Bargman lock wanted

[cyndi H]

So seeing as I'm full timing i cant take trailer to the rally this w/e. BUT, i was going to go to the open house today just to visit. BUT, then my door slammed shut behind me and somehow the lock clicked shut. I guess this is b/c it was 2 bargmans patched together which i had to have done b/c of the previous break in, where they broke my BRAND NEW bargman. Anyway, the best solution at the time was weld old and new together which worked well until today when i locked myself out in my pajamas and broke the weld trying to access the lock toggle. So, i don't want a third patch job if i don't have to. Leads anyone? ANYONE?!? Well i guess now i can get dressed I'll drag myself out to ft Langley and pray someone has one at the garage sale. Ugh, excuse me while i whine one more time. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dammit, i was already late to get to the rally as it was. Any leads would be appreciated. Thanks

[Greg H]

Try E bay, but the bad news is they don't make the 400 anymore and I guess that's what you had.

[cyndi H]

Yes, that was it. I had an ebay search before but it expired. I'll try again. What really pisses me off is the last one i bought was brand new in the box. stupid thieves, I'd like to cut off their hands. well I'm off to the rally now, better late than never i guess.

[lamimartin]

Desperate situations may require drastic measures...

Considering the high cost of Bargman L400, another option is to modify the door to accept standard RV locks like Trimark, which sells for 45$. http://www.rvadenver.com/entry_86.jpg

Such structural door conversion can be done with fiberglass or epoxy with matching paint or gelcoat (boat repair shops can do that for you). It can also be done with polished aluminum / or Stainless Steel and pop rivets. Cost of such conversion will be likely the same as another Bargman L400, but it will no longer be a heart breaker on next break-in. Fiberglass is relatively easy and inexpensive to modify and repair. You may be able to cut cost drastically by doing the rough job yourself and only get professional help for final coat of paint or Gelcoat.

On mine, I estimate material cost to be within 150$ for fiberglass modification and paint. Repairs on a lock requires something strong that will last. Beware that epoxy will make a repair about six times stronger than plain polyester fiberglass resin. It matters for a door and lock. You may have seen far more extensive mods on this site. I could suggest some procedures and products to use if you decide you can't stand the risk of another break-in without a few spare Bargman lock parts on hand.

[Pam Garlow]

Originally Posted by lamimartin

Desperate situations may require drastic measures...

Considering the high cost of Bargman L400, another option is to modify the door to accept standard RV locks like Trimark, which sells for 45$. http://www.rvadenver.com/entry_86.jpg

Such structural door conversion can be done with fiberglass or epoxy with matching paint or gelcoat (boat repair shops can do that for you). It can also be done with polished aluminum / or Stainless Steel and pop rivets. Cost of such conversion will be likely the same as another Bargman L400, but it will no longer be a heart breaker on next break-in. Fiberglass is relatively easy and inexpensive to modify and repair. You may be able to cut cost drastically by doing the rough job yourself and only get professional help for final coat of paint or Gelcoat.

On mine, I estimate material cost to be within 150$ for fiberglass modification and paint. Repairs on a lock requires something strong that will last. Beware that epoxy will make a repair about six times stronger than plain polyester fiberglass resin. It matters for a door and lock. You may have seen far more extensive mods on this site. I could suggest some procedures and products to use if you decide you can't stand the risk of another break-in without a few spare Bargman lock parts on hand.

Martin, Do I understand you correctly that you have already made this conversion to your trailer? A few photos would be great to see!! Gives those of us hope that still have the old locks, just waiting for them to break

[lamimartin]

A

Originally Posted by Pam Garlow

Martin, Do I understand you correctly that you have already made this conversion to your trailer? A few photos would be great to see!! Gives those of us hope that still have the old locks, just waiting for them to break

As i said, i am used to fix my sailboat and my Trillium. I still use a Bargman L400 but i have a complete spare
If I was in your situation i woud give up and fit a current lock you can replace without a heart attack

[jen b]

I might be putting up my well used L400 on ebay this fall, but that doesn't help you now. It is in what I'd call reasonable working order. It could use some attention from either a locksmith or somebody who's just good with tinkering and then should be good to go for a while.

My dad and I are going to be doing a bunch of work on the trailer and I thought while we're at it, might as well re-do the door latch situation to accommodate a newer, more secure latch that won't cost an arm and a leg to replace.

[avfn]

yeah I think a door latch mod is in order for me as well. In your opinions would it be best to go to an RV shop or a place that services BOATS???

