Door latch woes

[Mike Ziegler]

We have a late 70's model trailer that's been sitting several years. Now the door latch (outside) is just floppy loose. It will not engage the latch mechanism. The door is obviously in the locked possition and we can't get into the trailer. Any sugestions?

[Safari64]

Hi Mike,
Welcome to the forums. Lots of helpful people here.

My door lock once broke leaving me locked out.
Mine is a '64 therefore a bit different.

I had to tap out the door hinge pins. Then the door just lifted out and off.

When reinstalling I drilled and cotter pinned the hinge pins to make it much harder to do again...as theft deterrent

On mine the problem was in the lock cylinder, accessible from the inside.

Safari64

[ALANSD]

the lock cylinder is a common failure. If you can get it apart you may find the Keeler lock cylinder to replace it, but it means you will then have different keys. Those cylinders have been discussed here before, please search fo that info.

[Mike Ziegler]

Can a replacement door latch be purchased through a local dealer? Thought I'd check before I tear into the broken one. Thanks

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Mike Ziegler

Can a replacement door latch be purchased through a local dealer? Thought I'd check before I tear into the broken one. Thanks

A replacement door lock for your trailer, will require you to have the pink slip on your home handy.

There is a very easy way to get into the trailer, without touching the door lock.

Since a thief could use this information, I will not post it here.

Call me tomorrow and I will tell you how to do it.

800-8777311.

There also is a much cheaper lock kit available to replace the very expensive KT lock.

Andy

[Mike Leary]

I assume the latch is the same as the one on our '83 310 Moho. No longer
made from my research. Anyone know for sure? I had ours repaired by a
local locksmith that had the foresight to collect old latches. It's a "weak
sister" as far as I'm concerned & not looking forward to it failing, tho the
locksmith said the innards are bulletproof.

Me & "Bess"

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Mike Leary

I assume the latch is the same as the one on our '83 310 Moho. No longer
made from my research. Anyone know for sure? I had ours repaired by a
local locksmith that had the foresight to collect old latches. It's a "weak
sister" as far as I'm concerned & not looking forward to it failing, tho the
locksmith said the innards are bulletproof.

Me & "Bess"

Airstream motorhome entrance door locks are far removed from Airstream trailer entrance door locks.

The KT lock, does not exist any where, except in the Airstream trailers from 1970 to 1977. Parts are not available from any locksmith for those locks. The repair parts, while also expensive, are available from some dealers.

It's last price from Airstream was over $600.00, (not installed).

Not a good thing for owners.

Andy