Latches for haywagon sides?

kennyd · Oct 29, 2004

I am Biulding a small wagon and need the latches for the siderails, TSC does not seem to have them, Anybody have any sources?
Thanks...

bobodu · Oct 29, 2004

I made up some outta 1/2 pipe and angle iron.I used 1/2 rod for the pins and welded a T handle on top.I made stake pockets out of 3/4 inch pipe and 1/2 for the stakes.Just welded the pipes to some plates and bolted these to the sides.The wagon has matching brackets on the rear so the sides can double as loading ramps. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

markct · Oct 29, 2004

i would bolt it all solid,i wouldnt like the idea of latches, it will still flex some but it should be ok, one thing that is a definate must in my opinion is flat steel straps about a foot long bolted diagonaly at each upright, this not only keeps the sidewalls from bowing out but it also gives a nice gap to be able to push out hay from broken bales especialy if your using a kicker, a kicker is alot harder on wagons too, definatly wanna bolt it no latches or anything, but as you say a small wagon so maybe your stacking it by hand, thats not as hard on wagons as the kickers are, but even so on a good sidehill theres alot of force on the lower sidewall of the wagon, i wouldnt trust a latch unless it was very heavy duty, if it lets go ya will have a huge mess, i always put mine together with 5/16 or 3/8 carraige bolts, that works pretty good just gota keep them tight, and make sure to add diagonal braces to keep the sides from racking back also, i didnt when i first made mine and it leaned back pretty good after a few uses, but a ratchet strap and then attaching some 2 bys running at an angle stiffened it right up

khd · Oct 30, 2004

Northern has these but I discounted them for what I am building as it's not what I had in mind but maybe fits your need.

See here

Regards,
Kevin

bobodu · Oct 30, 2004

Picture of a side rail corner bracket. Opened to show how it works.

bobodu · Oct 30, 2004

And one of the side rail stake and pocket.I haul manure in this dump wagon every weekend and it's plenty strong for that.

bobodu · Oct 30, 2004

One last picture of a side rail in the ramp position. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Glenn9643 · Nov 2, 2004

I used some large hinges from a local hardware store for corner latches on my stake-sides for my platform hauler. Be sure to get the type that allows you to remove the hinge-pin. I found that bolts through the sides w/washer and nut hold better than wood screws when the going gets rough. This approach is not expensive and doesn't require any fabrication.

kennyd · Nov 3, 2004

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I really like the hinge idea with the removable pin. that sounds simple enough.

I am curious why the real ones are so hard to find....

markct · Nov 4, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I am curious why the real ones are so hard to find....

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i dont know what real ones your talking about, every real haywagon i ever saw didnt use any sorta latches, just bolted solid, however if your building more of a rack body type setup, then look for rack body hardware, they hook together in the corners much like you may want, but are not strong enough for the tall sides of a hay wagon, i think awdirect caries them, if not i know napa does, as well as most any truck equipment places, if ya could clarify your project that may help, i sorta am thinkin your not building a hay wagon at all, rather a rack body cart, but i may be off completely