[lamimartin]

Since the door can be removed very easily, I would ask for an estimate to just any car body shop, RV repair or boat repair shop that are experienced with fiberglass repairs. My impression is that boat shops may be more knowledgeable but a bit more expensive. There are just too few fiberglass RV in general to justify a fiberglass repair specialist in house.

[avfn]

cool thx!!

[cyndi H]

Originally Posted by lamimartin

Desperate situations may require drastic measures...

Considering the high cost of Bargman L400, another option is to modify the door to accept standard RV locks like Trimark, which sells for 45$. http://www.rvadenver.com/entry_86.jpg

Such structural door conversion can be done with fiberglass or epoxy with matching paint or gelcoat (boat repair shops can do that for you). It can also be done with polished aluminum / or Stainless Steel and pop rivets. Cost of such conversion will be likely the same as another Bargman L400, but it will no longer be a heart breaker on next break-in. Fiberglass is relatively easy and inexpensive to modify and repair. You may be able to cut cost drastically by doing the rough job yourself and only get professional help for final coat of paint or Gelcoat.

On mine, I estimate material cost to be within 150$ for fiberglass modification and paint. Repairs on a lock requires something strong that will last. Beware that epoxy will make a repair about six times stronger than plain polyester fiberglass resin. It matters for a door and lock. You may have seen far more extensive mods on this site. I could suggest some procedures and products to use if you decide you can't stand the risk of another break-in without a few spare Bargman lock parts on hand.

Yes, i've thought of that and will probably have to eventually. No way I'm doing it myself though as dont even have the time or energy to take it to a shop. Think one day it will be sold 'as is' Kind of tired of it.

[cyndi H]

Originally Posted by lamimartin

Since the door can be removed very easily, I would ask for an estimate to just any car body shop, RV repair or boat repair shop that are experienced with fiberglass repairs. My impression is that boat shops may be more knowledgeable but a bit more expensive. There are just too few fiberglass RV in general to justify a fiberglass repair specialist in house.

Good idea! Much easier to take the door in. I've wanted to replace it before, but then it looses the original feature. oh well.

[Joe Z]

Wow...... $129 for a Bargman L400 repair kit...... I didn't even see the gold trim. LOL
Joe

VINTAGE BARGMAN L-400 TRAILER DOOR LOCK REPAIR KIT NR | eBay

[lamimartin]

Originally Posted by Joe Z

Wow...... $129 for a Bargman L400 repair kit...... I didn't even see the gold trim. LOL
Joe

Your are right Joe, Bargain prices on Bargman lock and parts are now outragious. I needed a quick and easy solution to repair what I already have. There was simply too little time between the RV purchase and our vacation. Risk of not being able to use the RV with an half broken Bargman lock was too high. I broke the original latch trying to repair it.

If I have a failure or break in, you can be certain I will apply the Trimark lock conversion plan and sell my Bargman spare parts.

[Joe Z]

I agree with you...... I am having trouble with my lock on my 94 casita and not sure what type it is yet but it will get a thorough cleaning first.
I seen an ingenious trick someone used years back to hold their door closed. they simply hooked a rubber bungee inside the trailer and then stretched it out and hooked it to the bottom of the door to keep it closed for the rest of the trip..
joe

[lamimartin]

Originally Posted by Joe Z

(...)
I seen an ingenious trick someone used years back to hold their door closed. they simply hooked a rubber bungee inside the trailer and then stretched it out and hooked it to the bottom of the door to keep it closed for the rest of the trip..
joe

Interesting suggestion... the "Bungee Lock", to stretch our luck if we have a bad luck with our lock.

[Joe Z]

I will be putting a bungee in the trailer.... what i have now is i turn the handle to open the lock from either side and the lock will stay stuck in the open position..... i give it a tap with a small hammer and it will then release..... one of these days my luck will run out LOL
joe

[james kent]

Since my Bargeman lock will close but not lock, I added another small lock about a foot above the handle. It cost 5 or 6 bucks and has worked well for about 5 years now. These cabinet locks are available in most hardware stores and it leaves your original lock in place and was easy to install.

[Alan P.]

I've been following this thread and I have handle problems on my Triple E Surf Side as the photos show. Can members who know handle models by sight confirm that mine is a Bargman L400 or, if not, tell me what it is?

[Alan P.]

I've been using a bungee for years now as insurance. When i close the door I hook one end to a handle of a cupboard under the gaucho bench, strech it to hook in the open and of the lock mechanism where the striker comes out. Then holding the handle open, I gently close the door and realease the handle. Then I lock it. Sometimes this insurance has paid off. Twice on the long trip home across Labrador I found the door open and unlatched (bust still locked). Makes me nervous but it does seem to work.
Alan