Re: [A/S] Locked out

On Jul 25, 2011, at 5:47 PM, benr4762 wrote:
I have a 1989 Excella. The door lock located in the pull latch will not unlock. I would appreciate any advice on getting inside. I could probably squeeze in via the storage compartment door. Is there an easier way to get inside?
Ben
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Hi Ben,

I know what you are going through, I've been there. The older door locks that Airstream used are prone to where and parts are very expensive and hard to find.

There are several ways to gain entrance to a locked Airstream. First, is there a window that is not locked? You can push the screen out and climb in that way with minimal damage. If your trailer has a skylight it can be removed and you can drop down inside that way. If you have a model with a storage compartment under the bed, a small person can crawl in and push the bed up. It is also possible to punch out the door hinge pins and remove the door… but that's the hardest, last resort way.

If the lock is locked and you have lost the key (or left it inside the trailer) a lock smith can pick the lock in just a few minutes at manual cost. If the lock is unlocked and the handle doesn't open the door it is likely that the lock is broken. When you do get in you will have to remove the inside door handle plate and pull the bolt back with a piece of wire or something (so take the tools with you when you climb in). If the bolt has broken away from the rest of the lock mechanism (that's what happened to one of my trailers) a skilled welder may be able to help you.

Good luck,
Tony
2000 Airstream Classic 28'
2009 Chevy Duramax / Allison

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