Locked out - 1997 Safari Sahara

[WNJeffers]

We had excess guests over the weekend and early this week, so I had my daughter and son-in-law sleep in the coach, which is parked out back with full hookups.

I just went out to get sheets and towels to wash and I find I cannot open the door. The deadbolt is not a problem, but the other lock will not open. We have never used this to lock the door, from inside or out, always the deadbolt only. As I’ve never used this lock, I have no idea which key should open it if locked. The key for the basement compartments will go in the lock, but will not work. The key for the service bay doors will not go in the lock. I’m not aware that I have another key; if I do, it is locked inside with the spare keys. I do have an extra deadbolt key available, but that is not the problem.

I assume that they used this problem lock to lock the door at night, and maybe got it unlocked only barely enough to open the door, but when the door shut again it fell into the locked position.

Can anyone tell me if the key for the basement compartments should open this door? Or the ubiquitous CH751 key use in the entry locks in travel trailers and fifth-wheels?

Should a locksmith be able to open this without totally destroying the lock? Can anyone tell me the brand of lock used, so I can research it myself?

Anyone faced a similar problem?

Any thoughts on how I may gain entry, either by defeating the lock to open the door, or otherwise gain entry while doing the minimum of damage to be repaired later?

Thanks!

Wayne
1997 Safari Sahara 3540

[garyemunson]

Now's your chance to take the lock to a locksmith and have him make a key for it!

[WNJeffers]

Solved!

I was playing around with the basement lock key, jiggling it around in the lock, etc., and suddenly it turned. It seems the secret was to insert the key slightly less than all the way into the lock cylinder.

Thanks to everyone who replied.

Wayne

[jplante4]

I assume all the windows are locked and you can't crawl in one???

I don't have a key for that lock on my 96 Sahara either. Like you, we always use the deadbolt.

An old trick may help here. If you can get the basement key in the lock, insert it and apply turning pressure while simultaneously tapping th key lightly with a hammer. It may be enough to jiggle the tumblers in place.

[Mandalay_Parr]

A locksmith will be able to open without damage. Maybe even make you a spare key.