Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Thor Forums > Thor Tech Forums > Maintenance and Repair
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 10-09-2019, 08:45 PM   #1
Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.1
State: Georgia
Posts: 33
THOR #2902
Locked Inside Door Lock Broken?

I’m currently locked inside my 2016 Class A Thor Axis RV 😩
Inside door locks flipped to unlocked but handle won’t engage and unlock door. Cannot be opened from outside. Deadbolt unlocks but door lock does not seem to move and handle will not engage.
I’m not on a hill or angle and pushing or pulling the door very hard does not work.
Do I need to call a “special” locksmith or just any locksmith?
THOR says lock chamber probably needs to be drilled out and lock replaced.
I live in north suburbs of Atlanta and am currently driving towards home.
Thanks for your advice/help!

__________________
Always a Hawkeye! is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-2019, 09:19 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Aria 3401
State: Arkansas
Posts: 114
THOR #12542
It sounds like your latch broke. This is a known issue with some of the Trimark latches.

You should be able to remove the screws on the inside of the latch and push it out of the door to get out, but you'll need to replace the latch if it is indeed broken.
__________________
jtyphoid is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-2019, 09:49 PM   #3
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
You're in the perfect place to work on it... if you already have access to the proper tools.
Take a look at the latch, and you should be able to see what you'll need...
If your tools are in the rig:
If your tolls are in outside storage: can you get out a window, or get someone on the outside, to get them for you?
Good luck!
(Should we bring you food?? )
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-2019, 10:51 PM   #4
Site Team
 
16ACE27's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Florida
Posts: 14,120
THOR #7035
Should just need a phillips screwdriver.
__________________
Ted & Melinda
2016 ACE 27.1
2016 Chevy Sonic Toad - Selling
2020 Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Runner Toad
2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS - Soon 2B TOAD
16ACE27 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-2019, 11:08 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
ducksface's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2018 24.1 AXISSIXxSIX
State: Arizona
Posts: 6,761
THOR #13932
I'm going to give the op the benifit of doubt and assume they have seen the screws and have considered taking the obvious action to free themselves.

So,
The ladder for the overhead bed fits handily through the drivers side sliding window allowing you to the ground.

(I think most roadside assistance providers offer a locksmith as part of the plan.
Some credit cards do, some auto insurance companies do.)
__________________
ducksface is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-2019, 11:49 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
Mr Sunshine's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2023 Jayco Precept 31UL
State: Florida
Posts: 2,914
THOR #1589
Hope this is resolved by now! You don't need a locksmith, and they can't fix it anyway. No drill required, just a phillips screwdriver as was already mentioned.

Once you have it removed and the broken latch parts out of the way, you can put the latch back on and secure the door with the deadbolt. Then call Kevin at TriMark. You'll have a replacement part in a few days.

This happened to us last weekend, as reported in the thread about the St Augustine rally.
__________________
Life is better when you cry a little, laugh a lot, and are thankful for everything you've got!
Mr Sunshine is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-10-2019, 12:28 AM   #7
Junior Member
 
petcar's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Palazzo
State: Oklahoma
Posts: 17
THOR #6168
Several good & accurate responses. The picture shows what I believe broke.

I’ve replaced several lock assemblers over the years, and you’ll soon find out the price.

I took part to a job shop machine shop and for $100 had one made out of carbon steel, (8620). Rebuilt assembly.

Now when the current (pot metal) one fails I’ll replace it with modified unit. Peter
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	56ADD518-A600-4476-BB3B-271B4B7E539D.jpg
Views:	128
Size:	73.3 KB
ID:	20735  
__________________
petcar is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-10-2019, 03:33 AM   #8
Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.1
State: Georgia
Posts: 33
THOR #2902
Ok you guys are awesome!
Thankfully, I made it home without running out of gas!

That was stressful and claustrophobic. I have had many helpers today from campers, park rangers and a state trooper but no one could break me out.

A neighbor came over, opened my garage with my code and brought me a ladder. I climbed out the drivers window and immediately enjoyed a well deserved stiff drink!!!

Once I got out and looked at it, I do think it’s a door latch vs a lock problem. I did see the screws on the inside but my Phillips screwdriver was in an outside compartment. My husband comes home tomorrow night and I will climb back inside and unscrew it.

I am so thankful for this forum and all of you kind and helpful people!
I hope it’s just the latch and appreciate you letting me know who to contact to order a new one
__________________
Always a Hawkeye! is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-10-2019, 04:06 AM   #9
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Palazzo
State: Colorado
Posts: 105
THOR #13375
Anyone locked OUT ?

Someone other than me has had to have themselves locked out of their MH. Question is how did they deal with it. I will share my horror story after a few responses. I may have not made the right decision in my plan of action , a little embarrassed.
__________________
roncalderz@gmail.com is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-10-2019, 05:34 AM   #10
Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.1
State: Georgia
Posts: 33
THOR #2902
Looking forward to hearing how you handled the “outside” lock out!
__________________
Always a Hawkeye! is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-10-2019, 11:08 AM   #11
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
Glad to hear that you staged a successful Jailbreak!
__________________
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-10-2019, 09:23 PM   #12
Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.1
State: Georgia
Posts: 33
THOR #2902
You guys are good!
Hubby home and I climbed back through window and unscrewed back plate.
The internal metal piece that pulls the latch bolt out of the door is broken in half. When you pull the door handle, it cannot engage the latch bolt to pull it out of door opening.
There was a company name (TriMark) listed on door hardware so we’re calling for parts now.
Question: I assume we have to order the whole front door latch component, correct? It’s $40 cheaper on Amazon and wondered if any of you have ordered from Amazon or directly from TriMark?
It would be nice just to order the broken metal and plastic piece but my husband doesn’t think this is an option, correct?
Thanks for your continued help!
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	BE3F7EF7-8506-4D80-A333-D8762803BDB5.jpg
Views:	119
Size:	167.4 KB
ID:	20756  
__________________
Always a Hawkeye! is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-10-2019, 09:24 PM   #13
Site Team
 
