[VAC] Re: Deadbolt FUD?

[Inlandrv@xxxxxxx]

Terry. You hit the nail on the head. Installation does make the difference. 
Some slam doors, some don't. Generally speaking, adding a dead bolt should 
not be attempted, unless, all the parameters are considered. That's the 
problem, Terry, some folks use brute force without considering end results. 
Then when it backfires, Airstream gets blamed, for selling a product that 
bites you back, when poor changes are made, or when something fails because 
of abuse.
I try to answer questions based on the person not having much mechanical 
background. Many owners like yourself, think the problem out and come up with 
very good answers. That being the case, the question is not asked. But if a 
person needs to ask how do you grease bearings, or how do you add a dead 
bolt, it usually means that they have no clue where to begin. The best thing 
to do in that case, is to show someone the trailer, and then ask, how do I 
???????????
Asking on a site such as this can be misleading to someone that perhaps does 
not understand that each year coach can be very different from another,  in 
that what may work for one year, may not work for another.
The door frames have varied from poor extrusions, to cast metal, back to 
cheap extrusions, and then on to much heavier extrusions, that will support 
some changes.
I assure you, that when a large hole is drilled through a cast frame, it 
greatly reduces it's strength.  Slamming it, one time, usually results in the 
door frame cracking in half. Perhaps that person may not slam the door, but a 
visitor might, or a gust of wind from mother nature might.
Not worth the risk. 
Replacing a cast metal door requires a door, jamb and screen door, that was 
used from 78 to 93.  Parts cost? Almost $2000.00, plus freight, plus labor. 
Additionally. the new door may have to be taken apart and reshaped, to fit 
the older style shell contour. With these factors known, should a 
inexperienced person put a dead bolt in? Probably not, when facing the 
possible end result. 
But some folks like to live on the edge, some like to lean way over the edge, 
and others prefer to place it safe and have someone do it for them, that's 
been there and done that.

Andy