Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Lock seizure in cargo bay door

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Lock seizure in cargo bay door - 178

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Topic: Lock seizure in cargo bay door - 178

Posted By: Guitarpodome
Subject: Lock seizure in cargo bay door - 178
Date Posted: 30 May 2021 at 9:43pm

Our 2013 178 was stored outside uncovered this past winter, as we purchased it (used) in mid - January. This spring we found a couple of the cargo door key locks a bit stiff. After spraying in some WD40, all but one (the large right side rear door) of the locks are working smoothly. Before I have to crawl in through the small opening on the far side and disassemble the lock mechanism, any suggestions on how I might free this lock up? I am afraid to break the key off if I try and force it with pliers. Thanks!

Replies:

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 31 May 2021 at 5:11am

Simplest suggestion is to try a stronger penetrant than wd40. I use PB Blaster. Wipe it off the exterior surfaces, then let it work in there for a couple of days.

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: 1nana2many
Date Posted: 31 May 2021 at 5:32am

While waiting for PB Blaster to work, go on Amazon and order a new set of keyed-alike locks for all your outside baggage doors and outside shower latch. If you still can’t use key, then remove the mattress and board covering storage area to access area instead of trying to crawl through baggage compartment. Bed board is only held down by a few screws. You need threaded barrel diameter/length to order new locks.

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The mountains are calling and we must go...O.D., Keith & Jody
2016 RP179= O.D. (Olive Drab)
2008 Coachman Captiva
1993 Jayco 1206 popup
2016 F150 Supercrew

Posted By: Guitarpodome
Date Posted: 31 May 2021 at 7:51am

I'll try that. Always used WD40 in the past and never tried PB. Will post results later this week. Thanks!

Posted By: Guitarpodome
Date Posted: 31 May 2021 at 7:58am

Good idea...wasn't looking forward to crawling underneath...I'm not as spry as I used to be!. I didn't think of accessing the latch from the top. also I'm going to try the PB blaster on the door lock of my Little Guy teardrop as well...it's been tough to turn the key there as well. Will have a look at replacing all the R-pod baggage door locks if there isn't a significant improvement. Thanks.

Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 31 May 2021 at 11:10am

Originally posted by 1nana2many

While waiting for PB Blaster to work, go on Amazon and order a new set of keyed-alike locks for all your outside baggage doors and outside shower latch. If you still can’t use key, then remove the mattress and board covering storage area to access area instead of trying to crawl through baggage compartment. Bed board is only held down by a few screws. You need threaded barrel diameter/length to order new locks.

We keyed all the locks the same. Greatest thing since sliced bread.

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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost

Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 31 May 2021 at 11:18am

I would get combi-cam locks, no keys at all. I hate keys, all my locks no longer have keys. I'm camping, I don't wanna f@&%* with keys

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2017.5 Rp-172
2020 R-pod 195
2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl
I'll be rpodding

Posted By: Colt
Date Posted: 02 Jun 2021 at 4:48pm

I suggest you buy a small can of motorcycle chain lube for your locks. The stuff is a water resistant lubricant with a solvent carrier. It goes in thin to all sorts of crannies and the solvent evaporates to leave a nice lubricant.

Harley used to sell a good one that I like for locks, it is not sticky. You might find a can. For my chains, I prefer PJ1 and it is still available.

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John
'16 R-Pod 180