key for my water compartment door!

pamelake · 05-26-2005, 06:38 PM

I have been told that the keys have a number on them that a locksmith can use to make a key from. If you have a 1974 A/S or anything close, could you send me the number on your key? I have also read on this site that all of these keys are pretty interchangable. I would appreciate any ideas. I am trying to get my Tradewind ready for 'our' maiden voyage. (that would be hers and mine!) Thanks. Pam

driftwood · 05-26-2005, 06:53 PM

pamelake,

Call around to key shops & locksmiths near you. A well stocked one will have those keys. When I wanted a spare set for my '85, I showed the locksmith the water compartment key and he immediately knew what it was. Right on the rack, no cutting.

My key is stamped: DECO 1

There is also a thread you could find with the 'search' tool at the top of each page. Example for a recent thread on this:

http://www.airforums.com/forum...water+door+key

RichardT · 05-26-2005, 09:17 PM

The key I have is marked DECO 1 as well

Jim & Susan · 05-26-2005, 09:22 PM

I'm confused about something. I just read thru the thread that Driftwood suggested. Are we saying that the key to the water door is different than the other keys on the trailer? I understood that all of the "small cylinder" type locks on the trailer were keyed alike. By this I mean that the access door behind the fridge uses the same key as the water access door and the trunk and any other access door (but not the main entry door?).

Here's the reason I ask. I have one, and only one, key (well, plus a couple of spares). This key opens the "trunk", the access door behind the fridge and the access door under the curbside bed. This key will not open the water fill access door or the main entry door. I am in the middle of a full remodel and simply haven't gotten to repairing/replacing locks yet. Am I to understand that I will need a seperate key for the "access doors", another of the "water fill" and a third for the main entry door?

My plan is to put a deadbolt on the main entry door and try to repair the other locks during the remodel (actually, the access door locks all work now after a little cleaning and oiling, except for the water access door, of course).

Can somebody straighten me out on this? AS always, appreciate it.

Jim

PizzaChop · 05-26-2005, 09:29 PM

Jim,

Yes, you'll need a different key for the door. My Overlander (and Sovereign) are like yours. I did find that the access compartment key for the Overlander fit the locks on the Sovereign (big sigh of relief there) but I still don't have a key for either of the water fill doors.

I have two different door keys so maybe one of them would fit yours?

driftwood · 05-26-2005, 09:45 PM

We could install biometric locks on everything ...

The generic key for the generic water door lock

is pictured.

Many years of Airstreams and a great deal of SOB's have this type.

Now on my '65, for example, has keyed tumbler locks for the entry door (1 key), the rear & side compartment (1 key) and an access door for reefer (1 key) ... my water fill is not keyed, just a threaded cap.

So I don't even need a key!

..............

By-the-way ... does anybody know where I can acquire an original water fill cap, mine is missing!

pamelake · 05-26-2005, 10:05 PM

Thanks for taking the time to resond and save me big headaches. Initially, I was going to call a locksmith. Now hopefully I can take in this number and be in luck. This forum is great! Pam

Jim & Susan · 05-26-2005, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PizzaChop

Jim,

Yes, you'll need a different key for the door. My Overlander (and Sovereign) are like yours. I did find that the access compartment key for the Overlander fit the locks on the Sovereign (big sigh of relief there) but I still don't have a key for either of the water fill doors.

I have two different door keys so maybe one of them would fit yours?

Well, that expains some stuff. I thought the trailers keys were "one key fits all". Upon disassembling all the various locks during the "Monty" they all look pretty much the same. Since one key opened SEVERAL DOORS, I assumed that it opened ALL DOORS and I had defective/broken/worn out locks.

So, one key for the access doors, one key for the water fill door and one key for the main entry door (three keys in all!).

Ron, thanks for the offer, but I'm going to put a deabolt on the main entry door during the Monty. I'm worried about the door flying open while driving down the highway and just everyday security.

BTW, we really have to come to one of your pizza places. Hope you serve beer!

driftwood · 05-26-2005, 10:24 PM

I believe in keyed deadbolts also. It was the first thing I did to my '85 after purchase. My main goal was to prevent theft.

There are a few threads that you can use as excellent guidlines on this Forum, eg.:

http://www.airforums.com/forum...t+installation

Good luck!

Rivetedude · 05-27-2005, 10:04 AM

It may sound barbaric, but my '72 had the same problem. I tried all my keys to no avail. Finally, I inserted a straight screwdriver and gently gave it a little turn. The lock opened smoothly without breaking a thing. I'll probably replace the lock, but right now the SD method works fine.
Ben

ssolid · 07-27-2005, 08:56 AM

When I bought my AS it didn't have the water key either. I ended up hauling it the locksmith. He had a big open lot behind his shop and it took him about 30 minutes to figure the setup and make a custom key. He said jokingly, or at least I think it was meant that way, to not lose it because he was not inclined to make another!

It only cost $8...which I thought was cheap for his time and effort....I think the olf guy loked that challenge.

If you would like me to try and have them duplicate mine I would be happy to do so.

Good luck!

norbert · 07-27-2005, 09:32 AM

i have always wondered why the water door lock was keyed differently from the others....enquiring minds want to know!!
norby

tphan · 07-27-2005, 09:35 AM

hi- I have called half a dozen locksmiths and hardware stores trying to find this DECO 1 key blank, with no luck yet. I'm going to take the picture of this key to some key shops today and try to find a match- will post if I have any luck.

**jcanavera** · 07-27-2005, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by norbert

i have always wondered why the water door lock was keyed differently from the others....enquiring minds want to know!!
norby

You know the only thing I'm guessing, and this is a long shot, is that the locks on the water compartment door are more unique (that is more key combinations) due to the fact that tampering with someone's water supply can be life threatning. I know Twink and I were checking the keys on our trailers last year at Moraine View and noted that the key that opened the compartments on his trailer and mine were the same. We didn't check out the water compartment though.

Jack