Tailgate and lid latches and hinges

[Mccool]

Hello all, I'm at the point in my build where I need to decide on latches and hinges for my tailgate and lid. What's everyone using?

I think I will probably use barrel hinges for both, but I'm lost when it comes to latches. Something lockable obviously. The lid will hinge from the front and I think the tailgate will swing from the side. I considered a drop down tailgate, but I'm nervous it will make removing things from the box more difficult.

So, any opinions?

 

[Mccool]

Not really relevant to my question, but here's how she sits currently

 

[BAM298]

In for more info. I’ve got my hinges picked out but still searching for latches.

Trailer looks good, are those suburban wheels?

 

[Mccool]

In for more info. I’ve got my hinges picked out but still searching for latches.

Trailer looks good, are those suburban wheels?

Thanks, yes they are. I wanted them to match my tahoe.

 

[honda250xtitan]

I used these. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004K5YW0K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
they make them in small versions too. these are quite large. Matches the overall beefy look of the trailer though IMO. I used gate hinges so i could just clamp the doors on and weld away, they also open like 270 degrees, look like ******** but once its bedlined i hope they blend in better. Barrel hinges will be nice.

 

[Mccool]

Thanks for the reply! I am considering that style of latch, seems like it will be the easiest option. I'm also considering the flush mount style found on truck toolboxes but that seems like more of a hassle.

Your trailer is looking great! Those taillights look vulnerable though

 

[honda250xtitan]

Thanks for the reply! I am considering that style of latch, seems like it will be the easiest option. I'm also considering the flush mount style found on truck toolboxes but that seems like more of a hassle.

Your trailer is looking great! Those taillights look vulnerable though

Those would be nice, i thought the same, the striker/lock thing would need to be taken into account when shutting them.

Thanks man! Those taillights are mounted to a piece of 3/16th plate that runs along the entire backside of the lights, plus a little overhang under. hopefully that shields them from any rocks. i might run another piece under them as well so they "sit" on it.

 

[Hillbilly Heaven]

De-Sta-Co is the go to company for that style of latch. Many shapes, sizes, and functions Yes they are expensive. I did not see the one I like on Amazon which might be cheaper, but this is the one I like because of the double latch prevents it from vibrating open.
https://www.comp4x4.com/collections...olt-arm-double-locking-horizontal-clamp-latch

 

[Mccool]

Those would be nice, i thought the same, the striker/lock thing would need to be taken into account when shutting them.

Thanks man! Those taillights are mounted to a piece of 3/16th plate that runs along the entire backside of the lights, plus a little overhang under. hopefully that shields them from any rocks. i might run another piece under them as well so they "sit" on it.

That sounds pretty solid, I thought they were just bolted underneath the frame.

Yeah, I'm not sure if I want to mess with the striker/toolbox latch. I was hoping there was an option I hadn't come across yet. I like the flush mount though. Are you using any kind of seal around your tailgate?

 

[Mccool]

De-Sta-Co is the go to company for that style of latch. Many shapes, sizes, and functions Yes they are expensive. I did not see the one I like on Amazon which might be cheaper, but this is the one I like because of the double latch prevents it from vibrating open.
https://www.comp4x4.com/collections...olt-arm-double-locking-horizontal-clamp-latch

That's the exact latch I used when I built a swing out tire carrier for my old jeep. It worked great.

 

[honda250xtitan]

De-Sta-Co is the go to company for that style of latch. Many shapes, sizes, and functions Yes they are expensive. I did not see the one I like on Amazon which might be cheaper, but this is the one I like because of the double latch prevents it from vibrating open.
https://www.comp4x4.com/collections...olt-arm-double-locking-horizontal-clamp-latch

Nice link, that'll get me into more money spending issues lol. found these... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y64TWF...0x&pd_rd_r=010EGW04NZC79P4CGV23&pd_rd_w=vAwV9

That sounds pretty solid, I thought they were just bolted underneath the frame.

Yeah, I'm not sure if I want to mess with the striker/toolbox latch. I was hoping there was an option I hadn't come across yet. I like the flush mount though. Are you using any kind of seal around your tailgate?

Yea i'll have a weather strip with self adhesive backing on both doors. the sheet metal gets shut flat against the frame, the door frame slides in between the trailer frame. hopefully it'll seal, and the door frame will rest on the trailer frame to keep it square. Who knows though lol.

 

[Hillbilly Heaven]

Nice link, that'll get me into more money spending issues lol. found these... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y64TWF...0x&pd_rd_r=010EGW04NZC79P4CGV23&pd_rd_w=vAwV9

thos do not have the secondary latch to hold the release lever. There are 3 modes to DeStaCo latches. First is just cam over that tightens the latch. Second is a latching lever on the bottom like the link you posted that will hold the cam over lever. Third is an additional thumb operated latch that holds the latching lever. Making it vibration resistant. I would think being used off road one would want the third type.