Compartment Replacement Locks

LarryJM wrote:
I went the opposite way and replaced the key locks with simple thumb locks since you really can't make them secure and I keep nothing valuable in those compartments. Furthermore, anything stolen is covered by insurance and my biggest concern is someone damaging my trailer prying open a door.

Larry

X2

I replaced all the storage doors locks with combi-cams. One of my best mods ever.

True that the numbers are a bit difficult to read at night.

In our part of the country, I'm not concerned with safety. Campers are respectful (I know, I know, it only takes one...).

Anyway, my 4 combi-cams have the same combination number. Makes it easy to remember.

The advantage with these locks, is that they keep the door closed, even if your 3 unlocking digits are showing. You must turn a know to open/close the door.

So before I travel, I move by one digit the "wheel" of the 1st digit. For example, if my combination is 234, I will move the wheel of the 2 by one digit, to show 134. Once arrived at destination, I know I have to move that first wheel by only 1 digit to bring it back to 234. At the campground and at home, I leave it at 234. With the combi-cams, you still have to turn the knob to open the door or to keep it closed.

I hope my explanation is clear enough. In a nutshell: get the combi-cams! Once they see it, all my camping friends want to do that improvement.

Adios storage keys and hello convenience!

Cheers,

Marc

On our first trip out west we stopped at a truck stop (Clines Corners, NM) and parked between two 18 wheelers. We were there about 20 minutes and when we came back my locker was hanging open. Thankfully I had learned that all these use the same key 3 weeks before we left so I had moved everything of value.

I just went to Home Depot and looked thru the cabinet locks until I found 2 with the same key number and replaced them. Only catch is getting the right length on the lock.

IAMICHABOD wrote:
...you might try Locks like these

I ordered new door locks from them for my truck camper and cargo trailer in May, keyed alike. Just a few days ago I was looking at their site and found that they now offer keyed alike baggage door compartments, so I ordered them for the truck camper, to match the door lock.

They are due to arrive tomorrow (Saturday)

Also, for RVs that have two doors, that aren't keyed alike, you can order a replacement lock so you have one key for both doors. (If it already uses Global Link locks).

Global Link seems to be the new standard on all the new RVs I've seen over the last few years.

During my years of doing RV transport, not once did I ever see a two-door trailer with keyed alike locks. Different keys for both locks would drive me crazy!

Sell the old door lock on Craigslist. That's what I did with my old door handles.

I went the opposite way and replaced the key locks with simple thumb locks since you really can't make them secure and I keep nothing valuable in those compartments. Furthermore, anything stolen is covered by insurance and my biggest concern is someone damaging my trailer prying open a door.

Larry

I have the Combi-Cams and the only issue I have is difficulty seeing the numbers in dim light. Daytime fine, evening difficult, night fine because by then I got the flashlight out.

bobndot wrote:
Are you worried about some kid stealing his parents rv baggage key and using it to open your compartment ?
Better off installing a camera to I.D. the kid, then tell his father...no make that his mother, so she can kick his A$$.

I worked for a locksmith save your time and money. A prying screwdriver or a foot can open any rv baggage compartment door . The door and frame are the weak links not the lock. Its the same with your house doors at home, they kick them in, the wood frame gives way.
If you install an expensive case hardened dead bolt , then you have to install an equally secure frame, otherwise you are wasting your money.

If you read my original post it stated "I know the compartments can be easily broken into no matter what lock is on it. Just worried about the standard lock that has the same key on all campers at out seasonal site. At least if it's forced I know if someone was in the compartment. "
I'll repeat my concern is not knowing if anything was stolen until I go look for it, i.e. tool and camping gear. I also keep un refrigerated beverages including beer in an outside compartment.

ok Mike, I deleted it at my end . :)

My 5er came with combination locks on 3 hatches that access the basement storage. I have to say that I seldom use them for security and when I do I have to get the readers out to see the numbers to open. If you have youthful eyes then they might be a good add.

I used Camco part #44303