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07-16-2008, 05:32 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Excel Owners Club
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,143
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Workshop's post yesterday on locking a power cable reminds me of my own question about a better entry door lock.
Has anyone improved on the puny RV door lock found on our and other trailers? Doesn't take much to get through that lock mechanism.
I consulted a locksmith, who could only suggest an ugly padlock on the exterior, and even then with some difficulty given the uneven surface from the door over to the frame. Or a good deadbolt on the interior for security when at home.
My computer data is my most valuable asset, so I take it with me in the truck and keep a backup in the traler. And a backup in the glove box.
I know that many FTers install a safe for fire and theft. Is that the only alternative?
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07-16-2008, 05:32 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Excel Owners Club
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,143
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Workshop's post yesterday on locking a power cable reminds me of my own question about a better entry door lock.
Has anyone improved on the puny RV door lock found on our and other trailers? Doesn't take much to get through that lock mechanism.
I consulted a locksmith, who could only suggest an ugly padlock on the exterior, and even then with some difficulty given the uneven surface from the door over to the frame. Or a good deadbolt on the interior for security when at home.
My computer data is my most valuable asset, so I take it with me in the truck and keep a backup in the traler. And a backup in the glove box.
I know that many FTers install a safe for fire and theft. Is that the only alternative?
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07-16-2008, 07:04 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Anywhere, USA
Posts: 2,472
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Thanks Bruce and Jenna! I've been thinking the same thing ever since we owned our first RV. I would prefer the electronic locks found on the high-end MHs, to include all the exterior storage/utility compartments.
__________________
John & Marilyn Yoder, Sophie & Misha (Bichons)
2008 Vectra 40TD, WIT-151980 FMCA F265880
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07-16-2008, 03:51 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Excel Owners Club
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Fulltime TX Escapee
Posts: 8,901
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ChiefJohn:
Thanks Bruce and Jenna! I've been thinking the same thing ever since we owned our first RV. I would prefer the electronic locks found on the high-end MHs, to include all the exterior storage/utility compartments. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
What Chief? With those ferocious guard dogs you guys have?
__________________
2012 Excel L33ft. GKE named Charm as in 3 times is a Charm. Love Fulltiming. Bullet '14 Chevy D/A 3500 LB CC DRW Summit White - Ebony Interior. Check out our blog at: https://claphamstravels.blogspot.com
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07-16-2008, 04:13 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Anywhere, USA
Posts: 2,472
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'Rockin', isn't it past your bed time?
__________________
John & Marilyn Yoder, Sophie & Misha (Bichons)
2008 Vectra 40TD, WIT-151980 FMCA F265880
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07-16-2008, 04:20 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Excel Owners Club
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Oakley, Kansas
Posts: 2,066
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Bruce,
My '92 Excel had a household deadbolt that I really liked. Is was that way when I got it, but I think it was built that way. I have also seen this on a Newmar fifth wheel.
The bad thing about this is it is only as strong as what the side wall is. Will only slow down the lazy thiefs.
__________________
Larry & Billie Eberle
2010 Wild Cargo SKM
'98 Volvo, HD Mule
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07-16-2008, 05:03 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Excel Owners Club
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Big Pine Key, FL
Posts: 1,424
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Bruce,
Chief,
I'm with Larry on this one. One could put in a steal door with a 10" dead bolt and I think I could pry it open with a crowbar. Seems to me that the door frame would have to be improved significantly then a new dead bolt may work.
__________________
Member # 47 , " squirt", Smart Cabriolet The Newest Family Addition
The Wagon, Excel L36CLO, Overkill, Volvo 610, Venture Out, Cudjoe Key, FL
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07-17-2008, 04:48 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Excel Owners Club
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Guthrie Center, Iowa
Posts: 184
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Until you have seen a door that has gone thru a potential break-in, the door locks that are currently on RV's are pretty good... We have seen several doors that were the result of a potential break in. The main door handle lock will not survive, but usually if the customer has the dead bolt locked, the thief doesn't get thru it. The regular handle, you can take a screw driver or plyers and stick it into the pull handle and pop the little locking latch that holds the latch locked. But the dead bolt you need to be at it for quite a while. The sad thing is if the thief is smart enough they will just break the window, reach thru and just unlock the door and in they are.
