Locking System
Protect what matters with our Locking System collection—purpose-built hardware that secures trunks, tailgates, cargo boxes, tool chests, and door panels on and off your vehicle. From weather-sealed cam locks and paddle latches to keyed-alike core kits for cargo carriers, each item is engineered for daily use in harsh conditions. Whether you’re upgrading a trunk latch or selecting a locking system for door applications in your cargo area, you’ll find durable materials, straightforward installation, and the right fit for your setup.
Why choose our Locking System collection
Security starts with build quality. Our locks use corrosion-resistant metals—304/316 stainless steel and zinc alloy with black powder-coat or satin chrome finishes—so they don’t rust out after a single winter. Rubber gaskets and dust caps keep water and road grit away from the core, and tamper-resistant designs help deter forced entry. Many products include two keys, mounting hardware, and a key code tag for easy reorders. Prefer one key for everything? Choose keyed-alike options to match multiple locks across your trunk, cargo box, or rack accessories. These spec-driven details are the difference between a lock that just looks secure and one that stays secure season after season.
Product types and materials
Cam locks and T-handles
Cam locks are the go-to choice for trunks, tool boxes, and small doors. A compact barrel and rotating cam engage a striker to hold the panel closed. Our cams are available in common cutout sizes (often 3/4 in / 19 mm) with multiple barrel lengths so you can match your panel thickness. T-handle variants add leverage and glove-friendly operation—ideal for tailgates and larger lids. Materials include stainless steel for maximum corrosion resistance and zinc alloy with a durable black powder coat for a low-profile look that matches most interior trim.
Push-button and paddle latches
For a flush, modern appearance, push-button and paddle latches combine latch and lock in one assembly. These are popular for trunk lids and door panels inside cargo areas where snag-free contours matter. Integrated weather seals, anti-rattle bushings, and reinforced housings provide a quiet, solid close. Choose satin chrome if you want an OEM-style highlight or black powder-coated housings for a stealth finish.
Lock cores and upgrade kits for cargo carriers
If you’re securing a roof box or crossbar-mounted accessory, lock core kits let you add or upgrade security without replacing the entire latch. These kits typically include matched cores, control keys, and standard keys so you can key-alike multiple points—trunk, cargo box, and accessory mounts—for simpler day-to-day use. Housings and face caps are designed to shed water and resist road salt.
Fitment: trunks, tailgates, cargo boxes, and door panels
Getting the right fit is as important as choosing the right lock type. Measure your panel thickness to select the correct barrel length (short barrels for thin aluminum or plastic lids; longer barrels for reinforced or double-wall panels). Verify the cutout diameter—3/4 in (19 mm) is common for cam locks—and check cam length and offset so the cam fully engages your striker without binding. For door-style closures inside trunks and cargo areas, a locking system for door panels should include a striker plate and backing washer to spread load and prevent pull-through on thinner materials.
Choosing a locking system for door panels
When converting a simple latch to a locking system for door applications, pick a paddle or cam lock that matches the panel’s thickness and material. Stainless-steel hardware is recommended for exterior or damp environments; zinc alloy with a black powder coat blends better with interior trim. If you frequently access the compartment, consider a push-button latch with an integrated key cylinder for quick one-hand operation.
Roof rack and roof box compatibility
Lock cores designed for roof racks and cargo boxes are compatible with the housings used on most crossbar accessories and rooftop carriers. They’re a security upgrade, not a structural part: installing lock cores does not change your rack’s weight rating. Always follow your rack manufacturer’s published limits—typical dynamic ratings range from about 150–220 lb, with higher static ratings for parked loads—and confirm your roof type (raised rails, flush rails, fixed points, or rain gutters) before adding accessories. Keyed-alike core kits let you run one key across your roof box, crossbar mounts, and trunk or tailgate locks for hassle-free travel.
