Replace or Rekey Cargo Doors

[doublebs]

Has anyone replaced or rekey the various bay doors? You all realize that anyone can use their keys to open your locked doors. Thor in all their wisdom painted your couch with the lock handles installed so even if you replace them the color will be all black. Working with David at RVLocksAndMore, sent me a test lock to try and as luck would have it the outside flange of the flange is 1/8th to small leaving a ring around the outside flange. David is supposed to be working on a add on flange to cover the difference. Has anyone had a locksmith re key the existing locks, if so how much money we talking about.

[BFlinn181]

I think the reason is that there aren't secure lock cylinders on RV compartments is that anyone determined to get it a compartment can do it with a crowbar, tire iron, or large screwdriver.

How many folks have had theft from their RV compartments? Stealing a $20 folding chair is nothing compared to $100's of dollars damage if a compartment door is pried open.

If you do rekey the locks by changing the cylinders, I'd think a dab of spray paint to match the handle cover would be far cheaper than getting flanges made. The whole latch assembly could be removed and taken to a locksmith to have the work done in their shop.

[Safetysteve5]

Got these from Amazon and installed. Yes, a determined thief can still get in easily as the doors are flimsy but these keep out the kids and the curious.
If installing cut a piece of PVC pipe that will fit over the lock barrel and is the width of the door. This will keep the door from collapsing when you tighten the mounting nut.

[CampDaven]

If bay door security was even a slight risk issue, my chairs, stove, grill, tables, bikes, etc would have been stolen many times over right from my campsites.

[doublebs]

SafetySteve,
Lots of cams on Amazon, which one worked for you?
Thanks

[BFlinn181]

I think if I were concerned about securely locking my compartment hatches, I'd spend a bit of time and money installing electric solenoid locks on each compartment so I could lock and unlock all from the dashboard instead of messing with having to use a key on each compartment.

[doublebs]

Bflin181, where would be a good source for these electric locks?

[CampDaven]

Originally Posted by doublebs

Bflin181, where would be a good source for these electric locks?

Many choices are shown when I google "palazzo bay door solenoid".
I'm pretty sure they are common to all RVs that have them.

[BFlinn181]

12v lock or latch solenoids are available all over the 'net. They can be had for as little as ~$6 a piece. I wouldn't replace the present lock/latch, I'd add the solenoid latch to each door to secure it without needing to mess with the keyed latch.

[Safetysteve5]

doublebs
I looked at my Amazon orders and couldn't find them so I guess I got them somewhere else. They are the Combi-cam brand and just get the one that is the proper length to fit your door thickness and the finish/color that you want. To the others that don't want to lock their cabinets . . . FINE! To each his own. Just passing along information that others might find helpful. Kinda thought that's what this forum was all about.

[BFlinn181]

Safetysteve5, don't take things so personally. I didn't read any of the replies as an attack. I hope your combo locks will hold up to exposure, I guess you don't have road salt to worry about in TX. Clever use of PVC pipe to keep the door from compressing, I'll keep that in mind.

[doublebs]

Safetysteve, I know what you mean about posting. I don't care what anyone says, last summer I was in a park when a neighbor came over from a old 2000 Winnebago, struck up a conversation with me, pulled his keys out of his pocket and opened one of my baggage doors. Kinda gets you thinking.