Do you own a horse trailer? If so, you need a robust solution such as a cam latch that will help secure and transport your prized horses safely while in transit.

For this, consider installing horse trailer cam latches for a quality and secure door lock. This guide will help you install, adjust, and maintain horse trailer cam locks for greater longevity.

In this article we will take a closer look at:

1. What is a horse trailer cam latch?
2. How to install and Adjust a Horse Trailer Cam Latch
3. How to Maintain a Horse Trailer Cam Latch
4. Summary

From the name itself, a horse trailer cam latch is used for securing a horse trailer door. They are usually mounted on the side door or rear entry door of large cargo trailers. This piece of door hardware is a great alternative to the traditional hasp and padlock of your trailer door.

Horse trailer cam latches can come in different styles. A paddle latch features a flush mount made from stainless steel with a black powder finish. Panel latches, on the other hand, work well for heavy duty applications. These latches feature a T-handle and allow for flush mounting as well.

The main purpose of a horse trailer cam latch is to prevent accidental opening, especially if you are transporting horses over long distances. With a quality latch kit, you can install a trailer door lock that ensures a safe and secure latching action. These latches are great for trailers that have bar lock handles. Made from stainless steel, they are usually corrosion-resistant and highly versatile.

Apart from horse trailers, this type of latch also works well with a motorhome, travel trailer, or camper. It’s also one of many must-have trailer accessories that can be attached to a tailgate or ramp door. So long as it’s installed properly, these horse trailer parts and RV locks can withstand rough travels.

How do you make sure that a cam lock is secured? Learning how to install a trailer door latch is crucial to reducing the risk of accidental opening. One thing’s for sure, you don’t need a sophisticated tool box to install one. In some cases, you can even find weld-on latch locks. 

Since a horse trailer door latch works the same way as a quarter turn compression latch, mounting it onto a vehicle requires the same methods. Watch the video below to see how you can install and adjust a horse trailer latch.

Over time, horse trailer cam latches can lose their durability. Regular maintenance is required to extend the life of these components.

To prevent rusting, make sure to keep the lock dry. Check the tolerance, cylinder, and locking plate for proper alignment on a regular basis. Consider inserting a key to see if it glides smoothly into the cylinder. If it doesn’t, you may want to inject graphite powder into the hole.

It's also important to apply a lubricant into the cylinder to ensure that all rotating parts are functioning normally. Lastly, you will need to use a dry cloth to get rid of any dust or debris that could clog the latch and prevent it from locking.

When it comes to transporting horses, going on a camping trip, or hauling large volumes of material, a trailer cam latch is an essential component to have. You just need to find a quality cam latch that's durable, easy to install, and long-lasting.

At Reid Supply, we carry a wide selection of latching solutions that suit your needs. We also carry clamping levers and handles that are ideal for most industrial applications. Check out our catalog of quality industrial locks and cam latches from preferred suppliers.

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