Forum Discussion

buylow12's avatar
buylow12
Explorer
Dec 09, 2015

Replacing Storage Locks

Hello All,

I'm getting ready to replace the locks on my fifth wheel storage compartments. However the previous owner had over tightened several them, probably in a vain attempt to keep them from turning. This has resulted in the door being compressed there and of course, if you can spin the entire lock, you might as well not have a lock at all.

So I was thinking of just trying to find some large washers and putting one on each side of the lock. That should spread the pressure and hopefully keep it from compressing more. However I'm not sure if that would solve the other problem of being able to spin the entire lock. Also the current locks are 7/8 and it would be tight if not impossible to fit two washers on the barrel. I'm thinking maybe I should go up a size.

Anyone else have this issue? Is there a better way to handle the locks turning like that? Any other tips or advice when it comes to changing out the locks would be appreciated too ;)

Thanks,

Tim Czarkowski
TotalTravelers.com
  • Dutch_12078's avatar
    Dutch_12078
    Explorer II
    Dec 09, 2015
    Years ago I had a similar problem on a Class C. My fix was to carefully cut out a square of core material with a utility knife, and then epoxy a tight fitting square of plywood into the void. I drilled an undersized hole in the plywood, and then used a small rasp to create the flats and enlarge it for the lock. The locks were still solid a couple of years later when I sold the RV.
  • Almot's avatar
    Almot
    Explorer III
    Dec 09, 2015
    It was a close call on my trailer - locks are crappy, spinning around, and hatches are often misaligned at the "doorstep" rail. I tried to tighten it, to no avail. Flimsy door gives in, and locks remain loose. Very thin fiberglass-ish surfaces with 1/2" or 1/4" Styrofoam in between, it's compressing badly when you try and tighten it.

    I recall there was not enough length of the lock barrel, to add any washers. Adding a washer probably won't help because the door is too soft, too easy to compress.

    If it's safety that you're worried about - don't. These locks are ALL THE SAME, in all trailers. Ask anybody on the camp for his storage keys, and it will open your hatches.

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