Battery compartment lock

[Ray and Susan Huff]

Not sure this is the correct forum for this, but here goes:

We are ordering the Lithium Solar package on our 2021 Elite II.  I see, by watching videos, that the battery compartment is lockable.  Is it keyed the same as the basement?

In addition, are these locks the standard RV exterior compartment locks that every RV owner probably has on their keyring?  Or does Oliver install uniquely keyed locks?  (I'm concerned about the security of the $$$K batteries).  If "common keyed" what locks are compatible?  And is this something we could have Oliver Service do at delivery?  

I know, why pay someone else to do something we could easily do . . . . . . I guess because it's easy and contributes to the local economy 😀

[topgun2]

I'm not positive regarding any changes that have been made to the latest models and certainly not any changes for the fancy lithium stuff.  But, I'm guessing that there have been no changes to the locks/closures for these models.  To specifically answer your first question - Oliver has never used the kind of locks that are typical on most RV's.  Indeed, the Oliver closing latches are actually from the marine industry and are of a better quality.  Having said this though, the locks on these latches are fairly standard as are the keys.  I'm not sure just how many different ones are in existence but I'd bet that there simply aren't many.  Yes, better than standard RV's but not what I'd call a great difference.

If I was worried about my batteries I would make a call to your Sales rep and ask what options are available.  Since the lock is part of the latch I doubt that this will be an easy fix for you.  However, an additional lock of some sort might make sense given the issues involved.

Bill

[Mike and Carol]

If you are worried about someone stealing your batteries you could padlock the sliding rack that they are mounted on.  Unless you plan on storing it in a publicly accessible storage with no security I wouldn’t be too concerned.  Most folks don’t even know where the batteries are stored on the Oliver or that they have more than the normal 1 or 2.  Mike

[Ray and Susan Huff]

1 minute ago, Mike and Carol said:

If you are worried about someone stealing your batteries you could padlock the sliding rack that they are mounted on.  Unless you plan on storing it in a publicly accessible storage with no security I wouldn’t be too concerned.  Most folks don’t even know where the batteries are stored on the Oliver or that they have more than the normal 1 or 2.  Mike

Thanks for the encouraging words.

When not in use the Oliver will be stored on our property on a private road without public access.

[Mike and Carol]

Just now, Susan Huff said:

Thanks for the encouraging words.

When not in use the Oliver will be stored on our property on a private road without public access.

Just don’t put a “Lithium Powered” sticker on the side of your trailer and you’ll be fine.

[Ray and Susan Huff]

37 minutes ago, topgun2 said:

I'm not positive regarding any changes that have been made to the latest models and certainly not any changes for the fancy lithium stuff.  But, I'm guessing that there have been no changes to the locks/closures for these models.  To specifically answer your first question - Oliver has never used the kind of locks that are typical on most RV's.  Indeed, the Oliver closing latches are actually from the marine industry and are of a better quality.  Having said this though, the locks on these latches are fairly standard as are the keys.  I'm not sure just how many different ones are in existence but I'd bet that there simply aren't many.  Yes, better than standard RV's but not what I'd call a great difference.

If I was worried about my batteries I would make a call to your Sales rep and ask what options are available.  Since the lock is part of the latch I doubt that this will be an easy fix for you.  However, an additional lock of some sort might make sense given the issues involved.

Bill

I feel better now 😏

[Townesw]

I saw this latch on a Polaris Slingshot and thought it looked like the latches on my Oliver, only it appeared to have a cut-key-lock instead of the stamped-key-lock I have. 

 

This is the stamped-key-lock on the battery compartment and basement doors on my Oliver.
 

I looked at the Southco website and found that more secure latches are available. You might consider replacing the OE latch with one of these more secure options. Notice the cut-key “lock style 9” vs the stamped key “lock style 8”. 
 

https://files.southco.com/static/Literature/m1-c.en.pdf

Edited September 26, 2020 by Townesw

[John E Davies]

Southco offers a gazillion types and sizes and they are pricey. I have no idea of what size (thickness) you would need, but something like this, added to the existing factory latch, would be pretty secure.

https://www.amazon.com/E3-55-62-Action-u00AE-Compression-Latches-Southco/dp/B07MC91X22

OTH a second “special” lock shouts STEAL ME and advertises that there is something special in there. Replacing all the OEM ones so they look the same probably would be better in this respect.

The Oliver supplied key is a very sad thing made of stamped sheet metal. I suspect that every owner of a high end boat has a few lying around that will match the Ollie latches. I don’t know if many RVs use these due to their high cost. In an email I asked about getting some spares and was met with a figurative blank stare.... I made multiple backup door keys but have only two latch keys. The Ace Hardware guy couldn’t make any. If anyone knows a source for more keys, please tell us.

John Davies

Spokane WA

Edited September 26, 2020 by John E Davies

[Townesw]

12 minutes ago, John E Davies said:

.... if anyone knows a source for more keys, please tell us.

John Davies

Spokane WA

Here you go John

https://www.amazon.com/Southco-M1-546-Actuators/dp/B01DYYL8B8

Edited September 26, 2020 by Townesw

[John E Davies]

12 minutes ago, Townesw said:

Here you go John

 

https://www.amazon.com/Southco-M1-546-Actuators/dp/B01DYYL8B8

Woah! Seems a little pricey at $25 per pair. A quick search shows you can order direct for $3.37. Shipping adds $12 to the cost. (Sometimes Amazon Prime prices are criminally high.) Maybe Oliver should buy a few hundred and offer them for $5 to owners  through the mythical and much hinted about Ollie Store.... Add a $1 to ship in a USPS envelope.

