Breaking in when locked out...

[Bobbie54]

Note: I was going to have to post this last night (see below) but found my key in time. Also, I do have a spare which wasn't with me (oversight!) but will be getting at least one more. But I figured I'd find out if anyone had good answers.

I thought I'd lost my Escape door key. Out camping, all my stuff and more importantly, Jack's anti-seizure meds, in the trailer. I didn't get as far as trying to pick the lock or go in through the open side screen window (didn't think we had anyone around small enough to do it.)

I don't have RV coverage on my triple AAA (another thing I may change) but I did find out (too late!) that if I'd thrown the keys in through that window they might have covered opening the door. Also from now on keep the key on the car key ring (which would have helped in this case.)

Anyway, I was on the phone with the locksmith when a friend found my key.

But my question to all of you is- is the lock pickable? Any other way to get in? Old framed windows- how hard would it have been to replace the screen if I cut it to get in?

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by Bobbie54

Note: I was going to have to post this last night (see below) but found my key in time. Also, I do have a spare which wasn't with me (oversight!) but will be getting at least one more. But I figured I'd find out if anyone had good answers.

I thought I'd lost my Escape door key. Out camping, all my stuff and more importantly, Jack's anti-seizure meds, in the trailer. I didn't get as far as trying to pick the lock or go in through the open side screen window (didn't think we had anyone around small enough to do it.)

I don't have RV coverage on my triple AAA (another thing I may change) but I did find out (too late!) that if I'd thrown the keys in through that window they might have covered opening the door. Also from now on keep the key on the car key ring (which would have helped in this case.)

Anyway, I was on the phone with the locksmith when a friend found my key.

But my question to all of you is- is the lock pickable? Any other way to get in? Old framed windows- how hard would it have been to replace the screen if I cut it to get in?

Hi: Bobbie54... The least offensive way in is to remove the hinge screws and lift off the door!!! Only damage is to your pride. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[Bobbie54]

I didn't even get as far as looking to see if I could do that- but it was on the list. My first thing was to race back to the winery where we had dinner before they locked the gates to look near where I'd parked. On the way back I thought about the door hinges, figured they'd be inside, and then never looked when I got back. But good to know. Maybe, lol.

[santacruzer]

In addition to the ones we both carry, I keep a spare in the truck and another spare well hidden on the trailer.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by santacruzer

...... and another spare well hidden on the trailer.

I accept the challenge.

Until the advent of keyless locks and keypads on vehicles, I always had a key hidden somewhere on the outside, and used it a fair bit. I was considering doing the same with our trailer.

[santacruzer]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

I accept the challenge.

Until the advent of keyless locks and keypads on vehicles, I always had a key hidden somewhere on the outside, and used it a fair bit. I was considering doing the same with our trailer.

Anyone who know trailers could likely find the key, but then again the door could be pried open if someone was really serious. There is apparently a keyless lock that will replace the standard one, but that's a project further down on the list for me.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by santacruzer

Anyone who know trailers could likely find the key, but then again the door could be pried open if someone was really serious. There is apparently a keyless lock that will replace the standard one, but that's a project further down on the list for me.

Absolutely true. If someone wants in, they are getting in. No need to search for a hidden key that might not be there anyway.

[Bobbie54]

Yes, hidden key is a good idea. I see the hinges are readily removed- and as mentioned I had a window open. I'll be ready if there is ever a next time.

The funny part of the story is that when I went back to the winery to look for the key, I found my friend's camera where she'd left it out by the dog park area! She hadn't missed it yet. So the extra round trip was worth it anyway.

[cpaharley2008]

A robertson screwdriver can remove your door, your neighbor has the universal key to your baggage hatch, perhaps depending on model you can get a kid to climb inside.

[Bobbie54]

No baggage hatch and the brand new Robertson was locked inside the trailer. I forgot about those darn square screws. The top one looks like someone already tried a Philips head on it. Another thing to keep in the car, I guess.

Adding to my list when I get home.

1) spare in the car
2) hide spare on the trailer
3) Robertson in the car
4) bring along a skinny kid
5) don't take the key off the key ring
6) get RV coverage for roadside assistance
7) clean the car so it is easier to find stuff that gets under the seat!

[Iowa Dave]

Originally Posted by santacruzer

In addition to the ones we both carry, I keep a spare in the truck and another spare well hidden on the trailer.

Yeas on this. If it is just the deadbolt locked on our 19, and the door Lock has malfunctioned it
Is possible to open the hatch on the passenger side front, push open the Under dinette door,
Insert a mirror on the floor aimed at the door and use a stick to flip the deadbolt. If the handle is
Locked too, this does not work. Spare keys are the way to go. It is possible to wire one on the tow
Vehicle exterior too. That way prying eyes can't find one on the trailer.'
Dave

[cpaharley2008]

Those lanyards Escape provides come in handy, always have mine around my neck and Noelia has the twin on herself, from the time we leave home till we return.

[MyronL]

Always wearing the lanyard gets my vote.

[Tin]

One of the first things I changed out after picking up our trailer. Wife and I love it and thanks to NW Cat got 40% off during black Friday sale. Thanks NW Cat.
Tin.

[Jubal]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

A robertson screwdriver can remove your door, your neighbor has the universal key to your baggage hatch, perhaps depending on model you can get a kid to climb inside.

Bolts Nuts Screws Online |Stainless Steel Fasteners Hi Tensile Bolts, Cup Head, Hex Head, Socket Head 304 CSTS POST TORX:#8 X 1

[Zardoz]

The first time I had "thought" (later found) we'd lost both sets of keys, I ordered 5 more of each from RVLocksandmore.com. They are stashed in our truck, under the trailer, in various storage compartments and elsewhere. For less than $15, you'll always be able to gain entry.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by Zardoz

The first time I had "thought" (later found) we'd lost both sets of keys, I ordered 5 more of each from RVLocksandmore.com. They are stashed in our truck, under the trailer, in various storage compartments and elsewhere. For less than $15, you'll always be able to gain entry.

But then you will forget where you hid them all.....

[Donna D.]

I can't even imagine trying to hike my bottom up through an unlatched window in Ten Forward because I locked myself out! I'd need a bit ole boost. Or someone to goose me! Unscrewing the door hinges sounds like a better solution, especially for those that have replaced the hinges with the SS versions from Western Hardware. Now where is that blue Robertson....

[Zardoz]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

But then you will forget where you hid them all.....

At my age, that's a given. That's why I give myself so many chances to find them.