The front boot won't open, the handle wont move. I don't believe there is anything interfering with it on the inside. Any thoughts on how to get open??
Just get the big drill out and drill out the centre of the lock and begin from there.Withdraw what is left of the lock and you should be able to operate through the hole with a large screwdriver. When you eventually open the boot and replace the tumbler assembly or the whole unit look into the possibly of keying all your locks alike. Might cost a few Sheckels but well worth while. Check on Caravans Plus site. Good luck.
Don't touch the lock yet, other than to ensure that it is indeed unlocked. The locking mechanism uses two rods, each one pushed out from the handle. Something has jammed the lever - probably on the back of the lock. Try to look at another van similar to yours and see how the mechanism works, then you at least know where to start probing to release the jammed side of the lock. It will almost certainly be on the side of the lever which has to lift up as you turn the handle, so concentrate on that side. Ultimately you may need to use brute force and stupidity, but try jiggling it heavily first.
Agree with erad, it may appear to be unlocked, but may not be, or it has unlocked but the tumbler pins may be siezed or broken. Apply liberal squirts of WD40 into the tumbler and work the key (lock and unlock) a few times, try jiggling and lightly tapping the lock, This may free the lock up. Always try the simplest and easiest things first before the more extreme ones.
Perhaps parking the van on a slope (back, down hill), or simply winding the jockey wheel to its highest may cause what may have fallen against the mechanism to roll back (apply both hand brakes & chock the wheels). When you get it open, check the pins & washers on the handle end of the rods are in place.
Remember the old saying - KISS!
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Warren
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If you don't get it done today, there's always tomorrow!
Try to park the van on as level a piece of ground as you can. Use your levelers to support the weight and get a tape measure to make sure the height on both sides is EXACTLY the same height.
Then you can start messing about with the lock. As a previous poster said use something other than WD 40,it can attract dust and later dry jamming the tumblers. Always better to use Graphite powder.
All Vans can warp slightly and making sure both sides are the same height will help take that out of the equation.
Yes, WD40 will attract dust and dry out but would be fine to use to try to free the lock up, particually if you have to use a lot of it. It will get inside the lock, wash out any gunk and lubricate. If and when the lock is freed then replace the WD40 with a specialist lock lubricant. Any wet lubricant will attract dust, but if applied regularly it shouldn't be a problem, Silicon spray would be better than WD 40 for ongoing lubrication.
Regards EJP
Just a thought, at Aldies at the moment they are selling an inspection borescope. If you purchased this, you may be able to lift the boot lid edge slightly to get the flex tube in and you may be able to see if anything is jamming the mechanism.
Thanks everyone for your replies. The problem has been solved. With someone either side of the lid pushing in where the rods slide onto the van, and a lot of effort on the handle, we have managed to open it. It appears one rod has a bend in it which effectively locked it onto the inside of the lid.
Thanks again
Thanks everyone for your replies. The problem has been solved. With someone either side of the lid pushing in where the rods slide onto the van, and a lot of effort on the handle, we have managed to open it. It appears one rod has a bend in it which effectively locked it onto the inside of the lid. Thanks again
Good result Bowman, pleased to hear you got it sorted.
