Locked out

[96kpmjmm]

I was recently getting a North Carolina inspection on my DutchStar. The service tech gave me my keys, I go to open door, I could not get that door open for anything. About 2 1/2 years ago I had Newmar install a drivers side window switch in the front drivers side compartment ( up high so no one can see it ) Of course its pouring out. The service tech lifted me up with a fork lift and through the open window I go. With the service tech pushing on door and me turning lock inside was able to get door open. I was afraid to do this with the key from the outside in fear of braking key. Moral of the story I am very grateful that I spent that $150-$200 for that switch. Hope this helps others

[RandDescape]

Sounds like that was good insurance. If you can let us know what you had to do to fix the door a lot of us may want to add something to the preventive maintenance list.

[96kpmjmm]

I did nothing to dead bolt. Here is what I have learned about my dead bolt. The door must be tightly closed before using dead bolt otherwise the deadbolt is tough to lock or unlock. Service men lightly closed door and was able to use dead bolt. My concern was i would have broken the key, being inside my RV turning the inside lock and service tech pushing door in we were able to unlock it. I have never like this lock nor do I ever use it. At our FPU In February 2016 ( it was 10 degrees and snowing ) I was lock out with wife inside I used our fire exit to get inside, It was only our second night and we did not realize we had to push on door. Bottom line this switch was a good investment.

[RandDescape]

Thanks. Certainly if we had the power window I'd be looking into adding such a switch. But as a Ventana owner i'll need to find another way to get in if needed since we just have the slider.