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airking · 01-16-2021, 10:57 PM

We bought a 76 31 foot as. Part of the kt lock is there but non of the insides are there including the handle. I have read that these locks can lock you out and found out that they are very expensive. We are thinking about putting a home lock with a combo like a kwickset lock so we have a more modern lock Has anyone done this before.

StevenD · 01-17-2021, 08:13 AM

Greetings. The door and walls are not thick enough to support most home style door lock mechanisms. Vintage Trailer Supply has a modified a deadbolt assembly that mounts in the wall instead of the door. We installed one in our 73 Safari that works well but they can be a bit tricky to install.
Steve

redthies · 01-17-2021, 09:30 AM

You can also just install a standard RV door lock in place of the KT with a small skin patch to cover the different shapes. It is slightly more than a direct replacement, but not terribly difficult if you have some skills. I’ve done a couple that way. None of the non-KT options are perfect, but I’d far rather just do a different style on the door in the stock location than put deadbolts in other spots.

https://www.amazon.com/AP-Products-0...0900999&sr=8-7

dbj216 · 01-17-2021, 07:00 PM

Hello airking and welcome to the vintage Airstream hobby. I spent all last winter under a 76 Sovereign that we completely renovated. The KT lock was still working, so we kept it.

I have a 75 Overlander with the KT lock (used by Airstream from 1970 to 1977.) I am doing what you want to do, that is I have removed the KT lock and will install a standard RV lock in its place. There are several dimensional items that must be accounted for, such as the cross members in the door, the location of the latch bolt hole in the door jam, and the mounting of the new lock. And there is consideration for the screen door too. But it can be done.

I purchased a Korhee (spelling?) RV lock for about $50. It is a very robust lock that has been used on RVs for years. Again, they don't directly fit an vintage Airstream door, but the door can be modified to make it work.

David

airking · 01-17-2021, 10:53 PM

so is there not a way to place a lock like this https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kwikset-Sma...Z-Wave/4753516 because the wall are too thin

odeforge · 01-18-2021, 09:20 AM

Try Lockey.com USA, they may have a digital mechanical lock to retrofit.

adobehome · 01-18-2021, 10:12 AM

See pics attached. I used residential deadbolt & unlocking door lever for extra thick door on my '62 GT with no problem. Just measure your door thickness & order lock accordingly.

bibbs · 01-18-2021, 07:04 PM

I just don’t like that idea, you will ruin the door, and it is a lot more trouble than you are thinking. I think vintage trailer sells a complete kit, rivits and all.

Lola77 · 01-18-2021, 07:48 PM

I also have the Vintage Trailer Supply modified dead bolt on my 78 ambassador.

redthies · 01-19-2021, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bibbs

I just don’t like that idea, you will ruin the door, and it is a lot more trouble than you are thinking. I think vintage trailer sells a complete kit, rivits and all.

I agree 100%. The lock you posted from Lowes would be an abomination on a vintage Airstream. People do things like that regularly though, or at least did in the past before they saw the error of their ways. Frankly, I make a good living fixing all these “abominations”...

adobehome · 01-20-2021, 01:13 PM

Well, I did not get from Lowes. But, either way.... not all of us Vintage owners are looking to create original reproductions. Some of us want to use ours as a lovely and comfortable camper for boondocking in the most frugal & efficient manner possible. The next gal/guy owner can feel free to spend the big bucks on an authentic restoration which they will hesitate to take down some FS road. To each their own, right? But, "abomination"? Really?! Gee, thanks.

airking · 01-21-2021, 08:15 AM

For me Im looking for the most secure and best technology at the best price. I have read that the AS locks are prone to locking you out. My daughter is going to use this as a tiny home while at college and she wants a combo in case she loose her keys since she will be 5 hours from us. We are also installing cameras and a security system. I dont see alot of choices for combo locks that fit airstream.

airking · 01-21-2021, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by odeforge

Try Lockey.com USA, they may have a digital mechanical lock to retrofit.

i tried the website but it doesnt work is that correct

dbj216 · 01-21-2021, 06:31 PM

Your trailer, like my 75 Overlander, has the infamous KT lock. They do develop problem as they wear out over the years. I understand they are no longer made.

I purchased a standard RV lock from Kohree. The link is below. I have not installed it yet due to other projects, but I believe it will work just fine. I have to modify the door frame, reposition the latch bolt receiver in the door jam, make a aluminum patch to cover the big hole from the KT lock. The lock I purchased has a separate deadbolt making accidental lock outs impossible. I do not know who the manufacturer of this lock is, but I bet there are other sellers. It appears to be a well make lock in my view.

It is a job to install. I believe it will look appropriate on my Overlander. My wife's 86 Limited has a similar lock and it has worked just fine for 25 years.

Maybe others have better suggestions.

David

https://kohree.com/collections/rv-ac...amper-travel-1

odeforge · 01-22-2021, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by airking

i tried the website but it doesnt work is that correct

Try this, lockeyusa.com number is 888-395-0163

Rustmouse · 01-24-2021, 10:08 AM

With my past experiences with the kwickswt locks, I don’t recommend them - I’ve had significant durability and battery life issues with them leaving me locked out on more than one occasion.

I’ve used the Schlage deadbolt lock to better result and though I’ve had an out of box failure from the clutch one time, they still have worked best for me.

I’m not a purist, so I don’t hold that putting in a non standard lock is such a bad thing. The doors aren’t that thick, so security is still marginal at best.

You could go with a mechanical lock, like the simplex here: https://www.gokeyless.com/product/si...ntry-deadbolt/

It has the advantage of not accidentally locking you out with a dead battery, and simplex is a known brand with a long reliable history.

chdeatley · 01-24-2021, 12:12 PM

ANY door lock you get from a big box store is not gonna give you the security I believe you a seeking. Contact a reputable locksmith and have him/her take a look at what you want done. A locksmith can hook you up with the most secure locks around and probably install it for less than correcting the damage a DIY job could entail. IMHO.

duggie · 01-24-2021, 01:35 PM

I put a kwikset on our ‘59 Tradewind. Its a brushed finish so it blends in somewhat. It works great in the desert and in the cold temps. I did it many projects ago so i don’t remember running into any insurmoutable snags. I remember those. I did make a cover plate where the big hole was. I can take a picture of it tomorrow, if someone would kindly tell me how to get it on here.

Authority924 · 04-22-2022, 05:49 AM

Have you installed these lock on your own or had you called a locksmith to do that? I don't even understand how to install them

Authority924 · 04-26-2022, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Authority924

Have you installed these lock on your own or had you called a locksmith to do that? I don't even understand how to install them

Got this fixed, I've called a urgent locksmith near me to install them and I have watched the process till the end. It's quite simple if you have the right tools