Cobra Trailer front access door ....

I have a metal top Cobra trailer. The front access door latches just fine but there is a lot of play with the door and I can see wear marks on the side. Also I know of two pilots that have had the doors open and rip off while moving.

Has anyone added a 'safety latch' to the access door?

I am thinking about a hasp latch like this one http://www.stanleyhardware.com/detai...-hasp-s511-250

Or a barrel bolt type like this http://www.grainger.com/product/BATTALION-Heavy-Duty-Barrel-Slide-Bolt-WP157663/_/N-mf6?s_pp=false&picUrl=//static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/4PB93_AS01?$smthumb$

I know that locking the latch will help but I do not know where the key is and I am looking for a more durable solution.

Thanks in advance

Ron Gleason

give Cobra the serial number of your trailer, they'll provide you a set of new keys. Tested, it works ;-)

Aldo Cernezzi

Ron-

I have installed a safety latch on my trailer, as well as some others. It is a good idea, as the latch can pop open, generally ruining the door and often breaking the gas struts and/or their attachment points. I used a simple hasp type, and just secure it with a hitch pin, but you could substitute a padlock.

BTW, there are only a few keys for all Cobra trailers. Williams Soaring generally has the one you need in stock.

Key Code.

On the inside of the Cobra trailer on the upper right side where the right strut attaches to the clamshell is a triangle piece of aluminum that has 2 numbers (usually.)

The number on the left indicates the strength/force of the clamshell struts.

The number on the right indicates the code for the key to the trailer.

If it is a metal top from before 1990 no dice on keys from Cobra...they are right for later trailers though. From what you describe I do not think that keys would help anyway. Install a hasp as you mentioned and Mark suggests.

Locking the front door for long trips is a good idea.
I've epoxy'd a piece of wood (paint stirring stick) in a couple of trailers as a speed bump for the latch to go over before it will unlock.
Give that a try?
Jim


On Tuesday, September 9, 2014 7:25:56 AM UTC-7, MQ wrote:
If it is a metal top from before 1990 no dice on keys from Cobra...they are right for later trailers though. From what you describe I do not think that keys would help anyway. Install a hasp as you mentioned and Mark suggests.

On Tuesday, September 9, 2014 3:03:35 PM UTC-4, JS wrote:
Locking the front door for long trips is a good idea.

I've epoxy'd a piece of wood (paint stirring stick) in a couple of trailers as a speed bump for the latch to go over before it will unlock.

Give that a try?

Jim





On Tuesday, September 9, 2014 7:25:56 AM UTC-7, MQ wrote:

If it is a metal top from before 1990 no dice on keys from Cobra...they are right for later trailers though. From what you describe I do not think that keys would help anyway. Install a hasp as you mentioned and Mark suggests.

I have problems more with the back door on long trips ('80s fiberglass top).
I've taken to running a strap between the latches for the top to keep the
door closed. The lock will work itself out even with the strap over it!

Matt