I spent quite a bit of time looking over storage box options for the tongue of my 16TBS. I needed something secure that would fit 2 batteries plus some extra space, be lockable, and could still be opened (tricky because of the front curve on the trailer). I found a great fit by searching for truck boxes; a 48 in. aluminum flush-mount side bin box from the Home Depot. The box comes in shiny diamond plate or black diamond plate and either 48 inch or 60 inch in length. Either length would fit, but I went with the 48 inch because it seemed proportionally better for the tongue. I'm using 2 group size 31 AGM batteries fastened down with standard battery trays bolted to the bottom of the box. As it is, there is plenty of room to store all the electric cords and adapters in there along with the batteries. I drilled a ¾ inch hole in the back and installed a standard plastic conduit end for the battery wire entrance, sealed with silicone sealer. I mounted the box by drilling 3 holes in the bottom, adding a thick aluminum reinforcing plate over the holes, and re-using the 3 screws that originally held down the factory battery tray that was mounted on the tongue. i may add u-bolts on the A-frame for added strength, but haven't yet. The box itself is very light and has a foamed sealed locking lid with a full length vent in the rear. In the photos I have installed my "winter battery", an old AGM that will run the lights if we need to go in the trailer over the next few months. I removed the fuses from the parasitic draws like the radio and LP leak detector, so that group 35 battery should last a while. I'll plug in and charge it every month too.
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I just posted a very similar install. Because we have an over-tongue bike rack I couldn't do what you did - really like the way it turned out. What did you do about that rear propane cover holding screw!? Its in there pretty tight now!
I decided to incorporate that rear propane cover holding screw into the box fastening and drilled an extra hole for it. That screw has to come out anyway when removing the tank cover. It works, and moving the new box as far forward as possible gives me maximum opening clearance. I like the tongue bike rack idea because the rear 2X4 bumper just doesn't seem strong enough to take the torque of a rear hitch rack. We want to take our bikes, so more mods are coming up!
Sweet!
Nice work!!!!!!
Very nice... you're a magician....
Could you give more detail about the over tongue bike rack? We are considering installing a generator rack over the LP tanks, and the same company makes a tongue bike rack as well. Seems like a lot of weight on the tongue, let alone the problems associated with filling empty LP tanks. I was headed towards beefing up the rear bumper as discussed in another thread, but I am concerned about voiding Livin Lite warranty on the frame if I modify it. Sounds like Livin Lite did the other welding, so they would be responsible. Any help here would be appreciated .
Merlin,
I like your setup and am trying to get an idea of what the exact size is of your box. I have a 14DB with a Black Out package and wanted to mount dual 12v batteries just as you have with a black diamond box. I have attached a link to a picture of my trailer tongue which has some crude dimensions noted.
Would you kindly advise me of the box brand and dimensions please?
Thank you.
Matt
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/504543964479239915/
Here is the link to the site where I purchased it, with exact dimensions listed. It comes in both polished or black finish and in 36, 48, or 72 inch length. I went with the 48. Note that the description says there is only one handle on the 48 inch model and that's correct. The photo must be of the 72 inch model. The lid needs a bit (maybe an inch?) of clearance in the rear to open because it's not a piano hinge, it's hinged on both sides.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lund-48-in-Aluminum-Flush-Mount-Side-Bin-4448FM/202202222
Merlin,
Thank you for that information!
One other question, do you have problems opening the lid? In other words, does it hit the orbital bow of the front of the trailer?
Happy Hiker
It does not hit in my installation (I specifically wanted to avoid that). I was just noting that you have to leave that clearance when installing the box, since the lid needs a bit of room to swing back.