Storage Locks - RV-Dreams Community Forum

RVPAINTER · RV-Dreams Family Member

Storage Locks

Jim01 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Don't know what kind of locks you have, but if you're just having trouble turning the key, you can get some powdered graphite at an auto parts store and spray a little into the lock, while working the key back and forth.

I've also sprayed WD40 into a lock to free it up, but some say that's not a good thing to do.

I've had good luck with both procedures.

Jim

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ditto above...just needs lubrication and wiggle

RVPAINTER · RV-Dreams Family Member

I've sprayed white lithium (sp?) and it works for a while - perhaps it's too dusty here in Santa Fe.

I'll try again when we get to San Antonio - In the meantime - I'll try some graphite.

Thanks

Trabuco · RV-Dreams Family Member

If it's real dusty stay away from the liquid sprays. Powderd graphite would be the best.

RickandJanice · RV-Dreams Family Member

Motorcycle chain lube works better than anything I've ever found. It is a liquid spray and come with a tube for tight spaces like WD40 has. However, being a chain lube it has additives to repel dust and rust. Good for use on hinges too.

rvingft · RV-Dreams Family Member

Unless you had NEXXUS install unique locks to your new unit, keep in mind that 90% of your exterior storage locks could be opened by the same key your neighbor uses for his RV ... at any given CPG!

There are a limited number of blanks for these locks, so most RV manufacturers use the supply and then re-order more locks to install. Unless you replace them with different locks (replaced by a locksmith) your chances of having your exterior storage REALLY REALLY secure is small.

And... those doors can be easily pried open ... so do NOT keep your safe in there :D

Use graphite ...or find an Amway dealer. They have a product used on guns that we used when managing a couple storage unit properties in Arizona ....forgot the name, but its THE BEST stuff we have ever found. Liquid lubricants attracts the blowing dirt which makes it worse. Ditto for your storage room lock.

RVPAINTER · RV-Dreams Family Member

Oh I know they are not very secure and most of them are all keyed the same. My concern is the opening of them when driving. I'm going to look for a different lock - one with some substance to them. I used some graphite and they seem a bit better. I found some online that look good ACE - I may order a couple to try them out.

Happy Prospector · RV-Dreams Community Member

I went to a security store-master key store when I changed out my 751 locks to a different number, they were great to work with.

Kevin

melvonnar · RV-Dreams Family Member

I never lock mine; if someone pryes the door open and ruins the door, it will cost more to replace the door than what ever is in there. I never put anything of value in the storage holes.

RVPAINTER · RV-Dreams Family Member

Everything has value - as I say my concern in not locking them ---- it is that they will open while going down the road. I've seen many RVs pass me with a door or two flapping in the breeze.

Jim01 · RV-Dreams Family Member

That's usually because they wern't latched properly before leaving the CG.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

melvonnar wrote:
I never lock mine; if someone pryes the door open and ruins the door, it will cost more to replace the door than what ever is in there. I never put anything of value in the storage holes.

I would have to agree with Melvonna in regards to locking the storage doors. While everything has a value, the cost of purchasing a replacement door, probably locks as well, and paying the labor costs to have them put on and possibly repair any damage to the body of the RV would far outweigh the costs of replacing what is in our storage area.

For example, I would guess that the most expensive items in our basement that are not attached to the RV and its systems would be a hand tool set and our Sears air compressor. It is likely I could replace both of those for roughly $250, but just labor alone for one hour for repair/replacement of the door would be at least $100, maybe more. As for the door, on fifth wheels where there are fairly large doors, I'd have no idea what a door and latches/locks would cost.

I will agree with RVPAINTER about the flapping doors, and for that reason, I always lock our storage doors when we will be in transit somewhere, even if it is only for short distances.

Terry

Speedhitch · RV-Dreams Family Member

Your standard bay locks on most RVs are latch type. They have to be bent out to latch properly and sometimes they are bent out too much and sometimes bent in too much. Check the swing latch and see if it is bent one way or the other too far. I have repaired many like this with a pair of pliers.

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

My bay doors are hinged so that if they are inadvertently left open, and we are moving down the road, the force of the wind will push them into the closed position. Between the mirrors and side camera's I can visually see all my bay doors while under way.

Like most folks I don't lock the doors, cost to replace/repair them after somebody forced them open would cost more than anything I keep in the basement.

My pre-flight consists of checking all doors, levelers, slide-outs, roof, and lights on the toad and the tow bar connections. Anytime we stop I always perform a walk-around to do a quick visual check as well as check for hot tires. Doesn't everybody do the same?