Locked Out!

medora · 10-11-2015, 01:32 PM

All, we just returned from a FABULOUS trip to Killarney Provincial Park, where our Escape performed admirably -- with two exceptions (will post separately about the other). One night, just before our "big night out" (a planned beer+pizza+baseball playoff game at the bar in town), we found that our trailer door would not open. We'd been out for the day, unlocked it, put the keys on their hook inside, shut the door -- and then were unable to get back in. Beer and baseball seemed doomed -- until we figured out that I could crawl up on our bear box (thank you Ontario parks!) and shimmy in our side window, which thankfully was unlocked.

This unwelcome spontaneous locking issue continued to happen through the rest of our trip, intermittently -- though it's not happening now, I'm sure it will again. As long as we have the keys, we're fine ... but ... ??

I did a search for this problem and didn't come up with a thread that matched it. Has anyone else encountered this, and if so, what's the best fix? This is NOT a deadbolt problem -- it's a problem where the door acts like it's been locked at the main keyhole when it hasn't.

Thankful I've done lots of yoga and can contort myself like a pretzel,

Elizabeth

Iowa Dave · 10-11-2015, 01:54 PM

Well those fastec locks, if that's what you have, are not the highest quality I've ever seen in lock sets. The first thing I would do would be to remove the screws that hold the lock together. When you pull it apart you'll see a couple more screws. These need to be reasonably tight and sometimes work loose. If that looks ok, lubricate your lock cylinders and sliding surfaces, if you haven't done so lately. That failing call the fastec people about a couple of new new cylinders they are only a few dollars each, so you know they are not premo cylinders. That's where I would start. Others may have more complete solutions, I like to try free and easy first.
Dave

C&G in FL · 10-11-2015, 01:54 PM

I recently went to unlock my door (main keyhole) and the key turned halfway between the locked and unlocked position and jammed. It wouldn't turn either way. Had to remove the door at the hinges. I replaced the passage set with a chromed one purchased at the nearest RV dealer. I then took a pair of pliers to the key. It bent, but it unjammed and seems to be functioning properly now. Problem is, I don't trust it, and I like the new one better. The manufacturer (Bauer) offered to replace it if I paid the shipping charges ($18). I had some choice words for them, it doesn't cost $18 to send a small, lightweight package from Michigan to Florida. Essentially, they wanted me to pay the shipping to send the defective one back to them. This was a passage set on a trailer I picked up at the beginning of June. IMHO, any company that refuses to replace its 4 month old defective product for no charge is not worthy of having their products purchased. I've heard of others who have had problems with their passage sets.

Rossue · 10-11-2015, 01:58 PM

Is there a higher quality lock set that one can retrofit?

Sandra L · 10-11-2015, 02:00 PM

Was your lock one of the recall ones? There was a thread, but I think you may have a Fastec lock. I have to watch when I lock from the inside, as sometimes it doesn't "catch". Other than that, I have not had that issue: http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f2...call-2718.html
Hope this helps.

thoer · 10-11-2015, 02:30 PM

With those Fastec locks I guess we all have to keep the "spare keys" - correct size bit to remove the hinges in our tow vehicle.

medora · 10-11-2015, 03:03 PM

The key's marked FIC, which I assume is Fastec Industries, and it's not under recall.

Given what I'm reading -- yikes -- I would NOT want to be in a position to have to remove the door to get in. We would have ended up in a hotel that night (with two large dogs) had I not been able to wiggle in the open window -- it was after dark and the closest locksmith was in Sudbury, over an hour away. Dave, I'll try your "free and easy" fix but longer term, I'm very curious what reliable option we could consider replacing with. Anyone done this and been happy with their choice?

Sandra L · 10-11-2015, 03:18 PM

Were you able to check the number? Also some put one of those magnetic key boxes on the underside.
Since I have had lost key problems generally, I now keep mine fastened to me on a fancy tether, and jingle a bit.

C&G in FL · 10-11-2015, 03:33 PM

Fastec locks are used by a lot of manufacturers. They are no better or no worse than others. And taking the door off takes all of 5 minutes, if that. I keep a spare key in the tow vehicle, which has a key pad.

medora · 10-11-2015, 04:18 PM

We did stow an extra key.

And per that night -- taking the door off may have taken more than five minutes, given that our car keys, flashlights and key to our storage box, which contained all our tools, were all locked in the trailer

.

I'll ask Reace if he has any opinions. I'm curious.

medora · 10-11-2015, 05:21 PM

Btw, I did check the number and we aren't under the recall ... Thx for the headsup on that tho, Sandra.

techfan · 10-11-2015, 05:34 PM

Not clear from the statements if people are talking about the regular lock or the dead bolt. We got locked out on our first trip in 2013 and started a thread which lead into the recall. We NEVER. Lock the dead bolt from the outside only when we are inside. Never have had a problem with the regular lock.

medora · 10-11-2015, 07:22 PM

our problem is not with the deadbolt, it's the regular lock which engages without warning.

LarryandLiz · 10-11-2015, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by medora

our problem is not with the deadbolt, it's the regular lock which engages without warning.

Exactly, so Liz and I agree to this rule. When you are out of the trailer you have a key attached to your person. In the morning as I get dressed I loop the key strap onto my belt and put the key into my pocket.

sokol · 10-12-2015, 12:37 AM

I installed a lock box like for a house on the vertical post for my spare tire and keep a set of keys in there. I also have a key for my tow vehicle.

float5 · 10-12-2015, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sokol

I installed a lock box like for a house on the vertical post for my spare tire and keep a set of keys in there. I also have a key for my tow vehicle.

How did you install it?

C&G in FL · 10-12-2015, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by medora

We did stow an extra key.

And per that night -- taking the door off may have taken more than five minutes, given that our car keys, flashlights and key to our storage box, which contained all our tools, were all locked in the trailer

Sorry E and D.
Not knowing the situation, I simply assumed you had tools in the vehicle rather than the trailer. Having RV'd for many years, I have developed a degree of cynicism that makes me obsessively anticipate problems that may never occur, so I most often have a back up plan. For example, spare keys in the TV, tools and flashlights in both the TV and the trailer, and I always have a full set of keys attached to my belt. Obviously, no one can anticipate every possible thing. I also carry a number of spare parts like a water heater element and an anode. Perhaps overkill on my part!

medora · 10-12-2015, 06:58 AM

Given the comments here I don't think it's overkill -- but I do think it's interesting how many of you suggested we be able and willing to remove the door at all times

. Imagine if house locks were as finicky! Makes me think I should consider developing a foolproof RV key entry and marketing it. I might make my millions and be able to go on permanent vacation in my reliably unlockable Escape ...

escape artist · 10-12-2015, 09:07 AM

Hi: medora... Bauer RV locks makes a number pad RV lock. That works until you have a "Brain freeze". Happens to me all to often!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

Iowa Dave · 10-12-2015, 09:08 AM

After returning from the Smokies in 2013, my deadbolt would not open, just spin. After thinking about access for several hours, cause I did not want to call a locksmith, here's what I was able to do.
1. Empty passenger side front box
2. Push open under seat access door
3. Insert makeup mirror on the floor and tip so I could see the lock
4. Feed a 4 foot long one inch square wooden stick into the camper
5. Using all of the backwards spacial logic I could muster, pushed the deadbolt to open.
6. Open the door.
7. Wrench right shoulder patting myself on the back.
8. Take Rita to lunch with the money I saved.
Worked for me. Elapsed time about 10 minutes
Dave

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