Locked out of the utility bay

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Locked out of the utility bay

April 16, 2018, 06:32:51 pm

Arrived at the campsite and went to open the utility bay to hook up the electric cord. Handle broke off. Now what? I can stick one hand up next to the sewer outlet and touch the mechanism, but that's about all I can do there. I can pull a bit on the metal bars, but not enough to release the grabbers. Tried taking out all of the screws on the hinge, but can't get an opening big enough to do anything. Ideas?

Re: Locked out of the utility bay

Reply #1 – April 16, 2018, 06:58:26 pm

Quote from: kb0zke – April 16, 2018, 06:32:51 pm

I can stick one hand up next to the sewer outlet and touch the mechanism, but that's about all I can do there. I can pull a bit on the metal bars, but not enough to release the grabbers.

Could someone with a longer arm and fingers get enough purchase to pull on the metal bars? If that isn't an option then you need to get a bar of some sort that you can attach somehow to the mechanism or arm and apply some leverage using the edge of the sewer opening
as the fulcrum.

Good luck.

Re: Locked out of the utility bay

Reply #2 – April 16, 2018, 07:11:15 pm

Slip-joint pliers for grip and leverage aiming for the center of the mechanism right behind the handle. I think you need to provide some twisting (probably counter clockwise. check the back side of other doors to get an idea of what you have to do in that tight space.
Good luck

Re: Locked out of the utility bay

Reply #3 – April 16, 2018, 07:29:09 pm

What about locking pliers? If you can get them locked on that might give you enough leverage to pull the bars open.

Re: Locked out of the utility bay

Reply #4 – April 16, 2018, 08:05:14 pm

See if you can pull out the gasket at the bottom of the door for more access, then with a metal rod with a bend on the end (rod for the awnings) you may be able to pull on something that will release the latches. Open another similar compartment door to see how it would work. The gasket is replaceable once the door is open, at least it was on my coach.

Re: Locked out of the utility bay

Reply #5 – April 16, 2018, 08:14:11 pm

I gave up for the night. The neighbor said running the generator wouldn't bother him, but we ran an extension cord into the kitchen window so we can run a small electric heater. I've turned on the inverter so that should take care of the refrigerator and we just filled the propane tank this morning so we'll run the back propane furnace to keep the plumbing working. First think tomorrow I'll call Foretravel and see what ideas they have.

Re: Locked out of the utility bay

Reply #6 – April 16, 2018, 08:43:02 pm

Second thought, not sure if that compartment has a gasket at the bottom, but if you can get to the drain and get your hand to the latch bar you should be able to get to it with a rod. Make sure the latch is unlocked even though it is broken. Good luck.

Re: Locked out of the utility bay

Reply #7 – April 16, 2018, 10:09:15 pm

Open another bay and look how it works. I think your vintage is a push to pop open and twist the handle. That means you will have to move a lot of distance to get it open.

Re: Locked out of the utility bay

Reply #8 – April 16, 2018, 11:08:46 pm

Sawzall?

Just kidding.. if nothing else gave you a laugh.. hope you figure it out.. Not close to mine to look it over

Re: Locked out of the utility bay

Reply #9 – April 16, 2018, 11:24:00 pm

I have released the latches one at a time with a flat bar about two feet long.
Be sure the handle is NOT LOCKED.
The trick is to push (or pull) on the latch arm not the rod between the handle and the latch arm, one latch on the right and one latch on the left.
As already said, look at the latches on a door you can open to see where to push or pull.

Be sure to lubricate the mechanisms.

Re: Locked out of the utility bay

Reply #10 – April 17, 2018, 12:09:41 am

Also push in on the door to relax the tension on each latch, while doing some of the other tricks. Consider awning hook to pull on bars while pushing in on door. You will get it open, just keep trying...

Re: Locked out of the utility bay

Reply #11 – April 17, 2018, 01:01:34 am

Quote from: P. Wyatt Sabourin – April 16, 2018, 11:24:00 pm

I have released the latches one at a time with a flat bar about two feet long.
Be sure the handle is NOT LOCKED.
The trick is to push (or pull) on the latch arm not the rod between the handle and the latch arm, one latch on the right and one latch on the left.
As already said, look at the latches on a door you can open to see where to push or pull.

