...We had a few of the very early units do this (Actually four that did this) but it made us aware that a problem was possible. We changed the hole location arrangement and eliminated the breaking problem. We also went to a stronger grade of aluminum on the red tube. We sent out new parts to everyone that purchased a gust lock from the first run at no charge. This unit can't shake loose if properly adjusted and is extremely strong. We are more than happy to help anyone that has a problem with one of our products to resolve it, just give us a call. If we can't solve the problem, we will happily refund your money. We have hundreds of "The Ultimate Gust Lock" out there in service and most are very very happy with this product. Thanks, Allan...:D

I have one of the newer designs/replacement locks, but even that one got *slightly* bent somewhere along the line. Just enough to make sliding the two tubes together a bit "sticky" and requiring some twisting while inserting. I don't mind it (much), but it's clear there's still some room for improvement here...

Any chance a maple or oak dowel can be found in a diameter that will slip inside nice and snug? It would be easy to match drill the holes once inside. Perhaps a touch of epoxy to keep it in place.

Failing that a piece of solid 7075 or even 6061 would likely not bend, but would need to be cross drilled accurately. On the down side, it would also add considerable weight and there would be no cushion or flex for the control linkages.

I think I like the hardwood dowel on the inside. Lightweight and perhaps the right amount of flex.

I think what allowed mine to pop off the rudder pedals was flexing in the system. It was still locked tight... but when I got to the plane circling around in the high winds, I found the gust lock end fittings up at the center of the pedals.
A dowel that bent also might allow the same. I would take the weight penalty for a sturdier part in the design. Alan has responded now. I really was starting the thread about my stupidity leaving just chocks on the plane outside for an hour. It drifted a bit... but I suppose if it ends up saving bent metal in one way or another, it will have been positive. Thanks to all.... !!

...Please contact me by phone so I can make sure this doesn't happen to you again. Thanks, Allan...:D

Allan, for those of us who are currently using your ASA gust lock - what is the fix? This hasn't happened to me but it's sure scary.

...The red tube that was modified after the very first small run of our Gust-Locks (original has a vertical hole in the top, half way down for stowing). The new tubes will not break, as the hole was the problem that weakened it and allowed a place for a crack to start. The red tube bending is due to a heavy foot on installation. When installed, you can't bend it by pushing on the rudder or elevator no matter how hard you try. You would destroy the control surface first. Anyone with a bent tube, or one of the really early units, just give me a call and we will rush a new one out to you. When engaged properly on the rudder peddles, the gust lock can't disengage without moving up or down on the control stick. To move up it would require the grip to move up as well. To move down would require the gust-lock to get tighter as the geometry is against this it is almost impossible. If the control stick has been dramatically shortened or its neutral position is not to original plan it is possible it could move down. In this case all that would be required to remedy the situation, and assure movement will not take place is this. Install a tiny screw in the stick, about 1/4" below where the push pin of the gust-lock rests against the stick. This will stop any possibility of the unit moving on the control stick. If you have any questions just give me a call, I always enjoy talking to other RVers. Thanks, Allan...:D

Allan, thanks for the response. I appreciate the background info and knowing that my unit without the hole in the middle should be good to go!