Frozen bay lock

[et2]

Well, I got the MH put into the new storage spot with power to keep the batteries charged. But the dang electrical bay lock is frozen. I squirted it with de-icer, heated the key and tried to open quite a few times, bought a mini pencil torch and heated the outside. The torch has a heater attachment to it for soldering. I put this behind the latch and did a good heat to the whole area. Still can't open it.

Any ideas? I know, before it's said, move about 1200 miles south :B

[Skid_Row_Joe]

et2 wrote:
Well, I got the MH put into the new storage spot with power to keep the batteries charged. But the dang electrical bay lock is frozen. I squirted it with de-icer, heated the key and tried to open quite a few times, bought a mini pencil torch and heated the outside. The torch has a heater attachment to it for soldering. I put this behind the latch and did a good heat to the whole area. Still can't open it.

Any ideas? I know, before it's said, move about 1200 miles south :B

I would use what I've been using for 30 years - a blow torch. It works wonders.

[et2]

I appreciate all the replies, thanks for the help! I'm done fussin with it until spring. To cold and snowy to crawl under the MH right now. I wondered if there was another way in. As far as the key goes I tried every position , fully in, partly out. I'll just keep running the generator for now.

Good thing I left the bay where the battery disconnect is unlock. I'd be in trouble. Oh well, next winter I'll know better.

[jwmII]

Since nothing else has worked, Try this.
Place the key in the lock and push in on the latch and relieve the pressure on the lock. Could be the adjustment of the lock tang has changed 1 way or the other making it real tight to turn. Sometime this will let things turn easier.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

Try not putting the key all the way in, or put it all the way in, then pull it part way out and wiggle the heck out of it. The wards in compartment locks are pretty much junk and corrosion can cause them to work improperly.

et2 wrote:
Yep, the lock is broke.

[Mr_Mark1]

et2 wrote:
Yep, the lock is broke. It got up to 34 here today. Bought a hair drier and went back. Squirt some more deicer into the lock and applied the heat. I did this for a good 8 minutes or so all over the lock and latch. It was very hot to the touch. Key goes in fine, it does turn very slightly but won't open. Even sprayed some WD40 in for kicks. Nothing worked.

One more thing to have the dealer fix this spring. I guess I'm stuck running the genny to keep the batteries up until then.

Et2, you know, it might be possible to go in from the bottom. I'm not sure how your coach is set up but you can unscrew those round covers pretty easy from the back side. Then you can reach up and pull the cord out.

We had a lock break on our previous coach and that was the only way I could get to the electric cord.

Good luck,
MM.

[et2]

Yep, the lock is broke. It got up to 34 here today. Bought a hair drier and went back. Squirt some more deicer into the lock and applied the heat. I did this for a good 8 minutes or so all over the lock and latch. It was very hot to the touch. Key goes in fine, it does turn very slightly but won't open. Even sprayed some WD40 in for kicks. Nothing worked.

One more thing to have the dealer fix this spring. I guess I'm stuck running the genny to keep the batteries up until then.

[shum02]

Hair dryer. Carry one in the truck when winter RVing. Works every time.

[RayChez]

I think the lock broke inside. It is very common for compartment locks to break. The material they use inside is made out of a pot metal and break real easy (especially) if you are one of those that slams the compartment doors when you close them.

[BennieH]

I use Houdini lock lubricant and have never had a lock freeze. I learned about it from a locksmith. Found it on Amazon.
He told me that Graphite and a few other lubricants attract moisture.

[crasster]

rockhillmanor wrote:
sounds more like rust than ice.

I've had to use this on some of my locks including the door to the coach one time!

PB Blaster


You should have a can of this on board at all times in an RV! Will loosen 'everything' known to man! :W

Agreed. Melt first then use some type of WD-40 type spray.

[et2]

Well the only thing not tried is the hair dryer. LOL, I or my wife don't use one. So I'll get one tomorrow and give it a try. After I dig a path out of the house. About 13" of snow on the ground by morning.

[rockhillmanor]

sounds more like rust than ice.

I've had to use this on some of my locks including the door to the coach one time!

PB Blaster


You should have a can of this on board at all times in an RV! Will loosen 'everything' known to man! :W

[Flanz]

et2 wrote:
Well, I got the MH put into the new storage spot with power to keep the batteries charged. But the dang electrical bay lock is frozen. I squirted it with de-icer, heated the key and tried to open quite a few times, bought a mini pencil torch and heated the outside. The torch has a heater attachment to it for soldering. I put this behind the latch and did a good heat to the whole area. Still can't open it.

Any ideas? I know, before it's said, move about 1200 miles south :B

Just went into one of my compartments and it was frozen solid, pulled out the hair dryer and in about a minute I was in. Now I've got my cooler to carry beers for the big game.....GO PATS!!!!

-paul

[Dale_Traveling]

If it's truly iced up and not something mechanical a hair dryer is your best option. Good volume of focused heat but not enough to damage the coach.