Trailer door on side opens when driving

[GA_Horse]

I have a Sundowner Charter and the tack room door opens when driving if not locked. The lock has a separate bolt. I am guessing my trailer is flexing causing the plunger/tounge to wiggle back and forth until it eventually releases from the strike plate (which is actually the edge of the door frame). I looked at the plunger/tounge from the inside and the door feels firmly closed, and it looks like the tounge is fully extended on the strike plate. I am checking to see if anyone has come up with a solution for this other than remembering to lock the deadbolt after closing the door. Thanks.

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[enjoytheride]

I also have a Charter!

When you close the door are you hearing the extra “snap” or “pop” that indicates the plunger has engaged? If I close my door quickly and don’t give it an extra push it won’t engage and then I’ll drive 1 1/2 hours with the walk through door open. Sigh. At least it stays closed in the wind.

If you are hearing the pop noise then the only solution I’ve found is locking the door.

[wildlifer]

Completely different trailer brand, but I had the same problem. I just make sure I lock the tack room door when I go anywhere, that falls into my favourite solution category of “simple & free”. All my hardware appears to be fine, it stays shut when parked, even in storms, just comes open when driving. I just made “lock the door” part of my “pre-flight” check of steps I do before I leave & it’s worked for the past 10 yrs.

[DinkyDonk]

Same thing on my Trails West 2 horse slant bp. Took it in to a trailer repair place, and they pulled the old lock assembly out and put in a dead bolt/regular door lock combo that works with one key. Problem solved. Can’t remember how much I paid as it was probably 10 years ago, but it was not very expensive.

[Scarlet_Gilia]

If you think it’s worth the trouble, you can add a cam bar latch.

[Scarlet_Gilia]

If you think it’s worth the trouble, you can add a cam bar latch.

[SonnysMom]

I had one trip where it kept happening on my dressing room. The trailer has a carpet in the dressing room. I added a small rug on top of the carpet so it was easier to clean by shaking out the rug rather than dragging out the vacuum. The rug had shifted and was keeping the latch from really fully engaging.
I eventually replaced the rug with a stall mat but made sure it was not able to interfere with the door.

I had another time that because of where I had the containers of water it was slightly hitting the storage shelf on the bottom of the door and preventing it from closing properly. It wasn’t obvious since the water containers were not right against the edge of the door frame.

If neither of those things are the issue I would contact the manufacturer and get a replace lock set. The cam bar latch is a good idea too.

[lorilu]

I had a two horse BP with a similar problem. I could close the door and it seemed latched - but it wasnt unless I gave it a good push. So now by habit the door remains locked when under way - the lock would not engage properly unless the door was fully shut.

[TB2trk]

Agree with enjoytheride, although my Sundowner doors never opened in transit, they do need an extra push. 2 clicks seems to be key in knowing they are closed properly. But if that doesn’t help, you might consider having a trailer repair person take a look at it. I think there is something wonky about Sundowner latches. My locks started sticking and I wasn’t able to unlock the dressing room door, so I replaced with a heavier duty RV latch.

[ShotenStar]

Same experience here, with a Hawk 2H GN. Locking the deadbolt on the door solves the problem. And it’s only the tackroom door that does this – the two horse compartment doors, which are the same size and have the same latches – never pop open when moving.

star

[GA_Horse]

Thanks for all the responses and suggestions. I am going to go with locking the deadbolt to avoid having to replace or add any additional hardware. Stay safe.

[mmeqcenter]

I have a Sundowner (Sunlite I think?) and same issue. I just always lock the deadbolt.

[StellaTMK]

My hawk will often do the same thing, especially if the windows are closed in the tack area, that sucker is air tight and sometimes the pressure will not allow a casually pushed door close properly. I use the deadbolt and keep the key on a string around my neck

[Marla_100]

Try spraying both latch plunger and around lock area with WD40, anything that moves will work better if lubricated. All my doorknobs and locks in my house get a few sprays a couple times a year.

[16_Hands]

My trailer is an older Charmac and doesn’t have a deadbolt. I also had the same issue with the tack door opening going down the highway. I solved the problem by adding a separate hasp with the locking mechanism that turned; works a treat. Haven’t had it open by itself again. A little unnerving going 70 mph down the interstate and suddenly the tack room door swings open.

[PamnReba]

I have a Sundowner Charter as well, my tack room door doesn’t open but the butt bar pin has started wiggling itself free (2 horse straight load). Last time I hauled a horse I accused hubby of not pinning the butt bar, so I pinned it myself for the return (empty) trip. Checked it when I got home and it was halfway out again. Gotta find a fix for that, but I’d rather have the butt bar latch a little more securely to the center divider instead of having to mess with dropping a pin. It’s a great setup for horses that trailer well, not so good for those less-than-stellar loaders.

[moonlitoaksranch]

I saw this happen to someone on the road yesterday. Someone closed it for them at a light. The owner popped out to check later.