A Frame Toyhauler deck box

[handbuilder]

My best friend liked my model so much that she bought one too...here is the custom box her brother made for her deck...its absolutely awesome!

[Yukon Don]

That looks like some pretty good workmanship.
(that second photo kinda makes it look like a coffin )

Those front decks must come in awfully handy.

[carltonn]

Is the box removable in case an atv or something larger needed to go there? Or is it more of a permanent thing where she wouldn't be hauling anything that large?

[handbuilder]

Yes, the box is removable, it weighs about 100 lbs

[FarFromStock]

Awesome box!!!!!!

[carltonn]

I wonder what the size of that box is, compared to the size of the bike hauler area on the T12BH and A122BH. Would that fit?

Hmmm, the ideas never stop!!

[backpacker3]

Nice box. Any idea how much cost was involved in time and materails?

[FarFromStock]

We did something very similar, but we put the box towards the back of the deck (next to the camper). Our solution was a truck box from Tractor Supply for about $200.




This is also removable, but we don't anticipate (at this time) to remove it - no big toys to haul...yet!

[handbuilder]

Buying a truck box is definitely less expensive than this custom made to fit box. Just the materials were $700-.. labor, design, fabrication was her brother. She said it wouldve been a $1500- box otherwise. It fits perfectly inside the rails of the deck, widthwise and is half the length of the deck. I actually like how she had it designed it fit the front so that the equipment taken to shows tucks behind the box & with easy access into the box, no reaching over other stuff to get into the box. I am still on the fence with which way to go...I'm loving the bigger custom box but dont love the expense...will have to see what DH might come up with after studying hers...

[handbuilder]

Glenn & Debbie, Your box gave me good visual for deck storage. A few days ago, I bought a similar looking diamond plate chest to yours, off Craigslist. Its deep enough and tall enough to hold my Champion generator, dry toilet system, misc dog stuff, digging tools and anything else I want out of sight. It measures 56" wide, 19" tall and 28" deep. Its aluminum so extremely lightweight, I can move it by myself. I told Carey if it doesnt work I'll sell it for what I got it for. Thanks again for sharing photos of your mod.

[gregory]

Nice purchase Handbuilder! I bet it'll work perfectly on you front storage deck. Post photos when you get it set up.

Deb

[handbuilder]

Thanks Deb! I hope it does the trick! It will be nice to "hide" the generator when traveling. I do have concerns when we stop at restaraunts or road side attractions with stuff on the deck...never worry about anyone taking the crates, but the Bal leveler and genny might be tempting...at least now they can be stowed in this box. I will take photos once its all set up. Carey is not letting on that he kmows this will be his task but he did remind me to go get the keys from the seller since I drove off without them. LOL - seller and I got to talking and completely forgot...

My maiden voyage was torrential rain at the show last year. I was glad to have the deck because I threw everything soaking wet on it, strapped it down and when I got home, I opened & dried it all out (of course it was bone dry, no rain in our town). That trip has scarred my thoughts of putting the awning/screen room on the trailer...the thought of pushing wet cloth onto the front panel and closing it up for travel traumatizes me. Haha I have visuals of water dripping inside the trailer while enroute. That said, I did tell my hubby that I might try the screen room out this year, it would work for camping but not the dog shows as I need more usable covered space than what the trailer awning offers.

[gregory]

Carey will be happy that the genny and other accessories won't be exposed to the elements and/or as easily stolen.

You might make the request to your sweetie that he secure the box to the deck (drill holes, use fender washers and bolts?) and not just tie it down with straps. Even though locked, the storage box could easily be lifted by two guys, taking it and all it's contents in one fatal swoop.

Bolted down or mounted in a secure way would present less opportunity and more of a challenge to the bad guys.

Deb

[handbuilder]

Yes, will do...the box has 4 holes in its floor and bolts w/washers to attach to the mesh deck...should be easy to do. You're right - I would be very upset if it was stolen because it wasnt secured properly.

[FarFromStock]

Good point Deb.

Tamara, Glenn secured the box to the frame using self-tapping screws from the inside of the box - also using aluminum L-channel strips as reinforcement. Basically the screws first hit the aluminum strip, then the box, then the frame. I'll take pictures tomorrow for you.

[FarFromStock]

Finally got some pictures of the deck box interior. The first pic shows the length of the bottom of the box - the L-strips are along the floor and outside walls of the box.

The second pic is a close up of one of the strips showing the self-tap screw (and Sharpie mark where the frame rails are).

The third pic shows where on the deck we installed the box - close to the camper vice the tongue.

The fourth pic shows the latch and lock we added for extra security.

Finally, the last pic is a Kryptonite chain and lock we use to lock the generator to the trailer when it's not tucked away in the deck box.

[gregory]

Schweet!

Deb

[handbuilder]

Great visuals, thanks!! I will plan to put the box against the trailer wall as well. I use a long rubber coated steel cable with heavy lock to secure the genny to the rear bumper when it is in use, plus the cable is also used to intertwine big stuff on the deck to keep from walking (ie the cooler, lounger, etc) I like the Kryptonite lock youve got, that sucker looks unbeatable! I carry a lock box that I use to lock the generator/cable and when I dont take the generator on a trip, the lock box is attached somewhere on the trailer so I dont have to carry keys at the show or when fishing at the river/lake.

[FarFromStock]

Yes. We have a lockbox too. Tucked it under the dinette seat so it's not taking up any living space!!

[handbuilder]

Debbie, the lockbox in this case, i sa residential padlock/lockbox accessed by a combination letter code.

We kept one hanging indiscretely on the fence (in the kennel facility) in case our son (when he was a latchkey kid) ever lost his housekey.

the one I hang on the trailer is usually locked on the bumper (or generator cable). The keys to the trailer are kept inside....this way I can leave my car keys and such locked inside when I leave the trailer to show the dogs or when we step out to town for dinner. We do have a firearm lock box in the truck camper tho...prob like the kind you have in your Carl.