We just put a brand new lock on the Lance, and went to get into it yesterday and couldn't. I only locked the handle, not the deadbolt, but when you turn the key the handle doesn't release. Also you can't remove the key in the unlocked position. Had this same lock on trailers for years and never had an issue. Anybody have any tricks before I drill the lock and replace it?It's the standard paddle handle RV lock:

Have you tried pressing the door itself firmly into the frame while manipulating the lock and latch? I know my latch is rather reticent if the latch is binding at all against the strike plate, and leaning on the door a bit frees it up.(On mine, the keys only come out in the "neutral" position, halfway between "lock" and "unlock", but maybe yours is different in that regard.)

The door may be jammed not locked. You may need to use something to pry the door "open" before you can unlock. This happen to me when one of my stabilizer jack sunk in the soft ground.

It's not the deadbolt, it's the regular handle latch. The camper is sitting on block perfectly level, the door isn't jammed. I can push the door in against the give in the door seal so I know it moves freely in the frame, just that handle won't pull out to retract the latch. The deadsolt still works fine.

I know you said the handle latch, but our screen door latch jammed once due to our mistake. Ours is attached at an angle, hubby straightened it. Instant jam. What a hassle, we thought we were going to have to break something, but we managed to get it open and readjust the latch plate back to normal. "if it isn't broken, don't fix it!"

If you can get it open ... Sometimes, when you install new key locks, you need to install it with the latch bolt and deadbolt extended. I have no clue why, maybe pressure on the assembly when you tighten screws. Key both extended, 'locked' tongues out. Install it, then retract both, and shut door - keys should work properly. Try locking and unlocking several times before you shut the door and lock it.

Locked Out! | Good Sam Community

DrewE
Explorer II
Feb 25, 2021
Have you tried pressing the door itself firmly into the frame while manipulating the lock and latch? I know my latch is rather reticent if the latch is binding at all against the strike plate, and leaning on the door a bit frees it up.

(On mine, the keys only come out in the "neutral" position, halfway between "lock" and "unlock", but maybe yours is different in that regard.)
TenOC
Nomad
Feb 25, 2021
The door may be jammed not locked. You may need to use something to pry the door "open" before you can unlock. This happen to me when one of my stabilizer jack sunk in the soft ground.
BurbMan
Explorer II
Feb 25, 2021
It's not the deadbolt, it's the regular handle latch. The camper is sitting on block perfectly level, the door isn't jammed. I can push the door in against the give in the door seal so I know it moves freely in the frame, just that handle won't pull out to retract the latch. The deadsolt still works fine.
ReneeG
Explorer
Feb 25, 2021
I know you said the handle latch, but our screen door latch jammed once due to our mistake. Ours is attached at an angle, hubby straightened it. Instant jam. What a hassle, we thought we were going to have to break something, but we managed to get it open and readjust the latch plate back to normal. "if it isn't broken, don't fix it!"
monkey44
Nomad II
Feb 25, 2021
If you can get it open ...

Sometimes, when you install new key locks, you need to install it with the latch bolt and deadbolt extended. I have no clue why, maybe pressure on the assembly when you tighten screws.

Key both extended, 'locked' tongues out. Install it, then retract both, and shut door - keys should work properly. Try locking and unlocking several times before you shut the door and lock it.
navigator2346
Explorer
Feb 25, 2021
I'm guessing all your windows are also locked shut. If not, crawl in and unlock the door from the inside.

This is the reason I always leave a window unlocked
LadyRVer
Explorer II
Feb 25, 2021
My first thought was to press in on the door, but you tried that. Next is to spray the key itself with some silicone or graphite and put into the keyhole.

If you don't have an unlocked window, can ERS help you out? They came once for me.
wapiticountry
Explorer
Feb 25, 2021
My only advice is don't throw good money after bad. You have tried the simple solutions, but it sounds like the internal parts of the lock cylinder have failed evidenced by the inability to remove the key. Drilling it out and replacing is probably the simplest and cheapest way to go. When you do, cycle the locks and handles multiple times before you shut the door just to add a measure of safety.
OkieGene
Explorer
Feb 25, 2021
VERY VERY VERY gently tap on the lock area with a rubber hammer while you apply some pressure to the key.

Is this another product made by the infamous Sum Ting Wong chinese factory???
Sjm9911
Explorer
Feb 25, 2021
On my TT lock of the same design, the dead bolt and the latch are 2 diffrent keys. They look simmiler and turn if you mix them up. So if you had the wrong key in the door and turned it you could have jammed it up. I did this to mine when i bought the used TT because i didnt know they were diffrent. So try the other key also.

Forum Discussion

Locked Out!

About Technical Issues

Related Content

locked brakes

King pin lock

Keyless door lock

Lock for fast guns

Locked radio on my 2001 Suburban