Thinking about fitting a fiamma type security handle lock

15117 Views 15 Replies 10 Participants Last post by Double-Entendre, Jun 20, 2009

yozz

Discussion Starter · Jun 2, 2009

Hi I've been thinking about fitting one of those external security locks/handles to the habitation door. This kind of thing - http://www.fiammastore.com/security_shop_page5.htm

The one thing putting me off is the idea of drilling holes right through the van. Are they as easy to fit as they look?

1 - 16 of 16 Posts

ubuntu1

· #2 · Jun 2, 2009

Door lock

Just take your time, measure and measure again. Make sure you don't have pipes or electrics in the way and then use a sharp drill.

It really is that easy.

moblee

· #3 · Jun 2, 2009

As above yozz, take you time properly measure we also used a spirit level when we done ours.
We made a real good job of it (If I may blow my own Trumpet) :lol:

sideways

· #4 · Jun 2, 2009

just make sure whatevers inside doesnt come right up to the edge of the door frame as you need to fit the spreader plate and cover, other than that its easy.

DTPCHEMICALS

· #5 · Jun 2, 2009

No problem and if your mh has a window in the door that lowers you can lock / unlock from inside. Any deterant to a thief is better than none

Dave P

Kees

· #6 · Jun 2, 2009

Hi yozz

I fitted a type 46 handle to my motorhome two weeks ago. I agree with all the comments above regarding the fitting being straightforward if you are careful. It works well as a handle for entering the motorhome but there is one thing that concerns me. There is a lot of leverage if a vandal were to pull hard on the closed handle. My wall construction is aluminium/polystyrene sheet/plywood interior and I reckon the handle could be pulled out enough to open the door - destroying the whole side panel in the process. What do you others with this handle feel about that? Am I just an old worryguts?

Kees

Double-Entendre

· #7 · Jun 2, 2009

I fitted one, with the extra clamp thingy (That fastens through the door) to hold the handle / security arm in place.

It's called the Security 46 Pro £82.95 http://www.fiammastore.com/security_shop_page5.htm

This is definately the way forward as there is no way anyone can lever the arm out when it's locked in place on the door.

One word of caution, re. the fitting. Make sure your van is sitting 100% level (Back to front & side to side) because if you don't, you'll never quite get the thing to close perfectly without rubbing.(I didn't check it and wish I did!)

Easy to fit though, just look out for wires and be aware that your sink top, if you've got a rear kitchen, will catch on the inside spreader plate if you're not careful.

Good luck

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Kees

· #8 · Jun 2, 2009

Thanks for that link Double-Entendre. I shall order the extra lock for the door tomorrow. I was beginning to wish I hadn't fitted it, but that will solve the problem.

Cheers

Kees

JohnsCrossMotorHomes

· #9 · Jun 3, 2009

Double-Entendre said:
I fitted one, with the extra clamp thingy (That fastens through the door) to hold the handle / security arm in place.
It's called the Security 46 Pro £82.95 http://www.fiammastore.com/security_shop_page5.htm
Good luck

Expensive, check my prices ! £72 inc VAT

£11-95 cheaper

Peter

mandyandandy

· #10 · Jun 3, 2009

http://www.agentfiamma.co.uk/erol.html#6734x0

Yep Peters cheap, I can verify :lol:

Mandy

Actually not sure now, just put my postcode in and total cost was £69.49, ooooooo Peter you may have been out done.

Double-Entendre

· #11 · Jun 3, 2009

mandyandandy said:
http://www.agentfiamma.co.uk/erol.html#6734x0

Yep Peters cheap, I can verify :lol:

Mandy

Actually not sure now, just put my postcode in and total cost was £69.49, ooooooo Peter you may have been out done.

Ditto!

just put mine in and it came up with £62.60 . . . by far the cheapest

Peter: Must try harder :lol:

yozz

Discussion Starter · #12 · Jun 3, 2009

Thanks for all the tips folks. The habitation door is on the back so shouldn't be a problem with any holding plates inside. I'll dig out my little tester thingy for wires and pipes, and the tip about having the van level is really useful as my drive is a bit uneven.

Rapide561

· #13 · Jun 3, 2009

Door lock

Hi

Two things about these locks.

1) If I was a burglar, I would see that the lock was in place - without getting too near the motorhome and think - "ah, very good, the owners are out".

2) Leave it unlocked when the vehicle is in motion - your hab door may well be needed one day as an emergency exit.

Russell

Also - could it be used against you - such as mischievous kids locking you in your own van?

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yozz

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jun 3, 2009

Re: Door lock

Rapide561 said:
Hi

Two things about these locks.

1) If I was a burglar, I would see that the lock was in place - without getting too near the motorhome and think - "ah, very good, the owners are out".

2) Leave it unlocked when the vehicle is in motion - your hab door may well be needed one day as an emergency exit.

Russell

Also - could it be used against you - such as mischievous kids locking you in your own van?

Hi Russell

That's one way of looking at it that I hadn't thought of!

There's two issues I have with the habitation door and I think could be addressed with this kind of lock.

Firstly, it's a split stable type door and it feels quite flimsy with just a small barrel lock. I could put a chunkier lock on it I suppose, but that wouldn't really help with the second issue.

The second issue is about taking my dad out for some day trips if his health is up to it. His mobility is very limited and the few times I've got him out for the day he's struggled getting in and out of the van. The handle on this type of lock would be a real help.

Good point about having an emergency exit.

Another good point about being locked in, but I should be fine as I can push a lever to lower the passenger seat and slide very easily in to the driving seat.

Cheers for a thought provoking reply Russell. Appreciate it.

yozz

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Double-Entendre

· #15 · Jun 8, 2009

Re: Door lock

Rapide561 said:
Hi

Two things about these locks.

1) If I was a burglar, I would see that the lock was in place - without getting too near the motorhome and think - "ah, very good, the owners are out".

2) Leave it unlocked when the vehicle is in motion - your hab door may well be needed one day as an emergency exit.

Russell

Also - could it be used against you - such as mischievous kids locking you in your own van?

Good points but . . . . .

1. Burglar sees lock from a distance, so choses another van as it's too well secured? Too long to break in? or maybe you're right? I'd sooner steer them away from my van if poss by parking my rear door to the most viewable side, passing traffic wise, with a big bog-off alloy bar over the door

2. Yes, leave it unlocked when travelling, though lock the door from the inside, obviously.

3. "Kids" can't lock them closed without the key, unless it's just on the "Catch" lock thingy but then you just exit from the front when you find the pesky kids have called. You'll hear the Klunk very loudly, if you're in the van, as the peg pops into it's hole.

Double-Entendre

· #16 · Jun 20, 2009

Re: Door lock

Rapide561 said:
Hi

Russell

Also - could it be used against you - such as mischievous kids locking you in your own van?

Hi again.

just another tip / pointer regarding the fitting of the "Extra lock" when using the hand-rail / door locking arm . . . . . .

I've just been and checked mine and when you have the extra lock fitted to the door (That holds the arm in place to prevent it being forced open by Mr Robbin Vandal) tha arm does NOT close far enough to "Engage" it's own pin-lock as it's stopped by the door mounted bit, so kids can NOT lock you in your own van (Especially if you are in the habit of closing & locking the door mounted part after you've swung the arm out of it!!!!!)

hope this helps / clarifies

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