Welcome to the Forum. I can not answer some of your questions but I will on two
We use the Dead Bolts when we leave the unit.
I have not change the compartment locks. In the 10 years we have been into RV's we have never had any thing taken out of the storage bins. My theroy is if they are going to get in to those bins, make it easy thus less damage. Just my 2 cents worth.
Why they do thing a certain way when they build these, is a question that nobody can answer
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Frank and Janet Henn
2008 CrossRoads CF32Bl pushing a 2007 Dodge 2500
Traveling with Hoover, Rainbow and Sunshine
The wonder Schnauzers