Hello,I am looking for your opinion about this:Just bought a new camper last weekend, and am preparing to switch out the super common CH751 locks on the storage doors.Discovered the Combi-Cam locks, which at first looks like a brilliant idea.Then I watched their video on how to set the combination here:Combi-Cam DemoWhat would prevent a thief from sticking a paperclip (or whatever) into the reset hole on the OUTSIDE of the Combi-Cam and resetting the combination (to anything), thus gaining access to the contents inside the trunk/storage area?Am I missing something?I would rather switch over to a Combi-Cam, but am thinking now to change out to a re-keyed Cam lock.Please let me know what you think about this.Thank you!

I switched to combi- cams on a previous trailer..they often got all 'gunked' up with road dirt and were hard to operate.I just stuck with the CH751's our our present rig...realizing that the these access doors are simple to pop open with a common screw driver - no matter with kind of lock they have on them

As I recall, you have to set the combination to the current setting before it can be changed via the small hole in the knob. As "downtheroad" experienced, road crud can be a problem with them, especially in areas where salt is used on the roads in the winter. Dust will jam them up, salt will eat them up.

Thank you very much for your input.It sounds like I should simply have the cam locks re-keyed.

I'm not all that against have the 751 keyed lock on my storage door.. Always neat to borrow a key from the neighbor to get in sometimes haha... Anything of any value is kept in the locked bed of my truck anyway...On the other side I have unlocked a couple of neighbors storage doors that misplaced their 751 key as well haha...My truck door has the push-button entrance setup so I keep my spare keys in the truck glove box all the time... I'm the only driver of my truck... Roy Ken

I have used and reused Combi-Cam locks on our last two fifth wheel storage doors (3) without any problems, but we live in the dry West. We park our trailer in the mountains at elevation during the summer to get out of the heat. There is an inner and outer component to the lock so once you set your combination, you can hide the adjustment hole to not be tampered with. I spray with silicone lube every couple of months. Each lock is set one number off from the next to slow someone down. My dad always told me that locks only keep honest people honest. Anyone can get into your stuff if they want it bad enough or you make it too easy. As a side note we also roll up our 50A cord when we leave our spot for several weeks as we still have to work to have extended weekends off. Anything copper has little legs and walks off. Don't want to come up after a long drive and not be able to hookup!Have had a few questions about Combi-Locks over the years while at campgrounds or while filling up. Always get a positive response and interest, no problems for me over the last 4 years. Hope that helps your decision. Was absolutely mortified on our first night camping in our trailer when I had misplaced my keys and my "new" neighbor in the next campsite came over and opened our storage compartment with his key! Great neighbor, but got me thinking.

Combi-Cam locks on storage doors | Good Sam Community

popeyemth
Explorer
May 15, 2014
Better yet , read some of the recent posts on thieves cutting hitch locks and stealing propane tanks and batteries.
Just because one is paranoid doesn't mean they aren't really out to get you :)
PEIwoman
Explorer
May 15, 2014
pompomgirl wrote:
See the post I started recently on the same topic at Replacement Locks for Under-Coach Storage Compartments and save yourself the frustration of reading all the same opinions here. We ended up going with tubular locks. Any kind of replacement lock is a little bit of a PITA to change out, but DH did all of ours in a couple of hours and we are happy, even if we are deluded morons in the view of some other posters and subject to the whim of any marauding, screwdriver-wielding passers-by.:W

Thank you for this information!

I have read Mellow Mike's blog before but have not seen this article on Tubular Locks.

And yes, I may be deluded in thinking my stuff is safe. I just wanted a deterrent.
beemerphile1
Explorer
May 15, 2014
PEIwoman wrote:
Thank you very much for your input.

It sounds like I should simply have the cam locks re-keyed.

Why bother? Thieves don't use keys and aren't bothered about doing damage. The typical baggage door can be opened in seconds with a large screwdriver or a pry bar.

Example;
When my house was broken into the deadbolt lock didn't budge. The door and door frame was in splinters from them kicking it in. A better lock wouldn't make any difference.
mlts22
Explorer
May 15, 2014
I use a generic "automotive grade" FJM lock set I bought from Amazon. The key is double-sided, and the locks have a shutter on them that does a good job at keeping out dirt. After I've had CH751 keys break, I like having a key that is sturdier.

Not that it will provide more security because a long screwdriver is a good "master key", but it just makes it easier on my part. The ideal would be Abloy locks since those are quite good at handling what the road and outdoors can throw at it.
popeyemth
Explorer
May 15, 2014
Bottom line, camper "security" is an illusion .
Even the dumbest crack-head can get even the walk door open with a screwdriver .
The best security comes from location,not hardware.
Good Luck, Mike
PEIwoman
Explorer
May 15, 2014
mlts22 wrote:
I use a generic "automotive grade" FJM lock set I bought from Amazon. The key is double-sided, and the locks have a shutter on them that does a good job at keeping out dirt. After I've had CH751 keys break, I like having a key that is sturdier.

Not that it will provide more security because a long screwdriver is a good "master key", but it just makes it easier on my part. The ideal would be Abloy locks since those are quite good at handling what the road and outdoors can throw at it.

Looked up the Abloy locks. They have some nice hardware!

Exec Cam and Cabinet too

Thanks for the info!
2012Coleman
Explorer II
May 15, 2014
RVer to insurance adjuster: The storage compartment on my travel trailer was broken into and cleaned out. I need to file a claim.

Insurance adjuster to RVer: Sorry to hear that, was the compartment locked at the time?

RVer: Why bother? Thieves don't use keys and aren't bothered about doing damage. The typical baggage door can be opened in seconds with a large screwdriver or a pry bar.

Insurance agent: I'm sorry, your claim is denied for failure to adhere to Article IV of your policy - safeguarding your possestions.
popeyemth
Explorer
May 15, 2014
No one has suggested you leave a camper unlocked,only that it's foolish to spend a lot of money upgrading hardware when the doors themselves are so flimsy.
The odds of someone breaking into your camper are only slightly better than getting hit by a meteor anyway. I've been camping for 40 years and never been "broken into...".Relax,go camping .
fj12ryder
Explorer III
May 15, 2014
2012Coleman wrote:
RVer to insurance adjuster: The storage compartment on my travel trailer was broken into and cleaned out. I need to file a claim.

Insurance adjuster to RVer: Sorry to hear that, was the compartment locked at the time?

RVer: Why bother? Thieves don't use keys and aren't bothered about doing damage. The typical baggage door can be opened in seconds with a large screwdriver or a pry bar.

Insurance agent: I'm sorry, your claim is denied for failure to adhere to Article IV of your policy - safeguarding your possestions.
Ah, you've had that happen? Heard of it happen? Had it happen to your relative, cousin of a friend of yours?
popeyemth
Explorer
May 15, 2014
PEIwoman wrote:
mlts22 wrote:
I use a generic "automotive grade" FJM lock set I bought from Amazon. The key is double-sided, and the locks have a shutter on them that does a good job at keeping out dirt. After I've had CH751 keys break, I like having a key that is sturdier.

Not that it will provide more security because a long screwdriver is a good "master key", but it just makes it easier on my part. The ideal would be Abloy locks since those are quite good at handling what the road and outdoors can throw at it.

Looked up the Abloy locks. They have some nice hardware!

Exec Cam and Cabinet too

Thanks for the info!

$60 EACH from Amazon.
Good Luck, Mike

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