any suggestions for trailer top latches???

[Jevy]

Hey everyone,

I'm to the point of where I'm ready to install some latches on my m416 trailer cover. I went through Lowe's this morning and really didn't see anything that I thought would work. Ideally I would like for the latches to be lockable where I could put a padlock on them. I thought about using the spring latches like the ones on the front of a Jeep hood but I don't know how easy or difficult it could be to operate by one person. I guess I was hoping someone with more experience could suggest a set of latches. Honestly I don't know where to look for something of that nature because obviously Lowe's doesn't something even close that would work.

 

[Trailpsycho]

Check out McMaster-Carr Supply. Typically 1 day shipping.

 

[Woods]

If you need a latch with a long draw, then search for - camper latch

I use one of THESE on my tailgate and it works great: http://www.americanrvcompany.com/RV...-Latch-Folding-Camper-Trailer-RV_p_7420.html#

If you have a short draw, I like twist latches.

I find that google images are great for searching these types of products.

 

[toymaster]

^^^^ Woods, have you found anything more substantial? One snip and twist from a pair of dikes (wire cutter) and it is all over with. I have these on my trailer now. They do a good job of clamping but security is lax.

 

[Woods]

I agree completely. Here's a couple of ideas. They look to be less vulnerable to a set of regular pair of dykes:

http://www.reliablehardware.com/largetwistkey-lockablelatch.aspx

http://www.reliablehardware.com/largepad-lockabletwistlatch.aspx

^^^^ Woods, have you found anything more substantial? One snip and twist from a pair of dikes (wire cutter) and it is all over with. I have these on my trailer now. They do a good job of clamping but security is lax.

 

[Jevy]

I guess part of my problem is I really don't know what I need. I think I am going to wait for my rack to show up and put the tent on it before I order any latches. I just don't know how much or little effort it will take to raise/lower it until I have the tent/rack on it. Without the rack/tent at this point it takes quite a bit of effort to bring down the lid and to hold it down. I'm sure this will subside with the addition of the rack/tent.

 

[hesterj]

I wished that I knew how to paste pics from my iPhone here to show you my M416 lid design.
Here is my thread link. Look at post 116. It shows a pic of jeep hood latches. Hope it helps.

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f104/my-little-m416-1209794/index8.html

 

[d110pickup]

Jevy,
Check out the hardware thread I just started.
Mike