Overhead Bunk Lockout

[Rescue.Dogs]

In the FR3, as well as every other motorhome we looked at from many different manufacturers, the overhead bunk always had a lockout with a key. Some had a similar setup for the slide-outs as well.

Does anyone know why every manufacturer is doing this for the overhead bunk?

Is there a DOT regulation?

Is there a concern that I am missing?

I look at the key as one more thing that can go wrong. They key can fall out, accidentally get removed, get misplaced one way or the other.... I am wondering if I can just open the panel and bypass the key.

Has anyone done this?

Does anyone know of a reason not to?

Regards.

[Barry Hughes]

Rescue. Dogs: Safety is this concern. It is a RVIA code that overhead mechanism's be secure when the vehicle is in operation. Back in the 70's a well known manufacturer introduced the drop down bed concept. However it was a heavy metal framed assembly that articulated down from the ceiling over the drivers\/passenger seat and was unsecured to anything. It on occasion (hitting a bump in the road, etc) could release itself and come down striking the driver or passenger and on occasion cause server injury. It was a good idea poorly designed.