Coach Keys

[rvskipper]

My entry door requires 2 keys. A small base key and a large base key. The small base key also fits all compartments and the drivers door. The large base key is a second lock on the entry door only. Does the small base key fit all Winnebago coaches? If so the drivers door has me worried!

[rvskipper]

My entry door requires 2 keys. A small base key and a large base key. The small base key also fits all compartments and the drivers door. The large base key is a second lock on the entry door only. Does the small base key fit all Winnebago coaches? If so the drivers door has me worried!

[ISLAPP]

No, it is not a universal key. I forget the number of combinations Winnebago uses for their keys, so the chance that someone else can get into your rig is remote.
Mike

[AdrianLee]

rvskipper,

Supposedly the top key is not a real reliable lock because the dealerships have "masters" to this lock. There has been a fair amount of discussion here about this lock and the availability of keys from dealers. I have no first hand knowledge of this but I have gotten into the habit of locking the bottom lock also when I lock up. The bummer is that the remote only locks the top lock so you have to use a key anyway.

[troth]

I believe there are at least 11, possibly 13 different key patterns for the basic Winnebago/Itasca door/compartment key. However, there can be many, many different cuts on the entry door deadbolt key... A few members in our local Winnie club have benefited from the fact that when they locked themselves out of their coach, one or two of the fifteen other campers had a key that could get them back inside. Of couse, the Workhorse or Ford ignition keys have many possible combinations, so we've never seen one owner's ignition key be able to start another coach... (yet!).

[JD Allen]

I'm not sure if this applies to a motorhome but one way to get a key for a vehicle is to write down the VIN number and take it to a dealer. Anyone can get a key that way. So if you want to borrow your neighbors car, or steel a car for that matter, all you have to do is write down their VIN number and go see a dealer.

Recommendation is to cover your VIN with black tape so it can't be used by someone else to get a key.

That said I haven't done it yet.

[ichn2go]

Had that happen when traveling with a friend. We were mighty glad that one of our "Horizon" neighbors key opened our door.

I may be naive, but I really don't think other Winnie owners go around seeing if their key will open someone elses MOHO unless asked.

Good Miles

[bflem]

I don't think just anybody can get a key with your VIN. I locked my keys in a GM car and called the 800 number with my VIN. GM called the dealership and when I picked up the key they had my name and I had to show I.D. I was at a campground where a key was locked inside and the locksmith also required the owner to show identification.

[Moder2]

Frankly I would have congratulated both of those people that asked for ID.

I used to do some Repo work, and frankly, its pretty easy to get keys for most cars.

The hard ones are the ones with the electronic keys, and I believe a few of the foriegn cars cannot be made at a dealer, they need to change the entire lock or ignition if you don't have one to copy.

Tht being said, the most common way for us to repo a carr was to first drive to a dealer, get a key (I was rarely asked who I was or what I needed it for, and then, as soon as I said "I'm a repo guy" they didn't ask anymore). Find where the debtor worked, and snag it at his workplace... easy cheap and simple.

Those with Electrronic ignitions, we also had a "coder" that would cycle through the various codes to unlock the ignition. It was a bit more time consuming and if you lost track with the device, it was fairly easy to "Lock Out" a car where it required the dealer to either reprogram the computer, or change the ignition.

Finally, my take on locks... They keep honest people honest. If someone wants in, the fanicest lock in the world isn't gonna keep them out, and frankly, those are the ones that end up with the damaged boddy pannels, and broken windows, lets face it, we all know how easy it is to get in these things...

John