How to open storage compartment lock with no key...2018 27" MB

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How to open storage compartment lock with no key...2018 27" MB

November 30, 2018, 07:03:45 pm

Well you know the story, both sets of keys ended up in the coach, and the spare is right inside the front compartment, under the dinette.
I usually leave a window unlocked and was going to replace all of the locks soon, so I didn't make a spare, I guessing these are my choices, drive down to Kents, and his key will probably unlock it, stick a flathead screwdriver in and force it open since I want to change the locks anyway or any other ideas? I could wait a few days if I could order some from Amazon or HD or whatever is cheaper. Thanks in advance

Re: How to open storage compartment lock with no key...2018 27" MB

Reply #1 – November 30, 2018, 07:25:18 pm

CH751 keys are standard in a lot of rigs, not just LDs. Maybe an RV-owning neighbor or local RV center could provide a key?

Many of us keep spare keys hidden in an outside location that doesn’t require a key to access. 😉

Re: How to open storage compartment lock with no key...2018 27" MB

Reply #2 – November 30, 2018, 07:34:06 pm

If you have coachnet or AAA, they will unlock the cab and you can access your keys.

Rich
'03 MB in NC

Re: How to open storage compartment lock with no key...2018 27" MB

Reply #3 – November 30, 2018, 07:35:41 pm

While waiting for Kent H to come save the day, I went over to my neighbors house, she has a new Lance camper trailer, real nice, opened right up! Now we all know we should probably change the locks! Thanks Joan and Rich for your quick response!
Kent called me while I was posting, thanks Kent!

Re: How to open storage compartment lock with no key...2018 27" MB

Reply #4 – November 30, 2018, 07:58:28 pm

I always opt for a “shout out” or “call a friend”.

Glad you got it open. If you order the 10 pack from Amazon, I’ll buy 1/2 from you. Just hope you don’t put ‘em in a pocket with a hole in it.

I did that back at Washington Jr. High with a set of #2 pencils that mysteriously arrived in the mail. Stamped on each pencil it read “Stolen From Kent Heckethorn”. They all fell through the hole and a dozen kids had my stolen pencils. Not one ever got returned. Guess I wasn’t very popular back then. 😖

Kent

Re: How to open storage compartment lock with no key...2018 27" MB

Reply #5 – November 30, 2018, 08:14:10 pm

Hi Clark. Not just motorhomes, but trailers also have the CH-751 lock. I carry one on my RV key ring so I can open other people's compartments.
I was working on a [new to my friend]'s LD rv and found a single key on a cupboard hook mounted inside the refrigerator door, next to the fridge, but not visible. I always wondered if there was another key, I didn't find, for both door locks in case both were locked (different keys).
If, or when, you do change out your locks it will be more necessary to have a spare door lock/ignition key handy on the outside. I have a hidden outdoor key safe with a push button combination. It just holds an ignition key, but will always get me inside, and start the engine. I wrote the combination on the inside of the sewer hose door flap. I have A Complete set of keys hidden inside. This includes keys for the towbar, and towed vehicle. Even a CH-751 for other people if they need it.
Glad your neighbor could get you in. The downside is that just about anybody can get into your compartments, especially in a campground. RonB

Re: How to open storage compartment lock with no key...2018 27" MB

Reply #6 – November 30, 2018, 09:12:26 pm

Well Kent, your popular now! I ordered 10 spare keys, happy to give you half of them. Next week stop by for coffee or let’s meet for lunch to get them, or we can have lunch on the weekends to let our wives meet.

FYI for other LD folks cost was only $9.02 for 10 keys, free 2 day shipping if you have PRIME

Re: How to open storage compartment lock with no key...2018 27" MB

Reply #7 – November 30, 2018, 09:56:04 pm

Tiger,

You know me. I love a good cup of coffee.

Kent

Re: How to open storage compartment lock with no key...2018 27" MB

Reply #8 – November 30, 2018, 11:23:26 pm

Tiger,
go to your nearest neighbor with an RV or trailer and borrow theirs. The CH751 key fits about 92% of storage doors across the industry. Which is probably why you're intending to change them. Tape one of the new keys to the backside of your license plate (unless you get barrel keys - in which case tape it elsewhere).

Joel

Re: How to open storage compartment lock with no key...2018 27" MB

Reply #9 – December 01, 2018, 02:08:06 pm

Hi Tiger, Kent, and others interested. I found a U-tube about changing out the cam-locks to tubular key versions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afNLxbHB08k
Thought you might like it. I didn't use the company he suggested, I changed out my locks 18 years ago. I bought 16 at Camping world when they first introduced them, and the shipment, on the shelf, had 4 sets (of 4 each package) with matching keys. They work, but I can't remove the key while they are unlocked. I can remove the key, by locking the lock, with the compartment door open. I re-used the lock levers, or cut and filed them, sometimes bending them, to fit and work. I think I had to cut one real short on my water inlet. I wanted more security on the filler entrance door. I may still put a locking door on the gasoline, but I have a locking cap on the gas. No locks allowed on the propane tank door, for emergency access by responders (accidents).
This person, Tito, has locks where the key can be removed while unlocked. He also mentioned that he installed locks on a few additional doors that his motorhome originally had just thumb locks on. I should have done my sewer hose door. Lost a hose because it looked closed when in fact the lock was 180 degrees around and unlocked. I painted the underside bright orange, so if left unlocked it would be noticeable. RonB

Re: How to open storage compartment lock with no key...2018 27" MB

Reply #10 – December 01, 2018, 02:30:22 pm

A good discussion of this two years ago on the LDOF. Repacing/upgrading exterior bin locks...
Backing plates are mentioned, A very good additional item to re-enforce the back of the compartment doors, to prevent collapsing under the nut. RonB

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