side door locks

[lrrowe]

I too do not like the idea of being locked inside. That is one reason why I will try to add an egress window. When I recently spent some time with a CT dealer we talked about being locked in . I will for sure have a RV lock added and when I inquired about added the typical trailer door mechanism lock (cam bar lock),

http://www.ebay.com/itm/36-CAM-BAR-encl ... 1235687456

the salesman told me that even with a this type of lock, he could break in. All he needed was a big set of bolt cutters. I do not know if meant he could cut the paddle lock or the mechanism itself. I left thinking it was the mechanism itself, but that seemed a little of a stretch to me.

So going with the old adage that if someone wants in, "they WILL get in", I will order my trailer w/o the cam lock and get just the RV lock. Not only does it look better but it takes away the threat of being lock in by a "jokester".

[Dirtclod]

lrrowe

I bet he was talking about cutting the lock. I cant see any way you could cut the cam bar or the any part of the latch with a bolt cutter.

Has anyone used the "puck" style locks like this:



More info..

http://www.nueratrailerparts.com/p-3418 ... Mgod0BEAKQ

Seems like this would be fool proof since you cant get a pair of bolt cutters on the shank of the lock.

[Roo Dog]

Standard door locks.
Mounted on the body.

RD

[Shadow Catcher]

I have the puck lock as part of our bulldog hitch lock, lets put it this way it would be easier to cut something else!

[roadinspector]

So going with the old adage that if someone wants in, "they WILL get in",

Do whatever you feel comfortable to keep from being locked inside. As far as breaking in, there are many tools that can get a dishonest punk in with just a little effort. Probably the ones that would "practical joke" you will not be walking around with a set of bolt cutters in their pocket. They'll just be walking by, flip the lever and keep walking. (IMO)

Earnest

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

Earnest

How is the vacation ? Are you out camping

Jerry

[Gonefishin]

One other thing to consider. The cam lock makes a much tighter seal forcing the door closed more tightly than just the rv lock. In fact, mine even says to be sure and latch the cam lock when towing. When I'm inside and the door is closed from the inside, there's definitely some space around the door seal. Even a slight draft if the wind hits it right. Its not air tight. I wouldn't tow mine without the cam lock engaged. Your mileage may vary. My rv door is factory installed, so maybe a custom install would be a tighter closure.

If you get in the habit of locking the cam lock "open" whenever you stop and enter the trailer, you can't get locked inside by anyone unless they have bolt cutters and a motive.

[roadinspector]

Earnest

How is the vacation ? Are you out camping

Jerry

Hey Jerry,
We got back home Saturday afternoon. It was great. I will be doing a major update soon. I have lots of pictures to resize and post. We enjoyed it to its fullest extent. Wasn't ready to come home as usual.

Earnest

One other thing to consider. The cam lock makes a much tighter seal forcing the door closed more tightly than just the rv lock. In fact, mine even says to be sure and latch the cam lock when towing. When I'm inside and the door is closed from the inside, there's definitely some space around the door seal. Even a slight draft if the wind hits it right. Its not air tight. I wouldn't tow mine without the cam lock engaged. Your mileage may vary. My rv door is factory installed, so maybe a custom install would be a tighter closure.

If you get in the habit of locking the cam lock "open" whenever you stop and enter the trailer, you can't get locked inside by anyone unless they have bolt cutters and a motive.

gonefishin has a good point. I have noticed the gap like his. My rv lock does secure my door but..... I left my cam lock on for the same reason. To close the gap from the weather while camping, I added another strip of insulation around the door and added an eyebrow cap over the door to deflect rain. Both worked well, but I am not comfortable not using the cam lock while traveling.

Earnest

[Little R]

Here is my solution to being lock in



Welded bar stock on to pipe and drilled a hole through both pieces.
Latch is disabled and I don't lose my lock.

[Dirtclod]

Little R

That looks pretty simple and would work great. Thanks for sharing those pics with us.