I have eight doors with cam locks on them. One of them uses a different key than the other seven, one of them is broken and one won't let the key into. I would like to replace all eight with a better system and a set that all use the same key. I read that most of these locks all use the same key so I would like to find one that doesn't use the same key as everyone else's unit at the storage lot.

 

The keys have numbers on them, if you are talking about compartment door locks. 751 is the most common, although manufacturers have moved away from that in newer rigs. You will find a multitude of numbers now. Get sets with the same number keys and you should be fine. I think I have several on my ring I use when I am working, but still don't have them all.

Steve

 

Yes, these are locks on the compartment doors that I need to replace.

I was hoping for something unique. Would a locksmith be required to produce something unique? Or am I chasing something that really isn't worthwhile?

Any suggestions on brands? The ones I have now have been on there for 10 years and they show it.

 

Jim,

I think you are chasing something of questionable value. The locksmiths I have seen do a very poor job with RV locksets. You can get the coke machine type locksets (round keys). It is simple enough to get locksets matching in sets of four as they are all over the Internet and if the keys from two sets were the same number, you should have one key fits all. Both Camco and Prime make matching sets with the coke machine type round keys which would give you plenty of protection, but remember anyone can force a compartment door with a simply pry bar so no matter what lockset you choose, breaking in is never more than a ten second task. There just isn't much to compartment door construction. However the round keys still work better than the regular keys as with the regular keys all I have to do is take a screw driver in the key slot and give a strong twist.

Steve

 

Most locks are only to keep the honest people honest.

My bet would be the fact you must put twist ***** on them and no one would bother looking as it is not "secured". Only if it has locks do they think you have something of value behind the door.

 

The only thefts I am directly aware of happened to campers set up on permanent sites out at the lake and it happened during the winter when no one was around. Mostly it was just 20 pound propane tanks.

Steve

 

I needed to replace one non-functional lock anyhow so I did them all. It was more expensive than I expected because I didn't know the length of all the locks I replaced. Some were 7/8" and some were 1 1/8".

The replacement locks I used are these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I went with the funky key just to be different. The key for the 7/8" and 1 1/8" locks were the same. I ended up with two boxes of each length and all the keys work in all locks.

I wasn't too impressed with the metal tabs (the part that rotates to hold the door closed). I had to bend a few of them to get a good fit. The OEM locks had tabs that had a greater offset than the Prime Time locks. The shaft of the lock can have the threads stripped easily if you only have access to a few threads, so be careful.

I put rubber o-rings on the locks for those doors that I didn't want water intrusion. The old locks didn't have that so maybe it was overkill.

 

These locks give you some protection. With the standard keyed style, all you have to do is take a screwdriver in the key slot and twist hard. Doing that forces the entire lock to turn in the hole.

 

Most of the holes my locks went into were oval-ish, not a circle. That should help prevent the lock from turning in the hole, but I suspect that with enough force the lock would turn.

 

I know I am late to the party, but we installed some of the locks in the link below and liked them. We plan to swap out the locks on our new to us 5th wheel with these as well.

https://www.amazon.com/Combi-Cam-785...479236311&sr=1

 

Not bad for $12..