Replace or repair

[my3sonsdad]

The prior owner of my 79 Argosy 30’ got locked inside which I’ve heard is a common experience. Unfortunately he had to “dig” his way out!



Looking at comments from a few aftermarket trailer locks, it appears that many they have a similar problem.

Are these lock assemblies repairable (service manual diagram below) or what have others used to replace them with that don’t suffer the same flaw?

[HowieE]

The tongue is still attached to the assemble, mine broke off ad had to be welded back on. Looking at the drawing there are only a few parts that would cause it to fail from the inside. Handle #2, cam #5 and the bolt plate #6. If the handle can turn the cam and the cam is contacting the bolt plate it should work the lock. The only other problem would be if the bolt plate is not retracted enough to clear the strike plate on the door frame. That may be a door hinge adjustment to correct that problem

I would remove the lock assembly and determine what has failed. Is a part just worn to the point of failure or has something broken. That analysis will give you the information to make a decision. I would look to repair the lock as fitting a replacement may require cutting the outer skin. As for the inner skin you can make a patch to cover the hole and finish off the door.