Swapping out latch

[akula1]

I got my Wells Cargo with a flush latch and want to change this to a RV style lock.

What is the easiest way to do it? Can I just pull off the current latch and make a few cuts and use a RV lock?

Would it be easier if I just go lower and do a complete install of a new RV lock?

Thank you in advance for your help.

[akula1]

Nobody has suggestions?

[hankaye]

akula1, Howdy;

Is the reason for the switch ascetics? RV handles are flush as well and not
as strongly built as the one pictured.
https://www.google.com/search?q=RV+door ... 80&bih=701

hank

[akula1]

I want to be able to lock and unlock it from the inside for my wife's safety, and peace of mind.

[pchast]

What does the inside look like? Can you add trip levers?

[MtnDon]

I think you would need a lot of luck to find that an RV latch could be made to work in the existing cutouts with any ease. From the photo the setback from the edge of the door seems to be greater than that of my RV latch. But appearances could be wrong. Find an RV latch and measure. Plus it appears the latch you have is wider horizontally than it is tall, whereas my RV latch is taller vertically than it is wide. Hope that makes sense.

Installing an RV latch above or below might be easier? Then remove that latch and cover the hole with a piece of same colored aluminum.

[akula1]

Don,

You reaffirmed exactly what I was thinking would be the easiest solution.

John

[dales133]

If shes locking it from the inside you could use any lock inside esentialy,the only issue would be one of opening the door if someone was inside in an emergency situation.
Unless she has a medical condition where you maybe outside while shes asleep and have a key at hand any emergency service would need to force the door anyway.
So to end my long winded answer just put a lock on the inside of some description as its far easier and will look better

[Rainier70]

I would add a lock. It can be as simple as a slide latch inside or you could do a dead bolt. The Dead Bolt has the advantage of extra security when locked with a key from the outside.

[Gonefishin]

I concur with adding a latch/lock inside and leaving the one you have in place. No tearing out or modification, just an addition. Sliding lock, or dead bolt. Heck, even a couple eye bolts with a chain/snaps.

[mikeschn]

We added barrel bolts on the inside of ours.

And when we travel we tape the barrel bolts down so they don't lock us out of the trailer. That's been known to happen!

Mike...

[dales133]

We added barrel bolts on the inside of ours.

And when we travel we tape the barrel bolts down so they don't lock us out of the trailer. That's been known to happen!

Mike...

Yea that would be somewhat frustrating!

[Shadow Catcher]

I would start with http://www.fastecindustrial.com/ which has the technical drawings
This company make cargo trailer locks https://www.bauerproducts.com/ I found them because my rear hatch was one of theirs.
Good luck

[chasg1]

I like the inside latch. You could just add an RV latch and leave the other. Mine has an RV latch with a 1 X inside the width of the door for backing and strength. If you add the latch you will need this. How to get it in there, I would have no idea.

[MtnDon]

I could be wrong on this, but my impression is that the existing latch has no mechanism for being released from the inside of the trailer. Therefore it can not be left in place. Myself, I would be wary of any DIY makeshift interior releases. Proper RV latches have insude releases and inside operable deadbolts that can also be operated from the outside with a key. Simple system, once you install the new latch.