Help! I Need Ideas For A latching Method for a Custom Tailgate

[slimtwo]

I am building a new tailgate for my MBT Willy's Trailer, and I can't seem to come up anything I like. I wanted a flush mounted pull latch but it looks to deep. The TG is made out of 1 x 2 steel tubing 90ths, and I am prepared to add whatever support or brackets I need, to make it work.






But I want something that will pull it in tight so it will seal, something on both sides. And I want to access it from outside. Any ideas???

 

[slimtwo]

One more thing, I plan to skin it with 14 or 16 gauge sheet metal

Thank you!

 

[dirtgimp]

You could go old school and use the chain style ( like on a step side bed ) .

 

[Mel.Specs]

Have you seen the latches in this thread?: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/128457-Lockable-Lid-Latches

 

[JSBriggs]

What about an antiluce latch? Found mainly on Land Rovers, but its a decent and simple design. no pins or clips to lose or bend. The toggle has a stepped cam that keeps it tight and rattle free.

Works on jeeps too. http://bc4x4.com/pv/yj/bumper/tirerack.cfm

-Jeff

 

[mudbutt]

http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-draw-latches/=t2a8qh

 

[slimtwo]

You could go old school and use the chain style ( like on a step side bed ) .

That was the way it was originally, but if I can, I'm gonna try to find a more solid (and quiet) latch setup, but thank you for your input!

 

[slimtwo]

I can't say that I've ever seen anything like that before, it looks like it would work pretty good though? Are they readily available?

 

[UnfrozenCaveman]

X2 on the anti-luce pins.

They work just fine on the '53 and the '71

 

[Mark Harley]

Custom Jeep hood latch?

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Exterior...out&ppcfon=1&gclid=CL6C8PTdy7cCFWFp7Aod-l4ADQ

 

[JSBriggs]

I can't say that I've ever seen anything like that before, it looks like it would work pretty good though? Are they readily available?

They work really well. Because they are stepped they will compress the weather stripping and give a tight rattle free seal.

That are pretty easy to come by. Land rover part # muc8748 Here they are new, http://safarihp.com/muc8748.html You can make the eyelets or buy them. If you buy them, on the inside and mounting with the same bolts are a Tslot bracke for a cable, or a chain pigtail.

-Jeff

 

[slimtwo]

They work really well. Because they are stepped they will compress the weather stripping and give a tight rattle free seal.

That are pretty easy to come by. Land rover part # muc8748 Here they are new, http://safarihp.com/muc8748.html You can make the eyelets or buy them. If you buy them, on the inside and mounting with the same bolts are a Tslot bracke for a cable, or a chain pigtail.

-Jeff

The more I look at the Anti-luce latch, the more I like it. I am in the process of checking with a few hardware supply houses to see if they might carry it. I need a better look before I buy.

Thanks for the tip!

Happy trails!

 

[JSBriggs]

The first 1/2 of this video is how they work. The second 1/2 (side swing) is custom.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEaJxKNdYXc

-Jeff

 

[jscherb]

I built a custom tailgate a while back, I used these latches: http://compactcampingconcepts.com/Store/en/trailer-parts/71-locking-door-latches.html

 

[slimtwo]

jscherb, thank you for your input. I had seen your trailer build, and remember your choice of latch, very clean! However, through my searching, and the input I received from our fellow "trailer towing adventurists", I have chosen the "Anti-luce" latch, and have ordered them from the UK on eBay. It looks like it will do the job just fine. I bought two (2) pair of them, and I will post pictures when they arrive.

Happy trails!