Towing trailer in France and the key for hitch barrel lock won’t turn when put into the lock so we can’t unhitch the trailer. The key goes all the way in but won’t turn fully to release the lock. Any ideas please?
If this is the small brass insert that prevents the hitch handle raising have you tried moving the handle at the same time as turning the key?
Otherwise I can only think of drilling it out.
It is a bit late now but it is not recommended to use any security device whilst towing simply because it can be difficult to unhitch in an emergency.
Good luck. DaveS1
I tend to go for silicone spray as it has a more lubricating quality than WD40.
I carry a can with me - don't know where you'd get it in France except that a bricolage might be a good place to start.
Might sound daft, but have you made sure the swinging cover is fully clear of the barrel lock, as this could simply be the cause for it not popping out?
Bertie.
Quote: Originally posted by Glosboy on 27/7/2018
Good point about safety, hadn’t thought of that. We got a local mechanic to drill the lock out.
Easily overlooked. I used to travel with our Al-ko hitchlock in place. On a stop over at Cadeside C.C. site, the warden noticed this and advised against it. A by standing camper, with an earlier van than us, told the warden he was wrong, proving it by producing his Swift handbook which said the lock could be in place when towing. So I got our (later) Swift handbook out and, low and behold, the detail had been removed with nothing else in its place.
The sensible assumption was that Swift were wrong earlier, but had kept a low profile about it. Hitchlock now never used whilst towing.
Bertie.