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Old 07-23-2016, 07:12 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Lynchburg, VA
Posts: 39
Year: 2001
Coachwork: Mid Bus, Inc Ohio
Chassis: GMC Savanna 3500
Engine: 5.7 Vortec, GMC
Rated Cap: 22
Lock security for the bus doors?

What are folks using to lock the rear "emergency" exit door and the front 2-part doors?
I'll have lots of expensive tools in mine and want to keep them!
Thanks!

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Old 07-23-2016, 07:42 PM   #2
Bus Nut
 
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As my grandfather used to tell me, locks are only for honest people. If they want to get in, they'll break a window. Close the front door tight. It's almost impossible to open from the outside. Exit the rear door and lock it with a padlock. I'd do omething more permanent after conversion.

Good luck!
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Old 07-23-2016, 07:49 PM   #3
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Chassis: GMC Savanna 3500
Engine: 5.7 Vortec, GMC
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BusFiend View Post
As my grandfather used to tell me, locks are only for honest people. If they want to get in, they'll break a window. Close the front door tight. It's almost impossible to open from the outside. Exit the rear door and lock it with a padlock. I'd do omething more permanent after conversion.

Good luck!
I may be more concerned than I need to be. I've been working out of a van for years and never had a break-in. I'm thinking I'd use this for the rear door:Master Lock Magnum Security Lock and Guarded Hasp-M736XKADCCSEN - The Home Depot
Did I mention the shortie is going to become a work truck for my carpentry business?
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Old 07-23-2016, 08:11 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hammerhead View Post
I may be more concerned than I need to be. I've been working out of a van for years and never had a break-in. I'm thinking I'd use this for the rear door:Master Lock Magnum Security Lock and Guarded Hasp-M736XKADCCSEN - The Home Depot
Did I mention the shortie is going to become a work truck for my carpentry business?
Nice. That shorty should make for a great carpentry truck! The Master Magnum is probably as secure as they come. They're used on the rear doors of contractors' vans in NYC. You earn your living with your tools. I understand why you're concerned.

Good luck!
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Old 07-23-2016, 08:50 PM   #5
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Join Date: May 2015
Location: Oklahoma aka "God's blind spot"
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Coachwork: 1853FC International/Navistar
Chassis: 35' Retired Air Force Ambulance
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Rated Cap: 6 souls and a driver
Here's an idea... Simple enough
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Old 07-23-2016, 08:53 PM   #6
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Rated Cap: 6 souls and a driver
My door glass & frame strongly prohibit me from using the door lock system I want to use... But, I'm still looking.
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Old 07-23-2016, 09:04 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hammerhead View Post
I may be more concerned than I need to be. I've been working out of a van for years and never had a break-in. I'm thinking I'd use this for the rear door:Master Lock Magnum Security Lock and Guarded Hasp-M736XKADCCSEN - The Home Depot
Did I mention the shortie is going to become a work truck for my carpentry business?

Looked good so I checked out the link, read some of the reviews....there's a demo of a guy picking it in about ten seconds, hmmm not that secure ...my $.02
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Old 07-23-2016, 10:22 PM   #8
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Talking

Quote:
Originally Posted by REDD View Post
Looked good so I checked out the link, read some of the reviews....there's a demo of a guy picking it in about ten seconds, hmmm not that secure ...my $.02
If that's the case any lock is obsolete. Most run of the mill thieves aren't professional locksmiths though!
Maybe I could wire the doors to explosives! Just gotta remember to disarm when I open it!
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Old 07-23-2016, 11:44 PM   #9
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Rated Cap: 6 souls and a driver
Since I made my door solid, I will need to go with setup like this



