Community Forums

Farkey · 04-11-2023, 08:56 AM

I have 1 2002 Monaco Diplomat and amongst the other issues this spring is my basement door.

All the basement doors are usually left unlocked over the wiinter just in case I need into one for some reason, but the one that has the slidiing tray appears to be locked.

I have tried every key I have and there are quite a few, but to no availl this door will not unlock. I don't remember locking it but my daughter who helps me with stuff on the MH thinks she might have locked it because I keep some tools & things that could be of value to some wandering thief.

Does anyone have a hint or idea as to how to unlock the lock. If it ruins the lock I'm not concerned because it will not be locked again.

Bookmon · 04-11-2023, 09:47 AM

I'd almost trade you. Mine, first trip out this March, kept popping open. Lost a couple of wet suits and dive gear.
Have you tried Liquid Wrench? I find better than WD 40

Rob_M · 04-11-2023, 11:26 AM

Any chance that bay is a full pass-through and you can go in from the other side and get it open from the inside?

Gary RVRoamer · 04-11-2023, 11:43 AM

How did your daughter lock it if there is no key? Does she have her own set? Sounds more like a mechanical failure to me.

Can you crawl in from an adjacent bay or are they individual? If the hinge accessible from the outside, maybe under a piece of trim? Do you remember where the latch is located, e.g. are there arms out to each side vs maybe a single lever that connects at the bottom center? In other words, the places where you maybe could slip in a "slim jim hook" or a pry bar?

Domo · 04-11-2023, 11:51 AM

Make sure the rig is level as the latches can jam and not release if the frame is wracked.

jacwjames · 04-11-2023, 11:58 AM

You have doors that swing up. If the latch is located on the bottom you can look at the other doors and measure the offset for the latch itself. Then get a drill with metal drill bit large enough for a screwdriver to fit in it. Measure/mark/drill the hole up from the bottom and use the screw driver to push the latch up to unlock the doors.

I have keyless entry for the front and basement doors. A couple mine seem to get hung up and won't unlatch so I've drilled holes in two to these. I also keep the latching mechanism well lubricated, which helps.

Dutch Star Don · 04-11-2023, 07:40 PM

Something to try....the key that fits the other basement doors is surely the correct key for that door. Lube the keyhole and then slide the key in and out slowly, while twisting it in the keyhole with pressure in the direction that it rotates to unlock. Often the pins/tumblers get worn and the key has to move to just the right spot to work.

Ray,IN · 04-11-2023, 08:04 PM

Oddly, the reason many RV owners do not lock compartment doors is so a thief will not ruin the doors or locks getting in the compartment. Usually the door is more expensive and harder to replace than what's inside.

Ray,IN · 04-11-2023, 08:19 PM

i carry a lock-pick set in my glove compartment of my towed vehicle while traveling. I keep it hidden outside when we are home. It is very easy to use IMO.
If that is not for you, consider calling a local professional locksmith. Replacing a destroyed door will cost more than a locksmith "house' call.