Compartment Locks

[Grumpy374]

Just wondering if anyone has found an alternative to those silly pot-metal compartment keyed locks and twist locks. Not so much a different design as it would have to fit the holes that are already there, but a better quality lock that dosen't feel like it's gonna break off everytimg you use it. Mayby something that's all steel, not pot metal or an aluminum casting.
Grumpy

[ol_Bombero-JC]

mlts22 wrote:
Just curious what part number from MSC did you use. I found two "automotive grade" locks from Amazon which are a step up for me because the key is a lot less flimsy than the CH751 one.

This is not for security, because a long screwdriver is always a "master key", but it means that the key is less likely to break off in the lock.

IMO - "thumb turn" style (like your propane compt door), no lock, no key.....works for me..;)

If anyone wants to steal the "stuff" inside, at least the compt doors don't get beat up.

~

[Gene_Ginny]

Go to homedepot.com and do a search for mailbox lock. I saw some there today and they looked like the ones on my compartments but they all had different 4 digit numbers on the keys. All were under $8.00.

[Bumpyroad]

if you are worried about somebody picking a tubular lock, just get locks that use a 3 digit combination.
bumpy

[mlts22]

They are the same Ace locks as on the bike locks. Some people claim to have fixed it with a variable spring, but I've yet to see -anything- but an unsubstantiated post saying that. I would not buy a round key lock for any purpose these days. If I wanted high security, I'd buy a Medeco or Abloy cam (but a long screwdriver works as a "master key" on most RV hatches.)

I bought some "automotive grade" (i.e. double-sided locks with a metal shutter) locks. I prefer those over the round locks since they are more resistant to road grit intrusion, and the key is significantly thicker than the CH751 junk.

[SkiMore]

Are those round keys the same kind that they used to use on bike locks? Awhile back someone figured out how to open the bike locks with a ball point pen. Are these the same type? If yes, did they solve that flaw?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-LWGJzglho

[Itisme]

Bumpyroad wrote:
I replaced all of my 751s on my new TT with the round key type. at least every body out there doesn't have a duplicate of my key, only about 1/6th of the round key owners.

I went to have gramma a spare key made for her 03 keystone the other day. They were out of keys. The dude told me to use mine since they are all the same. I was shocked it worked

[Grumpy374]

Thanks for all the links/info everyone. I'll be ordering some tubular keyed locks as soon as I can pull one of mine off to measure. Busy last few days making some 3" risers for the seats.
Grumpy

[Bumpyroad]

RV_wanderer wrote:
Here's another site you can check out. When on the site click "RVers at risk" and it will offer some advice:

http://www.iss4locks.com/CH751/order.html

that is a super site with diagrams to help determine exactly which lock you need.
bumpy

[RV_wanderer]

Here's another site you can check out. When on the site click "RVers at risk" and it will offer some advice:

http://www.iss4locks.com/CH751/order.html

[glennts]

http://www.combi-cam.com/

[Bumpyroad]

Mello Mike wrote:
I recently made the switch from the CH751 to tubular cam locks. The full details can be found here:

Tubular Cam Lock Install

Good luck!

my install wasn't quite as easy as the article indicated. a couple of the holes had to be enlarged very slightly to get the new locks in and the replacement locks were slightly short and I had to grind away some of the plastic on the inside of the doors to be able to properly tighten down the retainer nut.
Before when I redid my Flair many years ago I ordered a matched set from CW. this time I just grabbed enough off the RV dealer's shelf that had the same key number.
bumpy

[Mello_Mike]

I recently made the switch from the CH751 to tubular cam locks. The full details can be found here:

Tubular Cam Lock Install

Good luck!

[Bumpyroad]

I replaced all of my 751s on my new TT with the round key type. at least every body out there doesn't have a duplicate of my key, only about 1/6th of the round key owners.
and yes, I saw the BS article years back about the Bic pen opening them. I would be glad to have somebody accept my $100 challenge their pen against my 751. 🙂
bumpy

[Dr_Quick]

I got some locks from my local RV dealer that use a "round" key. Got them all keyed alike. And no one can open them unless they have the identical "round" key. A screw driver can not be used in them as there is no slot.

Do not remember the brand, and since I am on the road, I do not have RV place catalog.