Trailer tongue storage box.

[sara maccalman]

I have spent the past several days searching for a box that we could attach to our '72 Boler American's trailer tongue. We want to be able to keep the propane tank and battery secure and out of the elements as well as have a little extra storage space. Thus far I have not discovered an available light weight (ie: plastic of one sort or another) box that is tall enough to accommodate the 18" propane tank. Surely someone out there in FG land has figured out a solution to this dilemma. Perhaps they have made one or found something they could modify.
Sadly, I have never had any luck searching on this site....no doubt a clear case of pilot error. I've read the "how to" blurb but still, nothing pertinent shows up. ...sigh. Any tips would be implemented STAT and I would be very appreciative.

[Greg H]

I will suggest E bay if you have not already looked there. Without being able to weld and with a for some strange reason modified hitch, I really don't have room on my tongue.

[cpaharley2008]

Here is mine with 2 group 27 batteries and a small propane tank- purchased at Tractor Supply- $99

[cpaharley2008]

another

[Bill Reilly]

If I wanted a box for my trailer tongue, I would search the internet for "Dock Boxes" . The boating fraternity uses a large number of these in a huge variety of shapes and sizes. Your local marina or marine supplier may have a line on these as well.

Bill Reilly
Picton, Ontario

[Donna D.]

Based on Bill's suggestion, here's a page to look at: Dock Boxes from this company: DockItems.com - Products for your home Boat Docks

[sara maccalman]

Originally Posted by Greg H

I will suggest E bay if you have not already looked there. Without being able to weld and with a for some strange reason modified hitch, I really don't have room on my tongue.

Good suggestion Greg. Thanks, it's great to hear from another Boler American aficionado.

[Greg H]

Not an Aficionado, but still learning.

[sara maccalman]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

another

Whoa, Jim. That looks pretty much perfect but what exactly do you mean by "small" propane tank? The one we have is 18" tall. Is your's smaller than that? Thanks for the response and good pictures!

[sara maccalman]

Originally Posted by Greg H

Not an Aficionado, but still learning.

Greg, Perhaps appreciator would have been a better choice of words. I'm still at the bottom of the learning curve myself but having lots of fun learning.

[sara maccalman]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Based on Bill's suggestion, here's a page to look at: Dock Boxes from this company: DockItems.com - Products for your home Boat Docks

Thanks for the link Donna, I have to admit that living here in land-locked Montana, the concept of the Dock Box is a new one to me. Will definitely explore further.

[Greg H]

You will learn tons here!

[Donna D.]

You're welcome Sara. Until Bill mentioned it, I had never heard of a Dock Box. Learn something new everyday here on FiberglassRV

BTW: Jim's smaller propane tank is like this: http://www.google.com/products/catal...w=986&bih=619# You can also get one with the same footprint as the 20#, but it's 11# http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/l...pane-tanks.htm I wouldn't go through a big tank in a year. YMMV

[Roy in TO]

I used 2 11# propane tanks and a battery box under the tongue box.
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...tml#post133722

With a better description here:
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...tml#post133720

[Marg]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Here is mine with 2 group 27 batteries and a small propane tank- purchased at Tractor Supply- $99

Wow, I like the looks of that box (with the two batteries and propane tank), but, don't batteries get hot? Should they be contained so tightly with the propane tank? Marg

[melissab]

How did you secure the box to your frame?

[cpaharley2008]

The batteries do not get any hotter than they would in a battery box sitting on your tongue.
I installed 6 vents along side,back and bottom so it is cooler than sitting in the conventional battery box. No heat issues.
The box is attached with a "U" bolt which runs on each side of the frame up into the box and bolted. I installed a thin piece of plywood to give the bolt some area to "bite" other than the plastic box bottom. I think they were 4" bolts because the frame is 3"