Forum Discussion

mrekim's avatar
mrekim
Explorer
Mar 14, 2014

UniStrut clamped to I beam for under chassis storage

I've seen an expensive Lippert under chassis storage system ($700+) where the entire rig is held to the frame via 2 small diameter bolts drilled through the I beam flange on each side.

It seems like you could build a pretty flexible setup from unistrut without needing to drill at all. Below are two interesting mount options. There are lots more here.






Does this seem like a good base from which to build some under chassis storage?
  • I like the idea and especially the non-invasive approach of no welding or drilling of holes. Can also be modified or relocated at any time. Uni-strut is like the lego of the electrical construction industry, you can build so many things from it. There's also Superstrut if Uni-strut doesn't have quite the fitting you want. I'm thinking nylock nuts and maybe some Loctite would help? And as mentioned, probably inspect periodically.

    This might work for building something for under the frame spare tire storage and probably a number of other things.
  • At minimum use lock nuts or double nut everything. Inspect regularly.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    I certainly could do something like that under my Starcraft 14rt OFF-ROAD POPUP. I used to tell folks I could string up a hammock under there hehe..

    Even a below floor lock-up box would be nice...

    Its a shame I don't use this under floor area for something...


    Photo from google images of similar Starcraft RT series trailer.
    Trailer has 15-inch wheels on it...

    I pull my OFF-ROAD POPUP on Forest service Roads all the time behind Harrisonburg VA up on the VA/WVA wooded state line near an area called FLAGPOLE KNOB. One place has a rock bed creek which I pull my trailer across with my 4WD f150 truck setup.

    Roy Ken
  • The idea is to go all the way across. I'm trying to avoid drilling into the flange. I also like the idea of being able to move things without having to worry about leaving a trail of holes everywhere I've been.

    The flange on my TT frame is pretty flat so I don't see any problem with the angle of the flange causing clamping problems.
  • Those could work depending on how tight you can get them. Are you running the Unistrut all the way across the frame, side to side? I'm assuming the pics are cut a ways. Bottom pic would be my choice.

    I would juts use some grade 8 3/8" bolts and drill thru the flange. Or weld it to the flange. The angel on the flange could hinder the tightening process.