New blood

[patricksroom]

We took possession of our new Escape 19ft last month and although we haven't had many trips due to the weather we've been very happy. We had a small issue with the sail switch but the folks at Escape took it and corrected the issue and we were super happy with the service. I noticed that some of the locks (hatch and door) are a bit sticky and hard to use with the key , does anyone else notice this ?

Towing vehicle is a Toyota 4 Runner V6.

Cheers,

 

[splitting_lanes]

Hi, we picked up our escape in April, so we’ve done some miles. We had a sail switch problem too, and also notice the key is hard to get into some of the latches. The one it’s hardest to get into is the one I use the most, of course.

Some people have switched out the latches for something better, maybe one of them will chime in.

Welcome to the forum. I was in Chiliwack in April. Nice area.

 

[Perry Butler]

Hi, we picked up our escape in April, so we’ve done some miles. We had a sail switch problem too, and also notice the key is hard to get into some of the latches. The one it’s hardest to get into is the one I use the most, of course.

Some people have switched out the latches for something better, maybe one of them will chime in.

For years we've been disappointed with the locks on our previous RV's. In May 2019, we installed tubular cam locks and have been very happy.

Enjoy,

Perry

 

[brroberts]

I replaced my hatch lock with keyed alike locks for the hatch, the extra hatch I installed, and two padlocks for front box from Pacific (PAC) lock.

 

[WillyB]

I replaced my hatch lock with keyed alike locks for the hatch, the extra hatch I installed, and two padlocks for front box from Pacific (PAC) lock.

I've looked at these locks and am considering them, not only for the hatch doors but also for the front box, hitch and receiver because you can have them all keyed alike.

This would bring me to three keys total. One for the truck, one for the door and one for all the rest.

What size did you get for the front box?

 

[brroberts]

Front box hasps are small. I’m not at the trailer, but something like 3/16”. Yep all of that stuff can be keyed alike.

 

[WillyB]

Front box hasps are small. I’m not at the trailer, but something like 3/16”. Yep all of that stuff can be keyed alike.

Thanks!

That's what I was thinking.

 

[splitting_lanes]

For years we've been disappointed with the locks on our previous RV's. In May 2019, we installed tubular cam locks and have been very happy.

Hi Perry, which size locks did you use for your 5.0?

 

[brroberts]

As far as the hard sticking locks and latches there are several lock lube options. A few off the top of my head are graphite, dry lube spray, or TriFlow. There are lots of lubes like that. It will be periodic maintenance. After some use the latches will get smoother, but never silky smooth.

 

[John in Santa Cruz]

i graphited my locks when I got the trailer 5 or 6 years ago, haven't had to do it again, locks work fine. I used the little blue squeeze bottle of 'Lock-Ease', this, available in any hardware store.
https://www.amazon.com/American-Grease-Stick-Lock-ease-Graphited/dp/B000GKW2NM

I hold a paper towel right under the lock, squirt a bit in, insert key a bunch of times, wipe off outside of lock and key, and good to go.

 

[SRS]

Hi Perry, which size locks did you use for your 5.0?

I used the 7/8 size tube lock for my 2022 E17 exterior storage doors although I got a different brand than Perry did. The last image in the Amazon link Perry provided shows a schematic. The locks are easy to remove and reinstall so removing one might be your best bet if your unsure. My hatch doors are made by Lippert. Hope that helps.

 

[John in Santa Cruz]

those hatch doors on nearly every RV ever made ALL use the exact same CH751 key, so its got nearly no security value whatsoever. its also the sort of wafer lock that can be opened with a jiggler in seconds even without the CH751 key.

I keep meaning to replace mine with a simple latch, as its annoying to have to find that key (its in the top drawer and/or my truck armrest storage) each time I need to get in there.

 

[DGLP]

I've looked at these locks and am considering them, not only for the hatch doors but also for the front box, hitch and receiver because you can have them all keyed alike.

This would bring me to three keys total. One for the truck, one for the door and one for all the rest.

What size did you get for the front box?

Willy, the Paclock RV cam locks are a bit larger in diameter than the factory-installed locks. It takes a bit of time to enlarge the holes on the hatch doors. The hatch material is quite soft. I used a step drill bit. It worked well.

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200625983_200625983

The lock itself comes with a number of different cam variations. I had to bend the cam that fit best to get it to contact the inner part of the hatch frame snugly. The locks all have covers that keep moisture out. We use them on the trailer and around our house. No problems opening them in cold temps, etcetera. Nice to have only one key for all.

https://www.paclock.com/products/ucs_1150srv/

When towing, we use a locking hitch pin

https://www.paclock.com/products/ucs_80a_250/

and a coupler lock

https://www.paclock.com/products/ucs_79a/

Cheers,
Darrell

 

[Perry Butler]

Hi Perry, which size locks did you use for your 5.0?

According to my Amazon history, I ordered 7/8" cam locks.

Enjoy,

Perry

 

[brroberts]

I did have to slightly enlarge the holes and went slow with a step bit also. I did not have to bend the cams, but did have to adjust them from the way they came.

 

[splitting_lanes]

I used the 7/8 size tube lock for my 2022 E17 exterior storage doors although I got a different brand than Perry did. The last image in the Amazon link Perry provided shows a schematic. The locks are easy to remove and reinstall so removing one might be your best bet if your unsure. My hatch doors are made by Lippert. Hope that helps.

Thanks for your reply.

According to my Amazon history, I ordered 7/8" cam locks.

Thanks Perry.

I’ll bookmark this thread for reference when I get to the locks.