Lock for "hood" for Dutch Star

[dc3carl]

Greetings!

We made it home with the 2012 4342 Dutch Star. What a pleasure to drive with the big Cummins and Comfort Drive! One oddity in my observation, though: there is no way to lock the "hood" that gives access to the engine compartment where your dipsticks; coolant tank; belts, etc. are located.

Has anyone identified a locking aftermarket replacement for the push-button latch that keeps that door shut?

Many thanks!

[Dutch Star Don]

Most rear engine coaches don't have a lock on them. I guess a lock would prevent mischief, but it can also prevent emergency access while looking for a key.

[TinMan Trvlr]

We were disappointed to find that neither the engine compartment nor the diesel fuel fill openings (door or fuel cap) could be locked on our new DS4018. It would be a simple inexpensive thing to mount a locking push button on the engine compartment door and provide a locking filler cap during assembly of the unit. Failing that, the engine compartment could be secured by a cable latch accessed from inside a locking compartment door, similar to the method of accessing the (non-slide out) Onan Generator. I am in the process of locating items to allow both the engine compartment and the fuel fillers to lock on our coach . I find it odd that the DEF access door locks, but not the access to the Diesel engine, the most expensive part of the unit? Mind you, one would think that on a coach of this quality we would get all our locks keyed alike too, but no such luck...six different keys (eight if you count ones for the fuel cap and the engine bay once we source locks for them). Carrying the coach key ring around makes us look like Kentucky Jailer's.....with droopy pockets.

[CHUCK05DSDP]

On our 05 DSDP installed a 1/4-20 welded loop eye bolt immediately under the release handle for the engine compartment door. When my unit is in storage I use a MASTER round pad lock around the handle and thru the loop. Keeps the honest people honest and malicious hands out. If they want in they'll get in.

[HicksRA]

In my mind, sounds like a non-issue. I've never had a problem with anyone illegally checking my oil or vandalizing the engine compartment, and never heard of such a problem. But if I was sincerely worried about it, I'd figure out a way to secure the cover. Probably lots of ways to skin that cat as Chuck05 above has done.

[Randy125]

I have a 2002 Kountry Star and it does have an engine access lock, so if you see Newmars of this vintage you might be able to duplicate.

[PanJH]

Originally Posted by dc3carl

Greetings!

We made it home with the 2012 4342 Dutch Star. What a pleasure to drive with the big Cummins and Comfort Drive! One oddity in my observation, though: there is no way to lock the "hood" that gives access to the engine compartment where your dipsticks; coolant tank; belts, etc. are located.

Has anyone identified a locking aftermarket replacement for the push-button latch that keeps that door shut?

Many thanks!

I think having a lock on the " hood " would be a good idea too .... seems that there should be ones on the fuel filler doors also

["007"]

Locks not applied may have something to do with emergency access in case of fire and your not being around with the key, LP tank areas do not have locks.
If there was a lock anyone could smash the fiberglass body to get access to what they want in engine compartment.

CARL here is a Owners Guide for your coach and welcome to Newmar family.
Down below in my signature are links to many items for your Newmar.

[SeattlePirat]

Dang the only time we lock anything is when we leave the coach for service.