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MN Jeff · 09-04-2015, 09:22 AM

Hi Everyone, I have been reading this forum for quite a while now as we considered the plunge from pop-up to AS. Happy to say we are now the proud owners of a gently used 2014 Sport 22. Just took delivery last night, and while the door operation went flawlessly during the walk through, once we got home, I am having a heck of a time unlocking the door with the key. It just does not seem to want to turn completely, almost giving the impression that you're using the wrong key. I was careful not to torque on it too hard, and was finally able to get it by gently wiggling the key as I turn. I tried it several more times, both with the door closed and open, and it does not seem to be any better. It takes me about 6 tries, where I have to gently articulate the key until it finally wants to engage.

Anyone else have similar experience? Any advice such as a teflon lube in the keyhole?

Good news is there is still factory warranty on the trailer, and it was purchased at an authorized dealer, so if all else fails I will address with them but I'm hoping there may be an easy fix.

Thanks!

SteveSueMac · 09-04-2015, 09:29 AM

Hi - congrats on the trailer and sorry for the troubles.

My 2012 had a similar problem. Ultimately, I had it fixed under warranty and would highly recommend you do the same (a couple times I got locked INSIDE the trailer...would not have been good in an emergency...).

In the meantime, one thing that worked for me was pushing in on the door while turning the key - this was because of the particular misalignment on mine - yours may be different. But try applying a little pressure with one hand while working the key with the other hand. Let us know how that works.

And I think you only want a graphite lube in your locks but I could be wrong on that...

Good luck and enjoy!

Foiled Again · 09-04-2015, 09:55 AM

If you have the stabilizer jacks down and cranked too tightly, that can actually put the door out of alignment too. Snug them down on blocks, but don't tighten until they won't move. Just half a turn.

Inland RV Center, In · 09-04-2015, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MN Jeff

Hi Everyone, I have been reading this forum for quite a while now as we considered the plunge from pop-up to AS. Happy to say we are now the proud owners of a gently used 2014 Sport 22. Just took delivery last night, and while the door operation went flawlessly during the walk through, once we got home, I am having a heck of a time unlocking the door with the key. It just does not seem to want to turn completely, almost giving the impression that you're using the wrong key. I was careful not to torque on it too hard, and was finally able to get it by gently wiggling the key as I turn. I tried it several more times, both with the door closed and open, and it does not seem to be any better. It takes me about 6 tries, where I have to gently articulate the key until it finally wants to engage.

Anyone else have similar experience? Any advice such as a teflon lube in the keyhole?

Good news is there is still factory warranty on the trailer, and it was purchased at an authorized dealer, so if all else fails I will address with them but I'm hoping there may be an easy fix.

Thanks!

The jacks when used can cause a bind with the entrance door.

Try some silicone spray, on the striker bolt, which could help.

Andy

featherbedder · 09-04-2015, 11:12 AM

With my replacement lock set I have to gently pull handle, then key will turn rest of way to lock or unlock, then inside same way as outside lock or unlock except have pin inside that slides up and down

MN Jeff · 09-04-2015, 11:50 AM

Thanks everyone for the feedback. My fist suspicion was also door alignment, but stabilizer jacks are not down, and it has the same issue unlocking with key even with the door in the open position. Would seem that is something internal to the lock...?

Silverbee · 09-04-2015, 11:54 AM

Shoot some graphite powder in the key hole. Will more than likely solve the issue.

dkottum · 09-04-2015, 11:59 AM

You might have a replicated key which is not an exact copy of the original.

Beach Bum · 09-04-2015, 12:19 PM

We had a similar problem with our door lock ( not lock not the deadbolt.) We were constantly having to do the door lock jiggle to lock and unlock. We had it on our warranty list and the tech showed us the trick. He told us insert key and pull toward the back of the trailer then turn key. that will engage the key in the lock. Key and lock work first time everytime now. No repeat problem unless we forget the process

Benn

spclkaz · 09-05-2015, 10:41 AM

On my older 94 model, I often have to just apply pressure on the door pushing inward with my free hand as I unlock to relieve the pressure on the door lock...

Okie 1 · 09-05-2015, 10:52 AM

I had assumed that I could get a new set of keys by calling my dealer, or directly to Airstream with the VIN # and proof of ownership. Wrong!! They sent me blanks to have copies made locally (which was successful.) However, I fear the process would have been much more difficult had I not found the extra set of keys to use. I had a medical emergency 800 miles from home and the young man that towed my AS home somehow lost the set he was carrying. All is well now, but "Don't loose those keys!"

sallye · 09-05-2015, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beach Bum

We had a similar problem with our door lock ( not lock not the deadbolt.) We were constantly having to do the door lock jiggle to lock and unlock. We had it on our warranty list and the tech showed us the trick. He told us insert key and pull toward the back of the trailer then turn key. that will engage the key in the lock. Key and lock work first time everytime now. No repeat problem unless we forget the process

Benn

Wow! That really works! Thanks so much for passing on the tip.

TopGeorge · 09-05-2015, 07:01 PM

go to home depot and have them cut you a new key. If they don't have a blank, you can get one from the airstream store. HD expert can then cut that one. It will take him longer than a run of the mill ley.. You may need to take it back to him a time or two for fine tuning. Good luck, and welcome to the coolest club and forum on earth.

The Cralls · 09-05-2015, 09:58 PM

I have found that the local lock smith usually carries the blanks for the Airstream locks and can address many of the lock issues.

Okie 1 · 09-06-2015, 06:54 AM

I checked with 6 places in Colorado, Arkansas, and Oklahoma and none of them would do the copy job. Even after I had the blanks from Airstream, the Walmarts said their equipment would not accept them. I tried a Home Depot, Lowe's, local locksmiths, and RV services near by. My problem was solved with the local Ace Hardware that cut them with a their "old fashioned" method from those blanks. I guess there have to be a few difficult situations now and then to keep us on our toes. Time was a factor initially, but that was soon abandoned. Thanks to all that commented, I just thought the info might help others.

MN Jeff · 09-06-2015, 10:52 AM

You guys rock! Sure appreciate all the input, and I think we have it under control. The graphite powder helped, as does pushing back gently on the key. I can pretty much get it on the first try now. Also learned that my keys are "newly cut" with sharp edges. They should get more forgiving with some use as the edges smooth down a bit. Thanks again, Jeff

Jim Flower · 09-06-2015, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beach Bum

We had a similar problem with our door lock ( not lock not the deadbolt.) We were constantly having to do the door lock jiggle to lock and unlock. We had it on our warranty list and the tech showed us the trick. He told us insert key and pull toward the back of the trailer then turn key. that will engage the key in the lock. Key and lock work first time everytime now. No repeat problem unless we forget the process

Benn

Wow! That really works! Thanks so much for passing on the tip.

Same from me. Jim

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