How To Fix A Camper Shell Lock ( T-Lock)

My ARE camper lock recently stopped working so I ordered one off Amazon for $25. The new ones quality was horrible so I decided to dissasemble my old ARE lock and "rebuild" it.

This is a guide for you to do the same.

Items Needed:
- Small Flathead
- Snap Ring Pliers
- Grease
- o-ring
- Oil of some sort (I just used WD-40)



I didn't really take any photos of taking it apart but you can look at the assembly and figure it out. It's pretty straight forward!




2) Once you have taken it all apart, take the lock mechanism and clean it out with brake clean. Once it dries use some oil on the inside and some grease on the outside where the lock pins are. I turned the key about 10 times till everything felt like it was running smooth.


3) push the spring and dust cap back into place. I oiled the spring because why not


4) Insert the metal disc pin back into its slot


5) Slide your o-ring on. Pack on a small amount of grease below the o ring. once you assemble your lock, the o-ring will get pushed down off the groove and that is okay and supposed to happen.



6) slide on the base, the washer, and connect the snap ring



7) You're Done! Refer to the first image for order of parts in the lock

 

Like for keeping old, better things alive. You probably want to use a spray lithium grease and/or graphite for lube though

 

My problem with this style of lock is that they are a large lever attempting to physically resist rotation, and can be forced to the point of breaking. Saying this as someone who also has an ARE topper but doesn't like to rely on its security

 

Another excellent procedure!!!