How to replace your RV door lock in simple 7 steps? - Well explained
Do you need to replace your RV door lock so that it can’t be opened by anyone else with the factory issued key? Have you decided to replace the RV door lock to one that is more secure or simply doesn’t get jammed as often? We’re here to tell you how to replace your RV door lock in 7 steps.
We’re assuming you’re only installing a new keyed lock, not a keyless entry system.
Step 01: Remove the Hardware Holding It in Place
Remove the two screws on the lock face holding the original RV lock in place. There will be one on the top of the lock and one on the bottom. Then you need to remove the two screws that are located in the door frame.
Once these screws are unscrewed, you can generally pull the entire lock face.
In some cases, you have to remove a guiding bolt in the door frame, too, before you can remove the original lock.
Step 02: Remove the Glue-Like Caulk
Take the caulking off from around the door lock’s main assembly. The caulk acts as a sort of glue holding it in place. You can remove the caulk using a sharp edge knife.
Then the whole unit should pop out after that.
Step 03: Clean Up
You’ll want to clean up the now empty hole where the RV lock was located. You want to remove the remaining traces of caulk.
You may want to clean dirt, debris, and grease. This is getting the space ready for the replacement lock to be installed.
This is a great time to double check the dimensions that the new RV door lock will have to match.
Step 04: Get Your New Lock
Pick out a replacement lock. You’ll have to choose one that fits the niche in your door, including the hole in the door that the lock will extend into the frame. This is a great time to get replacement keys.
If you already have a replacement lock, this step isn’t necessary.
Step 05: Insert the New Lock
Insert the new lock in the RV door. Screw it into the door. Verify that the screws are in tight but not so tight that it damages the door.
Ensure that your new lock and key function properly before you do anything else.
Step 06: Caulk It
Apply a new layer of caulk around the door lock. This will help hold the lock into place as well as prevent grime from entering the lock and interfering in its function.
However, you don’t want to caulk over the screws, since this can limit your access to the lock’s interior if it is jammed or broken.
Step 07: Use Your Lock
This step has two interpretations. The first is to verify that the new lock works properly after you’ve caulked it but before you put away the tools, just in case the process caused something to shift.
Test the latches and deadbolts. Verify that nothing is too loose. Double check your keys work properly.
The second interpretation is to actually use your lock. It is surprising how many people install a new lock for greater security but fail to lock the door when they leave or choose not to engage the deadbolt after they’ve gone to bed.
Conclusion
RV locks may have to be replaced to improve your security or fix an annoying problem. However, it is something almost anyone can tackle as a do-it-yourself project.
That’s good news because of how often it is necessary even assuming you didn’t lose your only key.
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