Storage above propane tanks

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by Oregonyoung

Excellent idea! Where did you purchase the material? Lowes, Home Depot or other?

I had some left over from a previous project but you can use 1/2 plywood and it would work fine.
Google "starboard". And lots of places pop up

[Troutboy]

GMFL,

Great idea! How heavy is that material? Could you use 1/4 inch?

[MelGoddard]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

That's why I suggested storing the bars, they're not in there while towing.

Now That was so obvious that I missed it.

[RLS]

Good idea and nicely done. I am not able to do something like that do to the bar that holds the cover on going straight across. What I do use it for is storing my fresh water hoses and jack stand. I have two 25' hoses ( and yes we have had to use both 25' hoses to reach the water bib ) that ea. gets coiled around the top of the propane tanks and one 10' that lays on top of the tanks with the jack stand sitting in between the tanks.

[thiel]

Originally Posted by Troutboy

GMFL,

Great idea! How heavy is that material? Could you use 1/4 inch?

I think 1/4 inch will be too thin for anything with any weight whatsoever.

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by Troutboy

GMFL,

Great idea! How heavy is that material? Could you use 1/4 inch?

Material weights very little. Maybe 5 lbs total

[i2oadRunnei2]

Originally Posted by jayseejay

That's great! You should sell those. I'd be your first customer. [emoji106]

Put me on the waiting list heh. Love the idea!

[thiel]

This has also got me thinking about mounting some sort of small parts storage to the underside of the lid. I'm thinking hose elbows for example.

[switz]

I find that the often touted 1,000 pound "limit" works on some models of Airstream. Typically the shorter and older narrow body models are light enough to be loaded and not exceed the 1,000 pound number..

The literature tongue weight of our brand new 2013 25FB International Serenity was 833 pounds. At the selling dealership, we installed the Hensley Arrow hitch head, filled the two 30 pound propane tanks and fresh water tank. The tongue weight was 1,150 pounds. Only by placing all the heavy stuff in the rear and just clothes and bedding under the front bed were we finally able to get the tongue weight down to 1,175 pounds camping ready.

There are several 2017 models, 28' at 976 pounds and 26U with 903 pounds of tongue weight, which means the "limit" will be exceeded installing a Hensley Arrow or ProPride hitch head and filling the propane tanks.

The 2017 two axle 33' Classic has a literature tongue weight of 1,175 pounds. Installing a ProPride or Hensley Arrow hitch head will put the tongue weight over 1,300 pounds when the two 40 pound propane tanks are filled.

Airstream needs to update their manuals to reflect the reality of their over weight trailers (as compared to those models in the past).

[RFP]

Originally Posted by GMFL

Made me a shelf that will allow me to store my power cable and a few other small items in the space above my propane tanks. Freeing up some room in the back storage of my 23D. Made out of a 1/2" piece of starboard.

Love this... perfect for the power cable. Yep.

[GMFL]

Very easy to make also. We store our shore cable and a 25' extension cord in there

[thiel]

Made one. Really really really nice storage option.

I have decided to put my water (and gas) hoses in there. That way I'm not bringing anything wet inside the side compartments.

Made mine out of MDO plywood and used an old doorknob as a handle.

[airwoody]

Great Idea

[Mikenbern]

I made one today - very easy and came out nice-- thanks for the idea

[Camano20]

Originally Posted by RLS

Good idea and nicely done. I am not able to do something like that do to the bar that holds the cover on going straight across. What I do use it for is storing my fresh water hoses and jack stand. I have two 25' hoses ( and yes we have had to use both 25' hoses to reach the water bib ) that ea. gets coiled around the top of the propane tanks and one 10' that lays on top of the tanks with the jack stand sitting in between the tanks.

I have the same issue with my 2007 Safari 20. not a problem the shelf will fit under the center bar. I just put a hole in the center for the hold down and a larger hole over the valves to be able to open and close them without removing the cover.

[switz]

Putting the heavy power cords on top the hitch adds more tongue weight which could be the last thing a marginally rated tow vehicle can contend with. The hoses would be fairly light by contrast.

[PKI]

Agreed - first thought. It is a fantastic idea that it's hard to ignore. The power cord is normally carried in our forward external storage. That is about 3 ft behind the tank center line, so it would not be much of a moment addition. But in the world of moment arm optimization every inch makes a difference. Maybe I should find a new home for the power cable closer to the axles. Then some lighter stuff could go in the new bin. Got to give serious consideration to the alternatives. Pat

[FishByFly]

I was thinking that is was a good place for hitching items like gloves, wrench, cordless drill, etc. Would be convenient to access.

[glcmranger]

wheel chocks

[Ted S.]

Made one today, great idea. I used 1/2" PVC.

I will be storing my Propride wrenches, a level, 4" aluminum cone, and a cordless drill.