Maintaining and Upgrading Your Trailer Doors: Essential Parts and Tips.Secure everything with flush latches, L-handles, and spring latches, or go for a slam or cam-action latch for extra reliability. Smooth opening is a breeze with our piano, cam lift, and strap hinges, plus hinge pins and nipples for easy fixes. For ramp doors, check out our range of springs and transition plates. And don't forget the seals—half-round, rectangular, ribbed, v-shaped, and more—to keep your trailer weather-tight and road-ready.With over 75 years of assisting our neighbors and customers, over 1 million photos and videos taken to make sure you’re getting exactly what you need, and over 35 thousand installations completed, we’ve got the product know-how and experience to help you make the right choices for the job at hand.What’s the best way to secure my trailer doors?Choosing the right latch depends on how often you use your trailer and what you’re hauling. Cam latches are great for heavy-duty security and are common on enclosed trailers. Slam latches lock automatically, making them ideal for doors that get opened and closed frequently. Flush latches sit inside the door for a clean look and are often used on RVs and cargo trailers. No matter which latch you use, regularly checking it for wear and making sure it’s properly latched before towing is key to keeping your trailer secure.How do I choose the right hinges for my trailer door?The type of hinge you need depends on the size and weight of your trailer door. Strap hinges are a strong, all-purpose option for most trailers. Piano hinges run the full length of the door, spreading out the weight for smoother operation and added durability. If your trailer door is heavy, cam lift hinges can help by slightly lifting the door as it opens, reducing strain and making operation easier. When replacing a hinge, match the material—steel for strength, aluminum for corrosion resistance—and ensure proper alignment for a smooth swing.How can I keep my trailer door sealed from water and dust?Over time, trailer doors can develop gaps that let in rain, dust, and road grime. Half-round seals work well for general weatherproofing, while V-shaped seals provide extra flexibility to prevent leaks when the trailer shifts during travel. Rectangular seals are a good choice for filling larger gaps. Regularly checking and replacing worn seals will help keep your trailer interior dry and clean, especially if you store valuable tools, equipment, or cargo inside.What’s the best way to keep my trailer door open while loading?If you’re loading and unloading often, having a way to hold the door open makes things easier. Hook and keeper latches are a simple and reliable way to keep swing doors in place, while plunger and socket holders provide a more secure, spring-loaded hold. If you're parked on uneven ground, make sure your door holder is positioned so the door won’t slam shut unexpectedly.How do I replace a damaged trailer door hinge?Start by measuring your old hinge to ensure the replacement matches in size and bolt pattern. If your trailer is exposed to the elements often, consider aluminum hinges to resist rust. For heavy doors, reinforced steel hinges offer added strength. When installing, make sure the hinge is aligned correctly so the door opens and closes smoothly—misalignment can lead to unnecessary strain and wear over time. If your door has sagged due to hinge wear, replacing it sooner rather than later can prevent further damage to the frame.
