Why isn't there a slam latch on the generator door?

[jjbbrewer]

There's really a wimpy lock on the generator door and there could be some expensive batteries in there.
Does anyone know why Grand Design doesn't put a better locking mechanism there - like the slam latches that are on every other door? Has anyone done that type of "upgrade"?

[AZCamper]

There's really a wimpy lock on the generator door and there could be some expensive batteries in there.
Does anyone know why Grand Design doesn't put a better locking mechanism there - like the slam latches that are on every other door? Has anyone done that type of "upgrade"?

I am looking to get a lock for our generator door, it’s the only door without a lock on our ‘21 G31. Looking at ordering one from Bauer directly.


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[dbecicka]

I’ve wondered the same thing. Ours does have a lock on it but it doesn’t catch so it is pretty much useless. Because of this we try not to store any valuable items in that area, besides the generator. Hopefully someone has come up with a better solution as I would be interested in seeing what others have done.

[A.Texas.Yankee]

Deleted misread "slam latch"

[OurNewEra]

There's really a wimpy lock on the generator door and there could be some expensive batteries in there.
Does anyone know why Grand Design doesn't put a better locking mechanism there - like the slam latches that are on every other door? Has anyone done that type of "upgrade"?

Before you upgrade/change to a slam latch let me tell you that slam latches are NOT secure. They can easily be popped open with a screw driver.

If you want a more secure lock you should consider a couple of locking cam locks.

And as someone pointed out to me, nothing about an RV is secure. A determined individual with the right tools, or a really big hammer, can get into any RV or storage compartments.

[jjbbrewer]

Before you upgrade/change to a slam latch let me tell you that slam latches are NOT secure. They can easily be popped open with a screw driver.

Good point. The problem with my unit right now is it has a locking cam lock where the tab doesn't extend far enough onto the door frame to hold it shut. I can pull on the door with my hand and it comes open. My first thought was just get a little bit longer cam piece on the back.

And as someone pointed out to me, nothing about an RV is secure. A determined individual with the right tools, or a really big hammer, can get into any RV or storage compartments.

True that as well. I suppose someone with a hole saw and a sawzall could easily make an entrance door on any wall of an RV. I guess all I really want to do is make mine harder to get into than my neighbors.

[OurNewEra]

Good point. The problem with my unit right now is it has a locking cam lock where the tab doesn't extend far enough onto the door frame to hold it shut. I can pull on the door with my hand and it comes open. My first thought was just get a little bit longer cam piece on the back.
True that as well. I suppose someone with a hole saw and a sawzall could easily make an entrance door on any wall of an RV. I guess all I really want to do is make mine harder to get into than my neighbors.

I would say your best option would be to get a longer catch on the back of the cam lock. If you purchase a 'universal' cam lock they come with several different catches in the package. Or you could add a bigger metal plate to the inside for your cam lock to catch better.

I have a slam latch that can be easily pulled open when locked. Trying to fix that one is when I figured out the latch on the other side that does lock can be opened easily with a screw driver. Takes very little effort.

[Always Learning]

Good point. The problem with my unit right now is it has a locking cam lock where the tab doesn't extend far enough onto the door frame to hold it shut. I can pull on the door with my hand and it comes open. My first thought was just get a little bit longer cam piece on the back.
True that as well. I suppose someone with a hole saw and a sawzall could easily make an entrance door on any wall of an RV. I guess all I really want to do is make mine harder to get into than my neighbors.

Check the number on the original key that came with the lock you show in your picture. Is it CH751? If yes then most people with a RV have a key to the lock. Google CH751 and search this forum.

[jjbbrewer]

Check the number on the original key that came with the lock you show in your picture. Is it CH751? If yes then most people with a RV have a key to the lock. Google CH751 and search this forum.

Fortunately, I don't have that key. My 349M came with the "keyed alike" feature so there's one key for all of the locks. It would really suck if most people had the key to my RV. (I really hope that's not what Grand Design means by "keyed alike")

I'm now thinking I'll do what OurNewEra suggested and get a better cam lock & maybe reinforce the door frame a little. Perhaps even go with a tubular cam lock like this?

But then, there goes my "keyed alike" feature

[orbiker]

Fortunately, I don't have that key. My 349M came with the "keyed alike" feature so there's one key for all of the locks. It would really suck if most people had the key to my RV. (I really hope that's not what Grand Design means by "keyed alike")

I'm now thinking I'll do what OurNewEra suggested and get a better cam lock & maybe reinforce the door frame a little. Perhaps even go with a tubular cam lock like this?

But then, there goes my "keyed alike" feature

I have been thinking about locking the generator / battery door better myself.

I work on coin washers and dryers for a living (31 years so far) and the ace (round locks) are readily available. The hard part is making a custom cam bar. I'm thinking about replacing the 2 thumb locks also with ace locks. KEN