Jayco Door Lock: How Do I Change the Lock On My RV Door?
It has been the habit of society for many decades now to lock everything up tight. it never used to be that way but times change. Even RVs are not safe to leave unlocked anymore. It pays to keep your valuables locked up, that way your 4-legged family member does not get out accidentally.
The best way to do it is to hire a professional. They have experience and expertise in changing locks on RVs and trailers. But if you want to do it yourself, it is a matter of removing a few screws, taking the lock off, putting the new one on, and tightening those few screws up again.
To learn more exact details on changing an RV lock, just continue to read our article. It has the information you want to know about so you can make the change and know you are secure. Changing a lock only takes a few minutes to get done.
Are RV Door Locks All The Same?
Unfortunately, it seems that they are. There is a legitimate but not great reason why the RVs and travel trailers are all keyed the same. The locks are all keyed the same to make life easier for salesmen and dealers.
This group of RV people does not like having to try and keep the keys straight. They just want to walk up to one or a dozen RVs and open the door as quickly as possible. The dealers and salesmen do not want to stand at the door for 5 minutes searching or fumbling for the right key.
If you buy an RV or travel trailer, it is best to make changing the locks on the unit a top priority. You never know when you come home from an evening out to find that someone used their RV key to open your door and steal your things.
Because RVs and travel trailers are keyed the same, you never know who has a key to your home and can invade your privacy at any time.
Are RV Door Locks Universal?
You may think that different RV companies use different locks and have different keys to their own locks. But it does not appear to be that way. The statistic is that about 90% of all travel trailers made today use the same key and the same type of lock.
This includes your storage compartments as well. That makes RV door locks almost universal. This fact may unnerve you a little bit as your security and safety have been taken down a little bit and your confidence is shaken but it is a fact of life.
RV dealers always look to cut corners and locks seem to be one of those corners they cut. As we said, salesmen and dealers do not want to have a ring full of different keys when they are trying to sell an RV.
They want fast and easy access and that demand makes RV and trailer life a little less secure for you. If changing your locks is not something you have thought about, it is about time you did. Upgrade your security and make sure you have peace of mind by getting new locks for every locked door or storage compartment you have on your RV.
Finding a Jayco Door Lock Replacement
Like most things in life, this is not a hard task to do. You can talk to any professional locksmith and get those locks changed for a small fee. You will have to pay for each lock you install and the labor involved but it is a cheaper expense than having to replace your personal items or your RV.
We do not recommend talking to Jayco on this issue as their locks will be the same as the ones you already have on your RV or trailer. It is best to go with a locksmith who deals in these types of locking mechanisms.
Or if you like total security, you can go to any of the big box stores that carry locks and buy your own. Then install them yourself. It does not take a long time to do the chore and that is time well spent. The key is to get the lock that will fit the opening.
Jayco Door Lock Recall
The recall happened back in 2014 but if you did not get the notice, you may have changed the lock anyways due to the malfunction of the cylinder. That was what the recall was all about.
The Bauer lock installed at that time did not have the HF letter in front of the serial number. Plus, the key was supposed to only work at 3 and 12 o’clock positions. However, since there was a manufacturing problem, the key could turn to 9 o’clock and be removed.
What that does is keep anyone on the inside from operating the lock. In effect, you were trapped inside if anyone removed the key when it was in the 9 o’clock position. You should have got a notice back in 2014 instructing you on what to do.
If you have had no trouble with the lock for 8 years, you may want to change it anyway, just in case. That way you know you are totally safe and can get out if you need to do so in a hurry.
How do I Change The Lock on My RV Door?
Changing locks will depend on the style of lock you prefer. Some RV owners have gone to those keyless locking systems to make entering their RV or trailer a little bit more convenient.
The following instructions are for such a lock:
1. Secure the door in the open position to make it easier to work on
2. Remove the old lock and handles using a Phillips head screwdriver. This means removing about 6 screws approx.
3. If the lock is electric, install 4 AA batteries in the battery compartment
4. Now insert the new lock into the door from the outside and the insert locking mechanism in through the opening on the side of the door.
5. Attach the new lock and striker plate with the new screws.
6. Attach the wires to make the lock work and align all levers to make the lock work
7. Now attach the interior handle which is secured by 4 long screws
8. Test the key, the keypad, and key fob to make sure everything is working properly
9. Reprogram the lock, etc. to numbers you want to use and can remember. Follow the instructions that came with the lock
Jayco Door Lock Assembly
One common assembly had a simple knob that used a key on the outside of the door. On the inside, there was a long handle you turned to get out of your RV or trailer. The back part of the mechanism measures 2 7/8 by 3 3/4 by 1 inch while the outside plate measured 2 by 4 inches.
The knob was 2 1/2 inches in diameter with the backset 2 1/4 inches in size. This particular mechanism has a built-in panic system that once pressed you could get immediate access to the outside.
Plus, it worked on doors that were 1 inch or thicker. It was and is a commonly used RV or tent trailer locking assembly so you should not be surprised if your keys fit other tent trailers, no matter their brand.
The lock on your RV is probably different than this one but rest assured, you are not the only one with keys to it.
Jayco Bathroom Door Lock
These are basic locking mechanisms only. There does not seem to be a key needed to operate them. The locking mechanism is operated by pushing a button once you are inside the bathroom and have closed the door.
To install one, all you will need are 4 screws. 2 to hold the lock and 2 to hold the strike plate in place. It would take about 5 minutes to remove the old lock and replace it with the new one.
The only tool you would need is a Phillips head screwdriver. There was a model that had a nice handheld knob that you turned but according to Jayco’s catalog, it is no longer available.
Some Final Words
Knowing that you do not have the only key to your RV or travel trailer should not unnerve you. Instead, it should motivate you to replace all the locks in key areas on your vehicle or trailer.
You have a myriad of styles and designs to choose from and you can go keyless if you can remember codes and numbers. It is a minor inconvenience as you may spend the better part of an afternoon replacing the locks or watching the professional locksmith replace them.
However you replace, you should replace them ASAP.
