cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Dodged a bullet.

Clay_L
Explorer
Explorer
Dodged a bullet (small one). Last fall when I winterized the motor home I had a problem with the entry door lock. I had to mess with the key a lot to get the lock to open. Had to start using the deadbolt.

Thinking I would have to buy a new one, last week I called Winnebago to ask how to remove the assembly. I couldn't see how to get the door handle and locking latches off. Winnebago said that wasn't necessary. The inside plate comes off with the latches and handle in place.

I called a local locksmith to see if he could repair the cylinder if I took the assembly to him. He said the TriMark units were not repairable because of the way the cylinder was put in.
He then said the keys usually wore out before the lock cylinders. I hadn't thought of that, so tried my wife's key which was rarely used for the 11 years we have had the motor home and sure enough the lock worked fine.
I called Lichtsinn Motors (about a mile from the Winnebago factory) and ordered a key - $2.10 plus $4 shipping . Got here in about four days. Much cheaper than the cost of the entire assembly.
Clay (WA5NMR), Lee (Wife), Katie & Kelli (cats) Salli (dog).

Fixed domicile after 1 year of snowbirding and eleven years Full Timing in a 2004 Winnebago Sightseer 35N, Workhorse chassis, Honda Accord toad
2 REPLIES 2

free_radical
Explorer
Explorer
I had same thing happen with ignition key on my truck,suddenly couldn't turn it,so using second key which was never used,still new,made it turn on perfect,,the key just wears off after few years,maybe sooner if one uses it rough,

mlts22
Explorer
Explorer
What I've found about the RV door handles is that one needs a special key that pushes down on the furthest wafer, and that will allow it to be pulled out and changed. However, finding a place to sell you that key (which won't open your rig -- it is only usable in the unlocked position) is almost impossible.

Type a product name