 

 

https://shop.southco.com/en_us/latches/rotary-latch-systems/actuators/m1-546

 

John Davies

Spokane WA

Edited September 26, 2020 by John E Davies

[Townesw]

8 minutes ago, John E Davies said:

Woah! Seems a little pricey at $25 per pair. 

I thought that might draw a response from you 😂.

[topgun2]

I believe that Patriot recently purchased  couple of these.  You might want to PM him for details. 

Edited September 26, 2020 by topgun2

[Patriot]

1 hour ago, topgun2 said:

I believe that Patriot recently purchased  couple of these.  You might want to PM him for details. 

Bill, Indeed I did and paid too much...

 

 

Edited September 26, 2020 by Patriot

[Ray and Susan Huff]

2 hours ago, Townesw said:

I saw this latch on a Polaris Slingshot and thought it looked like the latches on my Oliver, only it appeared to have a cut-key-lock instead of the stamped-key-lock I have. 

 

This is the stamped-key-lock on the battery compartment and basement doors on my Oliver.
 

I looked at the Southco website and found that more secure latches are available. You might consider replacing the OE latch with one of these more secure options. Notice the cut-key “lock style 9” vs the stamped key “lock style 8”. 
 

https://files.southco.com/static/Literature/m1-c.en.pdf

Thanks . . . . great info. . . . .  I'm still a bit concerned about the security of the lithium batteries while we are away from our Oliver.

[Ray and Susan Huff]

2 hours ago, John E Davies said:

Woah! Seems a little pricey at $25 per pair. A quick search shows you can order direct for $3.37. Shipping adds $12 to the cost. (Sometimes Amazon Prime prices are criminally high.) Maybe Oliver should buy a few hundred and offer them for $5 to owners  through the mythical and much hinted about Ollie Store.... Add a $1 to ship in a USPS envelope.

 

 

https://shop.southco.com/en_us/latches/rotary-latch-systems/actuators/m1-546

 

John Davies

Spokane WA

Oliver should install the more secure locks . . . . . what are there, two on the exterior?  In the least, they should include the cut key on units with the Lithium option and build the price difference into the upgrade price.

Warning: Do not mail keys in an envelope.  I mailed our son a car key, when he lost his,  The envelope was sent through the franking equipment and tore.  The key jammed the equipment, shutting it down . . . . . thank goodness the PO assumed responsibility . . . . . . Could have been an expensive key!

[topgun2]

At one time Bruce Norton ordered a lot of these keys.  He sold me a couple.  Anyone interested might try sending Bruce a PM.  Good luck.

Bill

Edit  -  if sending a PM try Forum member name - Cheryl

Edited September 27, 2020 by topgun2

[NCeagle]

When I saw this key I immediately started looking into new locks for the exterior battery and basement doors.  I'm not as concerned about the batteries (which can be secured in other ways from inside with a padlock), but the fairly easy access to the interior through the basement concerns me.  I will probably end up calling Southco as I don't see the part with the over-molded key listed on their website.

[Trainman]

If I stored my trailer in a paid by the month facility I might have some concerns about thief, but we store our trailer at home where I feel pretty safe with it there. When camping I've never had anything stolen from the campsite in 45 years of camping, but I do lockup our ebikes as they are expensive and could just be rolled off, or put in the back of a truck with not too much effort. We do camp when to old people camp, during the week and try not to camp on weekends when the wild ones are out, haha, oh we are the wile ones.

trainman

[Mainiac]

On 9/26/2020 at 10:01 AM, John E Davies said:

Woah! Seems a little pricey at $25 per pair

Noticed you could order a whole lock for $10.99 and it comes with two keys!

[Jairon]

On 9/26/2020 at 9:22 AM, Townesw said:

I saw this latch on a Polaris Slingshot and thought it looked like the latches on my Oliver, only it appeared to have a cut-key-lock instead of the stamped-key-lock I have. 

The lock pictured can be found on page 3: https://www.onmar.se/pub_docs/files/catalogue/section_b.pdf

They mention a 3 Wafer Flat Key (MIM) lock which should correspond to keys PK-10-01 and PK-10-01-05. I can't tell if the cylinder comes out to allow a re-key though.

Does anyone know the D and G values for an Oliver?

 

Edited November 22, 2020 by Jairon

[NCeagle]

20 hours ago, Jairon said:

The lock pictured can be found on page 3: https://www.onmar.se/pub_docs/files/catalogue/section_b.pdf

They mention a 3 Wafer Flat Key (MIM) lock which should correspond to keys PK-10-01 and PK-10-01-05. I can't tell if the cylinder comes out to allow a re-key though.

Does anyone know the D and G values for an Oliver?

 

I have the lock off of the door right now (2020 Elite II).  The hole size is 2" and the thickness of the fiberglass is 10mm.  So D is 1 above.  I have the short cam offset reversed from what I can tell.  Worse case is just to re-use the same cam that's on the stock lock.  I found the correct Southco locking compression latch with the overmolded keys here:

http://www.uglyfishinc.com/southco-m1-deck-hatch-marine-enclosure-latches-p/m1-2x-xx-x8.htm

[BackofBeyond]

I will add this - although I am not sure if anything has changed since 2018 builds.

The latch on the battery tray slide has a history of breaking off - shearing - and the door then becomes the only thing keeping the tray and its contents from sliding out.

I drilled a 1/4 hole through both of the slide arms and secured with a double nutted bolt. It is not coming out with out taking the bolt loose. If I needed an an additional locking mechanism - this is where I would do it.

Its cheap too.

If I were a thief - the lockable latch just does seem that difficult to overcome. But then what passing by thief has  the tools and time to disconnect the batteries - 

RB

Edited December 5, 2020 by BackofBeyond
update