The only problem with the "Fortress of Solitude"

[pattypape]

Hi George,

If my coach air is dumped, but not level, sometimes the dead bolts
and door strickers did not lineup. I had to make some adjustments to
allow the electrical security lock to function properly.

Bill 88FC Michigan


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mrdonut12" <mrdonut12@y...>
wrote:
> I gotta tell ya, I love my bird. I've traveled all over and
> always feel safe no matter where I park for the night.
> This thing is literally the fortress of solitude.
> I've only considered one problem and my extensive
> "Blue Box" doesn't seem to address it and I've not seen
> it come up in this forum.
> I've got a remote lock for the entry door. I can
> switch it from the driver's seat or the bedroom. It's
> an electric solonoid operated lock cylinder.
> So, where's the manual over-ride for this thing? What
> happens when I can't get it to unlock? Sure, I can
> get out, but how do I get back in? (grin)
> I'll save my other security question (will a 9mm bullet
> penetrate the skin) for another post. LOL
>
> George Witt
> 81 FC 35
> Lincoln, Nebraska--Huskers

[Tim Hannink]

On a related note, the door lock switch above the streetside bed in
my coach has another switch that evidently turns on all the exterior
lights for security purposes. Mine doesn't seem to be working. I
found the wiring diagram for the circuit in my BlueBook, but they
didn't give the location of the relay that controls this circuit.
Any idea on where it is located?

Thanks,

Tim Hannink
Winter Park, FL
1981 FC33SB



--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "fl_bluebird_1983"
wrote:
> Mine doesn't work from either switch. does anyone know where the
> relay is located? Is the solenoid hard to get to? I guess I should
> check it there first to see if I'm getting battery.
>

[fred89sp]

I think it is a lever that goes on the deadbolt tang. BB parts should
have it, I doubt there is another source.


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, dspithaler@a... wrote:
>
> In a message dated 5/11/2005 10:03:33 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> randy@r... writes:
>
> on the coachs i've had it worked the deadbolts.you just need to
take the
> door apart and hook up the solenoid to the deadbolt.it should be
easy for you!
> randydupree93wb
>
>
> randy do you know where you can get parts for the electric dead
bolt. I had
> mine apart & lost the cam that went on the dead bolt where you
installed the
> wire from the solenoid.
> Don
> 89 SP 36'
> Butler, PA
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[pattypape]

Tim,

On our 88 FC, the relay was apparently removed by the previous
owner, (probably ran the battery down) It turns on the four docking
lights headlights and the rear parking lights.
It was located in the read bedroom overhead storage, near the back up
camera. Purchased a relay from BB. If you need this part number I
will find it.

Bill 88 FC


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Tim Hannink"
wrote:
> On a related note, the door lock switch above the streetside bed in
> my coach has another switch that evidently turns on all the
exterior
> lights for security purposes. Mine doesn't seem to be working. I
> found the wiring diagram for the circuit in my BlueBook, but they
> didn't give the location of the relay that controls this circuit.
> Any idea on where it is located?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Tim Hannink
> Winter Park, FL
> 1981 FC33SB
>
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "fl_bluebird_1983"
> wrote:
> > Mine doesn't work from either switch. does anyone know where the
> > relay is located? Is the solenoid hard to get to? I guess I
should
> > check it there first to see if I'm getting battery.
> >

[Gary Miller]

George,

Mine is set up the same way. If memory serves, the lock bolt
consists of an inner bolt and an outer sleeve. The electric portion
is the inner bolt.

Manually locking the deadbolt moves both parts at the same time.

Since the extension limit of the inner bolt is the same as the outer
sleeve, when you lock the bolt manually, the inner bolt should extend
no further. Thus doing so will not afford you any additional
security. I believe the switches are there in case you forgot to
lock the door and are underway (dashboard), or in your bedroom for
the night.

