The History of Bargman Locks
Founded in 1931 to provide electrical connection products for the U.S. military, Bargman eventually became a go-to name in the RV and trailer world. In the vintage trailer hobby, “Bargman” usually refers to door locks and exterior lighting components. Today, the company is owned by Cequent.
Discontinued Models and Tooling Loss
Many classic Bargman lock sets have been discontinued, including models H20-2, L-77, L-400, L-66, L-100, L-200, and L-300. According to Steve at Vintage Trailer Supply, the original tooling for these locks no longer exists. Most components were made overseas, and without OEM demand, Cequent chose not to invest in restoring the tooling. That means many of these lock parts are nearly impossible to find new.
Why It Matters for Vintage Trailer Owners
If you own a vintage trailer from brands like Avion, Mobile Scout, Aljoa, Mallard, Shasta, Yellowstone, Nomad, Serro Scotty, Kenskill, Siesta, Aristocrat, Spartan, King, Vagabond, Va-Ka-Shunn-Ette, or Play-Pac, you may have a Bargman lock—especially the L-66 model. These locks were common from the 1950s through the early 1970s. (Note: The L-66 is not interchangeable with the Bargman L-77 vertical lock found on Airstream and Silver Streak models through about 1961.)
Lock Care: Lubrication Is Key
Joel Harp (of Harp’s RV) recommends regular lubrication to extend the life of your vintage lock. Dry graphite lube is ideal because it won’t attract dust. If your lock seizes or breaks, replacement parts may be scarce and costly—so preventive maintenance is worth it. Your local locksmith can also help you keep things in working order.
Salvaging for the Future
Over time, many trailer owners have learned to hoard spare parts. If you come across a scrap trailer, save the locks! Steve from Vintage Trailer Supply once bought an entire trailer just to get an L-77 lockset. He even convinced the seller to keep the trailer and just send the lock. VTS is also reproducing hard-to-find parts like the Bargman No. 99 lens and other lighting components.
Modern Solutions for Old Locks
Dan Piper at Vintage Campers offers retrofit kits for obsolete Bargman locks like the L-66, L-54, and L-55. These kits come with everything you need to replace your lock, including brushed stainless components and hardware, without altering your door’s original cutout. That means you can reinstall an original Bargman lock later if you find one.
Where to Find Parts
Vintage Trailer Supply stocks L-66 parts like keys, latch bolts, and springs. They’ve also reproduced the H20-2 handle, used on high-end trailers like Spartans from 1948–1958. Vintage Campers remains another trusted source for original salvage parts.
Keep the Hobby Alive
There are still options for restoring your vintage trailer’s lock system. Salvaging, reusing, and sharing parts within the vintage trailering community helps keep these unique and functional pieces on the road—and out of the scrap heap. Post your parts for sale for FREE on our classified ads.
Originally published in issue 21 of the Vintage Camper Trailers magazine.
