InstallationTips

RESOURCES:

Begin with watching the general installation video and any supporting videos, and review photos of prior installations. Then follow the installation guide with the steps outlined. If you are not confident performing the installation or are unfamiliar with locating or connecting wires, we highly recommend hiring a professional.

REAR DOORS:

Most Service body rear doors have a step angle at the top of the door where the bolt will engage down and into the door. An angle housing should be used in this application.

When routing wires outside a door, they should be routed through a door factory boot to protect the wires. If your van still needs the factory boot, we highly recommend purchasing one from the manufacturer. At the very least, you can use a high-quality thick gauge loom to protect the wires.

SIDE DOORS:

When installing a deadbolt lock in a side sliding door, it gets installed on the side towards the rear of the van, and the bolt strikes into the rear C pillar. If you plan to operate your Thunderbolts from your factory remote, connect the wires to the factory lock wires. If you use an M2 model lock, install the provided contact switch to bring power into the door.

CAB DOORS:

Cab door locks get installed inside the door, and the deadbolt engages into the mating pillar. Some doors may have a wider gap to span, whereas the deadbolt needs to get extended out further. We also offer accessories to span wider gaps, such as the 4” long bolt and the raised strike plate bracket accessory.
Ensure that no part of the lock interferes with the window rolling down.

NOTE: When operating the locks from the factory key fob, the M1+ locks with built-in lock inhibitors should be used where a passenger may be riding to prevent the lock from engaging while the van is driving for safety. If the Thunderbolt M2 locks are used, the locks should not be engaged while driving. Only engage the Thunderbolt locks while the van is not occupied.