What you may be running into is that by not moving the whole assembly
all the way to the locked position, when you actuate the switch, the
inner portion moves slightly further out. Now when you unlock the
door manually, the inner portion is still protruding into the door
jamb (just past the outer sleeve) preventing you from opening your
door. Another thought is that the outer portion is binding and not
going into the jamb all the way, or the inner portion is somehow able
to move out further when the bolt is all the way into the jamb.

If you have locked the door remotely and are standing at the door, I
believe you can lock the bolt manually (causing the inner portion to
push back into the outer) then unlock it and you will be free to open
your door.

You do have additional security by locking the latch and the bolt
however.

Regarding the 9mm. After penetrating the steel outer skin, the
bullet will be greatly energy depleted and likely tumbling,
especially if it is a hollow point. Keep in mind that the door is
softer aluminum, but a heavier gauge. Windows are another option but
they're laminated and won't burst like most safety glass and they're
not produced in your shade anymore (I think). Consider ammo with a
steel core.

I also enjoy the fortress like nature of the Wanderlodge, especially
with a family on board. My additional security consists of a well
groomed and trained, 4 year old, 60 pound, female border collie.
When the dinette becomes a bed, she moves to the stepwell platform
for the night, which puts her nose at about most peoples' chin level
if they were to open the door. Being young, her teeth are very white
against her black face and 1000 yard border collie stare.

Although she's received much training, she has never overcome her
aversion to strange men (my wife says that's why border collies are
considered smart), especially if they 1) wear a hat, 2)look at her,
3) smile at her (teeth), and/or 4)reach out to her. Put a frisbee in
your hand, however, and she'll eventually like you. Where the kids
go, she goes.

Gary Miller
83 FC 33
Wauwatosa, WI

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mrdonut12" <mrdonut12@y...>
wrote:
> I gotta tell ya, I love my bird. I've traveled all over and
> always feel safe no matter where I park for the night.
> This thing is literally the fortress of solitude.
> I've only considered one problem and my extensive
> "Blue Box" doesn't seem to address it and I've not seen
> it come up in this forum.
> I've got a remote lock for the entry door. I can
> switch it from the driver's seat or the bedroom. It's
> an electric solonoid operated lock cylinder.
> So, where's the manual over-ride for this thing? What
> happens when I can't get it to unlock? Sure, I can
> get out, but how do I get back in? (grin)
> I'll save my other security question (will a 9mm bullet
> penetrate the skin) for another post. LOL
>
> George Witt
> 81 FC 35
> Lincoln, Nebraska--Huskers

[ttikalsky]

Does the "inner" bolt reside in the door or the outer frame?

