This Idiot left the keys in the ignition when I got my lovely coach home, Not knowing or realizing that it has autolock doors,
My question is,
How hard is it to get the insect screens out of the windows, Can they be removed for cleaning,
So I can get in to unlock the doors,
Never heard of auto lock on a Grand Villa. On my 93 U225, there was a slide bolt part in the door handle plate, that could from the inside lock the door, it was not keyed, just a sliding dead bolt. This is different from the additional keyed round lock that is a dead bolt lock. Several owners had reported they had closed the door and the bolt slid and locked the door. Till I took the door latch apart and removed the part, I safety taped it not to slide. Another problem we had was the screen door catch got caught, and the outside door would not open. I ended up breaking the plastic screen door keeper pulling the outer door open. So you could have one of either problem.
As to the screens, on my coach, you must be inside to remove long plastic strips first, top and bottom from the tracks. Then you can slide the screen towards where you removed the plastic strips and lift out the screen frame. From the outside, best bet is to carefully push the screen material out of the frame. Climb in, and then use a tool to redo the screen and rubber cord that holds the screen material into the screen frame. I removed all the screens when we stripped off the old window tint before re-tinting.
Brian, if you are just trying to unlock the door, the screens can be slid over next to the fixed window (if the sliding window is open. Our door accidently latched and I slid the screen over, reached thru with a long pole and actuated the latch.
I have used Armorall Wipes to clean the screens without removing them from the frame. Works great. I found the plastic pieces had gotten brittle with age and are best left alone and not pried on.
That lock should be disabled. I've locked myself out twice but the wife was inside. I don't know how it manages to move on its own. If yours is like mine...at least one of the windows won't latch well and can be slid open with just a push.
When we are not traveling I leave a bedroom window unlatched but almost closed. This way, with borrowing a ladder, I can still get in. Someone trying to break in will most likely not be carrying a ladder around.
I leave the slide window at drivers seat unlocked, so when (1 time) the latch would not open, had the the 98 lb DW, crawl in thur the window and unlock/open the door. Then repaired the latch assembly.
The reason I leep the window unlocked is to provide an easy entrance if I am not found for awhile, no need to destroy the coach to get it open. :o
Dave M
Dave, I think this window idea is great. Glad you gave it. I have been thinking that I need to hide a door key outside. I do carry a spare in the Jeep, but that could fail too I guess.....kinda a belt and suspenders approach to have several out but will do the window thing from now on. At RV park for long stays I left a key with friends in case we were gone and an emergency with the coach....or they just needed in for a free beer!
Thanks, Mike
Has anyone tried a putty knife etc to unlock the windows?
I have two lock boxes, the kind that realtors hang on doorknobs. One is inside the non-lockable propane bay, it holds a bay key. The other is inside a locked bay, it holds a full set of keys.
Tom, sounds like a good setup for family and friends, but if the Rescue Squad arrives, no notes on location of keys/ combinations, out comes the less desirable toys, like the Jaws.
even if I am dead, hate to think of idiots destroying the coach.
MDAO
Dave M
I don't believe the door is locked. Same thing happened to me onetime on our 93 GV and it was the screen door that was a bit muffed up. I got it loose with a rather hard pull and got it opened. Almost tore off the thingamajig that holds the screen door and the outside door clamped together. I believe there was something jammed in the hinge.
Roland
Jim, Don't know if I could get into my 95 with a putty knife. On my 85 when I lost my keys I went to Home Depot and bought a putty knife and a screwdriver, after wedging the glass apart I was able to flip latch off. I had to stand in the bed of the PU to reach it. I now keep extra keys on the toad ring and the DW keeps an extra set ( if she can find them ).
I know of one owner who has a set of master keys, I hope he is nearby when I need him.
Gary B
Gary,
I just tried "breaking in" to my coach...there were some interferences in getting the putty knife to push the lock away. Not a sure fire, easy way to get in.
I tried your method, A good reef, and they both opened, They are just sticky, Autolock, Would be a crazy idea, You would have to carry a spare key around your neck,
Thanks,
Thanks to all, They were just very sticky doors, Needed a good reef,
The flyscreens can be slid along if the window is just open, plenty of room to climb inside,
Talk about WOW factor, Too busy last night to really look at it, But today, I cant believe its there in my front yard,
Went in through the bedroom window once. Had no problem sliding it forward. And don't ask why I had to do it :-[
Duane, when you locked your wife in the coach, did it take you 30 min. to get her out? LOL!