Deadlocks for PVC (1 Viewer)

[PaulW2]

Hi All,

I am in the process of exchanging my large coachbuilt for a much smaller (6m) PVC. I'm going to do a full Van Bitz alarm/immobiliser installation as I did for the previous van.

I am, for this vehicle, minded also to have deadlocks installed. Even with the doors alarmed, the idea of sleeping behind PVC doors where you'll be only one swift crowbar action away from having your bedroom 'wall' removed isn't great. It is improbable, of course, but still...

My question is if it matters whether the deadlock installation is done by someone who specialises in leisure vehicles, or whether any of the locksmiths who do this sort of work for 'normal' panel vans will be ok. It's obviously much easier for me to get a normal panel van locksmith around to do the work, and I can't off the top of my head think of a reason why I shouldn't use them. Am I missing something?

Thanks
Paul

 

[Just smiffy]

The deadlocks on my fiat pvc are only accessible from the outside and I wouldn’t advise lock-in yourself in at night in case of fire or other, there are locks that can be fixed inside but I don’t have info on them, someone will have info soon….

 

[PaulW2]

Thanks Smiffy, that's a good point

 

[berni109]

There was a thread last year that recommended a mobile lock fitter from the Bristol area. I used him to fit my deadlocks as well - good job good price . A quick search should find it .
We use our deadlocks at night but not on the sliding door. internal heavy duty chain on that. So means of escape in emergency is out of that door or the back windows.

 

[Oldrat]

I bought from Locks4vans and fitted them myself.

It’s not a job for the faint hearted though, very easy to cut a hole in the wrong place.

As far as who to choose, the locks are fitted by cutting holes in the door / frame edges and a keyhole in the door.

So no motorhome specialism needed, any commercial van lock fitter would do a decent job.

Just be aware, that the barrel, where it exits the keyhole, is often angled slightly because the bolt needs to be at right angle to the frame which can be angled (if that makes sense!) so it can look a little bit off, but there’s no way around it.

Most vital is - whoever does it, seals the cut metal edges.

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[PaulW2]

Thanks Bernie - I see there's a business that fits the description called 'secured van'. Looks like it's run by a young couple. Your solution sounds like a good one - maybe I'll do the same.

 

[PaulW2]

I bought from Locks4vans and fitted them myself.

It’s not a job for the faint hearted though, very easy to cut a hole in the wrong place.

As far as who to choose, the locks are fitted by cutting holes in the door / frame edges and a keyhole in the door.

So no motorhome specialism needed, any commercial van lock fitter would do a decent job.

Just be aware, that the barrel, where it exits the keyhole, is often angled slightly because the bolt needs to be at right angle to the frame which can be angled (if that makes sense!) so it can look a little bit off, but there’s no way around it.

Most vital is - whoever does it, seals the cut metal edges.

Thanks Oldrat. You're braver than I am - I won't do it myself! Good point about sealing the edges. I see some (including I think the one already mentioned in the thread) recommend vacuuming the swarf to prevent rusting, but I would guess sealing the bare metal edges is probably the single most important thing

 

[Oldrat]

Definitely.

Also, if they use a cutting wheel (Dremel etc) to make the slots, make sure that they protect the nearby paintwork from flying swarf, it’ll burn and embed itself into the paint, marking it, but will really be obvious weeks later when the steel swarf rusts!

Good luck.

I’d definitely have deadlocks again, it’s give me some peace of mind, leaving all our possessions in the van when we are parked up (abroad especially)

 

[Just smiffy]

This is the sort i have…

 

[Oldrat]

From the video, I can make out that they use Locks4Vans deadlocks too

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[Just smiffy]

There’s many videos of this type on YouTube….

 

[berni109]

Secured van that the one. Young polish bloke he travels around a bit but you might be too far away. PaulW2

 

[berni109]

If you are going down to taunton they may be able to do (or get done) the deadlocks for you for a price.
Meant to say yesterday that the Polish guy was offering funster a small discount.