Tongue Mounted Storage

[tnscoutr]

My DW and I have bought a new rear kitchen trailer, and the cargo storage space is at a premium. I am thinking about mounting a box to the tongue behind the propane tanks. It needs to be about 12" deep with hinged door on top. Any suggestions on which box works? Thoughts on aluminum versus plastic?

Ken

[TxTwoSome]

Pira114

Thanks for your input I have re thought this and have decided to heed your advise and put the WD clamps back in original position. I will just notch the bottom of the battery box to clear the clamps and install the locking pin from the front.

[westend]

I have a big storage box on the tongue. It mounts to a piece of 5/16" x 3" flat stock I welded across the "A" of the tongue and to the tongue frame. My WDH brackets will be getting in the way so I will put spacers under the box to raise it the 3/8" or so that the brackets need.
Those Torklift boxes are nice I have a brand new one that will be going on the back bumper, probably. I need to do another round at the scale because I keep adding things that effect the tongue weight.

[pira114]

In my humble opinion, it's playing with fire to change the way a WD system was designed to be used. Any time you change angles on a weight bearing system, you change it's capabilities.

I would set up the WD correctly, put my tanks and Jack where they work best, and find a box that fits in what's left.

[TxTwoSome]

DockMaster

I just purchased a torklift battery box and added a 2nd battery and a disconnect switch. The WD brackets were in the way I moved them about and inch and a half forward to make room for the box. I hooked the hitch up and there is a very slight angle to the chains but not much. I am going to try it and see if I have problems. If I need to I can modify the brackets (I am a machinist) I might just notch them if it is a problem. Reese also make some brackets that bolt to the side instead of over the frame they are about 60 dollars online for those just another option.

May The Camping Force Always Be With You!

[BarneyS]

The chains need to be almost vertical so that the pull is equal in both directions as the bars move back and forth during turns. Un-equal chains may csuse them to pull or slide the snap- up brackets along the A frame. A very small amount of slant may work out ok. Just watch for sliding marks on the paint of the A frame.
Barney

[dockmasterdave]

I believe the chains are supposed to be close to vertical.
Hopefully someone who knows more answers.
I've been contemplating the same thing, with two batteries in the box, but the weight brackets are real close.
I'd have to actually measure the box, and most that I've seen are online.

[TxTwoSome]

Would moving the WD brackets a couple of inches forward hurt anything?

[trsky]

Lynnmor wrote:
I used a truck side toolbox. The battery box is under the toolbox overhang for a theft deterrent. I use the box for blocks and chocks while traveling, and for storage of hitch parts while set up.

I have the same tool box except I have the battery in the tool box. I had to use the step as clearance for the weight dist brackets. I don't have the space you show. Works great I keep my ax, lighter fluid and other similar item plus it keeps my battery locked up.

[Dakota98]

tnscoutr wrote:
Thanks for the replys. I am going to see if the propane tanks can be moved forward to create more room. Really like the looks of the TorkLift box, but I am going to ponder on the price. I am leaning towards a metal box since I plan on storing the hitch bars in it.

If you intend on storing the hitch bars in the box with the batteries, be very careful in doing so. :B

[brulaz]

Wish I could do that.
But my tongue weight is already too high for the truck at 1220#.

[T3rry1]

Here's mine, fits my 4x us2200's perfectly, and the best part is, it was cheap, got it from harbor freight.

I had to cut the propane tray and slide it up pretty far, i also intend to cut the handle off the tongue jack and weld on a lug nut, so i can use my cordless impact wrench as a power tongue lift as sorts, or i can use a normal socket/ratchet as a manual way if needed. That way i can still put on the plactic propane tank cover and then put a hole in it so i can get to the tongue jack without removing the cover. (been considering a soft cover, but i'd rather one with dual zipper so i can just open it where needed for the tongue jack, just been unable to find one, i suppose a soft cover may allow me to keep the tongue jack outside of the cover entirely, which i suppose would work as well.

It will effect the jackknife point a bit, but really if it's pivoted that far, it's probably past saving anyway 🙂

[scotty1946]

I had to raise mine up about 12-16" so I could remove propane tanks for refill when needed. Also got soft cover for dual propane tanks to ease access to tanks for same reason.

[tnscoutr]

Thanks for the replys. I am going to see if the propane tanks can be moved forward to create more room. Really like the looks of the TorkLift box, but I am going to ponder on the price. I am leaning towards a metal box since I plan on storing the hitch bars in it.

[Lynnmor]

I used a truck side toolbox. The battery box is under the toolbox overhang for a theft deterrent. I use the box for blocks and chocks while traveling, and for storage of hitch parts while set up.