DEAD BOLT Installation?

[carolynt]

I have a Excella 87.
I need to install a deadbolt. Previous owner lost key to Schlage and I'm wanting something more substantial.
Any input on installing a new dead bolt below handle. So Dead bolt cylinder would be mounted on trailer frame and throw / bolt would go into edge of door. Vintage trailer sells a deadbeat. PLEASE ANY INPUT ???
Thanks Carolyn

[texascanuk]

My locksmith told me to day that I would have to take the handle off the trailer in order for him to make a new key for the schlage. I'm trying to avoid having to take the wall part on the inside Any ideas ?

[dbj216]

Hi carolynt: I think there are lots of options on the all important deadbolt lock. I assume your original deadbolt was integrated within the grab handle by the door like ours is on our 86 Limited.

I don't know how much more robust a deadbolt needs to be? You are just trying to keep honest, mistaken people out of your trailer. I low life thief has many tools to break into anything. Something that looks like a bank vault still wouldn't stop a determined scum of the earth thief.

It depends a little on what structure between the walls that you have to work with. I like the idea of the deadbolt mechanism on the wall side, not within the door. And the bolt can engage the door. I did a 69 Globetrotter the other way because the door frame is a big cast aluminum affair.

Although more expensive, you might be able to buy the original Airstream grab handle and deadbolt lock assembly somewhere, even as a used part. Or the locksmith might be able to "rekey" the original lock. That might be the least invasive way of getting your deadbolt working again.

David

[cliffcharb]

We installed a standard door deadbolt lock in our 81 Excella. It's mounted through the wall, and latches in to the door. I'll see if I can grab a picture for you, but the trailer is not stored at my home. Pretty simple install.

[texascanuk]

Thanks for the pic David. Mine is the same, but there are lots of rivets to drill out to get the panels off of the inside wall. The panel looks wedged between the door frame and a window a foot away.

[texascanuk]

Pic of my 91 handle

[dbj216]

Hi texascanuk: The inside skins of our trailers are much easier to remove than the outside bucked riveted skins. My trailer has just 1/8"dia pop rivets holding the skins and some of the trim in place. It might be the window trim comes off, and then the skin over the deadbolt can be more easily removed. Where there is a will, there is a way.

Once the interior skins are off, then you can unbolt the grab handle, and change the deadbolt lock.

David

[cliffcharb]

I

[texascanuk]

I got the wall apart. 1/8 rivets everywhere. I removed the window frame and the rivets from floor to top of window also
had to remove rivets to release door Trim. Behind the door trim are more 1/8 rivets Pulling back the wall panels reveals the back of the handle encased in sealant.

[texascanuk]

[dbj216]

Hi texascanuk: Airstream surprises! It keeps us young. And it inspires us to form new sequences of cuss words. Now you have access to the grab handle and its lock. You gotta cut off the sealant to gain access to the bolts. Job almost done.

When you reassemble it, make sure the exterior joints are sealed from rain water and seal up the inside so water doesn't flow through the lock. Airstream floors don't like rain water leaks.

I wonder how carolynt, the original poster, is doing with her deadbolt project?

David

[texascanuk]

Ready for reassembly. I need some sealant between handle and body. What?

[dbj216]

No silicone please. I used Acryl-R, which is what the Airstream service techs use a lot. It is a seam sealant, that does tend to flow pretty good. It is for small gaps. And you and disassemble the parts later when the need arises.

There are other good sealants too. Parabond is one that would work. I can't remember if there is a gasket between the lock and the body.


David

[texascanuk]

I can't find either of those locally and I want to reassemble tomorrow. I'm thinking of a polyurethane product from Home Depot.

[texascanuk]

I ended up driving to the local Airstream dealer 60 miles away (I wanted to take my motorcycle out anyway) and I got a tube of Sikaflex 221 Gray. It worked well and overall was worth the expense of $13 for the tube. Now to zip up the inside and I'm done. Thanks Y'all.

[dbj216]

Siliflex is very good also. I should have mentioned it. I have a tube of it, but don't use it too often.

Glad you are nearly done with your project. I'll be satisfying, especially since you don't have a $1000 bill from a dealer. Nothing better than doing it yourself.

What's the old saying: Don't judge a person by what they have, judge them by what they don't need.

David

[Daddyo_1]

Great info and solutions here! I probably wouldn’t have been as invasive had I read this thread first! Long story short, I had to drill out Schlage deadbolt to gain entry to my 88 limited. I plan to replace with comparable or exact same if still available. Anyone know if these can be purchased and where best source would be? I’ve drilled out some rivets and cut interior skin where entry light switches are and have easy access.

I plan to replace existing dpdt(high-off-low) and both spst exterior light switches and add a switch or 2 for additional lighting up front. Separate thread with 12 volt switch questions in appropriate forum. I’m also trying to find a pesky leak that has caused some floor damage under front window by door, so I’m not really that upset with myself for breaking out the tin snips. I’ll make a nice wooden or cf switch panel to cover up the opening!

[Daddyo_1]

For some reason I can only upload one picture at a time