My Barth has an unusal key that opens the gas access door and the engine compartment. The actual key looks like a nub of small tube. I believe it is hexagonally configured on the inside of the unit.

I just bought my Barth and only have one key. Is there a source to get addtional keys of this type?

Thanks!

John Jacobson

if it looks like the same keys that vending machines use, it is readily available from a locksmith.

My Breakaway has similar keys for all the outside compartments, and as MaryRay said, they're fairly common.

John,

You are describing a Southco hollow key. They are readily available from Southco. They sent me one for free, but even if you had to pay for them, they are not expensive. I think you need key # E-3-26-715-15. I would contact them first with a description of your key however.

Go to www.southco.com.
Bill G

Bill and Georgene,

Thank you very much for the info on Southco.com. I will contact them today via email.

Your coach is just gorgeous!!! Being new to Barth, I am very much impressed by these coaches and the care so many owners show for their coaches.

Are you happy with your toad? We want to buy something but not sure what would be the best. We are both 60 years old, still working, but our budget is a little strained after just buying the Barth. Would you have any suggestions as what to look for in a toad in a vehicle circa 1990. From what I understand it has to be a manual xmission to be able to tow it on all four tires? Anyway, any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks again for the link and kudos yet once again on such a pristine coach.

John Jacobson

John...

I recently replaced a number of my compartment locks from southco.

I worked-with Becky Balcavage via the Internet in placing this order ...Becky was very helpful.

The replacement key for my 1990 Regency is: E3-5-15.

It looks-like your locks are gray in color which may equate to the E3-35-37 which is not made any longer. The replacement lock is now black in color and it's number is: E3-35-35. You can also get a free sample of a compartment lock if you might "need" to replace any and just want to check-them-out.

They will send-you up to 2 sample keys if you pay the shipping.

Email-me at rmortis7@earthlink.net if you have any further questions regarding my recent experience with southco.

"it has to be a manual xmission to be able to tow it on all four tires?"

Nope. I have had a Remco driveshaft disconnect on three rear-wheel-drive-W/automatic trans fullsize toads and they work great. Some folks (myself) are not content driving an uncomfortable/tiny/ugly auto "because it is good for towing".

John,

Until this model year(2007), the Honda Accord could be be towed four wheels down without any modifications. I simply hook it up run the automatic transmission through the gears and end in neutral. I then leave the key in the accessory position and hit the road. I have towed our 2004 V6 over 8000 miles and barely notice it on the back of the Barth.

Saturns, some Jeeps and Suzuki's are all towable, four wheels down with automatics.

FMCA puts out a towing guide each year and the Remco website has info on toads to tow four whees down.

I also like the color scheme on your Barth, is it original? Generally Barth kept their patterns more geometric, however, Barth really was a custom coach, so anthing is feasable.

Bill G

ALL 4 WHEEL DRIVE vehicles with a transfer case are towable. We tow a '98 Jeep Grand Cherokee, that was not expensive. See my post in the general discussion and wait for the experts to add thier expertice.

A 10 year old thread, so just asking a quick question on compartment keys....

quote:

Originally posted by Bill G:
John,

You are describing a Southco hollow key. They are readily available from Southco. They sent me one for free, but even if you had to pay for them, they are not expensive. I think you need key # E-3-26-715-15. I would contact them first with a description of your key however.

Go to www.southco.com.
Bill G

Would that be the complete Key number that is shown below if it wasn't #$%&@ drilled through?

John,

I towed a 1995 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 (auto trans) with my 1985 Barth Regency and it towed very well, did not even know it was back there.
It is strange to tow a vehicle with the gear selector in Park, however the transfer selector has to be in neutral.
Another plus is the mileage doesn't register when the transfer case is in neutral. Also you have to leave the ignition key in the accessary position so the steering wheel is free.

Jim

Found them on Amazon.. Southco E3-26-715-15 is for sale but is $$'s..

the new number is E3-5-15 (mentioned in the above link) it's reasonable New Number E3-5-15..

Bought the E3-5-15 from Amazon at the beginning of the year. The key fit all the storage compartments and fuel lid on my '92 Breakaway.
Suggestion: Buy an extra key and keep accessible near the entrance door. You can then grab this individual key to access storage and fuel door without having to shut the engine down. Engines and electronics "prefer" not to be stopped/started.

Unless your ignition is worn like mine. Then you can just take out the key without shutting down!

Quinn, You can get a new and key with matching ignition switch at tractor supply. It is a standard on off and starter control switch.

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Ted, keeping the SouthCo key hung inside the door is what the previous owner told me also. I never shut the bus down when refueling either. Thanks for sharing the idea of a handy fuel door key. It never occurred to me to post this idea since Bud told me to do keep the keys separated.

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Quinn, also you should take other keys off of your ignition key and keep the ignition key separate.