trunk latches on the galley

[Dalorin]

All,

I'm trying to plan the galley lid. I've decided to do a fredrick hatch so there will be a lip on the galley lid that is even with the sides of the camper. I saw somewhere in the past where someone mounted latches of the type you find on steamer trunks. Basically a wire loop that goes up over a catch and then ratchets down. One of these latches was placed on each side horizontally so that it mated the lid with the side of the camper when engaged.

This seems like it would be really easy to install and make the lid really secure when travelling.

Does anyone have any experience with this? Are there any drawbacks other than not having a lock?

Here are the latches I'm currently considering:
http://www.amazon.com/Aviation-Toolbox-Silver-Metal-Toggle/dp/B00MJSXTT0/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1428149068&sr=8-8&keywords=stainless+toggle+latch

If anyone has a link to similar latches that they've used successfully please share.


Thanks in Advance!

[GPW]

Some of those latches have places for a padlock ... even on a steamer trunk .

[Vedette]

In that you will need a handle to lift the galley hatch anyway, you might want o consider a Locking T handle or two.
With your actual catch inside of the lid , out of sight???
Brian

[tony.latham]

I'm away from my computer, doing this from my iPhone. I buy my latches from McMaster-Carr. They are much higher quality than those in the link. I also use a stainless handle they sell. The two components work well with the Fredericks hatch system.

I'll try and send links when I get home.

[Nobody]

I'd probably be considered a fan of redundancy. I built my TD hatch with a 'T' handle, & locking bars that fit into reinforced recesses in the side walls of the galley (used 'T' handle & locking bars from an old pick up camper shell, & large steel washers to reinforce the locking recesses. The hatch latch system has never loosened or caused any problem but after a couple of years I added a couple of 'toggle latches' to the bottom of the hatch, 'just in case' hence the redundancy...

This pic shows several dings'n dents suffered during a rear end collision Labor Day weekend 2010. Was able to repair most of the damage but left a few reminders. Had to replace 1 toggle latch...

[Vedette]

I'm away from my computer, doing this from my iPhone.

Hi Tony
What are you doing out so early on a Saturday morning??
Camping????
Brian

[tony.latham]

I'm away from my computer, doing this from my iPhone.

Hi Tony
What are you doing out so early on a Saturday morning??
Camping????
Brian

Nope... just coming back from Bigfork, Mt. A biz trip with the wife. We were going to teardrop it, but the weather pendulum swung back to winter.

Dalorin:

The draw latches are adjustable and pull the hatch into the seals. I wouldn't use a T-latch with a Fredrick's style for several reasons. I don't think they are adjustable and I think they may be a problem with the 2" thick hatch and gusset. Dunno. Also, since the internal bar would be forward of the hatch, it'd start eating into your galley space I think. Perhaps it's been done with success.

Here you can see the latch and the stainless handle:



That's my first Fredrick's styly hatch. These days, I bring the bottom all the way down to the level of the floor bottom.

http://www.mcmaster.com/ The latches are spendy but high quality.

T

[Dalorin]

All,

Thank you for the replies. I do think that I will add two T handles to the galley lid as well with the catch inside as recommended. Really good information everyone.

Tony,
That's exactly the kind of latch I'm looking for. I'll check out the link.

[planovet]

McMaster-Carr is the way to go

[dales133]

You can get some nice looking stainless over center latches witch are adjustable and operate virtual the same

[Gunguy05]

I bought the above latches for mine on eBay for very cheap. Good latches. I have the Frederick style hatch as well and they work very well. I will see if I can find the specific seller later. They were very Cheap, like less than 10 bucks shipped for 1 locking, 1 non.

[ukewarrior]

Hello Folks !

I too am looking for some stainless locking adjustable latches.

However, no one has listed their exact part number to go find any of these.

I would deeply appreciate any specific help in this area or more recent experiences.

Also, has any one used the draw hasps that are used with popup trailers? They have been in use for years and do work.

[tony.latham]

Here's what McMasters is listing now: http://www.mcmaster.com/#draw-latches/=z8hvxg

Amazon has a bunch too. Search for, adjustable draw latch, and add the word lockable if you prefer.

We've got lockable ones on our hatch and it's never been locked. But we live and camp in a very low crime area.

Tony