Motorhome DIY: How to improve locker door security

Words and photos: Derrick Davies

I was worried about the security of the rear locker on my motorhome, as it only had a single latch that appeared to me to be fairly easy to force open.

So, I decided to convert the two push-button latches at either end of the door to locking versions. 

When ordering the lock barrels, be sure to ask for matched locks to save having extra keys.

I couldn’t get lock barrels to match my existing central lock, so I took the two locking buttons from my gas locker and installed the two new barrels in the gas locker door. 

That way I only need one original key to open all three locks on the rear locker and just put up with using a different key on the gas locker door. The parts were ordered from Caratech in Lincoln.  

Before starting, it is best to have the door horizontal with the push-button facing down.

If your door has side hinges, you can easily push out the plastic hinge pins to remove the door to a flat workspace.

The tools and materials needed

• Thetford lock housing (#2660780) x2, £11.23 each
• Thetford lock barrel (#26604) x2, £20.47 each
• Screwdriver

Time taken: one hour

Step by step guide

1. First, unscrew and remove the two retaining screws
2. There is a spring underneath, so hold the plate whilst unscrewing it and lift off slowly
3. Remove the large coil spring and the operating rocker assembly, taking care not to let the two smaller coil springs fly out! You are now left with the empty socket and the operating latch
4. Now take the new button housing (part #2660780) and insert the new lock barrel (part #26604) fitting the O-ring and the plastic end piece
5. Insert the new button housing into the socket and then carefully reassemble the rocker shaft and its springs. This takes patience and a steady hand, so don’t rush it! 
6. Refit the retaining plate and screws. All being well, you should just be left with the old button and large spring!
7. The finished door now has three locks instead of just the single central one that it originally had