Changing storage compartment locks?

[JBruno]

Newbie owner here ... Thanks in advance for the help.

Any advice on changing out the locks on the rear storage compartment? I have a 2014 Flying Cloud that occupies a storage yard with a few other 2014s. I'm not real keen on having the same keys that my neighbors do. I've heard people say you can pick up similar lock sets at home depot or lowes. Any truth to that, or is rekey the answer?

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by JBruno

Newbie owner here ... Thanks in advance for the help.

Any advice on changing out the locks on the rear storage compartment? I have a 2014 Flying Cloud that occupies a storage yard with a few other 2014s. I'm not real keen on having the same keys that my neighbors do. I've heard people say you can pick up similar lock sets at home depot or lowes. Any truth to that, or is rekey the answer?

Hi, unless you know for sure that your neighbor's keys actually work on your locks, I wouldn't worry about it. I haven't done it, but these locks are probably simple to pick. And a medium sized screwdriver could probably easily pop the storage doors open.

[m.hony]

It doesn't matter what year your coach is. It doesn't matter what brand.
The storage compartment keys were the same on my 2009 Forest River Wildwood 28RLSS as the keys for my 2013 Airstream Classic 30.
There are only a few different keys.

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by JBruno

Newbie owner here ... Thanks in advance for the help.

Any advice on changing out the locks on the rear storage compartment? I have a 2014 Flying Cloud that occupies a storage yard with a few other 2014s. I'm not real keen on having the same keys that my neighbors do. I've heard people say you can pick up similar lock sets at home depot or lowes. Any truth to that, or is rekey the answer?

I believe you have the same locks I do, the black combination lock/turn latch/recessed handle thing. Right? Well, if so, there's nothing else that will fit without major rework, and few if any better alternatives.

You could take the latch and the key to a locksmith and have them change the tumblers around and cut a new key. I haven't explored that possibility, in depth, but the locksmith I usually use charges around $30 per lock for repinning. The Airstream locks are wafer locks but I would imagine that the charges would be similar.

I guess I wouldn't be too concerned about petty theft by people who own newer RVs.

I do lock the baggage doors but that's more as a precaution against casual theft and general mischief, crimes of opportunity, than out of concern that the next guy is going to steal my leveling blocks.

[Colonial Airstream]

The compartment locks have recently changed. The older style is no longer on the market.

[Melody Ranch]

If I was in a storage lot with my 2014 Cloud, surrounded by other similar Airstreams .....the last thing I would worry about was someone opening my storage locker and stealing a 30 dollar chair or 10 dollar hose.

[MarkE]

JBruno,
Welcome to Airforums !
I understand your concern regarding violation of your trailer's locks & don't want to minimize that. But, personally, I'd much rather someone wanting to get into the storage compartments use a key to unlock them than a screwdriver (or crowbar) to break in. The damage caused by strong-arm break in's can often exceed the value of items taken.
So, I'd not worry much about this. Just my 2-cents.

[Antique Pedaler]

The storage key to the '10 FC also open the 64 bambi and the 75 year-old garage door lock.

[JBruno]

Thanks for the replies - and advice. I completely understand there may be an element of over worrying here. I can't help that - I grew up in a big city.

I do tend to store tools and other things for the road that have more value than my hoses, but that's an easier fix than the locks.

[TerraYacht]

As a former locksmith, I agree with the suggestions to "not worry." I am lucky enough to store my moho next to my house, but many of the storage doors are unlocked, including my two tool bins. If I were worried, I would empty them and leave them unlocked. That way a bad guy would open the door and find...nothing.

My latches are riveted in to the door, so changing the key would require drilling out the rivets to get to the key cylinder. I have been continually impressed by the amount of valuable goods that people just leave around in the rv parks & have not heard of any light-fingered visitors. I'm sure it happens, but it must be pretty rare.

[Skooter]

Originally Posted by NeatAirstream

The compartment locks have recently changed. The older style is no longer on the market.

Had a 2011 Forest River that used the ever popular 751 key. However, the storage compartment on my 2014 Bambi Sport uses an entirely different key and lock cylinder. The 751 will not open it, but it will open the Bambi's fresh tank fill door.