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Topic: Bay Door Lock Stuck (Read 532 times) previous topic - next topic

Bay Door Lock Stuck

Today I went to open the driver's side front bay door (where the generator radiator access is located) and it was locked. I never lock it, but my cats have a bad habit of stepping on the door lock switch. So I tried the key and it would turn in the lock direction but not in the unlock direction. I tried the switch, but it won't unlock it either. I then tried spraying WD-40 and then PB Blaster in the key hole, but still nothing. Does anyone have any ideas about how I might get it open? I could drill out the lock, but then I might not be able to repair it since FOT doesn't have the parts, plus I'm not sure drilling it would actually get it open.
Dave and Kathy Bennett
2004 U270
Build #6253
1600W Solar
700 AH Battle Born Lithium
2015 Jeep Wrangler

No matter what happens, remember you always get the trip out of it.

Re: Bay Door Lock Stuck

Reply #1 –
Sounds like the actuator has froze up. if the key works in one direction that indicates the key is functioning. You could try more force on the unlocking direction but not enough to break off the key. Looking at mine, if it happened to me I would cut a hole in the bottom as it is nothing but sheet metal and a repair piece can be riveted over it. It seems the lesser of damage to get the actuator unhooked to open the door.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Bay Door Lock Stuck

Reply #2 –
I just want to follow up on this in case anyone else has a similar issue. I was able to get the door open without any cutting or drilling.  I ordered a borescope that hooks up to an iPhone from Amazon (they have iPhone and Android ones for $20-30). I was able to pry the bottom of the door out enough to feed the scope into the bay and view the mechanism. I then inserted a thin (1/8-3/16") strip of wood through the bottom by prying the door just a little more and used it to push the clip that holds the actuator lever off where it attaches to the lock mechanism. After that I was able to unlock the door with the key and open it.

Also, if you need the electric actuator, they are available from the manufacturer (Products -) for about $25. They don't list them for sale on the website, but if you contact them they will sell direct.
Dave and Kathy Bennett
2004 U270
Build #6253
1600W Solar
700 AH Battle Born Lithium
2015 Jeep Wrangler

No matter what happens, remember you always get the trip out of it.

Re: Bay Door Lock Stuck

Reply #3 –
I just pulled the weatherstripping and used a flashlight and a long 1/4 inch flat bladed screw driver I would carry with me.  I could open a door pretty quickly after I did it once.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Bay Door Lock Stuck

Reply #4 –
Quote from: dbennett9 –
I just want to follow up on this in case anyone else has a similar issue.

And ^this^ is why Foreforums is the best resource for Foretravels!  It's members like you who share solutions and suggestions so that others have the resources when they need them in the future  ^.^d
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320