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Gary Miller"
wrote:
> George,
>
> Mine is set up the same way. If memory serves, the lock bolt
> consists of an inner bolt and an outer sleeve. The electric portion
> is the inner bolt.
>
> Manually locking the deadbolt moves both parts at the same time.
>
> Since the extension limit of the inner bolt is the same as the outer
> sleeve, when you lock the bolt manually, the inner bolt should extend
> no further. Thus doing so will not afford you any additional
> security. I believe the switches are there in case you forgot to
> lock the door and are underway (dashboard), or in your bedroom for
> the night.
>
> What you may be running into is that by not moving the whole assembly
> all the way to the locked position, when you actuate the switch, the
> inner portion moves slightly further out. Now when you unlock the
> door manually, the inner portion is still protruding into the door
> jamb (just past the outer sleeve) preventing you from opening your
> door. Another thought is that the outer portion is binding and not
> going into the jamb all the way, or the inner portion is somehow able
> to move out further when the bolt is all the way into the jamb.
>
> If you have locked the door remotely and are standing at the door, I
> believe you can lock the bolt manually (causing the inner portion to
> push back into the outer) then unlock it and you will be free to open
> your door.
>
> You do have additional security by locking the latch and the bolt
> however.
>
> Regarding the 9mm. After penetrating the steel outer skin, the
> bullet will be greatly energy depleted and likely tumbling,
> especially if it is a hollow point. Keep in mind that the door is
> softer aluminum, but a heavier gauge. Windows are another option but
> they're laminated and won't burst like most safety glass and they're
> not produced in your shade anymore (I think). Consider ammo with a
> steel core.
>
> I also enjoy the fortress like nature of the Wanderlodge, especially
> with a family on board. My additional security consists of a well
> groomed and trained, 4 year old, 60 pound, female border collie.
> When the dinette becomes a bed, she moves to the stepwell platform
> for the night, which puts her nose at about most peoples' chin level
> if they were to open the door. Being young, her teeth are very white
> against her black face and 1000 yard border collie stare.
>
> Although she's received much training, she has never overcome her
> aversion to strange men (my wife says that's why border collies are
> considered smart), especially if they 1) wear a hat, 2)look at her,
> 3) smile at her (teeth), and/or 4)reach out to her. Put a frisbee in
> your hand, however, and she'll eventually like you. Where the kids
> go, she goes.
>
> Gary Miller
> 83 FC 33
> Wauwatosa, WI
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mrdonut12" <mrdonut12@y...>
> wrote:
> > I gotta tell ya, I love my bird. I've traveled all over and
> > always feel safe no matter where I park for the night.
> > This thing is literally the fortress of solitude.
> > I've only considered one problem and my extensive
> > "Blue Box" doesn't seem to address it and I've not seen
> > it come up in this forum.
> > I've got a remote lock for the entry door. I can
> > switch it from the driver's seat or the bedroom. It's
> > an electric solonoid operated lock cylinder.
> > So, where's the manual over-ride for this thing? What
> > happens when I can't get it to unlock? Sure, I can
> > get out, but how do I get back in? (grin)
> > I'll save my other security question (will a 9mm bullet
> > penetrate the skin) for another post. LOL
> >
> > George Witt
> > 81 FC 35
> > Lincoln, Nebraska--Huskers

[Gary Miller]

It's a single deadbolt, two pieces. Moves as one single unit
manually.

Gary Miller

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "ttikalsky"
wrote:
