New box in front of TT

vizsla owner · 05-28-2013, 07:51 AM

I needed a way to haul firewood since we now have a suburban instead of truck. I was going to go with just a frame covered in expanded metal and then would strap down the wood. Got lucky though and found this aluminum and lockable box for about the same price as it was going to cost to make the original idea.

Now I can store the hitch and bars when not camping or if we don't need wood I have extra lockable storage.

Before view, had to move the tanks forward.

After view

View from the front.

DDC · 05-28-2013, 08:06 AM

Looks good, what did you do with the battery?

rattleNsmoke · 05-28-2013, 08:26 AM

Great mod. I bet the battery is in the box.

vizsla owner · 05-28-2013, 08:50 AM

We don't have battery's on the TT. We always camp where there is power (DW won't allow anything else) and it's usually close enough we don't worry about running with the fridge on.

sdelam · 05-28-2013, 08:58 AM

What powers the break away switch if there is no battery? I am assuming it has electric brakes.

TURBS · 05-28-2013, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vizsla owner

We don't have battery's on the TT. We always camp where there is power (DW won't allow anything else) and it's usually close enough we don't worry about running with the fridge on.

If you have a wfco converter "most campers do" they MUST have a battery to work properly.
My bil tried this and after two converters he finally put a battery back in.
He was to cheap to buy a battery but ended up buying two converters instead and then still bought a battery......

Turbs

Doering · 05-28-2013, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdelam

What powers the break away switch if there is no battery? I am assuming it has electric brakes.

I was thinking "surge" brakes. But that trailer is fairly large and the coupler on the frame front does not have a fluid reservoir. Perhaps no brake away? Using lanterns and flashlights at night?

vizsla owner · 05-28-2013, 12:02 PM

Trailer has a brake away switch, didn't think about needing power for them if that happened.

We are pulling our longest ever upcoming in July (about 5 hours). Looks like I better figure a way to put a battery someplace.

What's the best option?

Feldhege · 05-28-2013, 01:01 PM

I put mine in the box and then ran the wires through two rubber grommets. Now I just have to add a vent on the front.

cbvp · 05-28-2013, 01:25 PM

I don't know what part of the country your traveling but in Wisconsin hauling firewood is frowned upon and prohibited by law in some instances. More and more campgrounds are posting signs bringing in firewood not allowed.

C.B.

Arefbee · 05-28-2013, 02:06 PM

CBVP is correct that many regions (stated, counties, etc.) make it illegal to transport wood. Ask your campground is there are restrictions. The emerald ash borer will be making a mess of trees out this way soon.

That said, if I am going to a near CG (same eco system) I use one or a couple of these in the back of the Yukon. Amazon.com: Easy-Open Collapsible Garden Waste Container in Green: Patio, Lawn & Garden

Lot better than paying $15 for 15 pieces of someone elses yard waste (I have plenty of my own!)

MMattox · 05-28-2013, 02:22 PM

Vizsla,
I have a 14 foot enclosed trailer and it has a little battery in it's own little case for the breakaway switch mounted to the frame rail. These batteries are smaller than a motorcycle battery too! I would think that you could pick up one of these pretty cheap. but it will need to be charged so you would have to figure that part out.

**bikendan** · 05-28-2013, 03:23 PM

it's also illegal in every state, as far as i know, to transport a trailer without a battery, if the trailer has electric brakes.
so, you've already been breaking the law, so why not go ahead with the firewood.

John McClain · 05-28-2013, 04:02 PM

Just run 1 AGM or Gel battery: they don't need to be vented and can be mounted in about any position. Place a small batt. box in your tool box screw it down into place now drill a 3/4 '' hole threw the tool box . Than push a piece of rubber heater hose threw the hole and out of the back of the tool box. The heater house shoud sit like 1'' inside and how ever long on the out side you want it . Now run your power and ground threw the hose, silicon the heck out of it problem solved. You can even use a hose clamp on both sides of the tol box to give you pease of mind if need be.

DDC · 05-28-2013, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikendan

it's also illegal in every state, as far as i know, to transport a trailer without a battery, if the trailer has electric brakes.
so, you've already been breaking the law, so why not go ahead with the firewood.

A we bit harsh! ( could be cut two by fours) and he did not realize the battery not being there was such an issue and seems thankful that it was pointed out to him.

How many amps does the breaks draw when the pin is pulled, would a small battery be able to do this?

Doering · 05-28-2013, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DDC

A we bit harsh! ( could be cut two by fours) and he did not realize the battery not being there was such an issue and seems thankful that it was pointed out to him.

How many amps does the breaks draw when the pin is pulled, would a small battery be able to do this?

For the ESCO breakaway switches supplied as a kit with a small battery: the battery included is 5Ah and 12V.

**bikendan** · 05-28-2013, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DDC

A we bit harsh! ( could be cut two by fours) and he did not realize the battery not being there was such an issue and seems thankful that it was pointed out to him.

How many amps does the breaks draw when the pin is pulled, would a small battery be able to do this?

i meant to put a winking smilie.

it was meant to be tongue-in-cheek.

vizsla owner · 05-29-2013, 09:53 AM

bikendan - no offense taken.

Almost all of our camping is within Nebraska so I'm fine with hauling firewood around.

I definitely didn't think about the brake switch and will look for away to install a 12v battery to cover that.

Would a 12v garden tractor size work? I have a battery charger so I can make sure it has a full charge prior to any trip. And with that size I could mount it about anywhere the cable reaches.

Doering · 05-29-2013, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vizsla owner

bikendan - no offense taken.

Would a 12v garden tractor size work? I have a battery charger so I can make sure it has a full charge prior to any trip. And with that size I could mount it about anywhere the cable reaches.

Yes, that size of battery will be fine fully charged.

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