Problem with a Swift caravan lock

[@mikelangton1675]

This happened to me this morning, thanks for posting, it reassured me that it was fixable. Just one thing to add - part of my lock had disintegrated and bits of metal were still inside the cavity, if anyone else has this issue, make sure you clean out where the lock barrel fits. Once again thanks for posting.

[@CraftyCampervanners]

Thanks Mike. This does seem to be an issue with this particular lock design. Our door was rehung by a carpenter of skill, much better altogether. The misalignment of the door was putting more pressure on the weak lock, and the technician did mention your tip of cleaning out the broken bits before putting another barrel in. Here’s hoping someone else sees your comment and finds it useful! Pete & Kaz 😀👍😀👍

[@carolbarnett8914]

We changed ours easily, thanks for posting.

[@CraftyCampervanners]

Glad it was useful!! Pete

[@raybinet]

Same problem with my caravan in New Zealand. With help from Google I found an exact replacement barrel and two keys for $60 at UK Caravans Ltd in Christchurch NZ. All swift keys have a code stamped on them so I tried to get a matching barrel to avoid having a different door key. The friendly team at UK Caravans quickly found a matching barrel for me and sent it overnight. Problem solved! Just a suggestion; avoid using the fold out key on your door lock as it can break off the two prongs on the barrel and cost you at least $60 if you are lucky; like me 🙂

[@CraftyCampervanners]

Hello Ray. We were close to going away and took a drive to Highbridge Caravans. No matching barrel, but this leaves us with a lock that just doesn’t work with the ‘flick knife’ key, hopefully making the breakage less likely. This is indeed a top tip! Plenty of people have the same issues. Thanks for the watch and the comment, Pete & Kaz. 👍😀👍😀

[@jaynehook2520]

Wonderful information thank you xx

[@CraftyCampervanners]

You are so welcome Jayne. Pete & Kaz 👍😀👍😀

[@ttxela]

Ah, these locks are so fragile, had problems with ours.

[@CraftyCampervanners]

Wondering why this is the case. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a reliable, secure lock installed at time of manufacturing? Thanks for the comment.

[@colinrimmer789]

Short and sweet

[@CraftyCampervanners]

Thanks Colin - It was a bit of a surprise when the old barrel came out in bits on the end of the key.

[@anearbytown]

There is a major security flaw with this style of door latching mechanism. My van was burgled with me asleep in it. The locked door was opened silently without a key or lock picking. I helped the burglars by leaving my wallet and car keys on the convenient high shelf next to the door. I won't be using that shelf again. I now fit a door alarm at night and have a small warning sign outside to deter further intrusions. The whole door latching mechanism had to be replaced before my van was secure again.

[@CraftyCampervanners]

Thank you Gary - that is a good point and it is not nice to think about van invasion scenarios - sadly, this is a necessary thing. I'm wondering if there is a simple, mechanical way to deadlock the door at night? Pete & Kaz 👍😀👍😀

[@anearbytown]

@@CraftyCampervanners There is a fix that would help but saying what it is would reveal how they got in. I opted for the alarm.

[@CraftyCampervanners]

Understood:). We will do a bit of research. We have a pair of dogs that are excellent at detecting things occurring at night…. Pete 👍👍

[@mariesheath3721]

Please could you help does any swift barrel fit into the Swift door as my one came out today and i would like to sort it ASAP but there is a number on the barrel fw838 . Do I get the same one or is there a universal one for all? Many thanks

[@CraftyCampervanners]

Hello Marie I am not sure if this is the case. There are a few different lock designs out there. I would recommend either visiting or telephoning a swift dealer - if possible send them a few photos. Hope this helps. Pete 😀😀

[@ivholmesoo95]

Where did you get the barrow kick from please

[@CraftyCampervanners]

The barrel kit ? Came from Highbridge Caravans. Any Swift dealer should be able to supply. If I were to do this again, I would be asking for a ‘keyed alike’ barrel. This way you wouldn’t end up with a huge bunch of keys on your keyring. Pete. 👍👍

[@robertmason743]

I'm wondering whether to get a barrel and keep it handy in the car in case or wait for it to happen

[@CraftyCampervanners]

If you don't need it 'right now', then you can afford a bit of a time delay and get a 'keyed alike' barrel. We had an extra key on the keyring after this happened. Yes, it will probably happen, the metal is a bit like solder. Thanks for watching and commenting Robert. Pete :)

[@madaboutgolfs]

Hello the key you put the barrel in with was that an Installation key or just a spare one. I.e like a master key for that barrel so you can remove it again

[@CraftyCampervanners]

Each barrel is sold with it’s own key. As far as I know, there is no master key. It isn’t an installation key. Hope that helps, Pete 👍👍😀😀

[@madaboutgolfs]

Top man. Thanks pete 👍

[@CraftyCampervanners]

Happy to help. 👍👍

[@MrBlackpool1234]

Maybe these locks are failing because they are dry! I always lube mine with the silicone spray that I have with me for the seals on the windows etc.

[@CraftyCampervanners]

It’s a good idea Steven, these locks need all the help they can get. I’ll pop some in the latest new lock. Pete. 😀😀👍👍

[@privateprivate4384]

Those locks are cheap rubbish Swift have been aware of this for a few years now. They appear to have a total disregard for our security because despite being requested to put secure locks on future Caravans. They continue to fit this worthless junk!

[@CraftyCampervanners]

We’re not really happy with our lock. A caravan is expensive... We will be looking at installing a Fiamma frame lock or similar soon. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍. Pete & Kaz. 😀😀👍👍

[@privateprivate4384]

​@@CraftyCampervanners Be careful that you don’t nullify your warranty. Can you send me a link re-the lock you are going to fit please?

[@CraftyCampervanners]

private private we want to do something like this kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYa4aJWsqMyGfKs Thanks for the heads up, we’ll check the warranty implications before going ahead. We appreciate your support. 👍👍👍

[@CraftyCampervanners]

The whole handle/lock mechanism is now being warranty replaced at the moment...

[@privateprivate4384]

@@CraftyCampervanners Well done let’s hope you have no more issues with locks. It frustrates me that to many times we caravaners have to be out of pocket putting things right that should have been done properly in the first place! Nothing will put us off the joy of caravanning though.The joys out weigh the negatives. Take care love Jim & Edith x

[@johnpaterson4524]

How did you remove the old barrel please ?

[@CraftyCampervanners]

We’d noticed that it wasn’t quite right for a while, on this day, it just came out by itself, attached to the key. We were filming another video at the time and decided to film the lock story as well.