Forum Discussion

Explorer

May 02, 2014

Advice re: Propane and battery install on tongue

Good afternoon,

I'm looking for advice or scenarios on how to mount my propane tank and batteries on the front of my trailer.

The trailer is very small and light, an 18' Bonair. I tow it with a Toyota Tacoma, V6.

I am in the process of moving to solar, and will be doing a lot of boon docking with this (new to me) trailer.

I have 2 6v batteries and a battery box.

The problem is there is not enough room as there is an air conditioner and the mounts for a WD hitch in the way. I will add photos if possible.

So my questions are:

1. Can I install the propane tank on the wall of the trailer at the front?
2. If so, can someone please recommend a mount?
3. Can the batteries be installed at the rear on the bumper - without altering the towing characteristic of the trailer?
4. Do I need a WD hitch for this combination? (Tacoma max towing = 6500lbs. Tongue = 650lbs. Trailer is roughly 2000lbs empty)

So many questions! Thanks for any advice. i would also like to see photos and hear stories of what others do in this situation. Thanks for your help.

ckiely
Explorer
May 02, 2014
Here are some photos. The last one is the battery box I'd like to install.

Whoa those are massive. Sorry bout that.

This is the trailer the day we brought it home:

Close up with new tank:

Battery box:
AirForceAngler
Explorer
May 02, 2014
Sounds like he has an A/C unit stuck in the front wall that overhangs part of the a-frame of the tongue.

No, don't hang your propane bottle from the wall. I doubt there is enough structure there to secure it. It probably wouldn't be too bad to put a couple of batteries on the back bumper if it's strong enough. If I were to do that, I'd mount one each where the bumper is welded to the frame. Weld up some small bases from 1" angle for the battery boxes to sit in and some way to secure them besides the nylon strap that comes with most battery boxes.

How about some pictures of your current setup?
westend
Explorer
May 02, 2014
I wouldn't put the cylinders on the wall. You could fashion a mounting platform above the tongue and above anything mounted, like a battery box.
Francesca_Knowl
Explorer
May 02, 2014
I'm puzzled trying to visualize your setup as it exists- where's your propane tank now?

I've only seen a few Oxygens, but as you can see in the below pic, the Oxygen's battery/tanks were usually mounted on the tongue. Is yours lacking any trays etc for the purpose?