Be sure to lubricate the mechanisms.

THIS!
Also the advice of pulling out the bottom gasket will open the door.
Have done this many times.

Re: Locked out of the utility bay

Reply #12 – April 17, 2018, 11:43:47 am

This morning one of the maintenance men at the park got the door off in about five minutes. Later today I'll go into town and see about getting a new latch mechanism.

Since I'm tearing into this one, and others are sometimes a bit stiff, what sort of lubricant should I use and where should I apply it? I'll do the rest of the locks at the same time.

Re: Locked out of the utility bay

Reply #13 – April 17, 2018, 12:45:59 pm

I use WD 40 about once a year....

Re: Locked out of the utility bay

Reply #14 – April 17, 2018, 01:41:42 pm

Wait a minute, after all our "important" advice, how the maintenance man got the door off in 5 minutes is a secret? We won't tell a soul, if you tell us.

Re: Locked out of the utility bay

Reply #15 – April 17, 2018, 02:02:36 pm

If you cant get the door unlatched by reaching in through the bottom be sure not to pry the door enough to damage it... Drill through the handle mechanism (As it junk already) for access to the rods. Focus on limiting damage to the part that is already broken

Re: Locked out of the utility bay

Reply #16 – April 17, 2018, 02:16:23 pm

Well, I had all the screws out across the top so when one side popped loose I could pull the door away and then get the other side loose. He had a flat-blade screwdriver that was just the right size to fit in the hole in the latch mechanism and attach the inside stuff to the screwdriver. His arms are longer, thinner and younger than mine. He also had a very small, bright LED flashlight on an extendable stick that was able to provide light without being in the way.

Re: Locked out of the utility bay

Reply #17 – April 17, 2018, 09:42:23 pm

It's a little bit pricey but I prefer fluid film for a lubricant that has excellent penetration as well as long term lubricant capabilities.

Penetrating fluids (wd40,triple x) do an excellent job of working their way in as is their intended purpose but you need a lubricant designed to stay afterwards. Once the penetrant has dissipated it leaves the metal almost bear and more susceptible to corroding again.

Re: Locked out of the utility bay

Reply #18 – April 18, 2018, 01:03:23 am

When bought my GV almost none of the locks were turning. I shot them all with Tri_Flow and now they all work perfectly. Awesome stuff.

Re: Locked out of the utility bay

Reply #19 – April 18, 2018, 09:39:35 am

I use Kroil.

Penetrating-Lubricating Oils

I have been wrenching for 60 years and used any and everything I could buy, borrow, steal or make. These products are the best, just REAL pricey!

TOM

Re: Locked out of the utility bay

Reply #20 – April 18, 2018, 06:00:08 pm

50% acetone & 50% ATF (high detergent) = GREAT penetrating oil.
KROIL is very good for penetrating oil and carbon build up removal.

Re: Locked out of the utility bay

Reply #21 – April 27, 2018, 04:03:13 am

Sorry I missed this Post! After many Tools at my disposal, at home, I found that by Inserting an Internal Pipe Riser Tool, for 3/4" Pipe and Larger, worked like a Champ! My whole Handle Broke off, but still had the Internals intact? Looked Everywhere Online, and Finally called FT Parts Department, Overnight for $67.00. I put a Half a Day in Searching Local RV Places, and even the Manufacturer! Thank Goodness, that FT, Still Stocks them, though!

Superior Tool Riser Removal Tool, 1/2 & 3/4 In, Steel 05270 | Zoro.com

Re: Locked out of the utility bay

Reply #22 – April 27, 2018, 05:58:22 pm

Final report: the new lock arrived Wednesday and I got it all finished yesterday with the help of a couple of the strong maintenance guys to hold the door in place while I put the screws back in. Before I closed it up I sprayed everything that looks like it moves a good spray of a lubricant. The door now works well.

I am going to have Foretravel go over all of the locks when we're there later this year. I suspect that more locks will need a bit of adjustment.

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