Missing Tubular Key - Fiberglass RV
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Old 12-13-2015, 08:30 PM   #1
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Name: Dean
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Missing Tubular Key

Hi All,

My DW and I just made a 1,000 mile round trip in 36 hours to buy our "new to us tug" ('09 Kia Borrego Limited) to tow our first egg camper ('05 Casita 17' FD). Discovered a little glitch today. The hitch receiver on the Borrego has a security lock with that requires a tubular key. The dealer did not give us the key. I have looked in the trunk area, glove box, and center console. No luck finding it. I have emailed the dealer tonight to see if they have it. I am skeptical that they will have it. Thoughts on how to proceed? Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Dean
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Old 12-13-2015, 08:52 PM   #2
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Name: Jack L
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If there Is a manufacturer name and a code number you might be able to order one but most likely the easiest way to remove it is to cut it off. No easy task but it can be done. Also check to see if the vehicle has wheel locks. Many times when dealer has a car detailed before sale everything the glove box and center console is thrown away. If the vehicle has wheel locks, a tire shop can remove them with a special set of tools. Most of these locks create ore problems than they solve.
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Old 12-13-2015, 09:47 PM   #3
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It is probably more expensive to pay a lock smith than cutting it off and buying a new locking pin. It will be definitely more expensive than cutting it off and replacing with a regular pin. Diamond hack saw blades are under $10.
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Old 12-14-2015, 09:48 AM   #4
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Cut it off.
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Old 12-14-2015, 10:16 AM   #5
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If you are refering to the lock pin which holds the draw bar in the receiver, then cut it off.
You can buy a new one with two keys for less than the price of having a key made.
In fact you can buy them in matched sets which come with the hitch lock and the coupler lock...
A four inch grinder with a cut-off wheel will make short work of it.

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Old 12-14-2015, 10:31 AM   #6
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Cutoff wheel on air tool and about 60 seconds of time.

Job done!

As suggested above I would still spend a little time to find the key at the dealer OR the get the key code of the key and call the manufacturer for a replacement before I cut it off.

Be sure to look for the key in the spare tire well.

Ya never know???
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Old 12-14-2015, 10:44 AM   #7
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I feel for you friend as I had a lock (like Floyd's above) go bad and it would not open even with the key.

A Dremel tool with a metal cutting blade removed mine in less than a minute.
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Old 12-14-2015, 10:53 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rich G. and Val F. View Post
I feel for you friend as I had a lock (like Floyd's above) go bad and it would not open even with the key.

A Dremel tool with a metal cutting blade removed mine in less than a minute.
Does make you think about how useful it is to have the lock!
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Old 12-14-2015, 11:23 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by Jon Vermilye View Post
Does make you think about how useful it is to have the lock!
Actually a lock is essential, not just for theft prevention, but for mischief prevention as well.
The draw bar itself or a decorative logo insert is the target of petty theft when all you need do is pull the pin.
Also there is the very real danger of mischief by pulling the pin just to watch the TV drop the trailer on the way out of the parking lot!
Do a walk around every time before getting behind the wheel.

OH! BTW, if you buy one get one which uses the round key with the pop-out button on the end. The ones with a conventional key/keyhole tend to rust internally and fail, leaving you to cut it off.
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Old 12-14-2015, 08:04 PM   #10
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Hi All,

I heard back from the dealership in Georgia; they do not have the key. They were nice enough to contact the previous owner, but they had no idea where the key was as well. I don't think the tug was used much for towing, which is fine by me. I see no numbers or codes on the lock, so I think that cutting it off seems to be the best option.

When we bought the Casita, the previous owner gave us the hitch, anti sway bar, and WDH. He gave us a security lock and hitch security lock as well. So, I already have an extra security lock.

Thanks for the feedback. I will proceed in buying something to cut it off and gitter done!

Dean
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Old 12-14-2015, 08:29 PM   #11
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FWIW I was at a car dealer about a month ago and someone had the same issue on a new car. The dealer put the wheel locks in the bag for the jacking tools.
Eddie
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Old 12-14-2015, 08:46 PM   #12
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Hi Eddie,

Yup. Our '08 Kia Rondo came with wheel locks. It has stumped a mechanic or two, but we take it to the same mechanic that put the tires on it, so they know exactly where to look for the special wheel lock socket.

Dean
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Old 12-17-2015, 01:27 PM   #13
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I despise wheel locks and won't allow them on my vehicles.
I recently spent over an hour removing the wheels on my Mustang because the PO used wheel locks and the key failed, necessitating unusual means to remove them.
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Old 12-17-2015, 01:37 PM   #14
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Those locks WILL prevent honest people from stealing your trailer..... : )
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Old 12-17-2015, 08:25 PM   #15
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Hi All,

Finished up work yesterday and had plans today. I am now officially on Christmas Break! Time to deal with this locking pin with no tubular key!

Thanks to all for your help and ideas!

Take care,

Dean
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Old 12-18-2015, 06:20 PM   #16
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Hi All,

Now that I am on Xmas break, I have some time to putz around. I searched the Borrego from front to back and bottom to top, no tubular key for the lock pin.

As usual, my father-in-law had the tool to take care of the job. It was too tight of a fit for the hand held Dremel rotary saw. But, Jim's reciprocating saw cut through the locking pin in less than 30 seconds. Almost, like butter!

Now on to the brake controller (see other thread).

Thanks for the feedback to just cut off the locking pin as the easiest solution to my problem. DONE!

Take care,

Dean
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Old 12-18-2015, 06:22 PM   #17
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The aftermath with the reciprocating saw. . .
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Old 12-19-2015, 10:00 PM   #18
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Hi All,

Now that the locking pin that had no tubular key has been cut and removed, here is the hitch that came with the new-to-us Casita and a locking pin with a key!!!
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Old 12-19-2015, 10:02 PM   #19
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Here is the hitch. . .
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Old 12-19-2015, 10:04 PM   #20
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Side view
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