RSKE
Orange, CA
Full Member
Joined: 10/27/2003
View Profile
|
After driving 260 miles to my RV storage lot on the river I discovered I left my RV keys at home. If I had not left a window unlocked there would be no handy instruction manual posted here.
Tools needed: Wire strippers, reading glasses, flashlight, mirror, black electrical tape. Small slotted screwdriver (you will need the screwdriver to push the spring loaded bolt of the bay door open to access your battery compartment isolation switches)
Do you know that Monaco conveniently identifies the ignition wires with helpful text like "KEY PWR" "KEY ACC" "KEY IGN""HSS ND" (starter). Hotwiring the Monaco chassis is a breeze, as there is no steering column lock. To begin, you should have your starting batteries isolated.
Simply cut 4 pieces of #12 solid copper building wire @ 12", strip 3/4" insulation off 1 side, 1-1/4" off the other. Put a tight 180 degree bend in the 3/4" side and push it alongside the spade terminal of above-mentioned wires located at the back of the ignition switch. Combine all 3 under a red scotchlock connecter. Now it is time to turn on the starting batteries and touch HSS ND to the 3 combination to start the diesel. Tape the wires securely in place. No damage was done to the motorhome in making this instruction manual.
I bet I never forget my keys again.
|
Golden_HVAC
Fulltime, CA, USA
Senior Member
Joined: 08/19/2003
View Profile
 Offline
|
Thanks for posting. I am sure that every Motorhome owner will feel better tomorrow - or maybe not?
I am happy to say this will not work with my Ford Chassis motorhome, as it has a steering wheel lock.
This only proves that locks usually keep the honest people out, but in this case, it let you drive it away.
Good Luck,
Fred.
|
Deen
Vancouver, WA
Senior Member
Joined: 12/07/2000
View Profile
|
Golden_HVAC wrote:Thanks for posting. I am sure that every Motorhome owner will feel better tomorrow - or maybe not?
I am happy to say this will not work with my Ford Chassis motorhome, as it has a steering wheel lock.
This only proves that locks usually keep the honest people out, but in this case, it let you drive it away.
Good Luck,
Fred. If you've ever seen the shows on how easy it is to steal a veh. with a steering column lock you wouldn't be so smug! I had a Chevy PU that the ignition switch locked up while out with my son riding his motorcycle. Took a screwdriver, put it in the slot and twisted it. Got home and never did replace the lock
|
robatthelake
Vancouver Island
Senior Member
Joined: 08/24/2003
View Profile
 Online
|
Even that steering wheel Lock won't stop a dedicated Thief Fred.
Fortunately there are not too many Motorhome Thieves out there. There May be break ins but not too many Joy Riders Thank Goodness!
Rob & Jean
Dutch Star Diesel Pusher ..Tracker 4X2
|
twocruisin
Crystal River, Florida
Senior Member
Joined: 07/06/2005
View Profile
Offline
|
I know that my Damon Escaper is simple to break into if the owner doesn't lock down the bed.........You can crawl up over the diesel engine and push the bed up to crawl into the bedroom......To keep that from happening I always use the locks that hold the bed down....Originally they came from the factory in cheap rubber band type tie-downs....I replaced them with real brass hardware...
John
John
Crystal River
Florida
40 Foot Damon Diesel Bus
|
|
|
KOG
Winterville GA
Senior Member
Joined: 01/31/2001
View Profile
Offline
|
Just another reason to have a key hidden somewhere.
|
BIKERK9
Santa Cruz, CA
Senior Member
Joined: 02/13/2009
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club
Offline
|
Here is one secure place to hide a key.
DoggyDaddy
2008 Damon Outlaw 37', WH-24, 8.1 GMC
Class A Toy Hauler
DoggyDaddy CommunityProfile
|
randco
Sarasota, Florida
Senior Member
Joined: 06/03/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
BIKERK9's link didn't work.
Here is where it is supposed to go.
|
SunflyerA
Andover, Minnesota USA
Senior Member
Joined: 01/08/2004
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club
Offline
|
Of course, not only would I have to remember where the key was; I would have to remember the combination too....That's an awful lot for a guy who can't remember the keys in the first place.
sunflyer
2005 Fleetwood Excursion 39S
350 Cat
If you are what you eat; then I am fast, cheap and easy
|
J Walker
Oakton, Va
Senior Member
Joined: 06/12/2003
View Profile
Offline
|
KOG wrote:Just another reason to have a key hidden somewhere.
Ditto. A magnetic key holder fits on my Kwikee steps. I always use a horizontal surface for the magnetic holder just to be safe. I do have to remember just where I put it.
Jim Walker
2000 34' Damon Ultrasport DP
2009 Malibu
Brake Buddy
|
|
|
