Locked Out-Casita 17’ SD 2018

[Jude]

Hello- we have a 2018 SD and we are unable to open our door from the outside.
We know about pushing on the door to open, have been very careful about slamming it, and it still locked us out.
And we did not leave the emergency window unlocked -our bad.
Fortunately, it’s in our driveway.
Unfortunately, Casita service is closed this week.
Suggestions?
Thanks AGAIN, in advance, for your advice.

[Jude]

Originally Posted by Jude

Hello- we have a 2018 SD and we are unable to open our door from the outside.
We know about pushing on the door to open, have been very careful about slamming it, and it still locked us out.
And we did not leave the emergency window unlocked -our bad.
Fortunately, it’s in our driveway.
Unfortunately, Casita service is closed this week.
Suggestions?
Thanks AGAIN, in advance, for your advice.

And we are in CT, so we won’t be taking it into service in TX.

[Glenn Baglo]

Originally Posted by Jude

And we are in CT, so we won’t be taking it into service in TX.

Casita didn't make the lock. Why don't you call or look up the manufacturer of the lock?

[mary and bob]

It won't unlock with the key? Probably a different latch than our 1996 SD, so I can't think of any useful advice without seeing it.

[Tom 72]

1. Have Casita [or lock manufacturer] overnight a key, next week.
2. Are there any numbers on the lock?
3. Do you suppose a roof vent would allow a small person in?
4. Optionally have a local locksmith break in, while you wait on a key.
5. Sacrifice a window? I don't think I favor this. Compare costs.
6. Am I misunderstanding? Is this a key issue?

[k corbin]

it is a common problem, try this...video instructions, sometimes you have to watch a technique being done versus reading about how to do it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yP-GdlbDd_M

[Jude]

Originally Posted by Tom 72

1. Have Casita [or lock manufacturer] overnight a key, next week.

2. Are there any numbers on the lock?

3. Do you suppose a roof vent would allow a small person in?

4. Optionally have a local locksmith break in, while you wait on a key.

5. Sacrifice a window? I don't think I favor this. Compare costs.

6. Am I misunderstanding? Is this a key issue?

Thank you. It’s not a key issue - we think it’s the door lock mechanism. We eventually got it to open with pushing and pulling. Immediately opened the emergency window. Will contact Casita on Monday and let you all know the outcome. Thanks again to all.

[Fred762]

I tried the method suggested in that video..it does make opening the door far easier IF I push IN a bit on the frame just aft of the lockplate, while turning the key clockwise. Oh..aft means towards the ear of the Casita..sorry, old Navy term.

[Jon in AZ]

Interesting.

New Scamps can have the same problem now that Scamp is using a conventional RV lockset. I've seen several posts on the Scamp Owner's Facebook group.

It appears to be almost the reverse of the problem with Scamp's old "bread truck" lockset in which the latch tongue hangs up when closing the door, causing the door to pop open in transit.

The recommended solution is the same: push in when you open or close the latch.

Filed under "Useful Things to Remember ."

[redbarron55]

The door is not particularly secure with the hinges on the outside. ..

[MK Evenson]

It seems this issue comes up too often. I wonder if there is a different, better, door lock that can be installed without door modification. I was locked out the 1st day we left Rice, have never used the dead bolt since. After 9 months Cheryl has a hard time pulling the handle with enough force to open the unlocked door.

Mark

[revrblue]

Just got my trailer in tx and on the way home had a problem with the lock and door handle not opening easy. On the way home the key unlocks but the pull is hard to open. The fix is to use a spray lub on the lock in the key hole and when open in the lock moving parts on the door. To get the door open press in at the side of the lock latch put your fingers in the handle as far as you can and lift the whole handle as hard as you need to open the door making sure you use as much of the handle as possible as not to break the handle. It looks like the lock manufacturer forgot to lube the locks. Hope this helps. PS Also lube the other locks as they to are hard to open.

[Jude]

You rock ! Will pass this on to my husband. Thanks

[Jude]

Very frustrating.
I will let you know what Casita says.

[Jude]

Originally Posted by Jon in AZ

Interesting.

New Scamps can have the same problem now that Scamp is using a conventional RV lockset. I've seen several posts on the Scamp Owner's Facebook group.

It appears to be almost the reverse of the problem with Scamp's old "bread truck" lockset in which the tongue of the latch hangs up when closing the door, causing it to pop open in transit.

The solution is the same: push in when you open or close the latch.

Filed under "Useful Things to Remember ."

Thanks, Jon.

[Fred762]

Have a 2018 Casita 17' Independence.. Our door lock is stiff.
I watched the video above weeks ago.
1. WE do not lock the latch, just the dead bolt!!

2. we unlock the dead bolt by this method: if outside, we push IN a bit on the frame, just aft of the lockplate w the left hand while we are turning the key clockwise with the right hand. Ergo, easy opening.

Oh..aft means towards the rear of the Casita..sorry, [old Navy term].

Old hands tols us tpo nver use a key to lock the latch...only the dead bolt.

FWIW

[Jude]

Thanks, Fred. That’s exactly what we have been doing since day 1.
I will post after We speak to Casita on Monday.

[Dennis mn]

Read this thread last evening, then spent the next hour and a half removing the door of a shower stall after the dead bolt failed and locked my wife in!

[Fred762]

Originally Posted by Dennis mn

Read this thread last evening, then spent the next hour and a half removing the door of a shower stall after the dead bolt failed and locked my wife in!

Door w dead bolt on shower stall?? You have a DOOR on a shower stall? Wow! Cool!

Just kidding..ours has the little Casita snap lock..we rarely use the shower anyways except when dry camping..prefer to use campground bathouses if possible.

[steve dunham]

Our Casita door lock had metal burrs on both the reg latch and the deadbolt causing them to hang up . A couple of strokes with a file and a little spray lube and all is well . We can open the door by just pulling the handle , no need to push in door latch