front locker stuck

[ljk]

Hi folks :cheer: new to here. Hoping i can get some help. The front locker on my rapido caravan is stuck, It would seem that during moving it something inside has fallen and is preventing the catch from rotating when I use the key. One side is ok...does anyone have any tips on how to release the stuck side??
fingers crossed, and thanks in advance

 

[VicMallows]

I assume you are sure that it is not the key mechanism stuck? . I would give it a good squirt of lubricant just to be sure.
Failing that, if you have the common sort of front locker latch you should be able to grip the outer (rubber?) surround tightly with a mole wrench and rotate (anticlockwise) the entire mechanism. This will of course cosmetically damage the surround, and if the mounting hole has 'flats' to stop rotation these will get rounded off ...but the damage should not be catastrophic.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello & welcome ljk.

I am not familiar with the detail of Rapido caravans but I do know there are several different models. I can only offer some generalised advice.

Ideally you need to know what might be causing the problem, many caravan front locker doors are quite flimsy, so I would be inclined to pull open the side that unlocks and try to see inside. It may help to use a mobile phone as your eyes and take a picture. If you can see what it is you may be able to hatch a plan,

I presume the gas bottle is stored in the locker, in which case there should be ventilation holes underneath the locker in case there is a gas leak. You may be able to get your hand inside enough to dislodge the offending item, or you may be able to use something long like a broom handle and poke it in through the partially open side and push it far unough to just lift the offending item off the locked tab enough to allow it to be opened.

 

[Thingy]

Many caravans have a grill in the floor of the front locker which would be easy to replace if needed. Can you lay underneath the caravan and shine a torch up through the grill to see if it is being jammed from the inside. If so, you may be able to push a handle through to remove any offending item.

 

[paws]

Some excellent idea for you ljk from our experienced members.

I have used a powerful magnet to get me out of trouble on a number of occasions, and if what is jamming things up contains ferrous metal then it might be worth trying one.

A "Sea Searcher"magnet is the sort of power you need with a "pull" of around 140lbs (approx 64kg) its strong enough to act through the thin material of your locker lid or, as others have suggested, through the vent holes in the bottom of the locker ( you will need to remove the anti rodent grill from it and probably tape the magnet to a stick.

Be very careful when removing or replacing the "keep bar" from the magnet, the pull is sufficient to take off the top of a finger if you get it wrong! Use a handy brick wall as a lever.... ad don't forget to remove your watch to a safe place before removing the keep bar!

They are expensive to buy, around £30 or so, but most yachtsmen will have one somewhere and usually will be happy to lend it to you as long as you give it back when you have finished with it.

Here's a short video that will give you the idea:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFc8w1_kM4s

I have used a Sea Searcher for years and have recovered stuff (from anchors to tools to even outboard motors) so it may be worth trying on your caravan front locker.
Regards, and as always
Happy Caravanning
paws

 

[audiorob]

Just another thought for you...
Has the 2nd lock been replaced at some time and have a different key? Then the key might well insert OK but not trigger the lock to undo it?
AS you will know on gas locker doors the lock rotates a simple 'tongue' to catch behind the rim, and as others have suggested you may find an alternative means to access the locker to give it a swivel to allow access.