How a locking system works (and how to install one)
Most automotive and cargo locks use a wafer or pin-tumbler cylinder. When the correct key slides in, the internal wafers or pins align so the plug can rotate. Turning the key rotates a tailpiece or cam that moves a latch or bolt into a striker, holding the lid or door shut. This simple, proven mechanism balances reliability with serviceability—keys can be re-coded or matched in keyed-alike kits.
Installation is straightforward: confirm the cutout size, insert the lock with its gasket, orient the cam toward the striker, and tighten the retaining nut. Use a light threadlocker and tighten to firm hand-tight (around 8–10 N·m for most cam nuts) without crushing plastic panels. Test closure and adjust cam offset if needed so the panel seals snugly without excessive force.
Security and longevity features you’ll find here
Real-world use demands more than a keyhole. Look for dust caps that snap closed to keep debris out, UV-stable plastics that won’t chalk or crack in the sun, and anti-pry bezels that make it harder to twist or lever the cylinder. Stainless hardware resists galvanic corrosion when paired with aluminum lids. Many of our best-sellers include backing plates, rubber gaskets, and all fasteners, so you don’t have to source extra parts mid-install.
Tips to choose the right lock
- Match material to environment: stainless steel for coastal/winter exposure; zinc alloy or reinforced polymer for interior use.
- Pick the right barrel length and cam style to suit panel thickness and striker position.
- Decide between keyed-different (more discrete security) and keyed-alike (one key convenience).
- For roof accessories, add lock cores to secure mounts and lids, and keep a spare key in the glove box.
FAQ
How do vehicle trunk locking systems actually work?
Most use a wafer or pin-tumbler cylinder. The correct key aligns the internal components so the plug turns, rotating a cam or tailpiece that drives a latch into a striker. That mechanical engagement keeps the lid or door securely closed until you turn the key back.
What’s the difference between keyed-alike and keyed-different?
Keyed-alike sets use the same key code across multiple locks for convenience—one key opens your trunk, cargo box, and rack mounts. Keyed-different assigns unique keys to each lock for more segregation of access. Many products in this collection offer both options.
How do I choose the correct cam lock size?
Measure your panel thickness and the existing hole diameter. Most cam locks fit a 3/4 in (19 mm) cutout and come in various barrel lengths to match panel thickness. Select a cam length and offset that fully engages the striker without rubbing or requiring excess force to close.
Will adding lock cores to my roof rack change its weight capacity?
No. Lock cores secure levers and housings but are not structural. Always follow your rack’s published dynamic and static ratings (often around 150–220 lb dynamic depending on system) and select accessories compatible with your roof type (raised rails, flush rails, fixed points, or gutters).
Which material is best for a locking system used year-round?
Stainless steel offers the best long-term corrosion resistance in winter and coastal climates. Zinc alloy with a quality powder coat is an excellent value for most interiors and moderate weather, especially when paired with rubber gaskets and a sealing dust cap.
Can I use a locking system for door panels inside my trunk?
Yes. Paddle latches and cam locks are ideal for interior door panels and access hatches. Use the correct backing plate and gasket, and ensure your striker plate is aligned so the latch closes smoothly without rattles.
Do these locks include keys and mounting hardware?
Most products include two keys, a key code tag, mounting nuts or bolts, and a sealing gasket. Check each product page for the exact “What’s Included” details before purchasing.
How can I improve lock longevity in harsh weather?
Keep the dust cap closed, rinse road salt periodically, apply a light dry lube rated for lock cylinders a few times a year, and confirm the cam isn’t over-tightened against the striker, which can stress components.
Shop best-sellers in Locking System
Explore our best-selling cam locks, paddle latches, T-handles, and keyed-alike core kits. Filter by type, material (stainless steel or zinc alloy), finish (black powder coat or satin chrome), and features like weather seals and dust caps. Every item is selected for dependable security, easy installation, and long-term value—so your trunk, cargo box, or door panel stays shut, silent, and secure.