Storage box

[dilgerc]

I would like to build a frame to mount a 5' aluminum box to that I could mount on my rear bumper using two of the universal recievers that bolt to the four inch square bumper. Putting one reciever on each side by the main frame on my 2012 vlite. I would like any advice on my idea. Thanks

[Hob]

I don't know that I would do that. From what has been discussed on here, any frame addition or modification seems to void your warranty from what people have been saying.

[Mountainmanbob]

Originally Posted by dilgerc

I would like to build a frame to mount a 5' aluminum box

Putting one reciever on each side by the main frame on my 2012 vlite

I agree with Hob
after reading about MANY frame problems
one must be careful
if you know about welding and the such
before attaching anyTHING to the frame
inspect the frame for cracks
missing or weak spot welding beads
should be not a problem to add to main f
but
some extra beefing up may be necessary

you can kiss your frame warranty good bye
these guys seem to be looking for
any excuse
to bail out on you

Mountainman

[youroo]

We have a 30wfk V,it was a death trap to tow with the rear fw tank & w/h. F/R has since moved these foward.I removed everything from the rear bumper to help this problem. I only have a sewer hose in the bumper & a NPS decal on the bumper. My vote is (NO) on bumper use! Youroo!!

[campdohbrew]

I agree with the others due to the frame problems folks have been posting about on here.

[Mountainmanbob]

Originally Posted by youroo

I only have a sewer hose in the bumper
& a NPS decal on the bumper.
My vote is (NO) on bumper use!

with my welding and frame experience
as an Equip Tec
I would call this
a shame as we think about it
most all frames should be able
to handle some extra weight added
to the rear end
when properly installed (bolted or welded)
frames are usually
not
made so very weak
that not only should one not add to
but
must worry about the way in which
it came factory direct
while working at the City as Equip Operator
we at one time
ordered what looked to be
super light weight trailers
so as to haul some of the smaller
riding mowers
we all had second thoughts regarding these
but
even these weak looking trailers
although used for many many years
by some abusive Operators at times
I never remember breaking

now after reading many posts
I'am even concerned
when using the leveling jacks
do these little THINGS
put stress if not
raised gently and evenly ???

I'am being very careful with my frame
after a lifetime of repairing THINGS
now retired
I just want to go camping

not adding to
and
keeping an eye on this THING
seems to be possible
preventive medicine ???

Mountainman

[Herk7769]

Having seen the cosmetic tack welds that hold that (mostly) decorative bumper onto a minimally sized frame for the stated gross weight; I also say "Bad Idea."

[crocus]

The aluminum box would probably be ok, but you wouldn't be able to put anything in it. The frames on these campers are simply too light to support much additional weight. You would end up bending the frame, guaranteed. That is unless the box simply ripped right off and killed some innocent driver.

[Fire Instructor]

I was worried about the above stated frame stress, and adding weight behind the axles, making the TT tail-heavy, so I added a much smaller (30") plastic/composite box there - I slid the spare tire mount from the center to immediately next to the ladder, and then the shorter box fit fine. All I store in this box is my macerator pump and hose, an extra length of sewer hose, and various drin fittings, donut, rubber gloves, etc... everything related to waste water disposal. This keeps it away from everything else. The box, and everything in it, total less than 50 lbs., but it frees-up space elsewhere.

I then removed the factory battery box, moved the propane tanks slightly closer to the electric hitch jack, and a 5' long, 12" wide aluminum pick-up truck storage box (from Lowes) fit in there fine. I vented the back of it before installing, and this became the battery box for my pair of 6v golfcart batteries, plus it holds leveling links, wooden blocks, folding flagpole stand, and army-surplus folding shovel and trenching tools.

[dilgerc]

Ok y'all confirmed my gut feeling on this so it's a no go on the storage box on the bumper. Just wished I had more storage. Thanks so much for all your advice and good job on yours fire instructor.

[tonyz]

I would take off the factory bumper and extend the frame with plates on either side of the 'I' beam, at least 18 inches in, then make a stiff custom bumper from tube steel, to attach the removable box. What I have noted from cargo baskets and such that go in to receiver hitches, is that they are good for a cooler or less of weight, but put too much leverage when weighted on the receiver, which would crumple a factory tt bumper.

[tonyz]

If you looking for added storage, look to wasted space inside. Pull off some removable panels and see what you can do with that, folks on this forum, along with myself, have had great luck with that.

For exterior storage, look for a tongue box if you have room. And if you are feeling adventurous, there is a ton of waisted space under the trailer. Impersonally am looking into building metal frames the same depth as the 'I' beam frame that will house the large, thin, ammo cans on their side.

[youroo]

Post #9 & #12 dont apply he has a V-Lite trailer. Youroo!!

[dilgerc]

That's true youroo. Worked great for them tho.