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61Ambassador · 04-20-2011, 08:54 PM

Hi!

I am trying to get my old AS secure, so I don't have to wonder if my neighbors (or anyone else) are borrowing my gear at night.

I had a locksmith out today, and after 2 hours, we can get the key to fit, turn the cylinder to lock the door, but then it won't unlock. Since this is a 50 year old camper (WOW!) and this is the original Bargman lock (L88) he tells me I should think of finding a replacement for it.

I need help please... main idea is just to lock door when we are not in it. It sits in our driveway and if somebody emptied it out right now, I'd only be out a couple of hundred bucks - but it's the principal to me... my stuff... my AS... I'd like to be able to secure it.

Will any old Bargman lock fit this as a replacement? What about a standard RV lock? Anybody done this yet - I didn't have much luck doing a search for this old of a camper. I'm not rich, and this is a rough old camper, but she's camp-able and we're going to use her.

Any tips would be appreciated... I am already $45 in the hole since the locksmith worked 2 hours to no avail. I'd like to just get a cheapo $25 lock from Lowe's or the local camper place... but will they work as replacements?

RickDavis · 04-21-2011, 05:14 AM

You may want to consider installing a second deadbolt lock. Sometimes it is necessary to cut the lock shaft ( not correct term)so it is narrower where it penetrates the door frame.
I did this one my 61. I also replaced the original with the modern door latch used on most SOB trailers after someone pulled the handle off the original. This requires patching the door though and the latch is more expensive than the deadbolt.
I think Inland offers a kit with the modern latch that also has a deadbolt but I assembled my own "kit"

WE always lock the deadbolt when traveling to prevent suicide door accidents

markdoane · 04-21-2011, 06:38 AM

I got the lockset repaired on my '59, but I also feel much better using a second deadbold. You can buy one with a thinner bolt that fits into the door. See Vintage Trailer Supply, $20.

61Ambassador · 04-21-2011, 06:59 AM

Okay, so the deadbolt on VTS.com - if I was to purchase this - do I just drill out a new are and install the new deadbolt below or above the old lock?

I just don't want to screw this up and ruin the door.

Currently, I use a bike lock and cable around the handle and pulled tight through the 'railing/handle' that helps you in and out of the trailer... it works... but it is a pain in the rear-end trying to wrap 6 feet of protected rubber cable around that door handle every time I want to lock the door.

61Ambassador · 04-21-2011, 07:00 AM

The other crazy idea I had was to find a sturdy hasp and rivet it onto the door and frame, then just use a padlock to keep it locked up.

ventport · 04-21-2011, 07:05 AM

I have owned 2 AS and one Avion and all of them had a dead bolt above the factory door lock. The lock was mounted on the trailer side and the dead bolt when locked went into a pocket in the door. We just used the original lock when we were camping to hold the door closed and used the dead bolt whenever we wanted the trailer locked.

61Ambassador · 04-21-2011, 07:32 AM

Can somebody show me a pic of how and where to put the deadbolt? It would be much appreciated. I am strongly thinking of doing this asap.

61Ambassador · 04-21-2011, 07:33 AM

Ventport,

So the lock was mounted on the trailer (door frame), and they created a 'pocket' on the door itself to house the 'shaft' of the extended deadbolt?

How securely would that hold?

ventport · 04-21-2011, 07:39 AM

Here's one: http://vintageairstream.com/archives...ides/27_12.jpg

RickDavis · 04-21-2011, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 61Ambassador

The other crazy idea I had was to find a sturdy hasp and rivet it onto the door and frame, then just use a padlock to keep it locked up.

The problem with this is someone coming by when you are camped in the trailer and closing the hasp

61Ambassador · 04-21-2011, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickDavis

The problem with this is someone coming by when you are camped in the trailer and closing the hasp

LOL - I guess that could be a problem.

I'm rethinking that 'crazy' idea now. Unless maybe I create a way to lock it open as well.

TG Twinkie · 04-21-2011, 08:28 AM

I like the dead bolt in the trailer body idea. The hasp is ugly. But if you want to prevent someone from locking you in, just mount another Hasp "ring" ( the part the padlock goes in) on the body, then open the hinged part to where it is flat against the trailer install the padlock; this way they can't flip it over the door and lock you in. Also provides a place to store the padlock.

markdoane · 04-21-2011, 01:41 PM

Here is a picture of how I installed the VTS deadbolt in my door. You can install either in the door or in the jamb, but you need to measure carefully so the bolt fits into the channel.