If it is anything like the door fitted to our van then it will be ridiculously easy to force open. The door locks at three positions and I used a tyre lever (which I had on hand - any long lever would do) and simply applied the lever at the three positions - at the handle/lock then at the top and bottom points.

The center and bottom locks popped without damage but the top broke the tongue off. I put some protection under the lever which avoided any damage to the aluminium cladding. The door still locked but I replaced the broken top lock - cost me about $30 for a new one.

The whole episode made me aware of just how insecure the van doors really are - I sprung the door open in about 30 seconds!

Looking at my door again there may be another way. The three hinges are protected by a flange above and below each hinge - you could bend the flange away with pliers or multi-grips to get access to the hinge pins and drive the pins out. I haven't tried it - of course, that wouldn't work if the ends of the pins are secured in place.

Other than that is there any way you can work a window open? Before using force price window locks - they may be quite cheap and the cost may be worth it. Weigh up the costs versus a visit by a locksmith.

Murray

PS: I left the van keys at home - made that discovery at our first stop 500kms later! At our destination a couple of days later I bought a new barrel for $19.99 and put that into the lock.

-- Edited by Long Weekend on Saturday 24th of October 2015 05:48:21 PM