Unlocking the Doors to Sell My RV

If you’re in “sell my RV” mode, you should make sure all routine maintenance is up to date, including making sure locks are lubricated and all work properly.  RVs by nature have a lot of locks in them…doors, compartments, hitches, toolboxes.  How embarrassing if you or a prospective buyer were to get locked inside…or outside…or can’t get the padlock off the spare tire carrier on a nightmarish test drive in the middle of nowhere…

Choosing the Best Lubricant

People used to use graphite powder to lubricate locks.  Don’t do that; due to its powdery nature, it absorbs moisture and can consequently gum up the lock works.  What’s best to use, then?  Some suggest WD-40, some gun oil.  While even locksmiths disagree on what is best, Teflon seems to be an overall favorite.  You can buy spray lubricants with added Teflon.  Teflon is good because it doesn’t attract as much dirt and lasts longer.

Assuming you decide on Teflon, find a can with a long nose nozzle that will allow insertion of the nozzle assembly into the lock.  Once that’s done, just a brief squirt is sufficient.  Under lubing is preferable to over-lubing; you can always add more later if it seems called for.

Once you’ve wiped off any excess, put your key in the lock and work it back and forth multiple times to ensure good functionality.  This routine should typically be performed every six months or so.  You can then pass your RV on to the next owner with a clear conscience, knowing it’s unlikely that they’ll be locked in or out of anything in the vehicle they got from you—at least for another six months or so.

Tags: sell my RV, sell myRV, sellmy RV

Categorized in: RV Info