Joinery/Woodwork - gates question/advice

[John A]

Hello

I have a pair of gates across our drive which allow access down the side of the house and into the garden/garage.
They are a bit knackered and could do with being replaced.
At the moment they are a 50/50 split, with a slide bolt and two drop bolts. I want to be able to fit something like a double cylinder long throw bolt so I can open from the outside (and ideally have keyed alike locks on the front and back doors, and the gate).

What I can't get my head around at the moment is what the solution to the drop bolt on the gate that would be the first opened with the key. At the moment, the drop bolts offer some stability (can't think of a better word) against them moving when the gates are closed, so if they're blown by the wind for example.

What would the solution to that be or would I be better keeping the same setup, but maybe with a smaller pedestrian gate built in?

 

[JOG]

A pic would help!

The drop bolt does more “work” stabilising the gates than you’d realise

 

[Paynewright]

I’ve seen gates with a spring loaded jockey wheel that stays permanently down, the spring provides the supporting force for the end of the gate.

What about altering the split so the lock opening gate is shorter and doesnt need supporting?

 

[John A]

A pic would help!

The drop bolt does more “work” stabilising the gates than you’d realise

Yeah I can well believe it, hence I am looking for a solution that will allow external access

I’ve seen gates with a spring loaded jockey wheel that stays permanently down, the spring provides the supporting force for the end of the gate.

What about altering the split so the lock opening gate is shorter and doesnt need supporting?

Thought about having an 80/20 but it will make the large gate bigger to the point where it needs more access to open, so I might not be able to get another car off the drive

 

[JOG]

A “throw over” hoop (see pic) would help keep the gates together and can be accessed from either side