Alternative Front Storage Basket

[Just Joe]

I wanted a front storage basket that my generator could travel in that would also have enough extra space for a couple other items. This basket fits over top of the jack so there is no wasted space behind it, and I didn't have to drill any holes in my LEII to attach it securely! I used two pieces of heavy guage 1" aluminum pipe across the bottom of the tounge and four 8" bolts that are through bolted to the basket on the sides. I used square rubber spacers between the rack and the fiberglass tounge which allows cargo straps to secure items in multiple locations. An added bonus is the basket framing is spaced perfectly to allow the rubber feet on my generator to fit securely over it (I did stick four more rubber spacers to the bottom of the generator where it straddles the basket framing. The basket, the generator, and the other items add about 100lbs to the tounge. I will be offsetting this added weight with a receiver style bike rack I will be adding to the rear of our LEII (more on that in a future post). I measured how tightly I will be able to now turn (especially while backing up), and I should be fine. I am very happy with this storage basket and the price! 😊 

[Ronbrink]

1 hour ago, Just Joe said:

I measured how tightly I will be able to now turn (especially while backing up), and I should be fine.

I would be more concerned when turning sharp corners or turnarounds with your setup; even backing up into a campsite pad could be challenging, which is usually not a straight shot! Aside from that, you’ve made good use of this valuable real estate; really like the gas can mounts. Many owners have added weight to the tongue and seem pleased, rear additions or not. Good luck with your endeavor! 

[Shawna and Scott]

Sea Biscuit Metal Designs has generator boxes that are enclosed specifically designed for Oliver TT along with other accessories.

I know a lot of owners have them.

 

[rich.dev]

35 minutes ago, Shawna and Scott said:

 

Sea Biscuit Metal Designs has generator boxes that are enclosed specifically designed for Oliver TT along with other accessories.

 

Yes, the sea biscuit box looks very well made, I just couldn’t justify paying $1200 for a box that I can get on Amazon for more than half the price. Yes I know it’s not the same quality but I (me personally) don’t need a “safe” to hold my chocks, levelling blocks etc. in, but hey, that’s why there’s dark and white chocolate, I like dark chocolate! My $350 box from Amazon is working perfectly fine for my needs. 😊

[Shawna and Scott]

1 hour ago, rich.dev said:

Yes, the sea biscuit box looks very well made, I just couldn’t justify paying $1200 for a box that I can get on Amazon for more than half the price. Yes I know it’s not the same quality but I (me personally) don’t need a “safe” to hold my chocks, levelling blocks etc. in, but hey, that’s why there’s dark and white chocolate, I like dark chocolate! My $350 box from Amazon is working perfectly fine for my needs. 😊

I don't have a generator box, just a rubber maid container to put my chocks and stuff in that goes into the front tray/box Oliver provided.

I was just putting an option out for others who visit this thread as I mentioned I know several who have the products from Sea Biscuit. 

Everyone's needs and budgets are different. 

[rich.dev]

1 minute ago, Shawna and Scott said:

I was just putting an option out for others who visit this thread as I mentioned I know several who have the products from Sea Biscuit. 

Everyone's needs and budgets are different.

Agree 💯%, sorry did not mean to sound like I criticized your post! I also was just putting the more affordable option out there. Like I said the Amazon box works just fine for our needs. 
 

[Geronimo John]

14 hours ago, Ronbrink said:

I would be more concerned when turning sharp corners or turnarounds

Ditto.  I would only say "Danger Will Robins Danger".  There is a good reason OTT cut off the corners of the front box.  I and many other owners have the "witness marks" to prove it.  😞

Edited December 12 by Geronimo John
typo

[jd1923]

Yep, $1200 for a toolbox no way for me! 🤣 With another $150 an Atmos AC system can be shipped to my door!

Certainly a good price on this one. You made the frame weaker by drilling through it in 4 places. They show it mounted with U-bolts. I would add a steel plate under the compressor, large enough to cover all frame members short of the outer perimeter. Hold it down by the same 4 bolts to strengthen those points and better support your generator.

I also like the ability to pull U-turns, steering fully cocked. I've found that even with my long-bed truck, Oliver in tow, I can pull a rather tight U-y when needed, as sharp as I can turn without the Oliver in tow.

I'm happy with the basket OTT installed. We don't carry a generator, and our LP fire ring and several accessories fit nicely up there.

[Tideline77]

if you don’t mind a slight derail on your post?

I’m interested in what type gas cans you have mounted on your new front storage rack ?

Thanks !

[Wedgie321]

We have a Sea Biscuit Metal Designs front storage box and can’t say enough good things about it. It looks fantastic on the front of our Oliver, perfectly complementing the trailer’s design. The craftsmanship is top-notch—durable, sturdy, and well-constructed.

 

The extra storage space has been a game-changer for us. It allows us to keep bulky or frequently used gear easily accessible without cluttering the interior or other compartments. We’ve also been impressed with how well it holds up to the elements; the materials and finish are clearly built to last.

 

If you’re considering a front storage box for your Oliver, I highly recommend checking out Sea Biscuit Metal Designs. It’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing—an excellent upgrade for your trailer!

Here’s a link to their website if interested: https://seabiscuitmetaldesigns.com/product-category/oliver-travel-trailer-accessories/

[rideadeuce]

I am going to give another shout out to Seabiscuitmetaldesigns.com located in Johnson CIty, TN. It is not just that they make wonderful, well made custom products for the Oliver but when you buy from them you are supporting made in USA by USA workers that need support to put food on the table and keep the doors open. Awesome, friendly staff, including the dogs!