One thing everyone should check out is how far their deadbolt is going into the frame/wall. Most units the frame of the door is built, the door installed and the deadbolt stops when it hits the wood frame work. If they have not been routiered out to allow the lock to fully extend they can make it easier to pry the door open. If this is the case, you can take a drill and bit and drill out the frame a little to allow the bolt to fully extend.
How to check this. With your door closed turn you key to lock the deadbolt. See were your key stops, mark it, then reopen your door. Do the same thing again, turn you key to see how far the key will turn to allow the bolt to fully extend. If it hits your mark, then it is out all the way, if not you will need to drill your frame a little to allow the bolt.
Good luck to all.
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07-17-2008, 05:02 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Anywhere, USA
Posts: 2,472
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Welcome back Tom ('Wrongway'), it's always nice to have your input/guidance on our RV issues.
John
__________________
John & Marilyn Yoder, Sophie & Misha (Bichons)
2008 Vectra 40TD, WIT-151980 FMCA F265880
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07-17-2008, 05:10 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Excel Owners Club
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Fulltime TX Escapee
Posts: 8,901
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Tom,
Great info. Thanks for the reminders about our lock mechanism. I didn't realize how easy it would be break the lock on the handle. Glad you think like a thief!!! I will be locking both from now on. Tom
__________________
2012 Excel L33ft. GKE named Charm as in 3 times is a Charm. Love Fulltiming. Bullet '14 Chevy D/A 3500 LB CC DRW Summit White - Ebony Interior. Check out our blog at: https://claphamstravels.blogspot.com
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07-17-2008, 05:33 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Excel Owners Club
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Guthrie Center, Iowa
Posts: 184
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07-17-2008, 07:23 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Excel Owners Club
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Big Pine Key, FL
Posts: 1,424
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Tom,
Thanks for the real information. I really appreciate your continued willingness to help us with your first hand experience. It sure beats my speculation.
PS Admission is part of the first step in recovery.
__________________
Member # 47 , " squirt", Smart Cabriolet The Newest Family Addition
The Wagon, Excel L36CLO, Overkill, Volvo 610, Venture Out, Cudjoe Key, FL
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07-17-2008, 07:41 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Excel Owners Club
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Fulltime TX Escapee
Posts: 8,901
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by wrongway:
Thats why they said I was in "Sales", because we are all little thiefs. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I love it! A "sales lizard" (we call them "fender lizards" in the car business! ) with a sense of humor...even in tough times! You are my kinda guy! We are behind you buddy. I just found out my health insurance is gone after 1/09. Lovely..just lovely. Thanks Tom!
__________________
2012 Excel L33ft. GKE named Charm as in 3 times is a Charm. Love Fulltiming. Bullet '14 Chevy D/A 3500 LB CC DRW Summit White - Ebony Interior. Check out our blog at: https://claphamstravels.blogspot.com
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07-17-2008, 07:50 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Excel Owners Club
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Fulltime TX Escapee
Posts: 8,901
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by MakinSmoke:
PS Admission is part of the first step in recovery. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
In MN, appartently the local grocery stores (Walmart SC) can't not sell wine. Of course, Oak Leaf is only available in WM. The Goose and Juice stuff like Larry Godby does is a little high priced for a guy retired and on a "fixed income". Currently, I think I'm in recovery! Doesn't hurt a bit....just makes me a little grouchy though. I think I'm using fishin' to calm my nerves from this stressful life we live!
__________________
2012 Excel L33ft. GKE named Charm as in 3 times is a Charm. Love Fulltiming. Bullet '14 Chevy D/A 3500 LB CC DRW Summit White - Ebony Interior. Check out our blog at: https://claphamstravels.blogspot.com
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