> Does the "inner" bolt reside in the door or the outer frame?
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Gary Miller"
> wrote:
> > George,
> >
> > Mine is set up the same way. If memory serves, the lock bolt
> > consists of an inner bolt and an outer sleeve. The electric
portion
> > is the inner bolt.
> >
> > Manually locking the deadbolt moves both parts at the same time.
> >
> > Since the extension limit of the inner bolt is the same as the
outer
> > sleeve, when you lock the bolt manually, the inner bolt should
extend
> > no further. Thus doing so will not afford you any additional
> > security. I believe the switches are there in case you forgot to
> > lock the door and are underway (dashboard), or in your bedroom
for
> > the night.
> >
> > What you may be running into is that by not moving the whole
assembly
> > all the way to the locked position, when you actuate the switch,
the
> > inner portion moves slightly further out. Now when you unlock
the
> > door manually, the inner portion is still protruding into the
door
> > jamb (just past the outer sleeve) preventing you from opening
your
> > door. Another thought is that the outer portion is binding and
not
> > going into the jamb all the way, or the inner portion is somehow
able
> > to move out further when the bolt is all the way into the jamb.
> >
> > If you have locked the door remotely and are standing at the
door, I
> > believe you can lock the bolt manually (causing the inner portion
to
> > push back into the outer) then unlock it and you will be free to
open
> > your door.
> >
> > You do have additional security by locking the latch and the bolt
> > however.
> >
> > Regarding the 9mm. After penetrating the steel outer skin, the
> > bullet will be greatly energy depleted and likely tumbling,
> > especially if it is a hollow point. Keep in mind that the door
is
> > softer aluminum, but a heavier gauge. Windows are another option
but
> > they're laminated and won't burst like most safety glass and
they're
> > not produced in your shade anymore (I think). Consider ammo with
a
> > steel core.
> >
> > I also enjoy the fortress like nature of the Wanderlodge,
especially
> > with a family on board. My additional security consists of a
well
> > groomed and trained, 4 year old, 60 pound, female border collie.
> > When the dinette becomes a bed, she moves to the stepwell
platform
> > for the night, which puts her nose at about most peoples' chin
level
> > if they were to open the door. Being young, her teeth are very
white
> > against her black face and 1000 yard border collie stare.
> >
> > Although she's received much training, she has never overcome her
> > aversion to strange men (my wife says that's why border collies
are
> > considered smart), especially if they 1) wear a hat, 2)look at
her,
> > 3) smile at her (teeth), and/or 4)reach out to her. Put a
frisbee in
> > your hand, however, and she'll eventually like you. Where the
kids
> > go, she goes.
> >
> > Gary Miller
> > 83 FC 33
> > Wauwatosa, WI
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mrdonut12"
<mrdonut12@y...>
> > wrote:
> > > I gotta tell ya, I love my bird. I've traveled all over and
> > > always feel safe no matter where I park for the night.
> > > This thing is literally the fortress of solitude.
> > > I've only considered one problem and my extensive
> > > "Blue Box" doesn't seem to address it and I've not seen
> > > it come up in this forum.
> > > I've got a remote lock for the entry door. I can
> > > switch it from the driver's seat or the bedroom. It's
> > > an electric solonoid operated lock cylinder.
> > > So, where's the manual over-ride for this thing? What
> > > happens when I can't get it to unlock? Sure, I can
> > > get out, but how do I get back in? (grin)
> > > I'll save my other security question (will a 9mm bullet
> > > penetrate the skin) for another post. LOL
> > >
> > > George Witt
> > > 81 FC 35
> > > Lincoln, Nebraska--Huskers

