Latch for 1-7/8" Thick Horse Trailer Door—What Are Your Options?

Updated 03/18/2026 | Published 03/08/2026

Question:

Im looking for a door latch, sandwich style, that I can add to my escape door on the front stall of my horse trailer. There is not one currently. My door is thicker than what it seems is on your website. Or the ones I have looked at anyway. My door is measuring 1 7/8 inch thick. Is there anything that you can think of that would work in my situation.

asked by: Chass O

Expert Reply:

Hi Bruce, that’s a really good question and I can see why this has been frustrating, especially when you just want something solid and safe that works with your door the first time.

The honest answer is that a 1-7/8 inch thick door is outside the range for the sandwich style latches we carry. I reached out to Bauer about part # BA75HR and their latches are designed for doors up to about 1-1/2 inches thick, so they won’t clamp properly on a thicker door like yours. That’s why you’re not seeing anything that looks like a clear fit, because there really isn’t an off the shelf sandwich latch built for that thickness.

In a situation like yours, the usual path is either stepping up to a different style latch that mounts differently or having a fabricator modify the door or create a backing solution so a standard latch can be used securely. I know that’s not the simple bolt on answer you were hoping for, but it’s the best way to make sure the latch is strong, lines up correctly, and holds up over time without risking a poor fit.

What kind of horses are you hauling and where are you headed next, shows, camping, or ranch work?

expert reply by: Heather A