Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 05-15-2015, 11:16 AM   #1
Member
 
Captn.Ken's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Oriental, NC
Posts: 56
Kobalt tool box

I saw a tool box mounted on the trailer tongue not long ago. The author of the post was "jpgowin" and he had bought the tool box at Lowes. I looked at Lowes website and other locations and could not find that same model. When I went to our local store I decided that the Kobalt box designed for pickup sides would fit nicely. It is 48 inches long and fit nicely, bolted to the frame. It has room for my batteries ( I am using two 6 volt golf cart batteries) and various tool boxes. And a tray for commonly used tools you want to keep handy. This mod uses some of the unused space between the gas tanks and the trailer body. These boxes weigh very little, and no heavy tools are stored here, so no concern about increased tongue weight.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	702_0213.jpg
Views:	539
Size:	353.2 KB
ID:	77010   Click image for larger version

Name:	702_0214.jpg
Views:	480
Size:	328.5 KB
ID:	77011   Click image for larger version

Name:	702_0215.jpg
Views:	493
Size:	308.5 KB
ID:	77012   Click image for larger version

Name:	702_0216.jpg
Views:	506
Size:	292.6 KB
ID:	77013  
Captn.Ken is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-15-2015, 07:22 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
etothepii's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 104
Very sweet setup! How much was the tool box?


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums
__________________
2014 Rockwood 2306
Fastway E2 equalizing hitch
Prodigy P2 brake controller
2011 Ford F150 Ecoboost, Supercab
etothepii is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-15-2015, 09:26 PM   #3
Member
 
Captn.Ken's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Oriental, NC
Posts: 56
The box from lows is $169.00. If you have a Lowes card, you get 5% off. This box is built by "Better Built" company. They sell more sturdy versions on their website for $219.00. The Lowes box, labeled "Kobalt" is not real heavy duty but to store batteries it does just fine. I've seen similar size boxes on Internet for as low as $93. But, the shipping was $60.00! So, you're not really saving by ordering online with that type of freight deal.

For those who are interested, the trailer is a 2014 Surveyor SP220.
Captn.Ken is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-25-2015, 10:32 AM   #4
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Arizona Desert
Posts: 13
Captn. Ken, how did you fasten the box to your frame? Thanks.


Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums
geokolb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-25-2015, 07:21 PM   #5
Member
 
Captn.Ken's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Oriental, NC
Posts: 56
I set the box on the tongue in the exact position I wanted. Make sure the top of box will clear trailer front when you open it. Then, with box in place, I ran a magic marker under the box, along side the trailer frame. This showed me the area where I needed to put my fasteners. I drilled holes in the bottom of the box and put it back on the frame in position. I then ran a drill bit through the holes in the bottom of the box to mark the spot I needed a hole in the frame. Then I drilled through the frame material (don't do this if you have wiring running through your trailer frame). I set the box back on the frame, lined up the holes, and used four self tapping screws on each side (these screws were included with the box). That's a total of eight screws into the trailer frame. It won't come off any time soon. I hope this explanation makes sense.
Captn.Ken is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-25-2015, 09:16 PM   #6
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Arizona Desert
Posts: 13
Kobalt Tool Box

Thanks very much for the detailed explanation. I am about to do the same thing with my Cherokee Grey Wolf 26RL which has about the same amount of room between the propane tanks and the camper front. Thanks for the heads up about making sure the lid can open freely with out interference. I live in Phoenix, AZ and I'll be venting the box to allow for air circulation to avoid overheating the batteries. I also plan on installing a 10 watt solar panel to keep the batteries topped off. Very informative, thanks again, George
geokolb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-25-2015, 09:31 PM   #7
Member
 
Captn.Ken's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Oriental, NC
Posts: 56
Glad I could help someone. This box has been a really good thing to have. I can keep my most commonly used tools in the tray and plenty of room for batteries and tool boxes. Happy travels with your Grey Wolf.
Captn.Ken is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-27-2015, 05:14 AM   #8
Senior Member
 
brownie289's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 122
I have a simiilar set up, with only one battery. I keep dirty stuff in it when not towing. (Weight distribution bars, anti-sway bars)
Also my grease gun lives there.
It's nice to be able to lock up my battery but I never have.
Db
__________________


2015-26days, 2014-32days,
2013-33days, 2012-30days
brownie289 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-27-2015, 06:09 AM   #9
Senior Member
 
