Bought a Lexor - now searching storage ideas

[rlb8s]

I traded my C on a new 2013 Please-way Lexor - sweet! Now I am trying to set it up for camping. I am searching for the best options for increasing the storage capacity. I've seen some cargo carriers that attach to the towing receiver, but I plan on doing a lot of towing (bass boat) so I'm not sure the carrier on the back is an option. Has anyone added a hitch to the front for a carrier? How about storage racks on the roof? Any and all suggestions is appreciated. Thanks.

[RnRs-RT]

Not encouraging a fix but a weld done by a good welder should not brake. The metal will probably brake before the weld. That being said, I have seen some draw bar and receivers in some of the discount stores that look like some kindergartner did the weld job. Anyone can make a bubble gum weld but a good welder will make a good penetrating weld that should be as strong as or stronger than the base metal.
I can weld but do not consider myself a professional welder but I worked in construction around steam fitter welders and I would defiantly trust their work.

[rlb8s]

924guy wrote:
ouch.. but nothing a good welder cant fix (and reinforce.. )

I am not going to risk it. If the original weld couldn't take the stress I don't see a new weld doing any better. Thanks for the thought though.

[924guy]

ouch.. but nothing a good welder cant fix (and reinforce.. )

[eric1514]

:E

How scary was that?

[rlb8s]

Well, my external storage idea worked for a while, but didn't last. The extension failed during towing. Fortunately I was able to put the storage box in the van, remove the extensions to get me home. I don't see me pulling the boat w/ the storage box installed again.

[rlb8s]

Here is a pic of the stowawy w/ the boat in tow -

It was easy to launch and recover the boat too. No issues. I really like the set up.

[Escargot]

This link may help with interior space saving storage solutions:

Space saving ideas

[rlb8s]

OP here. This is what I went with -

So far I am happy with it. However I am trying to resolve a key issue and a leaking issue. I pulled the boat to FL and back this week with no issues.

[wincrasher65]

I love my Stowaway2. I've posted a bit on it on this forum. Use the search to find them.

[mlts22]

Last time I was at a boat launch, the person ahead of me drove their vehicle first into the water (instead of backing in the boat), hydrolocking their truck, and closing the ramp for hours until a tow truck could get both the boat and the truck out of the drink. Made me glad I helped the boat's owner pony up for a slip.

From my experiences with boating... RV-ing is comparatively cheap. No bottom jobs needed, Camping World is cheaper than West Marine for the same doodads, etc. However, there is definitely something about spending a night on hook in a cove that is unique.

[GizmosMom]

We have launched our boat many, many times with our van. Our generator is in the rear and we have never gone into the water that far. You should be okay.

[rlb8s]

Decision made. I placed an order for a stowaway today. I went w/ the standard box, not the max, and a fixed frame since that combo provided the shortest hitch extender for towing the boat. I'll post some reviews once I tow with the set up a few times.

[rlb8s]

Here is the Stowaway version which looks ideal. I like the look of the Max Cargo version.

[rlb8s]

Thanks all for the suggestions. The inline storage won't handle the towing weight so I am most likely going with this - Dual Hitch Extender. The top receiver could fit something like the Thule Transport or Rola Adventure System. I also like the idea of an open cargo carrier and then adding the storage box of my choice. Maybe a diamond plate tool box.

Good advice about being careful not to submerge the generator. A tow extension may be needed for the trailer to clear the storage box which would also help w/ keeping the generator clear of the water.

Keep the suggestions coming. Thanks.