DANGER Do Not Put Locks on Bathroom Doors

Oaklevel · 07-02-2016, 11:31 AM

Please it can be DEADLY to install a lock on a RV bathroom door as tempting as it might be to do it................................. there is a reason that they do not come with locks any longer.

It can be the same as leaving a child in a car on a 95 degree day...........

Passing on a near miss....... years ago we nearly could have lost our son. RVs had locks on the bathroom doors back them. We were at an RV dealership in 95 degree weather looking at RVs. Our son while with us locked himself in the bathroom and could not get out. With no power to the trailer there was no AC....... No way to open the bathroom door. An RV tech was rushed out to open the door........ he had to remove the hinges to get him out...... Our son was beat red as it was already well over 100 degrees in the bathroom a little longer and we could have lost him. Luckily we were near by........

Come up with another way to let others know the bathroom is occupied !!!!!

jtstromsburg · 07-02-2016, 11:38 AM

I added a lock on our bath and master bedroom on our last fiver. Both could easily be opened from outside with a coin or even just pressure while turning the center piece. My teen-age daughters don't like it when they are showering and little sister opens the door and leaves it open. Just got to make sure the locks are fairly simple to unlock from the outside when needed. Good to think about, thanks for sharing.

nomad297 · 07-02-2016, 11:42 AM

Thanks for the warning, but I think I'll take my chances. I'm more than capable of dealing with a cheap locked RV bathroom door if the lock decides to jam, just as the rest of my family is.

Bruce

Oaklevel · 07-02-2016, 11:44 AM

Be sure to train the little one on how to get out of the bathroom or you are take a huge risk. And be sure she can't get in the bathroom when the camper is not in use.

Would hate to hear that you lost her because you added a lock....... The locks are no longer there for a very important safety reason........

It may only happen to one in a hundred but the one would wish the lock was never there...........................

Oaklevel · 07-02-2016, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nomad297

Thanks for the warning, but I think I'll take my chances. I'm more than capable of dealing with a cheap locked RV bathroom door if the lock decides to jam, just as the rest of my family is.

Bruce

Can the young ones get out if you are not there............

I deal with people that take their chances daily many of their families wish they hadn't.

nomad297 · 07-02-2016, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oaklevel

Can the young ones get out if you are not there............

I deal with people that take their chances daily many of their families wish they hadn't.

My youngest is 16 years old, 6 feet tall and about 200 pounds. That door is no challenge for him.

Bruce

Bluepill · 07-02-2016, 12:08 PM

Thanks for the important tip.

CampingGator · 07-02-2016, 12:13 PM

Let's be kind to one another. Just as with all safety notices, some are for you and some are not. This is a good reminder to think about potential safety issues that might affect you and your family. They are not necessarily needed by everyone. The main thing is to try to think ahead and anticipate safety practices that might be needed. This person is sharing their first hand knowledge about a safety issue. No need to be critical. Please enjoy your July 4th weekend and stay safe out there!!!

Oaklevel · 07-02-2016, 12:33 PM

I am used to getting beat upon.......

I can only do what I can do to educate, I have been in the Safety field for over 35 years

Been involved in over 100 fatalities, many many more than that amputations, many that will never walk again , or be the same........

But I always hear:

It does't apply to me, or won't happen to me for what ever reason, or

I'll take my chances (many of their families wish they hadn't.)

Sad thing is it does apply...........

Have a Happy 4th everyone !!!!!!!!!!!!!

OldCoot · 07-02-2016, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtstromsburg

I added a lock on our bath and master bedroom on our last fiver. Both could easily be opened from outside with a coin or even just pressure while turning the center piece. My teen-age daughters don't like it when they are showering and little sister opens the door and leaves it open. Just got to make sure the locks are fairly simple to unlock from the outside when needed. Good to think about, thanks for sharing.

Can't little sister be taught to close the door?

Mars · 07-02-2016, 01:33 PM

Thanks for the info. We notice our new unit did not have locks either. My wife was like oh we need to get some, then I asked when was the last time we locked the bathroom door at home or in the last two campers? She thought, then said, never mind.

AquaMan · 07-02-2016, 02:24 PM

I don't see the need for a lock. Our rule is, if the door is shut, someone is in there, and if not sure, you knock first. We don't use locks in our home either.

asquared · 07-02-2016, 02:40 PM

Our first tt had a lock on the bathroom door. First trip out dd then 3 1/2 yrs old locked the bathroom door. Fortunately she wasn't in there, she had locked all of us out of it. DH had to disassemble the handle as the hinges were in the inside. this took awhile and we were fortunate to have the right tools with us. I can only imagine if that was hot weather and she was on the other side. The bathroom is small enough that busting in the door could hurt someone on the other side.

emm-dee · 07-02-2016, 02:50 PM

Every bathroom and bedroom door in my house has a "lock". But, like mentioned earlier, all can be easily unlocked with a small coin or inserting a toothpick. And it's going to stay that way.

jtstromsburg · 07-02-2016, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldCoot

Can't little sister be taught to close the door?

Yes and she has. She was two at the time and needed a little "persuading" to get to where she'd remember. That was our previous fiver that I wrecked. Haven't added locks on our new one. I was just adding to his point to make sure you have a way in easily.
Good thread and I hope many read it and think thru it rather than get defensive like we all typically do.

Love this forum for all the info that gets shared!!

JP Camper · 07-03-2016, 12:20 PM

By design, these door locks cannot be locked so that people cannot get out, only to stop people from getting in. All one needs to do is turn/ pull the door handle/ knob. Nothing at all wrong with locks on the door.

Telstar · 07-03-2016, 12:43 PM

I swapped the bathroom lock set for the type every home bathroom has. Problem solved.

genehorn · 07-03-2016, 01:28 PM

That's a good tip for many. I put a locking knob on ours and put the emergency unlocker in the kitchen drawer. Our bathroom also has an outside door. In our case we can have privacy with safety.

Oaklevel · 07-03-2016, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JP Camper

By design, these door locks cannot be locked so that people cannot get out, only to stop people from getting in. All one needs to do is turn/ pull the door handle/ knob. Nothing at all wrong with locks on the door.

Yes and no a child does not always know how to open the door an as the old refrigerators may get trapped inside and in this case die from the heat......... it can happen.

Putting a lock on an RV door is putting a child in danger of death.........

KFX450RXC · 07-03-2016, 02:20 PM

I appreciate Oaklevel's concern and sharing of his/her experience. I'm sure it was a scary situation.

But to each his own. I wish I had a lock on ours. RV bathroom doors are so flimsily made, one good push or kick would most likely bust it open. But then you have a damaged door frame.

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