need a new latch & lock for my camper

[ScouterMom]

when I bought my old PUP it had no key for the door - which didn't really matter, as it didn't latch well anyway.  I'm thinking it isn't the original lock and handle, as I was able to find an exact duplicate at Menards.

So what works best to replace the door latch and make it lockable?  

I've thought of using the store bought door latch and adding a  hasp lock, but the door is thin and it is hard to find a locking system that will work over the outside, as the door frame sticks out a bit.

any good ideas out there?

laura

[brainpause]

I just read your story over on the Women-Owned Popups thread, and it was great!

On the 84 Starcraft I just remodeled (click on the thumbnail below), I had trouble with the door popping open going down the road. There are other reasons for this, but I mounted a small piece of wood to the outside of the door, on the body of the camper. I then mounted a "slide-lock" to the body and door. I had to use pop rivets on the frame of the door...I couldn't get a screw into that metal without breaking the screw! That metal is HARD!

The slide-lock is like what is found on a gate. I can't find a picture of it right now, but if you don't understand my setup, I'll take a picture. I might anyway, and add it to my album here:



Larry

[ScouterMom]

I've been watching your remodel - nice job!  I have a 'favorites' folder of various camper mod albums that i go back to for ideas, and your's has been one I've watched for awhile.  I look thru them whenever it's pouring out and I can't actually be out there working on my PUP!  (I live in Northern IL - we've been getting way too much rain lately - I'm thinking of converting my PUP to an ARK!)

by a 'slide lock' - are you talking about the ones with a little bar that slides over and locks the door? like the ones they use sometimes on bathroom stalls and as back up locks in hotel room doors?

I've had the problem of the door coming open on the road, too - last trip we made, we used Duct Tape to keep the door closed!  It worked, but I really don't like all that sticky stuff on the outside of the camper.  It's old, but I still don't want to look like we're the cousins of the Beverly Hillbillies!

But I'm also making a canoe rack for the camper for a trip we're supposed to make Labor day weekend - and I'll need to lock the camper and leave it unatended for a night (folded up).  I need the door to latch when we are using the camper and going in and out, and also a secure way to lock the door to keep people out when it's closed up.

 If it stops raining long enough, and the Wisconsin River isn't too swollen from the past weeks of rain, the plan is to drive up friday night to the put-in, with two canoes on the van, and two on the camper; remove the two from the camper to sleep the remainder of friday night in the opened PUP, then close it up in the AM, meet with the rest of our canoe group, and shuttle camper and the TV to our takeout down river.  Sat night ( and poss Sun night) we'll spend in a tent  :tent: on a sandbar in the river, and pickup the TV & camper at the end of the trip.  

So if I'm going to leave it for a night ar two closed up, I don't want it too easy to get into.  I've seen loads of vehicles and trailers left at these put-ins, and never seen or heard of problems - most campers are pretty nice people - but no sense in tempting fate.  there's not much in my rig worth stealing, it sure doesn't look like an 'expensive' set-up!   but I'm more concerned about mischief or vandalism.

laura

[Dadjelma]

My '71 Starcraft uses a locking screendoor handle. It is thin enough for the door and latches on the frame side as well. It may require drilling some new holes, I don't know since mine was done that way when I got it. I will be popping it up this weekend and I wil try to take some pictures.

Doug

[brainpause]

by a 'slide lock' - are you talking about the ones with a little bar that slides over and locks the door? like the ones they use sometimes on bathroom stalls and as back up locks in hotel room doors?

laura

Yes...I didn't think about comparing it to that. Thanks for the compliments.

Larry