It has just come to my notice that the locking catch on the wet locker door of my Avondale Landranger is virtually useless. The lock is key operated and turn a plastic catch upwards to, supposedly, engage behind the door frame. The turning "arm" (sorry don't know the proper term) is, however not long enough and does not actually engage behind the frame so the door can be pulled open even when locked. There does not appear to be any damage to the arm or frame. ie, there doesn't appear to be any broken off.
I suspect that it has long been like this but I have just not noticed as the rubber seal holds the door shut as it quite a tight fit. I don't really know how it has not sprung open when travelling.
Is there any way of adjusting the door/lock to alter this situation. I can't see any obvious one.
I did consider fitting a metal or plastic plate which would protude lower than the frame and engage with the lock but there is not really much room for this as the bed slats are right above the hatch framework.
Is it possible to by a lock with a longer arm or just the arm itself? If so any suggestions for suppliers?
Any suggestions or remedies will be very gratefully received as I am worried both about the security aspect and, also, the problem of the good falling out if the door jumps open!!
Hi Tim , is it possible to unscrew the arm from the back of the lock barrel ? if it is i'd be willing to have a go at making a longer arm for you , i'd need some dimensions showing length , width , thickness and size of the square ( where it fits to the lock barrel )and a picture of it .
Or could you extend the length of the arm by screwing a thin piece of steel onto the back of the arm .
It was extremely kind of you to offer to make a replacement piece for me Wizard. Unfortunately the arm is plastic moulded piece.. The, too short, plastic arm is not held on by a bolt, it could then be easily replaced, but by an integral ring which is held in place by the lock.
Thanks for the locks website Michael but it didn't include my type of lock. I don't know if this will be available as it not just a simple barrel and arm type lock but a 3-hole job (one for the barrel and 2 for the fixing screws) custom fitted to the holes on the plastic door framework. I will have to have a look/chat with my local caravan dealer. Another possibilty may be to fit metal/plastic plate which protrudes below the edge of the frame.
Incidentally on checking I found that the gas locker door, the same type of door, only fitted vertically, is not very good at locking either but it is slightly better than the wet-locker.
Thanks again for the constructive advice and offers of help.
hi,like your idea best.if you can get a small alloy plate and screw this on from inside the locker,providing you have enough clearance for the lock arm to go over it.
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
The doors are made by Thetford, even the ones on new caravans can be opened with a good tug. No fault of the caravan manufacturer, just poor/cheap design by the component maker. When you pull the door, the plastic flexes, and the door opens. I was wondering if the the deadlock type of door locks, that you could aftermarket fit to cars, could be adapted to fit. Better lock and longer levers.
------------- Caravans, love 'em or hate 'em, I can't get away from them!
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Topic: Ineffective Wet-locker door lock
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