Front Storage Box

[Dr C]

Originally Posted by Alex Adams

Before adding a lot of weight to your tongue, you might want to look through this information:

https://practicalmotoring.com.au/car...eavy-trailers/

I am consciously planning to keep as much weight near the axle on my Boler 1300 as is possible.

Alex, thank you. Great read and review of my Physics 101 class! What is stored in the box is critical.

[Mike D]

The front storage box on the Bigfoot trailer is awesome. Like several people above, we store things like our Hensley Hitch hardware, leveling blocks, and black/gray tank draining equipment in the box.

[Martin A]

I had a request for pictures and it was easier to post them for all to see.
These photos show how I modified the part of the box that covers the lp tanks and battery to be more accessible as I have severe arthritis and can't lift them out away from home where I use a medical lift for things I can't lift.
I used a fine toothed blade in a jig saw to cut along the blue tape in the first picture. 2nd picture self explanatory. 3rd is outside view of attached cover and seam, note painted head of carriage bolt with plastic washer this is the bolt that has the plastic threaded knob in the next two pictures. After separating the cover I used a heat gun to form fit some white plexiglass to the fixed portion creating a ledge that the removable part fits against and the bolt goes through this also to secure it.
Not shown in the pictures are two 1/4" bolts at the front of the cover just behind the jack that are threaded into the top of the frame that secures the front of the cover.
The final picture shows how I dealt with the hatch cable with a small carabiner and loops in the cable, and adding a nylon rope( holes about 4" apart ends tied in a square knot on the inside) handle on each side as the cover is awkward to handle when removing it.
It may not be pretty however it meets my needs.
If you have questions feel free to ask.

[John in Santa Cruz]

the escape 21 I just picked up has a cargo box, and I've put ALL the outside trailer stuff in it, chocks, blocks, leveler crank, hoses, etc. My wife hates having that stuff inside (can't blame her) and carrying it in a crate in the back of my tacoma (for our Casita 16), the crate was always in the way.

[Jack Walter]

I mocked up a cardboard version of the front storage box I wanted to add to my trailer and had a local sheet metal shop fabricate it - it cost just around $300. It holds my propane tank, chocks, step blocks and jack handle.

[Jan Dyke]

not much room on the front of a 73 boler but I did find a nice compact Contico lockable at Wallmart in Wa State. Nothing like that here in BC. It will hold my battery,5 lb propane tank,wheel chocks and jacks
Jan

[Jon in AZ]

Originally Posted by Jan Dyke

...I did find a nice compact Contico lockable... It will hold my battery,5 lb propane tank,wheel chocks and jacks...

5 lb. propane tank or 5 gal. propane tank? The very common 5 gal. tanks hold about 20 lbs. of propane and weigh about 40 lbs. total.

I do wonder about the safety aspect of carrying two potential sources of flammable gas together with a potential source of a spark inside a closed container.

Could be wrong, but I was under the impression that most manufacturers that install a front cargo box containing the LP tanks put the batteries elsewhere, no?

[ststefan]

Originally Posted by Jan Dyke

not much room on the front of a 73 boler but I did find a nice compact Contico lockable at Wallmart in Wa State. Nothing like that here in BC. It will hold my battery,5 lb propane tank,wheel chocks and jacks
Jan

I found this one at Canadian tire. I had to move the tanks forward 1 1/2 inches to make it fit. Holds my battery and sewer connections.

[Bruce H]

The two foot longer frame is the same as a two foot longer tongue (it is two more feet from the axles to the hitch ball). That is a very good thing for stability at highway speeds.

[Dr C]

Originally Posted by Bruce H

The two foot longer frame is the same as a two foot longer tongue (it is two more feet from the axles to the hitch ball). That is a very good thing for stability at highway speeds.

Safety is a good thing plus the advantage of more storage.

The other ideas are very creative.

[Jan Dyke]

Jon 5 lb just a little tank for the odd time I want to use the stove. Battery and tank in same storage box could be a problem. Battery will be in a battery box seperate from the tank so no way the tank could move and short out the battery. I definately will vent the box and tank will be turned off and propane bled from the line before traveling. Perhaps an anti static strap to the frame might also be a good idea. Thanks for your concern
Jan

[WizWid]

Originally Posted by Jon in AZ

Could be wrong, but I was under the impression that most manufacturers that install a front cargo box containing the LP tanks put the batteries elsewhere, no?

My Bigfoot came with 2 20# tanks and 2 12V batteries in the front box.
Its well ventilated.

[Jon in AZ]

I stand corrected. I guess with adequate venting, the risk is negligible. Hydrogen rises and propane sinks, so you'd need vents both high and low. Does Bigfoot supply conventional lead-acid flooded batteries or some other type?

I know from experience that a loose connection on the battery can spark if there is something drawing power. I have learned to check occasionally when driving, as vibration can cause the connections to work loose.

[Burro1]

We had this pickup tool box on the back of the Burro for many years. It’s been invaluable for all kinds of around camp items like a little Weber w/ small pieces of apple fire wood. Tools a small compressor. jack etc.
Adding the motorcycle to the back and moving the box to the front required reinforcing and lengthining the frame plus a larger axil and wheels.

[Dapaxton]

We do not have one but I wish we did!

[Dr C]

Kevin and Dawn. Thank you. We were having cold feet, and appreciate you sharing your thoughts.

[Burro1]

The longer trailer will be more stable pulling and a little less touchy while backing.
If you have ever had speed wiggles you will like the extra security the added length provides.

[Wacenturion]

I too have a 2008 30th Anniversary 25B25FB trailer with the front storage. Would be lost without it, coming from all the storage we had on our previous Bigfoot motor home. Also additional length is great safety and towing wise. If I recall it actually reduces tongue weight somewhat.

[Dr C]

Originally Posted by Wacenturion

I too have a 2008 30th Anniversary 25B25FB trailer with the front storage. Would be lost without it, coming from all the storage we had on our previous Bigfoot motor home. Also additional length is great safety and towing wise. If I recall it actually reduces tongue weight somewhat.

Dan, nice rig. Thank you for your insight. We are in with the storage box.