Okay, so it finally happened to us. We managed to lock ourselves out of our Airstream.
“How did this happen,” you ask? (And yes, I can hear you snickering.)
It was easy! On an Airstream there are two door locks. One of these is a deadbolt-style lock. We use it on a daily basis.
The second lock is a sliding door lock that allows you to EXIT the camper, but prevents you from getting back inside! It puts your Airstream door into hotel door mode, if you know what I mean. This lock we call “THE FORBIDDEN LOCK.” Quite frankly, I don’t think this lock serves much purpose, other than to lock unwitting campers out of their rig. I mean, you’ve already got the deadbolt for security purposes. The forbidden lock is just kind of cruel. It just lies there, like a spider, just waiting to pounce.
So we never (intentionally) use the forbidden lock. But somehow, the other day we must’ve managed to accidentally bump the sliding lever that engages the lock. Voila! Soon enough, we found ourselves locked outside our Airstream. It was about 8 o’clock at night, the sun was setting, and I SWEAR we heard some wolves howling in the distance. And if you’re wondering why we didn’t capture this episode on film, it’s because EVERYTHING WE NEEDED WAS LOCKED INSIDE OUR RV. Our spare keys, our cameras, and our emergency phone numbers were all inside the rig. Using our cell phones, we called FIVE local locksmiths — noone bothered to answer the phone. Yes, we were in a proverbial pickle.
Little did we realize that being LOCKED OUT OF OUR RV would blossom into a wonderful experience. After searching in vain for spare keys, we glumly trudged to the campground clubhouse, prepared to spend the night on a sofa. But lo and behold, the members of the Siglo de Oro (“Century of Gold”) RV Club were having a rally.
To make a long story short, once we announced our problem to the club, they quickly “rallied” to our aid. We made some new friends who quickly put us at ease. It seems that just about everyone gets locked out of their rig, sooner or later. “If you RV long enough,” one said, “EVERYTHING will eventually happen to you.” Phone calls were made. One person managed to secure the late night services of a locksmith! Soon, we were back inside our Airstream. I must say that the interior of a 25-foot travel trailer never felt so grand.
The next day, we visited with club members at their luncheon. We really had a FANTASTIC time meeting these folks. The RV lifestyle really attracts a down-to-earth crowd of “top quality people.” Frankly, I was inspired by this happy group. They get together simply because they enjoy getting together. Their meetings are filled with laughter, love, and fellowship.
After we left the rally, I turned to my wife. “You know,” I said, “If we hadn’t been locked out of our RV, we never would’ve met those great people.”
Here’s the strange thing about the whole experience. You might ask me, “Sean, suppose you could go back in time and CHOOSE whether or not to lock yourself out of your RV? What would you do?”
The answer is easy. I’d lock myself out all over again. Every time.
Once you guys did a great episode! This just goes to show you just how great rver’s are and just how nice people can be.I was doing ok till you cut the last bit of footage in their with Kristy I was no good after that….. thanks a whole lot. I just love watching, this year is tight for us but watching make me feel better about our vacation home sitting. We have out trip planned in October and 30 of friends and family go to Granite hill campground for the halloween weekend and trick or treat for beer! The kids get to go too!
Keep them coming I’ll be watching. Thanks for the vegas site. I have picked a ton of stuff. Oh BTW I have been to the that pizza shop you visited on a work Great small town.
Matt
Im lucky, the Airstream I have cant be locked from the outside without the key! Glad to hear everything went well!
Sean,
Once again thanks for the pics, got a little creative didn’t ya! Glad the tire issue is finally solved. Did they think it was the curb in Amarillo?
Matt, many thanks… RVers are truly great people. I think if you are going to have a problem, the best place to have it is in a campground! People are usually very forthcoming and happy to help.
Laura, everything turned out great. We had a few minutes of consternation, for sure… I think we’ll be taking some extra precautionary measures next time. (ie. More spare keys in more places!) You are lucky your Airstream does not have a “forbidden lock!”
Boomer, glad you liked the pics – ha ha. Kristy’s parents were asking for pics of our campsites, so I thought it might be fun to look at some of the more unusual ones! As for the axle, yes, it was bent…probably from the curb in Texas. I’m happy to report we’ve got straight and true axles now, and our wheels have fresh rubber. We’re good to go! (And go we have lately…all the way to California.)
Funny how we meet some of the most incredible people on our travels thru life. Total strangers who can touch our hearts with their kindness.
They say family isn’t always formed by blood but by circumstance.
Agreed, Kat… Sometimes odd circumstances (like being locked out of your RV) can foster fellowship. We’ll always fondly remember this experience!
I came across this guy on the Airstream Forum who is sending out a lockout prevention kit to anyone who sends him a SASE with two stamps on it.
Mail the SASE to;
Inland RV Center, Inc.
391 Elizabeth Lane
Corona, Ca. 92880
Upon receipt, the kit will be sent to you, the next business day.
Ray
Thanks Ray. That’s great news! I guess we’re not the only ones who have found themselves locked outside. Gotta love the Airstream community!