Locking Hatch for Enclosed & V-Nose Cargo Trailers
Add a locking side access door to your cargo trailer.
Cut a locking hatch into the aluminum or steel skin of your enclosed or V-nose cargo trailer for shore-power and generator cords, battery tenders, or quick grab-access to straps and tools — without dropping the ramp or opening the side door.
Popular DIY Uses
- Shore power / extension cord inlet
- Generator access or cord pass-through
- Battery tender or solar charge lead
- Grab-access to straps, chocks, and hand tools
- Toy-hauler and race-trailer utility access
Which size? The Small door fits between most trailer wall posts on 16" or 24" centers. Pick the Large door when you need to reach in for gear.
Why a Locking Hatch?
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Enclosed & V-Nose Trailers — FAQ
Will a locking hatch fit between my trailer wall posts?
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Most enclosed trailers have wall posts on 16" or 24" centers. The Small bezel is 7-1/4" wide and the opening is 4-7/8" wide, so it fits between posts on either spacing. Locate the posts first by the rivet lines on the outside skin.
How do I mount it to a trailer’s aluminum skin?
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Cut the opening with a jigsaw and metal blade or a nibbler, deburr the edges, bed the flange in butyl tape or sealant, and fasten with #8 × 3/4" self-tapping screws. Add a plywood backer behind thin skin for a stiffer mount.
Which size should I buy?
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Both rectangular doors use a 4-7/8" wide opening. The Small door needs a 5-1/8" tall opening; the Large door needs a 6" tall opening for a little more room to reach in or pass bulkier plugs and fittings. If you want more than one opening, the Small 2-Pack and 3-Pack are keyed alike.