RV Door
and Storage Locks --- There is nothing like that terrible
feeling of returning to your RV from a great day outdoors only to find that it has been
broken in to or even stolen. Sadly, this is happening more and more frequently as RVs are
getting the latest high tech entertainment gadgets and gizmos installed straight from the
factory. Ironically, a security system doesn’t appear to be high on the list of the
manufacturers save for the high end motorhomes. But there are some basic things you can
mod your RV with to deter all but the most tenacious of thieves.
One of the simplest mods you can
quickly do to secure your RV is to change the factory door and CH751 storage compartment
locks. Almost every door lock used in an RV has a master key. This makes it easy for an RV
salesperson to not have to carry around every key for every RV on the lot while showing
units to customers. And it helps to keep costs down for the manufacturer since only a few
lock combinations need to be made. But if anyone else less trustworthy were to get their
hands on this master key, they could easily duplicate it and have access to your RV.
And even worse, the key and lock
set used for most RV storage doors is the same one everyone gets. It’s the infamous
CH751 set. Go look on your storage door key right now. Chances are that it’s has
CH751 stamped on it. This means that you can wait until your rv campground neighbor is
away and then “borrow” something from his storage bays. Or maybe he’s
thinking the same as you! The key will work in any case.
Fortunately, having the door and
storage locks re-keyed or replaced is easy. To re-key the rv door latch, it should be
removed and taken to a locksmith, unless you want to pay for an onsite visit. Removing
most common door latches entails removing 4 screws from the inside flange of the rv latch,
and removing 2 screws from the striker plate. The latch assembly will literally fall out
so hang on to it when removing the last screw. Have both locks re-keyed since the assembly
will need to be taken apart anyway. This ensures that no one but you has unique rv door
lock keys.
The rv storage door locks are very
simple to replace and it is probably easier and less costly than to rekey. There are a few
options you can mod your storage doors with: tubular cam locks and combination cam locks.
The tubular locks offer a more secure key entrance than standard locks. The key shank is
circular with a nub on the end. The prevents the old “screwdriver-in-the-lock”
trick, twisting the lock until it breaks. The other type uses a 3-digit combination to
open the lock instead of a key. They are a little more costly but the mod coolness factor
is definitely up there.
To replace the rv storage door
locks, all you have to do is remove the screw that holds the cam to the back of the lock
cylinder, and with a 7/8? wrench or socket, unscrew the nut holding the cam lock to the
door. The lock just slides out of the storage door mounting hole. Reverse the procedure
with your new cam lock, taking care to ensure you install the cam in the correct
direction. The “S” bend in the cam should face away from the storage door when
attached to the lock cylinder. Otherwise, the door will not latch properly.
RV Parts, Hardware Suppliers has many parts,
hardware, locks, rv door, latches, screens, for you travel trailer, fifth wheel,
motorhome, camper, or any rv you travel with. We offer free shipping on most of our items
sold. Click on any of the rv links above and go directly to our shopping cart. Many items
to choose from at fantastic prices. Also visit our online rv repair center on our home
page. We offer many items and rv repair ideas. you can post your own ideas, sale items or
any rv related message on our blog page located also on the home page. |
