Replacement Locks for Under-Coach Storage Compartments

I replaced all my 751 locks with thumb latches. I have nothing inside the compartments worth more than the door that might be wrecked getting in to find nothing more than anti-gravity chairs or folding tables! It is more convenient for me this way.

I replaced my CH751 locks not due to security, but because the key is thin and can break in the lock. I went to an "automotive grade" cylinder set from Amazon (all the keys are the same, but the cylinder uses a shutter and is more dirt resistant. The key is thicker and is less likely to bend or break off as well.

If I wanted real security, I'd buy a set of Medeco or Abloy cylinders... but all that would happen is that the tweaker just would use a long screwdriver on the door and pry it open.

You can switch to a cam lock and key alike
http://www.rvlocksandmore.com/Global-Link-and-Fastec-FIC-Brand-RV-Locks-and-Keys/GLI-and-FIC-Keys#.U1cKIldWg-0

Duh, I wasn't referring to the lock or didn't you read that far? Here, let me quote what I wrote: "... a lock is only as good as the surrounding material." You can put that lock on there and I can get your compartment open with a screwdriver quicker than you can with the combination.

A $100 lock on a $2 door doesn't mean much.

Oops, I forgot. :)

fj12ryder wrote:
It makes no sense to spend $20 on a lock that can be opened with a $2 screwdriver. Find the cheapest locks that have different keys than what you have now.

:B

Didja miss the earlier pic or was it just too small for ya to see that since it uses no keys at all there's no place for a screwdriver in the "$20.00 lock"?

If so, here's the pic again, only bigger!:)

It makes no sense to spend $20 on a lock that can be opened with a $2 screwdriver. Find the cheapest locks that have different keys than what you have now. That will stop the random rifler, but will not look expensive enough to shout "Hey there's something good in here".

The guy who really wants in will not be deterred by your $20 lock, or a $100 lock because a lock is only as good as the surrounding material. But a cheap lock with a key different from the 751 will keep the casual thief at bay.

Thanks. DH just explained Bumpy's round key thing. He also reminded me that we just replaced the side door lock and it's a pretty good one so I guess we'll stik with that, and probably the combination cam locks unless something better shows up.

Don't worry about Bumpy, he's just being funny. There are locks that will fit your storage doors and available from a really good locksmith. They are used in hospitals, Dr's offices, pharmacies and the like. They sell in the $20 to $40 range. There are a lot of locks available from an RV store, the cheapest are about $6.00.

As for your entry door, I have a door lock that locks the paddle style opener and a dead bolt. My dead bolt was a CHEAP copy of the Kwikset locks. I changed it out to match my entry door dead bolt. Mine was about $60.00. I rekeyed it to match my S&B lock.

There are a lot more locks available for you rig and a real, good, professional locksmith can guide you if you feel the need.

I replaced my 751s with those with round keys. yes, I know years back, bic pen, yadda, yadda, yadda.

Should I know what bumpy is talking about?

I will assume, thou you did not mention, that this is for your 2008 Coachman Freelander 2600.

Yes. I didn't mention it because the local RV store says all the manufacturers use the same ones.

Also, I'm looking to improve the lock on the side door.

I know anyone can pry a compartment open, but often if you just add a little difficulty to the task, they will move along to the next one that's easy. Most cars that are ransacked are unlocked.