Putting a big "tool box" on the front of popup

[AustinBoston]

I think I would consider that carefully before doing it. From the looks of the picture, a TV collision would be just waiting to happen. If you turned too far to the left, either backing up or going forward, the toolbox and your TV would be trading paint!

I'm about 95% certain that my WDH would make bad contact before my van would touch that box.  Of course, your point is true because that other 5% can get you into trouble.  You'd never have a problem in ordinary towing, but backing into a tight camping spot could mean the crunch of failure.

Austin

[wavery]

Man!! I'd cream that thing so bad that it hurts looking at it. :yikes:

[edwardr132]

Here are the details that came from the website with the picture....

Front Storage Box Since my Coleman Fairview did not come with a front trunk, I added a toolbox purchased from PEP Boys. The box is 31"W x 14 1/2" d x 13 1/2" h and has a cheap lock to keep it closed (do not depend on this for security) After moving the propane bottle over as far as I could, I built a pretty sturdy frame using aluminum and 5/8" plywood, probably much more than it really needs. I fastened the box to the plywood frame using threaded rods mounted through the molded handles and through the plywood. The box sits away from the trailer about 1" to allow the top to open. It can be opened with the camper up if you don't mind stooping over. The box can easily be removed and stored at home. I really tried to turn hard enough to contact the tow vehicle, both in the forward and reverse direction, but it safely clears. I use it to store mainly hoses, misc tent stakes, 1 lb propane bottles, axe, shovel etc.


I have the Reese WDH Hitch designed for Fleetwood Popups.  I am wondering/thinking whether or not I could use a box that size to work...

Another angle I was thinking of was if there was a "simple way" ..ie no welding to just extend the tongue by just six inches or so by using a different longer "tongue extension" on the trailer side, not the TV side?  I am thinking about something similar to what they do with boat trailers.

[copcarguy]

Hey all!

Not sure if you knew that they make "real" trailer tongue storage boxes...  try a search on google.  Here's a few links I got:
 
http://www.tool-box-store.com/trailer_tool_boxes.html
 
http://www.tuffyproducts.com/lockbox/113.html
 
http://www.truckbox.com/aft3.html
 
I hope this helped!

[AustinBoston]

Another angle I was thinking of was if there was a "simple way" ..ie no welding to just extend the tongue by just six inches or so by using a different longer "tongue extension" on the trailer side, not the TV side?  I am thinking about something similar to what they do with boat trailers.

I don't know of anything, but if there was, I would not trust it.  That coupler isn't welded on because it looks nice, it's welded because it needs to be welded.

Austin

[tlhdoc]

I agree with AB, I wouldn't trust it.

[ScoobyDoo]

Many years back I made a tongue extension out of a coupler, a ball, some square tube and channel. the ball went into the stock coupler and it clamped onto the stock tongue close to the back. It extended the tongue about 3ft, let me move a 12x20 building. The only trouble we had was I didn't strech the lite wires or mirrors. Luckly the bike club that lifted it on and off new where we was going and could keep traffic out of the way.

[copcarguy]

Check out this deal on eBay:

 
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/UTILITY-HORSE-ENCLOSED-BOAT-TRAILER-STORAGE-BOX_W0QQitemZ290061143449QQihZ019QQcategoryZ50072QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
 
item # 290061143449 if the link doesn't work...

[AustinBoston]

Check out this deal on eBay:

 
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/UTILITY-HORSE-ENCLOSED-BOAT-TRAILER-STORAGE-BOX_W0QQitemZ290061143449QQihZ019QQcategoryZ50072QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
 
item # 290061143449 if the link doesn't work...

One of the advantages of that box is that it is narrower in front, allowing more turning radius before the "crunch of contact."

Austin

[fallsrider]

Where do you put your propane tank? I guess everyone doesn't use one?

[beacher]

You may as well just cut the tongue off and extend it.

Lee (firefyter-emt did)
http://www.yankeetoys.org/lee/frame.htm

Very similar to that mod, I remember seeing a Fleetwood Higlander model tongue extended for a diamond plate toolbox a couple of years ago.  A little bit of cutting, and alot of welding!

[wavery]

Where do you put your propane tank? I guess everyone doesn't use one?

Put it inside the box..........

I like it.. If no one else is going to bid on it, I will.

edit**

Never mind.....I just got this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=019&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=290061969498&rd=1&rd=1

I like the size better. It will fit my trailer perfectly. I'll post picks after I get it and install it.........$85 (no tax..no shipping) ...............what a steal!!

[ScoobyDoo]

I have had sevral plastic boxes, they all sealed up good when new. If you leave them setting on a flat surface they do pretty good. (winter project; wield the floor back in the aluminam crossbed box)The only one I know of that lasted when mounted on channel was the one my Dad cut plywood to line the bottom then bolted thru the wood. Wood insde the box hasn't rotted.

[aw738]

Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally Posted by fallsrider
Where do you put your propane tank? I guess everyone doesn't use one?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Put it inside the box..........  

I like it.. If no one else is going to bid on it, I will.

edit**

Never mind.....I just got this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...69498&rd=1&rd=1

This thought crossed my mind also, but then I thought. Would this be a safe thing to do? It just seems like you could get a build up of propane if you had a leak and didn't have it vented. Well you do have to have a hole for the gas line to exit. :confused:

[jasbus]

Here's a distant pic of mine.  Seals pretty well, but I do store my PUP in the garage.  Bought it at Lowes or Home Depot.  Never had an issue with clearance, and my LP tank fits just behind it.  Secured with 4 bolts, nylon nut and a large fender washer on each side.
http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2755029630093463141ecMEth

Let me know if you want a closer pic, I'm sitting literally 12 feet away from it.