16ACE27's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Florida
Posts: 14,120
THOR #7035
Quote:
Originally Posted by Always a Hawkeye! View Post
You guys are good!
Hubby home and I climbed back through window and unscrewed back plate.
The internal metal piece that pulls the latch bolt out of the door is broken in half. When you pull the door handle, it cannot engage the latch bolt to pull it out of door opening.
There was a company name (TriMark) listed on door hardware so we’re calling for parts now.
Question: I assume we have to order the whole front door latch component, correct? It’s $40 cheaper on Amazon and wondered if any of you have ordered from Amazon or directly from TriMark?
It would be nice just to order the broken metal and plastic piece but my husband doesn’t think this is an option, correct?
Thanks for your continued help!
This is a common problem. Read post #6 above.
__________________
Ted & Melinda
2016 ACE 27.1
2016 Chevy Sonic Toad - Selling
2020 Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Runner Toad
2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS - Soon 2B TOAD
16ACE27 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-10-2019, 09:50 PM   #14
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2013 ACE 30.1
State: Alberta
Posts: 1,410
THOR #2631
Quote:
Originally Posted by Always a Hawkeye! View Post
You guys are good!
Hubby home and I climbed back through window and unscrewed back plate.
The internal metal piece that pulls the latch bolt out of the door is broken in half. When you pull the door handle, it cannot engage the latch bolt to pull it out of door opening.
There was a company name (TriMark) listed on door hardware so we’re calling for parts now.
Question: I assume we have to order the whole front door latch component, correct? It’s $40 cheaper on Amazon and wondered if any of you have ordered from Amazon or directly from TriMark?
It would be nice just to order the broken metal and plastic piece but my husband doesn’t think this is an option, correct?
Thanks for your continued help!

I would be very careful ordering this door lock form anyone (including Trimark) without first ensuring that the new latch is steel and not pot metal like your OEM part. I have read that many people replaced their OEM trimark door locks with replacements that turned out to be equipped with the pot metal latch. If you call Trimark specify the part with steel latch that will directly replace your OEM broken lock. Trimark may ask for their stamped numbers on your old part(s).
__________________
javelin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-10-2019, 09:55 PM   #15
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
I agree: Out with the pot metal, and in with the steel!
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-10-2019, 09:57 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
mountainsam's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Gemini 23TR
State: California
Posts: 981
THOR #6701
For new owners the lock material (magnet test) should be on the PDI list so they could be prepared for a failure.

I was able to get a free replacement even though our lock never failed simply by emailing TriMark. I dont think the dealer or Thor would replace it without a failure prior to purchase.


If ours was a Class A without cab doors I would only use the deadbolt when away from the rig and keep a small assortment of handy tools inside. Even a Swiss Army Knife would be useful when your lock fails.
__________________
2017 Gemini 23TR Ford chassis w/ power stroke 3.2
DW, Daughter and 2 dogs, Sofie (black lab/boxer) and Phoebe (schnoodle)
mountainsam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-10-2019, 10:24 PM   #17
Member
 
Micky/John's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Citation 24ST
State: Wisconsin
Posts: 59
THOR #7565
He He yes our lock in was not pretty. No one in the campground but us. DW managed to get out passenger window to get to tool box but didn't help. She managed to get picnic table to window to get dog out before taking off and get back in. Had just enough cell service to find someone in the area that might be able to help us. But we needed to gas up to make the drive, so the funny/sad part was pulling into a gas station and trying to get someone to help us fill our gas tank because we couldn't get out of our MH HA HA even I couldn't believe what I was asking someone to do. Everyone kept trying the door and we kept saying NO the door won't open. People were very Leary so they went and got the gas station manager and he was very nice, kind of smiled and laughed, took our credit card through the window and filled our tank. When we got to the service place we had to call and tell them that we were in the parking lot and they came out with a ladder and came into the MH. They fixed it enough so that we could exit and enter and just use the dead bolt. When we got home we contacted Thor and they sent us a new lock. Make sure it is the right metal by checking that a magnet sticks to it. Not an experience I want to do again!!!!
__________________
Micky/John is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-10-2019, 10:45 PM   #18
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
But on the bright side: it is good to know that you could find strangers who were willing to lend a hand.
There ARE good folks out there...
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2019, 12:31 AM   #19
Senior Member
 
Mr Sunshine's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2023 Jayco Precept 31UL
State: Florida
Posts: 2,914
THOR #1589
Hey, Hawkeye, I sent you a PM. Go back and read the post I left above.

You don't need to spend any $$ on this, call TriMark.

TriMark says they don't make the pot metal latches any more, so you'll get a steel replacement assembly.
__________________
Life is better when you cry a little, laugh a lot, and are thankful for everything you've got!
Mr Sunshine is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2019, 06:23 PM   #20
Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.1
State: Georgia
Posts: 33
THOR #2902
I am going to reach out to THOR first to see if they will remedy the situation. If they won't, I will reach out to TriMark. I refuse to pay for this out of my pocket and will get this taken care of by one of the above. Either way, I will file a complaint with the NHTSH (as many others have) in hopes that they will see the safety issue and mandate a recall.
Thanks again everyone!
I will update when SOMEONE steps up and covers the steel replacement.
__________________
Always a Hawkeye! is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thor Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.




All times are GMT. The time now is 07:01 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2