Over centre latch for trailer drop sides, with catch plate and safe...
Over centre latch for trailers – the lever pulls the drop side tight, and the safety catch stops it opening on the move.
If your old drop-side catch rattles or opens on the move, this set keeps the side shut tight. A drop side that swings open can drop the load onto the road, which is dangerous for everyone behind you.
A set of over centre latch and hook catch plate in galvanised steel, for trailer drop sides, doors or lids.
Key benefits
- No more rattling: pushing the lever down pulls the drop side against the frame, so it doesn't rattle or move.
- Won't open on its own: the safety catch stops the lever releasing by accident, while you open it by hand with no tools.
- No hunting for a catch plate: the latch and its matching hook catch plate come together.
- Made to live outside: galvanised steel resists moisture and corrosion.
How does it work?
The same principle as the clip-top lid on a preserving jar. You hook the loop over the catch plate, push the lever down, and it snaps past a dead point under tension: the tension itself keeps it shut. On top of that, the safety catch holds the lever in place, so a jolt can't flip it open.
What is it for?
Securing the opening parts of trailers: drop sides, rear doors and lids. The latch goes on one part, the hook catch plate on the part opposite it.
What to expect, and what not
Expect the drop side or door to stay tightly shut and not open on the move. Don't expect it to keep someone else out of your trailer.
- It isn't adjustable: the tension can't be set, so the latch and catch plate need to be fitted accurately to each other.
- It isn't a lock: it won't stop someone opening it, the catch only prevents it opening by accident.
How to use
- Fit the latch and the catch plate opposite each other, so the latch loop reaches the hook with the lever closed.
- Lift the lever and hook the loop over the catch plate.
- Push the lever down: the latch pulls the parts together and the safety catch holds the lever.
- To open, release the safety catch and lift the lever.
Tip: before you drill, hold both parts in place with the lever closed and only then mark the holes. The distance is right when the lever closes with noticeable resistance as it snaps over. If it drops shut with no effort it isn't pulling tight; if you can barely push it down, the hook is too far away.
Technical specifications
| Type | over centre latch (drop side catch) with safety catch |
|---|---|
| Material | galvanised steel |
| Fixing hole spacing | 80 mm (latch), 46 mm (catch plate) |
| Adjustable | no |
| Use | trailer drop sides, doors, lids |
| Weight | 0.45 kg (set) |
What's in the box
- 1 over centre latch with safety catch
- 1 hook catch plate
Screws or rivets are not included.
Frequently asked questions about the over centre latch
Can I use it to replace my old, worn catch?
It fits the old holes if they are spaced the same: 80 mm on the latch, 46 mm on the catch plate. If your old one differs, you will need to drill new holes for this over centre latch.
Is the catch plate included?
Yes. The set contains the over centre latch and the matching hook catch plate.
Can it open while I'm driving?
The safety catch on the over centre latch prevents that: it holds the lever down until you release it by hand.
Do I need tools to open it?
No. The catch and lever open by hand, you only need tools to fit it.
What do I fix it with?
Screws or rivets through the holes. The latch holes are 80 mm apart, the catch plate holes 46 mm. Fixings are not included.
Will it rust?
The over centre latch is galvanised steel, so it resists moisture and can be used outdoors.
Important information
- Before setting off, check that the lever is down and the safety catch holds it.
- Hold the lever when opening, as it is under tension.
If the catch on your trailer's drop side or door is worn or loose, and there is room to fit both parts, this over centre latch set is for you.
