Locked out

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Locked out

November 23, 2014, 12:52:49 pm

Despite having Foretravel "fix" a failed locking mechanism in the door had left me locked out. The last time this happened, I was fortunate to have a window unlocked. It appears I placed way too much confidence in FOT, when I chose to lock the windows on the second trip after a two month stint in the shop. At the moment, I could use some help in how to pick a window lock. Later we can talk about my experience with Foretravel and the great deal I am prepared to make someone on the 2005 u320 with bunks I purchased less than six months ago.

The door locks mechanism comes apart in between the interior handle and the exterior handle leaving the mechanism closed and inoperable from the exterior.

Thanks in advance for anyone willing to help one mad customer.

Re: Locked out

Reply #1 – November 23, 2014, 01:00:48 pm

Here is a previous post on locks, does it apply to your coach ?
Door, 2001 U320

Good luck
Gary B

Re: Locked out

Reply #2 – November 23, 2014, 01:06:12 pm

Joe, sorry to here of your misfortune, any chance Coach Net can help with your issue?

Re: Locked out

Reply #3 – November 23, 2014, 01:17:02 pm

Quote from: Lucky1 – November 23, 2014, 12:52:49 pm

At the moment, I could use some help in how to pick a window lock.

Here's a post describing one suggestion. The key is to find one of the windows where the lock is pushed UP to lock, so that it will gradually rotate DOWN to unlock when you follow this process.

How can I break into my 1994 U240?

I have not tried this myself, so I can't say if it works.

Another option - if you have a lift-up bed over the engine, the latch that holds it down isn't always the most secure (or latched) and if you are limber enough and don't mind getting dirty you can go in that way.

Re: Locked out

Reply #4 – November 23, 2014, 01:19:20 pm

Thank you Gary. It does not. Lower and exterior handle is completely disconnected from the opening mechanism. I did try though. Thank you again for the suggestion.

Will investigate Coach Net and try the other suggestion too.

Re: Locked out

Reply #5 – November 23, 2014, 01:33:48 pm

Joe, I am, not sure that your windows are similar to the 95's but when I locked myself out, lost keys, I was able to use a narrow putty knife to slip between the glass and push the window lock open. I parked pickup with tailgate at side of coach so I could reach window, with window open crawled across table to get inside.Later coaches may be different.
Gary B

Re: Locked out

Reply #6 – November 23, 2014, 02:08:46 pm

A very skinny person could squeeze up past the engine, even the huge 6V92TA, and push the bed up to enter the coach... Let's not broadcast this information though! hahaha

Re: Locked out

Reply #7 – November 23, 2014, 02:27:59 pm

"A very skinny person could squeeze up past the engine..." That leaves me out. Also it would help if such a person were quite flexible, and again I don't qualify.

Re: Locked out

Reply #8 – November 23, 2014, 02:28:49 pm

The skylight over the shower is another possibility, but again it might not work on your newer coach. And you would need two ladders - one to get to the roof and the other climb down inside the shower.

Re: Locked out

Reply #9 – November 23, 2014, 02:39:55 pm

Pull a windshield?

Re: Locked out

Reply #10 – November 23, 2014, 02:57:41 pm

Blocks, a 1x4, a jack from my truck and I'm in through the engine bay. Busted the 1x4 that the latch is screwed to, but that seemed like the best (cheapest) potential sacrifice. I will fix the door mechanism with zip ties again. It holds better than the fix at Foretravel.

Thank you all. If it weren't for you all, I would have sold this thing the month after I bought it.

Re: Locked out

Reply #11 – November 23, 2014, 03:01:56 pm

...so you're bragging that you're skinny enough!

Re: Locked out

Reply #12 – November 23, 2014, 03:56:09 pm

If rear engine access door is unlocked and if one is agile and if bed is unlocked (or you want to break the bed lock), crawl in over engine and lift bed.

Creation windows may be able to have their locks rotated from outside. Check each window, one may be unlocked.

Send a child in through a small open window.

Our inside sliding door bolt is connected, but forced in open position with stuffing on side of inside door latch, and not used.

Also for a different type of lockout a hidden key can help with a lost key.

Good luck, let us know how you get back in.

Re: Locked out

Reply #13 – November 23, 2014, 07:42:18 pm

I leave a window unlocked now all the time. Sad that I have to do that but it is required if I want to use the key fob. If I disconnect the front door and use a key, then I will be fine. I have an issue with the wire breaking not the internals.

