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Old 02-10-2018, 03:15 PM   #1
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THOR #7863
Replacing CH751 w/Cam Locks

I was ready to replace my cargo bay locks with tubular cam locks (coke machine type round keyed locks, see pic) when a locksmith threw me a curve. She pointed out the CH751 locks on my coach have built in dust covers, which is true. She said the cam locks do not, and the road grime, dirt and dust can clog it up and interfere with the key operation.

I know many people switched to cam locks. Has anyone experienced any problems like this?
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Old 02-10-2018, 03:18 PM   #2
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The locks on my coach do not have dust guards and I’ve not had any problems....don’t see any problems with changing locks other than appearances....
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Old 02-10-2018, 03:51 PM   #3
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I replaced the stock CH751 locks with cam locks as soon as we got the ACE. I haven't had problems with the cam locks getting so dirty that they won't operate. However I clean them out with a spray lock cleaner a couple of times a year.
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Old 02-10-2018, 04:13 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by DenverTransplant View Post
I replaced the stock CH751 locks with cam locks as soon as we got the ACE. I haven't had problems with the cam locks getting so dirty that they won't operate. However I clean them out with a spray lock cleaner a couple of times a year.
Thanks Denver. That’s good advice!
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Old 02-10-2018, 04:13 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by mk34techrep View Post
The locks on my coach do not have dust guards and I’ve not had any problems....don’t see any problems with changing locks other than appearances....
Thanks mk. Do you have the factory locks, or did you change them out?
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Old 02-10-2018, 04:22 PM   #6
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I took my new locks 14000 miles to Alaska and back over hundreds of miles of dirt and mud roads and never had a problem. I have been using them on three different RVs for 7 years and never had an issue with dirt.
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Old 02-10-2018, 04:32 PM   #7
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I took my new locks 14000 miles to Alaska and back over hundreds of miles of dirt and mud roads and never had a problem. I have been using them on three different RVs for 7 years and never had an issue with dirt.
Thank you, that’s the kind of feedback I’d hoped for!
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Old 02-10-2018, 04:38 PM   #8
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Still have a couple 751’s, changed out the rest and have had no problems with the cam locks...
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Old 02-10-2018, 05:50 PM   #9
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Thanks mk, that’s also what I was hoping to hear! Ok, I’m going to proceed as planned with the cam replacements. Thanks for the responses everyone.
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Old 02-10-2018, 05:56 PM   #10
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I've been on the road for a year with cam locks without any problems.

In addition, I have one basement that uses a combo lock. My spare keys are inside that basement (in a combo lock box - not same combo)
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Old 02-10-2018, 06:38 PM   #11
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I've been on the road for a year with cam locks without any problems.

In addition, I have one basement that uses a combo lock. My spare keys are inside that basement (in a combo lock box - not same combo)
That’s a smart idea. Do you have the specs of the combo lock you use?
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Old 02-10-2018, 07:36 PM   #12
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Combi-Cam 7850R-L Combination Cam Lock, 1-1/8" Chrome Finish
From Amazon

For this on e I did buy a dust cover
Frank J. Martin 7850-DC Combi Cam Dust Cover
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Old 02-10-2018, 09:12 PM   #13
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I’m not a fan of barrel locks. I just replaced mine with regular key locks albeit keyed differently from the one on every other machine on my storage lot.
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Old 02-10-2018, 09:23 PM   #14
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We also changed ours out after we got ripped off at cw. We have one of the old ones left on outside kitchen. We haven't had any issues after 7k miles. Haven't been able to find a cam lock with the extended length needed.
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Old 02-10-2018, 11:41 PM   #15
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Pete, can I ask why? I find them easier to use and more durable.
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Old 02-10-2018, 11:44 PM   #16
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We also changed ours out after we got ripped off at cw. We have one of the old ones left on outside kitchen. We haven't had any issues after 7k miles. Haven't been able to find a cam lock with the extended length needed.
Thanks. I talked to a vendor at the Quartzsite RV show (didn’t have my RV there though) and he said he has the right sizes. Gave me a flyer that shows how to measure. It’s also on his website, with a video. CH751 dot com, I believe.

The locksmith will charge me $10 per lock to rekey existing, and that’s if I remove them and take them to her. For 15 I can buy these so that’s where I’m headed.
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Old 02-11-2018, 12:28 AM   #17
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I have been using the same cam locks since 2003 and no issues. I have moved them from one rv to the next.
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Old 02-11-2018, 12:52 AM   #18
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I have been using the same cam locks since 2003 and no issues. I have moved them from one rv to the next.
Awesome, thank you!
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Old 02-11-2018, 03:01 AM   #19
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Pete, can I ask why? I find them easier to use and more durable.


Saw a video years ago about how easy it is to defeat barrel locks. Some criminal type had a short tube of the appropriate diameter which he inserted and just hit it with a small hammer. Maybe they are better now or maybe it was fake to begin with (although it was on the internet so of course it must be true...). Of course looking at these locks they aren’t all that robust to begin with so you probably should do whatever makes you comfortable. FWIW I bought my replacement locks online from rvlocksandmore and they were great. Best of luck.
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Old 02-11-2018, 03:08 AM   #20
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Well I agree if they want in mine it will only take a large pry tool lol
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