Key Blanks

[ZoominC6]

We'd like to get some extra keys made for our '04 and were told we could purchase key blanks from Airstream. Checking the Airstream website, we couldn't find keyblanks on the list of items for sale. Can anyone give us guidance in this effort? Thanks.

[Sugarfoot]

I know my AS is considerably older, but a good locksmith in town had blanks for all compartments plus my old Bargman L77 door lock. Got two extra sets. A well supplied locksmith might work for you if don't have luck with Airstream.

[jimmickle]

Contact your dealer. That is where I got mine for my 2002 Safari.

[crazylev]

I think you'll pay an arm and a leg for key(s) from AS.

We got extra sets of keys made at a well stocked large locksmith dealer (Yellow Pages), not at Home depot.

I had a slight problem with one of the two door lock keys not working and I wish I could remember if it was the top one or the deadbolt.

In any event, what they had to do is trim the shoulder of that one key to get it to work. This after having the key made twice.

After they trimmed the shoulder, the key(s) worked fine.

So if you have this situation on one of your locks, before having a new one made, try having the shoulder filed a bit, or if your handy, you could give it a shot yourself.

Hope this helps.

Jonathan

[TIMEMACHINE]

ZoominC6,

Airstream has blanks for most models at their factory service center in Jackson Center, Ohio. Just call and ask for parts. Also, many dealers also have blanks. Any locksmith can cut the keys once you get the blanks.

John

[Roadtoaster]

Originally Posted by crazylev

I think you'll pay an arm and a leg for key(s) from AS.

We got extra sets of keys made at a well stocked large locksmith dealer (Yellow Pages), not at Home depot.

I had a slight problem with one of the two door lock keys not working and I wish I could remember if it was the top one or the deadbolt.

In any event, what they had to do is trim the shoulder of that one key to get it to work. This after having the key made twice.

After they trimmed the shoulder, the key(s) worked fine.

So if you have this situation on one of your locks, before having a new one made, try having the shoulder filed a bit, or if your handy, you could give it a shot yourself.

Hope this helps.

Jonathan

I had my keys made locally and had the same problem with the upper door key (in other words, not the dead bolt). I trimmed the shoulder off witha Dremel too and it worked fine.

Greg

[Minnie's Mate]

I purchased blanks from the Service Center in JC a few weeks ago. I was told to take them to the local hardware store in town and they would cut them for me for free. However, I didn't have time that day.

The key cutter at HD told me their machines were too automated to cut anything except certain brands and that I should take them to a hardware store with an old fashioned key lathe that wasn't automated and they could cut it for me. I haven't had a chance to do so yet, though.

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by Minnie's Mate

I purchased blanks from the Service Center in JC a few weeks ago. I was told to take them to the local hardware store in town and they would cut them for me for free. However, I didn't have time that day. .

hi key seekers....

the hardware store mentioned above is owned by a retired a/s electrical engineer i think. anyway really nice guy and they will cut 'em for free.

zoominc6...
just call the factory store. they've got the blanks. price is fair.
get a tee shirt or some other stuff (like sealant) to spread the shipping charge.
some dealers do keep a supply of blank keys, others don't.
my selling dealer will get them for customers without jacking the price...
other dealers want more than the factory store.

the extras/blanks will NOT be the cute rubber coated version...

those only come with new new as new.

pretty sure all replacements are just bare keys.

cheers
2air'

[SilverRanger]

There were no local locksmiths that had blanks for my 05. Even a hardware store that prides itself on being able to duplicate all types of keys. Finally got them duplicated at my AS dealer for 3 bucks each.

[Minnie's Mate]

Originally Posted by SilverRanger

There were no local locksmiths that had blanks for my 05. Even a hardware store that prides itself on being able to duplicate all types of keys. Finally got them duplicated at my AS dealer for 3 bucks each.

Considering the cost of everything else associated with an Airstream, that was quite reasonable.

[JStanley]

Because its possible to accidentally lock yourself out, I had no problem with Home Depot making extra duplicate keys. They work well and are kept handy.
I just wish we didn’t need so many different keys for all the different style locks.

[Trailer Princess1]

I am a Locksmith and one thing that I offer/sell when makeing keys is a tag listing a phone number (your #) Reward If found Call. A tag like you one you might find on your pet w/ info. I made one for each of my Airstreams and used Military dog tags and my dog tag stamping machine. Of course I didnt put my name or adress on it - though phone number & reward. Keys are very costly and incoveniet (sp) to replace - I know, I see it dailey.
FYI - you wont find many Locksmiths stocking those keys - and for sure wont find a Walmart - or hardware storeing them either. Why? They are expensive and they dont sell. So its a dead inventory situation.
Duplicating your existing keys "should" be done on what is called a "code" machine. Why - because what people dont realize is that through the years your keys wear and eventually may not work. Haveing a hardware store duplicate a key is only duplicating a worn key. Code cutting actually makes a new key to the factory spec right from the begining. A brand new walmart key isnt any better than your old one - though is better than no key at all in an emergancy.

Happy Camping

Lisa

[Trailer Princess1]

Forgot - couple more things. "IF" you do have a couple spare keys - take one and get a heavy duty Zip Tie and zip it to the frame. That way when your out camping and you lock yourself out all you have to do it get a wire cutter, or really sharp knife cut it off & whalla - dont forget to put it back though in case there is a next time. Thats what I do even with my vehicals. Dosnt help to be a locksmith if all my tools ar locked up in the van.
Sticking a key in the lock & wiggling it & fileing the marks - thats called impressioning. It is a skill that namy locksmiths dont have let alone somone who is not a locksmith. Your best insurance - have extra keys made now. If somone calls me & are locked out its either a 60.00 lockout fee, or a $50.00 trip fee plus - To me an extra key is worth a whole lot more than you think.

Lisa