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Don Landis · 07-21-2009, 10:48 PM

I'd like to put an extra lock or a locking system on the outside of the door to be secure when I store the vehicle. But I'm unclear on what and where the best place is to put this lock. The regular key lock in the handle just doesn't cut it after all these years. Anyone have any suggestions?

volvophile · 07-22-2009, 03:09 AM

Well, you can do what the previos owner did on mine and poke a couple of eyebolts through the skin. One on the door and one on the door frame, coat it with a couple pints of silicone caulk and run a paddlock through them. Thats on my list of things to remedy, but I've been putting it off because its so effective for all it's ugliness.

Ace hardware, and other places stock an RV deadbolt in stainless steel, which appear to be constructed the same as a household deadbolt but requires a 3/4" hole instead of a full 2 1/2". I will probably go that route and see if I can get it keyed the same as my home deadbolts. One less key to loose.

fabu007 · 07-22-2009, 08:49 PM

Than ACE is the place cause i just got a 2 key lock rebuild kit for my KEELOR latch and it looks way too complicated for me to be bothered, turns out its not a rebuild kit its a complete replacement... involves drilling riviting re holing, etc...

purman · 07-22-2009, 09:52 PM

The PO put a dead bolt on my door. And it's not that bad of a job..

I will take some pics and post them in the morning...

purman · 07-23-2009, 09:12 AM

Ok, here is the dead bolt the PO put on my AS.

He had to cut the Dead bolt down to fit into the door and also had to cut a hole in the door frame. Not sure what structurally this has done to the door, but it's been like that for years.

It works well, And it's easier to use than the one on the door handle.

Silverhobby · 07-23-2009, 10:51 AM

If that is the cast door frame, it can make it weak. But if the fix is working now after a number of years, glad it is keeping the door closed properly.

Mexray · 07-23-2009, 11:36 AM

We have a similar 'dead bolt' to purman's, that was installed by the original owner of our AS...I have paperwork that shows he had it installed by his dealer when he bought the trailer, 31 years ago...

Our trailer has been 'well traveled' and shows no damage or weakness in the area where the dead bolt is installed - or the door itself...

We use this dead bolt as the main locking point of our trailer - don't want the door to flop open on the road...!

Coastalview · 07-23-2009, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mexray

We have a similar 'dead bolt' to purman's, that was installed by the original owner of our AS...I have paperwork that shows he had it installed by his dealer when he bought the trailer, 31 years ago...

Our trailer has been 'well traveled' and shows no damage or weakness in the area where the dead bolt is installed - or the door itself...

We use this dead bolt as the main locking point of our trailer - don't want the door to flop open on the road...!

Ray, I need to look at your dead bolt when were in Jackson. I'd like to add one to our Ambassador too.
Jeff

fabu007 · 07-23-2009, 10:42 PM

Hey looks good to me and a hell of alot easier to put in than the keelor replacement!
"I Can do That!"

Don Landis · 07-23-2009, 10:43 PM

Wow. Sounds like it should be professionally done, especially if it could weaken the door frame. I'm not too keen on drilling into the skin to put one in either. Wonder if there is some magical way of doing it short of what's been shown above?

don

Mexray · 07-23-2009, 10:46 PM

Here's some pics...

tallytwo1994 · 07-24-2009, 12:09 AM

They carry them here:
RV Deadbolt

Carol

crispyboy · 07-24-2009, 06:32 AM

Has anyone installed the one from Vintage Trailer? How did the install go?

Don Landis · 08-12-2009, 01:09 AM

I was wondering if those who have left photos could take pictures a little farther back so I can see how it sets in the door as compared to the whole door and trailer. I'm trying to get a sense of placement on the door and location.

don

Aage · 08-12-2009, 08:38 AM

Maybe just park with the door up against a wall, if you can?

Mexray · 08-13-2009, 06:48 PM

Here's some more pic's with some measurements...

purman · 08-14-2009, 04:54 PM

Ok, here is a pic of my door. It pretty much looks like everyone else's...

Bluto · 08-14-2009, 08:55 PM

If you guys make it to Jackson Center sometime, have them install a dead bolt for you.
They did mine, and it looks factory installed. (a little humor)
Really, it looks like it was made for my trailer.

Shacksman · 08-14-2009, 10:16 PM

Other then holding the door closed when travelling, I leave the door unlocked when not using the trailer. Take out anything you don't want stolen. That way you won't have an expensive repair when someone pries open the door. I learned this from the local Airstream dealer. He leaves the lot trailers open and says it saves a lot of trouble with people breaking in. So far I've only lost 1 old propane tank and it was outside. I left another out hoping someone would take it away but no luck.

Alwhisman · 08-16-2009, 06:17 PM

I didn't want o replace the original and added a deadbolt. Mine is a regular house lock. I didn't know there was one made RV's. I'll change it out now, but here is what I have for now. Works great. I had to cut the bolt down lengthwise to make it slimmer.

lol, I cant get a pic in here, but will post it in photo's.