Changing the Side Door Locking Mechanism on Cargo Trailer?

[Quarterbore]

I have a Haulmark 6x10 with the standard cargo bar door lock on the side and back doors.



My biggest concern with converting this to be a duel use travel trailer/cargo trailer is the fear that it would be relatively easy for someone to trap us inside the trailer. Not to mention there is not a great way to close and secure the door from the inside but that is the easier of the two issues to address.

The immediate fix I have come up with is to install an Escape Hatch roof vent of some type (I need to add a roof vent anyways) for example something like this:

http://www.rvpartscenter.com/ProductDetail.asp?PID=35529&SID=9&DID=54&CID=260

or

http://www.rvtruckparts.com/ProductDetail.asp?PID=35531&SID=9&DID=54&CID=260

I need to actually measure my roof trusses to figure out how big I can go.

The second option I have considered is to remove the cargo style lock on the side door and either add a RV type handle or perhaps look for an entire replacement door. The problem here is I have a fealing that my relatively inexpensive trailer (about $2500 new) might not really be worth investing that kind of money as some day I might well want to move up to a heavier tandem axle trailer.

I am sure many here have struggled with this. Is there other options I have not thought of or if these are my two (or is that three) options what works best without blowing the budget.

If this is going to cost too much, I might be better off selling my trailer used and look at the bigger trailer now and order it custom built to get better doors and a window.

[CT Eddie]

On your post you list an RV Parts site for your roof hatch, they also have RV handles with locks. You should be able to lock your out side cargo bar latch OPEN and use your new "lockable" RV latch. (you might remove the cargo bar latch at a latter date). That is what I have planned in my proposed build. Let me know if you run into any problems.

[Quarterbore]

On your post you list an RV Parts site for your roof hatch, they also have RV handles with locks. You should be able to lock your out side cargo bar latch OPEN and use your new "lockable" RV latch. (you might remove the cargo bar latch at a latter date). That is what I have planned in my proposed build. Let me know if you run into any problems.

I never really looked into locking that bar open! I have to look at it more...

I did find the RV Latch you were refering too:

http://www.rvpartscenter.com/ProductDet ... ption=Door Latch &RP=FindaProduct

That sure would make it eaiser then swapping out the whole door and trying to figure out how to cover the left over holes!

Thanks!

[kickintail]

i just installed this on my trailer it was fairly easy. if you have any questions i will gladly help

[kickintail]

i just installed this on my trailer it was fairly easy. if you have any questions i will gladly help

[Quarterbore]

So, does the cargo latch work over the door latch where you mounted it?

Where did you get the latch you used and have a part number? I guess I should also ask if you happy with it too!

Thanks for sharing the pictures!

[lonerider]

Could you fit through a 13" x 20" escape door

I sure couldn't

[Quarterbore]

Could you fit through a 13" x 20" escape door

I sure couldn't

Yea, I doubt it and I would get a hatch big enough so I don't need to look like when I try to escape!

I think the roof arches are likely to be 24-inch spacing so I am sure I can get one big enough I can get myself out of. At least enough to shoot at whoever trapped me in the trailer

[vreihen]

As others have done here, just mount a second padlock anchor on the wall of your trailer where the cam lock bar sits in the open position, and padlock the bar open when you're inside.....

[kickintail]

So, does the cargo latch work over the door latch where you mounted it?

Where did you get the latch you used and have a part number? I guess I should also ask if you happy with it too!

Thanks for sharing the pictures!

you can get the lock on line at all the big name sites ranging from 24-35$ just search travel trailer lock
i was surprised at how well the latch held the door shut and yes the latch bar does not even hit the lock when its flipped over it

[SmilinJack]

Look here:

http://tnttt.com/viewto ... ack#610365

to see a pic of how to secure the bar latch on the side door so no one locks you inside your trailer. The bar latch fits easily over the RV style latch.

The RV door latches are readily available. If you have a decent sized RV dealer nearby they will almost certainly have them in stock. They can be had in black or white. Takes a bit of cutting and fitting to install, but nothing a handyman can't handle. They lock with a key or a deadbolt from the inside.

[Quarterbore]

Thanks! I really like the Eye Bolt idea for securing that bar and I need to visit my local RV shop for the handle.

Now I need to decide if I want a window in the door as if I am going to tear the door apart to put the lock in there I might as well do a window and insulate it at the same time.