Cargo box

[Apache_Camp]

Well I moved my LP tanks (I use the little bottles) and mounted this cargo box on my tongue. So far it hasn't rubbed going around the block on a test drive. Its a rubbermaid type cargo box from TSC, originally for a ford ranger/s10 pick up. Its bolted to my trailer tongue. The jack handle will turn, but its close!

[overlander63]

You can get a tongue jack that rotates vertically, so you don't scrape your knuckles when cranking it.
A bigger concern is where the latch-up arms are for your WD system. The chains should be pretty much vertical when hooked up, and it looks like they are extended way far back on the A-frame. If that's how it is, and it's not an optical illusion, you'll probably break the chains the first time you go around a tight corner, at best.

[Apache_Camp]

That just where the chains are hanging for photo op, they will go vertical if I use them. I will be adding a new stablizer bar though,

[HowieE]

In general this is not a good arrangement. As mentioned you will not be able to use the chain hangers unless you mount the box much higher. While your test run showed that you did not hit the box that is not the time when you need to be concerned. You can not turn sharp enough while driving forward to hit the box. However while backing up you can very easily jack knife and it it.

[Mikethefixit]

What did ya do with the LP Tanks??? and it depends on what or how much weight U intend on puttin in the box.

[Apache_Camp]

We use electric, no gas in our trailer at all. I carry portable tanks in the cargo box for the portable gas grill. We have all new electric camper appliances.

I tried backing up and turning, didn't hit, my hitch sticks out from under the tow vehicle further than most. I bought the hitch extender on ebay and had it welded at a competant welding shop (instead of bolting it on).

Regardless, the box is staying.

[Airslide]

Apache Camp,

The box is a cool idea as its handy to have the extra storage. I think the issues the guys are bringing up is the variable weight that box can add to your overall tongue weight. Depending on what your puting in that big box (and you can store lots of stuff it you wanted) it could increase the tongue weight by a few hundred pounds. Sounds like your going to store pretty light weight items though.. and...
The brackets should really be directly in line with the ends of those bars so when turning the bars dont tug the brackets off the frame rails and damage your box. I guess you could do some more modifications to the mounting to overcome that. Like you say.. the box is staying so it would be best to make it as usable and safe under all conditions.

Vin

[Foiled Again]

Originally Posted by HowieE

In general this is not a good arrangement. As mentioned you will not be able to use the chain hangers unless you mount the box much higher. While your test run showed that you did not hit the box that is not the time when you need to be concerned. You can not turn sharp enough while driving forward to hit the box. However while backing up you can very easily jack knife and it it.

Yep, what he said.

Now, at the risk of being too frank... Airstreams are classic coaches, and some think all owners are millionaires or snobs. That just isn't true. However I will put myself at risk of being classed with the snobs and say bluntly - I've seen nicely done boxes custom made from diamond plate - and I've seen modifications to trailers that tend to make one think "redneck meth lab trailer". Yours? It's an ill conceived, ill fitted design. Put that box back on a truck where it belongs. It looks like hell; It's deprived you of propane tanks to run a furnace, water heater and refrigerator, it will affect the aerodynamics of a trailer that's built to be aerodynamic; and you WILL jacknife your tow vehicle into it while backing up.

Give yourself credit and admit you can do better. Most of us have at least one or two prototypes for every project we complete.

Curses, FOILED AGAIN

[2airishuman]

4 things 'camp....

1. u r towing with buick roadmaster?

that thing already has more space that some apartments or condos, fill the sucker UP!

2. rotate (roll) the box 90 degrees toward the trayla...

this will give u clearance for the chains/brackets, make the box more aero di namic and mysterious looking...

3. be sure to add a box at the rear bumper too!

a 2nd box will balance the extra tongue load,

and since lp tanks are in the front box (?? remove tank brackets but carry tanks in a box, hmmm??)

how 'bout some gasoline cans and a big ol' generator on the bumper???

4. you've got PLENTY of flat space on TOP of that box for more creative additions!

a couple of chairs mounted up there would make for a great spot to ride!

cheers
2air'

[Apache_Camp]

I think your over-estimating the weight of that platsic box....