But, I am going to the Truck Supply soon to see what they have for narrow stile doors
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Old 07-24-2016, 03:52 AM   #10
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I ordered these two RV door latches about 6 months ago when I bought my skoolie. They only work with doors up to 1 1/4" thick or so. I had to make a recessed pocket. As such, I just got the first one on my rear door mounted today. They work beautifully though, and the fact that one key works for both is great. When I get around to rebuilding my front door, it'll be awesome.
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Old 07-24-2016, 07:08 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ashandrik View Post
I ordered these two RV door latches about 6 months ago when I bought my skoolie. They only work with doors up to 1 1/4" thick or so. I had to make a recessed pocket. As such, I just got the first one on my rear door mounted today. They work beautifully though, and the fact that one key works for both is great. When I get around to rebuilding my front door, it'll be awesome.
I've looked at those online. Why do they have 2 key slots on the outside (no experience with RVs)
Do you have a photo of your rear door install?
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Old 07-24-2016, 07:19 AM   #12
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Chassis: GMC Savanna 3500
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Rated Cap: 22
I was thinking of welding the 2 front doors together and use the existing top and bottom post as the hinge -or- get some 1" square tubing and make a whole new door....
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Old 07-24-2016, 07:24 AM   #13
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for the rear and side doors a house lock works just fine... though I dont yet have any experience with what will happen when winter comes along if i'll have a bunch of water in it and end up with frozen locks..

I just close my skoolie door and jump out of the side door if I want it closed..
sure like any vehicle someone can break in.. I have a Tuffy Jeep safe mounted on the one wall that I can put a couple laptops in. since my bus is internet connected I may get a Simplisafe alarm for it that could alert my cell phone if a break in occurs ...

the batteries and inverter are probably my most vulnerable bits someone would steal.. they have to have tools to get either..

I supoose if someone really wants office Telephones they can get those.. but ive left those on the floor of my Jeep with the top down and doors off... never got botthered...

-Christopher
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Old 07-24-2016, 11:43 AM   #14
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Chassis: 35' Retired Air Force Ambulance
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Found an idea on Lea's bus...



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Old 07-24-2016, 01:43 PM   #15
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The two key slots are because those locks are both a regular latch and a deadbolt. The regular latch can be locked from the outside and still open from the inside while being locked from the outside. It can't be locked or unlocked from inside. The deadbolt can be locked or unlocked inside with a little toggle and requires a key to lock or unlock from outside. They are really well built and work well. I don't have a picture of my rear door yet. I just mounted it this weekend. When I get one, I'll post it.
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Old 07-24-2016, 03:18 PM   #16
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Chassis: GMC Savanna 3500
Engine: 5.7 Vortec, GMC
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Quote:
Originally Posted by milkmania View Post
Found an idea on Lea's bus...



That's a good idea. Looks nice and clean on the outside too!
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Old 07-24-2016, 07:34 PM   #17
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Join Date: May 2015
Location: Oklahoma aka "God's blind spot"
Posts: 2,446
Year: 1989
Coachwork: 1853FC International/Navistar
Chassis: 35' Retired Air Force Ambulance
Engine: DT466, MT643
Rated Cap: 6 souls and a driver
Quote:
Originally Posted by ashandrik View Post
The two key slots are because those locks are both a regular latch and a deadbolt. The regular latch can be locked from the outside and still open from the inside while being locked from the outside. It can't be locked or unlocked from inside. The deadbolt can be locked or unlocked inside with a little toggle and requires a key to lock or unlock from outside. They are really well built and work well. I don't have a picture of my rear door yet. I just mounted it this weekend. When I get one, I'll post it.
But...........

An $8.15 RV Master Key will get you in, in 2 seconds
AP Products 015-85001-00 Master Key Red RV Parts
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Old 07-24-2016, 07:46 PM   #18
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On my side E-door, I drilled a hole through the handle and the safety shield. Then, I inserted a snap-link (cheap carabiner) through the holes. Voila! Instant security. Yes, Virginia, someone tried to enter through that door after I put in that highly effective lock in place. No, they didn't succeed.

For the front doors, I have a length of chain, two keyed-alike padlocks and two eye-bolts.
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Old 07-24-2016, 09:37 PM   #19
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Year: 1984
Engine: 366 Big block Chevy! :) w/ Stick shift
I used two of the guarded hasp locks for the front and rear doors. They work well enough to slow someone down and keep out curious folk, and i installed a 4 camera surveilance system from nightowl. Again it's good enough to slow someone down.

Will try to remember to post pictures tomorrow.

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Old 07-26-2016, 11:56 AM   #20
Mini-Skoolie
 
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Here are the door latch pictures I promised.



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