Broken lock on Casita battery cover!?

[amyn]

I just bought a 2010 17' Casita Spirit deluxe. As the previous owner was showing me the workings of the trailer he accidentally broke off the key in the lock on the battery cover. After talking with Casita I was able to eventually get the broken part out of the lock. It was recessed and took a lot of WD 40, screw drivers and needle nose piers. The lock will still not open with another key. No surprise. I need to get the old lock out somehow so I can replace it. Casita thinks the hole behind the vent cover is too small to get my hand in if I drill the rivets out. The only thing I can think of is to drill right through the lock, but still not sure that will release it. I'm stumped. Surely this has happened to others. Any ideas would be appreciated.

[mary and bob]

Is the problem getting the lock unlocked? With the broken piece in the lock could you turn it with a screw driver. Otherwise it's probably going to be drill it out.

[amyn]

Yes, the door is locked closed so I can not access the battery. Per Casitas instructions, I did try to turn the lock with a screwdriver. That wouldn't open the door either. After that, I finally was able to get the broken part of the key out of the lock to try the extra key in it. Still won't turn. When you say a 'drill out' do you mean putting a small drill bit into where the key goes? Then maybe switching to a bigger bit? Do you think that will release/break the lock so I can open the door? Then I could replace the lock. Wouldn't t that be nice!
.

[mary and bob]

Yes, try drilling out the center if what ever holds the lock in place can't be accessed to drill or grind off. Or grind off the face of the lock but don't get it too hot or it could damage the fiberglass. Car thieves use a slide hammer puller that has a screw to go into where the key goes, and then pop the cylinder out. Sounds like the lock is rusted or stuck. maybe before getting too drastic, keep lubing it and wiggling the good key. A little in and out motion too. Could there be pressure on the door making the lock stick, try pushing on that. Sorry, I'm not familiar with what Casita uses or how it is set up so these are just general suggestions. The cylinder part, where the key goes may be held in with a snap ring near the outside, but you won't be able to see it. If you can get that key cylinder out by drill or force, you then may be able to turn the internal part with a screw driver.

[amyn]

Thanks for the tips. I'll keep woking on it.

[RRJR]

Could you post a picture of lock.
Have you check the hinges, may be able to open by punching out the hinge pin?

[Dave Fish]

Take the broken key to a GOOD locksmith. I'll bet they can piece it together to cut you a new key. Otherwise, they should be able to make a key by coming to the trailer or having you bring it to them to avoid the house call. Spending $50 to $100 is a lot better than destroying the current lock.

2009 Casita FD - Sold

[mary and bob]

Originally Posted by Dave Fish

Take the broken key to a GOOD locksmith. I'll bet they can piece it together to cut you a new key. Otherwise, they should be able to make a key by coming to the trailer or having you bring it to them to avoid the house call. Spending $50 to $100 is a lot better than destroying the current lock.

2009 Casita FD - Sold

Post #3 says there is an extra key. Question is; is it for that lock or another lock on the trailer that may use a different key.

[Francesca Knowles]

Assuming there's no obstruction still inside the lock:

Any good sized RV dealer will have a set of master keys that will open any RV lock on Planet Earth.

[Borrego Dave]

Hi Amy, I just went out and looked at my battery door on my '06 SD. The cam lock on mine is held in place with a nut not a fork holding clip. I think your best bet is just drilling out the eight rivits and pull the door off to get at the lock. To me, by trying to drill out the lock itself it would be to easy to damage or break the door.

[amyn]

I finally was able to get the door off by taking the hinge out! My husband tried it earlier with no success, but thanks to Ron's earlier suggestion, I tried that route again. With help from lots of WD40 I was able to tease it out. Yes, I did have an extra key for the lock, but I had several more made before I tried that route. Now I see that no key would have opened that lock. Frozen/corroded. Hoping I'll be able to get the lock off the door. I'll either order a new lock from Casita or take the door, lock and all, to a RV dealer. Thanks for all the great suggestions.

[amyn]

Dave, I just saw your post. You are right about the nut on the back of the lock. Drilling may have caused a problem. Glad I was able to get the door off with the hinge. I'll see when I go to put it back together if that was the correct route to go. Thanks.

[mary and bob]

New lock should be available from several sources. I was doing a search and found some on fiberglasstraveltrailersrv.com for around $6. Not sure what yours looks like, but check it out.

[amyn]

Bob, that likes like a great site. I'll check it out and put it in my bookmarks. I appreciate it.

[Eddie Longest]

CH751 is the common key/lock # for compartment doors on RV's. As on my Casita 16 one key fits them all. Most RV places sell the CH751 key and locks. Lowes, HD and most hardware stores carry replacement locksets for about the prices quoted but the keys will not be interchangeable with your other CH751 locks.
Eddie

[amyn]

Yes, Eddie, you are right about the number on the lock. It's good to know that the lock and set are sold in a lot of local places. I was going to check with Casita first to make sure I can't get a new one keyed to the rest of my other locks. Probably not, but worth a try. The saga continues...