Re: Locked out

Reply #14 – November 23, 2014, 08:09:20 pm

I accidently locked one of the windows when the window was slid open. Then I slid the window shut with a nice shove (as normal, to ensure it is closed tightly) and I heard a *SNAP* and saw a piece of red plastic go flying.

Well, now I never have to worry about getting locked out

Re: Locked out

Reply #15 – November 23, 2014, 08:26:37 pm

Scott,

Absolutely no bragging here. Except maybe that the jack that comes with my truck facilitates a wide hole!

Re: Locked out

Reply #16 – November 23, 2014, 08:41:31 pm

Why not keep a key in one of those magnetic key boxes hidden somewhere?

Keith

Re: Locked out

Reply #17 – November 23, 2014, 09:08:09 pm

Quote from: Keith and Joyce – November 23, 2014, 08:41:31 pm

Why not keep a key in one of those magnetic key boxes hidden somewhere?

Keith

That is what I did. Don't tell but a nice spot is in the hinge in the propane bay as that does not have a lock on it. That way it is not out in the elements. David

Re: Locked out

Reply #18 – November 23, 2014, 09:30:41 pm

That seems to be a common place for a spare key. Just remember that the bottom of the compartment is at least partially open to the road, so if the box manages to get loose while driving on some of the "smooth" roads it might be a long time before you find it again.

Re: Locked out

Reply #19 – November 23, 2014, 10:41:38 pm

Most RV's used very long will have a spare key hanging in the back of the refer, or in with the propane tank. Two places that are ALWAYS unlocked.

Re: Locked out

Reply #20 – November 24, 2014, 06:03:20 am

Krush,

FT Parts has the locking tabs.

Re: Locked out

Reply #21 – November 24, 2014, 06:50:15 am

The issue is if the lock solenoid breaks, it is frozen in the lock position and you can not turn the key.

Re: Locked out

Reply #22 – November 24, 2014, 10:18:25 am

I had made spare key sets and keep one in the tow car at all times and one at home. With all the bay doors locking, you are correct, the best place is behind the refrigerator outside access panel. DAN

Re: Locked out

Reply #23 – November 24, 2014, 03:27:15 pm

I do not have any better suggestions on how to break into to your motorhome, However, I have to comment about our recent FOT service. During our winter in Mission, TX last year, I found myself in a similar condition. I left the motorhome to retrieve a just emptied garbage can. The temperature outside was around 45 degrees and I closed the door behind me without a jacket on. My wife was away and not inside. Fortunately, I found the driver side window unlocked and used a ladder to get in and unlock the door from the inside This happened a second time last summer while we were not living in the motorhome. Since, my repairs/adjustments had not worked, I added the entrance door to my FOT punch list. In late October of this year, FOT "adjusted the front door, installed a missing lock pin, and adjusted the shackle and cable". This "FIX" lasted about two weeks when it failed again here in Mission. I called FOT service and left a message, and then called technical support and left another message. James Triana was first to respond. I reviewed the history of our entrance door latch failures. After a while he concluded that the entrance door handle was worn out. He and I discussed this with the parts department and they sent me a Paddle Latch R0505 part #1181237. It arrived a few days later, but was clearly the wrong handle. After reviewing this with Mike Grimes, Mike agreed that it was not the correct part and sent me the correct one: Handle, outside W/P R0201 part # 009032. The outside portion containing the handle was slightly larger but it fit and it works for now. However, our driver side window will always stay unlocked!

I wrote a letter to Mark Harvey to bring this matter to his attention. Since he did not respond, I called him and explained the situation. He agreed to give me credit for some future service. But my confidence in FOT continues to diminish. (Two years ago, FOT fixed a leak in our dash AC only to have it last 600 miles).
Good luck.
Bob

Re: Locked out

Reply #24 – November 24, 2014, 04:55:30 pm

I locked myself out once... Did like Gary but used a ladder went in the window and over the table.. Wouldn't have been such an event but I was still pretty fresh from a 3 disc spine fusion and was doing good to walk.. When I found that window unlocked I was H bent on getting in the coach.. 100 deg and all the ac and cold beer was on the other side of that window and that made me a motivated camper... It may happen again but it is not likely.

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