included

15 Replies

JD38
Explorer
May 24, 2013
I have the same locks, that I purchased at CW in Fife Wa last year. I will look up the mfg and post tomorrow. I have had some issues with these locks over the years, when a key does not hit the tumblers correctly and I have ended up with the whole lock assy turning, it pays to check the nut on the backing once in a while.
ThorResidencyNe
Explorer
May 22, 2013
Well, I went to Home Depot and found some 1 3/8" cam locks. They were long enough and I used the included metal bars, bolted together, to replicate the originals. Everything installed easily and the hood is locked. Best of all, the locks were only $5.50 each.

Thanks for the help.
jwmII
Explorer
May 22, 2013
Find an RV parts place. These in varying lengths of reach are pretty common. You should be able to walk in and find them at any well equipped RV parts supply store.
BobR
Explorer
May 22, 2013
Cam Lock

This item on Ebay might work for you. If you don't need a lock, there are also Thumb Latch Cam locks available on Ebay.
Gjac
Explorer III
May 22, 2013
I bought the thumb turn one that Path1 showed at CW.
LindsayRichards
Explorer
May 22, 2013
You can get one that has the flapper screwed in at the base. You can remove it and make a new flapper with a piece of flat iron. Bang it into shape with a hammer and a vise. I did a locking gas cap for my gas fill door.
abrasv
Explorer
May 20, 2013
Colaw RV Salvage in Carthage, Mo. has a ton of used and wrecked mh's. Give them a call and they might be able to help you out.
donkeydew
Explorer
May 20, 2013
amazon .com /cam locks
ThorResidencyNe
Explorer
May 20, 2013
Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm going to take a chance and try Home Depot. I looked on the website and they have some cam type locks. If those don't work, I'll try some of the links provided by you good people.

I agree about the locks. I would have thought they would have built something a little more reliable/stable. These things are pretty crummy.

Thanks.
path1
Explorer
May 20, 2013
http://www.jrproducts.com/index.php?C=Hardware&P=Locks+and+Accessories&S=Compartment+Locks Also I found out after 3 trips the length is the critical measurement and that length measurement is from the very end of threaded part to the end where screw holds in the flapper swing arm thingy. Best if you could bring old with you to match up when you buy. If still no luck search "compartment lock".
Anyway here is web page with links of who sells them for jr products.
P.S. They are not the strongest thing and wonder why they didn't give way many years ago.