RSchleder's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Iowa
Posts: 1,413
Just wondering, should the "box" be vented due to batteries being stored/placed in it??
__________________
Days camping (2016)----181 days
Days camping (2017) --- 82 days
2016 Wildcat MAXX 28RKX (33' TT), 2007 13' Scamp
2015 Ram Laramie Hemi, w/air suspension
30 years RV'ing
11 different RV's
RSchleder is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-27-2015, 06:16 AM   #10
Senior Member
 
brownie289's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 122
Probably yes...but mine isn't. I have had the same box/set up on two campers since
2006 and haven't noticed any corrosion or other issues.
Db
__________________


2015-26days, 2014-32days,
2013-33days, 2012-30days
brownie289 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-27-2015, 10:41 AM   #11
Senior Member
 
bpa098's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Westmoreland
Posts: 338
How does it go? Measure twice cut once? I bought a box on craigslist and it won't fit. Back to my search and posting this one back on craigslist lol. I want mine to be a little bigger to hold my grill, only place in camper it will fit is the pass through storage area, but doesn't fit through outside access. Have to remove dinette cushion and ply wood and still it's tricky to get in there. Don't want the grease in there.
bpa098 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-27-2015, 05:18 PM   #12
Senior Member
 
brownie289's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 122
For what it's worth I keep my grill in the pass through, in its bag (lined w a trash bag)
No issues so far.
__________________


2015-26days, 2014-32days,
2013-33days, 2012-30days
brownie289 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-27-2015, 07:39 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
bpa098's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Westmoreland
Posts: 338
Brownie.... was even thinking about a tote to put it in. Love this new camper just doesn't have as much storage as I would like. Couldn't pass up the price though. It just has one big pass through that I'm trying to organize but seems like I have to take every thing out just to get one thing I need. In time I'll keep improving it
bpa098 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-31-2015, 08:42 PM   #14
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: South Louisiana
Posts: 87
I attached this Kobalt box to my travel trailer. I squeezed it in between my ProPride hitch jacks and front of camper. I attached it to frame with some U bolts, so I didn't have to drill into my frame Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByForest River Forums1433122934.145329.jpg
Views:	377
Size:	85.3 KB
ID:	78661Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByForest River Forums1433122947.313337.jpg
Views:	355
Size:	82.0 KB
ID:	78662


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums
LSUTiger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2015, 09:43 AM   #15
Member
 
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 69
Quote:
Originally Posted by bpa098 View Post
Brownie.... was even thinking about a tote to put it in. Love this new camper just doesn't have as much storage as I would like. Couldn't pass up the price though. It just has one big pass through that I'm trying to organize but seems like I have to take every thing out just to get one thing I need. In time I'll keep improving it
I had the same problem with the storage, but I solved it with a sliding tray. I built it using 8' garage door rails and rollers.
EYEMAN is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2015, 11:38 AM   #16
Senior Member
 
bpa098's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Westmoreland
Posts: 338
That is a great idea. I might have to plan on something like that.
bpa098 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2015, 01:21 PM   #17
Who Dares, Wins
 
doc73's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Chester County, PA
Posts: 7,063
Everytime I log on here I get more to the list of mods.. Battery box.. Now a slide for the compartment! ARG!!
__________________

Pat, Jen, Heather & Sapphire, the head mouser.
2015 Chevy HD D-Max
2022 Impression 315MB
doc73 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2015, 01:33 PM   #18
Member
 
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 69
Quote:
Originally Posted by doc73 View Post
Everytime I log on here I get more to the list of mods.. Battery box.. Now a slide for the compartment! ARG!!
That's the fun in it doc73. I have made over 30 mods to our Avenger 27BBS and still counting. From Ground Control remote leveling to a fireplace. If it makes it more comfortable and convienent then I'm for it.
EYEMAN is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2015, 06:52 PM   #19
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: South Louisiana
Posts: 87
Eye man,

You have a picture of how the rollers are set up to roll on those tracks?


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums
LSUTiger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2015, 09:18 PM   #20
Member
 
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 69
Quote:
Originally Posted by LSUTiger View Post
Eye man,

You have a picture of how the rollers are set up to roll on those tracks?


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums
No picture, but I'll try to describe. I built a stationary frame of 2x4s. One 2x4 on each side of the tray, both resting on 3 cross member 2x4s laying flat. The rollers (4 on each side) are mounted on the inside of the side rails by driving the shafts of the wheels into the 2x4s with clearance for the wheels to turn freely. The tray will slide out from either side of the trailer with stops to keep it from coming out too far. I also put dead bolt latches on each side side of the frame end to lock it in place to keep it from moving within the closed doors. Hope this helps, but let me know if this is confusing.
EYEMAN is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Forest River, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:29 AM.