Locked Out

[SforB]

Hi,

We have a 2022 that recently had to have a lock change. Our neighbor was kind enough to replace it for us with an extra that he had. We have used it to access inside twice but this time, the keys absolutely will not turn. WD40 did not work. I called two service companies, one suggested breaking it out as a last resort, the other suggested drilling it out. Are these the only options?

Thank you for any help or ideas or even thoughts on what is causing this.

[LeftOverParts]

We had an issue at a rest stop, where the key wouldn’t turn when inserted in the main entry door. Upon closer inspection, the key was stopping about 1/16 inch short of full entry. After trying wifey’s key and it not working either and jiggling, wiggling, and pushing the key, decided to lube it with WD40 (bc that’s all we had). Inserted the key and gave it a couple of gentle taps with a small hammer and the key fully inserted and worked. Thinking one of the tumbler pins got stuck. Bought graphite lock lube when we got into town and applied it to the lock and key. It’s been about 8 or 9 months and working since.

[RMcNeal]

Sharon, one thing I found recently is that when the stairs are leaning against the closed door, the lock has just enough pressure on it to prevent it from turning with the key. That's with the stairs folded up in the doorway for travel.
I press against the door with my arm or shoulder and the lock turns easily. It mostly seems to be when the trailer is slightly leaning toward the door side. I never noticed it in almost 3 years until the last few months.

[jimcol]

Had a fellow camper have a similar experience as the OP. Several of us trying to help thought the key wasn't unlocking. After much debate and entry attempts decided the lock was unlocked but the latch was bound in the strike plate. Leaning in on the door with a shoulder in the vicinity of the latch while pulling the handle open with the claws of a hammer opened the door. Cleaned the latch real good and applied a coat of silicone dry lube and it worked like a champ. Since it was already happy hour, we suggested to the owner to take a file and slightly enlarge the hole in the strike plate.

[twindman]

I had the internals of the lock/handle come apart one time. A simple small screw had fallen out and the door handle wouldn't open anything. I was very lucky as my daughter was with us and for some reason had left the sliding window at the back unlocked. We slide the window open and she crawled thru. I handed here the proper screwdrivers and all was well.
I think I had this happen again, but could tell something wasn't right so disassembled the handle and tightened everything back up.
Anyway, something else for people to be aware of. Speaking of which, I supposed I need to check mine again this spring. LOL

[SforB]

Thank you everyone for the ideas. We haven't tried pushing on it in different ways. We don't have the stairs attached, but it could be the whole thing has settled and tweaked a bit since it was just moved back in Oct and hasn't been used?

[mattf]

When we’re set up in an RV park and leave the dogs inside when we leave I always leave one of the emergency escape windows unlatched. At least that way I can get inside to get to the dogs and take the lock apart to open the door. I’ve had the lock fail before. Just a thought to pass along.

[SforB]

We certainly wish now we would have left a window open. LOL We just didn't expect two locks to fail. I have ordered a new one and the existing lock will have to be drilled out apparently. :[

[432bartman]

I'd suggest when you get through this nightmare, you have a keyless door lock installed. It's a very easy install to do too.

[shovelhead86]

My experience was arriving in a campground and the key just turning in the lock without doing anything. Then my burgler training in a previous life came in to play. I got my 1/2 inch drill and proceeded to drill it out. Went to rv store and purchased new lock. Installed it and all has been well for 2 years now.

[SforB]

Looking at the keyless, it's a nice option, just wasn't sure how it would work, as in, if we are having trouble with this lock, will it be the same for that kind?

And it's nice to know from someone with experience that drilling out the lock will work. My keys won't turn it, but hopefully will be able to get it out anyway.

Thanks again, everyone!