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Topic: Locked in Coach (Read 415 times) previous topic - next topic

Locked in Coach

I was going to make the subject line, Emergency Window Works, but decided Locked in Coach would be a better subject.

Got home from the fires in Ruidoso, NM. and parked the coach in garage. Today I decided to take the coach and dump the black tank.  I have a good air leak when the HWH compressor is running and have not figured out where yet, so I turned it on to be able to close the slides. Once I had the slides in I turned the HWH compressor off. Went to to the shop, dumped, and then went back home. Parked the coach in the garage and when I tried to get out of the door it would not open.  I checked and both the latch and dead bolt were unlocked but could not get door open.  I know every time I release the parking brake I can hear the two latches on the side of the door lock to keep the door from opening. When I apply the parking brake you can hear these two latches unlatching, except for this afternoon.  I started coach, released parking brake, set it and never hear the latches.  Since I had gone by myself I called my wife and asked her to bring a tall ladder by the side of the coach and I then climbed out the window.  I have no idea how I would do that if there was not a ladder there or I was in a rush to get out.  Before I had climbed out the window I had her try the door from the outside but no luck. Once I was outside the coach I was wondering if the latches are air operated so I started the air compressor. About a minute later wife says the door opened.

I pulled out my semantics drawing of the air system and I can not see any where on drawing where it shows the door latches. Going to send a email to FOT and see if they can give me some insite as to how they operate.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Locked in Coach

Reply #1 –
I am glad you were able to get out. I had something similar happen. One time we exited the coach, and when we tried to get back in the door was locked (the smaller lock, not the deadbolt). There was no indication the lock switch had been activated since none of the bay doors were locked. I had left the key in the ignition and did not have a spare with me, so I had to climb in through the window (luckily one was not latched). It turned out the lock had somehow turned just enough to barely catch; I still don't know how it happened.
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: Locked in Coach

Reply #2 –
Interesting how they have added things over the years.  I'm not sure what the advantage an air actuated door lock would be though?

Dave, on the getting locked out thing...I added one of these Master Lock key boxes in the fuel/LPG bay (which doesn't get locked with the remote on my rig), and put a spare set in there.  Just a thought.

Master Lock Wall Mount Lock Box
Keith
2003 U320 38' #6197

Re: Locked in Coach

Reply #3 –
Quote from: WS6_Keith –
Interesting how they have added things over the years.  I'm not sure what the advantage an air actuated door lock would be though?

Newell does them.  The IH's target was the Newell customer.
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

Re: Locked in Coach

Reply #4 –
Got an email answer back from FOT. These latches are air operated and they get their air from the HWH ACC tank.  So if your check valves are good, and your HWH pump is not running (or you have turned off because of air leaks) the latches will not work. Of course if you have enough air in the tank with the pump off, the valves will lock, when you release the parking brake. If you don't have enough air in that tank when you go and apply the parking brake,  the latches will not release and you will be locked in the coach.

Attached is the drawing of the latches.

Page 1 is what I have. Page 2 is what was used before. Don't know why they included page 2, except to confuse me.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Locked in Coach

Reply #5 –
Quote from: WS6_Keith –
Dave, on the getting locked out thing...I added one of these Master Lock key boxes in the fuel/LPG bay (which doesn't get locked with the remote on my rig), and put a spare set in there.  Just a thought.

Ah - good thought and a bit cleaner than my zip tied keys hidden back by my engine bay!
Steve and Cassi
2007 Foretravel Nimbus 42'