[Gary Miller]

Actually, I don't think I answered the question...

From my recollection, and I'll be at my bird later today, the inner
portion resides in the door frame. If it's extended, manually
turning the bolt will push it back in. If the manual portion is
extended, the inner portion (electric) will not move when actuated.
It may extend somewhat if the manual bolt is not locked all the way
into the jamb, and could interfere with opening the door when the
manual bolt is retracted from it's partial position.

Basically, I believe they interfere with each other and cannot be
used at the same time, but the manual mode should always be able to
push the automatic mode clear of the door if you need to unlock the
door. Just lock the door manually(all the way), and unlock it.

-whew-

Gary Miller
83 FC 33
Wauwatosa, WI

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Gary Miller"
wrote:
> It's a single deadbolt, two pieces. Moves as one single unit
> manually.
>
> Gary Miller
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "ttikalsky"

> wrote:
> > Does the "inner" bolt reside in the door or the outer frame?
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Gary Miller"
> > wrote:
> > > George,
> > >
> > > Mine is set up the same way. If memory serves, the lock bolt
> > > consists of an inner bolt and an outer sleeve. The electric
> portion
> > > is the inner bolt.
> > >
> > > Manually locking the deadbolt moves both parts at the same time.
> > >
> > > Since the extension limit of the inner bolt is the same as the
> outer
> > > sleeve, when you lock the bolt manually, the inner bolt should
> extend
> > > no further. Thus doing so will not afford you any additional
> > > security. I believe the switches are there in case you forgot
to
> > > lock the door and are underway (dashboard), or in your bedroom
> for
> > > the night.
> > >
> > > What you may be running into is that by not moving the whole
> assembly
> > > all the way to the locked position, when you actuate the
switch,
> the
> > > inner portion moves slightly further out. Now when you unlock
> the
> > > door manually, the inner portion is still protruding into the
> door
> > > jamb (just past the outer sleeve) preventing you from opening
> your
> > > door. Another thought is that the outer portion is binding and
> not
> > > going into the jamb all the way, or the inner portion is
somehow
> able
> > > to move out further when the bolt is all the way into the jamb.
> > >
> > > If you have locked the door remotely and are standing at the
> door, I
> > > believe you can lock the bolt manually (causing the inner
portion
> to
> > > push back into the outer) then unlock it and you will be free
to
> open
> > > your door.
> > >
> > > You do have additional security by locking the latch and the
bolt
> > > however.
> > >
> > > Regarding the 9mm. After penetrating the steel outer skin, the
> > > bullet will be greatly energy depleted and likely tumbling,
> > > especially if it is a hollow point. Keep in mind that the door
> is
> > > softer aluminum, but a heavier gauge. Windows are another
option
> but
> > > they're laminated and won't burst like most safety glass and
> they're
> > > not produced in your shade anymore (I think). Consider ammo
with
> a
> > > steel core.
> > >
> > > I also enjoy the fortress like nature of the Wanderlodge,
> especially
> > > with a family on board. My additional security consists of a
> well
> > > groomed and trained, 4 year old, 60 pound, female border
collie.
> > > When the dinette becomes a bed, she moves to the stepwell
> platform
> > > for the night, which puts her nose at about most peoples' chin
> level
> > > if they were to open the door. Being young, her teeth are very
> white
> > > against her black face and 1000 yard border collie stare.
> > >
> > > Although she's received much training, she has never overcome
her
> > > aversion to strange men (my wife says that's why border collies
> are
> > > considered smart), especially if they 1) wear a hat, 2)look at
> her,
> > > 3) smile at her (teeth), and/or 4)reach out to her. Put a
> frisbee in
> > > your hand, however, and she'll eventually like you. Where the
> kids
> > > go, she goes.
> > >
> > > Gary Miller
> > > 83 FC 33
> > > Wauwatosa, WI
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mrdonut12"
> <mrdonut12@y...>
> > > wrote:
> > > > I gotta tell ya, I love my bird. I've traveled all over and
> > > > always feel safe no matter where I park for the night.
> > > > This thing is literally the fortress of solitude.
> > > > I've only considered one problem and my extensive
> > > > "Blue Box" doesn't seem to address it and I've not seen
> > > > it come up in this forum.
> > > > I've got a remote lock for the entry door. I can
> > > > switch it from the driver's seat or the bedroom. It's
> > > > an electric solonoid operated lock cylinder.
> > > > So, where's the manual over-ride for this thing? What
> > > > happens when I can't get it to unlock? Sure, I can
> > > > get out, but how do I get back in? (grin)
> > > > I'll save my other security question (will a 9mm bullet
> > > > penetrate the skin) for another post. LOL
> > > >
> > > > George Witt
> > > > 81 FC 35
> > > > Lincoln, Nebraska--Huskers

[dspithaler@...]

In a message dated 5/12/2005 9:42:45 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
friester@... writes:

I think it is a lever that goes on the deadbolt tang. BB parts should
have it, I doubt there is another source.


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, dspithaler@a... wrote:
>
> In a message dated 5/11/2005 10:03:33 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> randy@r... writes:
>
> on the coach's I've had it worked the deadbolts.you just need to
take the
> door apart and hook up the solenoid to the deadbolt.it should be
easy for you!
> randydupree93wb
>
>
> randy do you know where you can get parts for the electric dead
bolt. I had
> mine apart & lost the cam that went on the dead bolt where you
installed the
> wire from the solenoid.
> Don
> 89 SP 36'
> Butler, PA
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]




Fred I tried to get the complete lock when I was at the Birds Nest last
month.My dead bolt lock is a Dexter. They said you could not get them
Don
89 SP 36'
Butler, PA


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[dspithaler@...]

In a message dated 5/12/2005 9:42:45 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
friester@... writes:

I think it is a lever that goes on the deadbolt tang. BB parts should
have it, I doubt there is another source.




I got tired of looking for that lever that goes on the deadbolt. I lost mine
when I had the lock off to cover the door panel with the same material that
my dinette cushions were covered in. Today I decided to make one. About 4
hours later I had it working like a new one. I had tow make a few to get the
right throw on it. What I don't like is when you know what you need but you
can't buy the part. The guy in BlueBird Parts didn't have a clue as to what I
was talking about in the lock. He brought out the other lock above the
deadbolt. Earl was on vacation at the time when I was there last month.
Don S
89 SP 36'
Butler, PA


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]