Best, M

Agree with @Patriot, every trip gives you more experience on how you want to pack/load the Oliver for each own's specific camping style. I like having the watertight storage for useful things that I can keep handy. Goal Zero solar generator will go into the bed of the truck when and if I need it. 

Edited 23 hours ago by rideadeuce

[Just Joe]

For those who have inquired, this is the gas can that I attached to my front basket. 

[Patriot]

@Just Joe  There are many available options out there for front storage boxes. In 2023, we did an epic 42 day loop out west and had our Honda 3200i mounted in the front basket. We never used the generator. During the trip, we quickly learned that storing a gen in the basket was not best use of this valuable storage space for our travel needs. The first thing we always found ourselves needing were chocks, blocks, 30 amp cord, LP grill hose, extension cord, and just all things go to gear. This meant opening the tailgate and unloading this gear out of a storage box in the bed of our TV. After returning home and doing a little research, I opted to order and install a front storage box from SeaBiscuit in Johnson City, Tenn. We actually went to their shop and picked it up as we do not live that far away from JC, Tenn. David and Kristine Hess, owners of SeaBiscuit, are some of the nicest people we have ever met. The quality and craftsmanship of their USA 🇺🇸 made products are excellent in our experience.

On this year’s 47 day trip out west, the SB cavernous water tight storage box was a great decision for us and has served us well. It sure was nice to have quick access to set up gear instead of opening our tailgate and pulling out our gear at each base camp. We now store/carry our rarely used 3200i gen locked down in our TV bed. 

Everyone’s budget, storage and travel needs are different. This storage box works for us and is how we roll. If you decide to attend the 2025 Oliver Rally at Lake Guntersville State Park in Ala, David & Kristine Hess and their staff will likely be attending with products to display. Hope to see you there!

Welcome to the forum!

Patriot🇺🇸

 

 

Edited December 13 by Patriot

[John Dorrer]

IMO this is a disaster waiting to happen. The chance of damaging your trailer is high. It is not a question if, but when. Not worth the risk. The stability is another concern. If that breaks off while driving, the result could be deadly for someone following behind and cause you to loose control.

 

Please listen to what others have shared. 

Edited December 14 by John Dorrer
Typo

[jd1923]

2 hours ago, John Dorrer said:

IMO this is a disaster waiting to happen. The chance of damaging your trailer is high. It is not a question if, but when. Not worth the risk. The stability is another concern. If that breaks off while driving, the result could be deadly for someone following behind and cause you to lose control.

To each their own. If I was going to replace the front basket, I would consider paying extra for Made in USA quality, good point. It must fit when turning, steering full-cocked, and be careful when backing up, as the angle can get tighter and even hit the smaller OEM basket. I know, as there's a crease in my rear bumper, whoops!

I don't travel with gas cans, period, for the spills and smells alone, let alone safety reasons. Everything we need is connected to the two OEM installed 30# LP tanks. If you must, consider a safety container, one that has less chance of exploding in an accident. Not sure of the safety rating of the gas can above, and I'm not recommending these brands, but this link will give you the idea: 5 Best Off-Road Gas Cans for Overlanding and Wheeling - Adventures on the Rock  

Then there is also the issue that ethanol-based fuel should be used within 30 days. Learned recently that Stabil doesn't really work. You can buy ethanol-free fuel which lasts somewhat longer. Maverick sells it in our area. LP tanks can be filled and kept in storage for as long as you would need.

I'm of the mindset of going high-end inverter, MORE AHs and solar wattage, and leave the ugly (sounding) generator at home! It's not worth the weight and they're heavy, so is the extra fuel. As @Patriot noted, 42 days out west without the need! I imagine he uses LP, but if he carried gas, it would be bad by the time they got home.

I'm always emptying the fuel tanks of our dirt bikes, within a few days of returning home, and my yard tools before winter, pouring the left-over gas into my son's old truck (he appreciates it)! Do this in time, or not at all. I also keep a 5-gallon steel gas can for old gas and use it to clean auto parts for my restoration projects. Kerosene or Diesel is safer, but I use what I have. 3 trucks, 2 cars, 3 dirt vehicles and 8 gas-powered yard tools, the last thing I would need is another 1-2 gas cans!!!

I understand those who live SE and need to run A/C all day either need shore power or generator. Our remedy is don't travel during summer months. Our usual travel season is late September through May. Next year we will travel early summer, only to visit family in MN and northern states to and from. Chris doesn't like summer, so we stay home where she plays pickleball indoors 3-4 times a week! Me only 1-2 times weekly, since I'm always working on something!

If our 720W solar (with Renogy 400W suitcase) will not keep our 600AH LiFePO4 batteries up to par after a week of boondocking, we find a spot with hookups for the night! Next year, after I install the efficient Atmos A/C, we will be able to run the A/C for a couple hours a day off-grid. Food for thought and best wishes to all. JD

[Geronimo John]

On 12/11/2024 at 6:48 PM, Geronimo John said:

Ditto.  I would only say "Danger Will Robins Danger". 

 

4 hours ago, John Dorrer said:

MO this is a disaster waiting to happen. The chance of damaging your trailer is high. It is not a question if, but when. Not worth the risk. The stability is another concern. If that breaks off while driving, the result could be deadly for someone following behind and cause you to loose control.

Joe: 

Several of us share similar safety thoughts about your storage solution.   Realistically, the backing damage hazard to your storage box and/or TV likely would not incur a liability concern.  But a more disasters event, such as postulated above, certainly would.  Please be aware that many forums contents are searchable on the Web. 

Should a worst case scenario happen, the plaintiff's attorney would likely present this thread as evidence.  He/She would present that you were duly warned about the safety issues of your design.  The attorney would then press for a determination that you were grossly negligent.  With such a determination, it generally results in triple damages.  Your insurance would likely not cover any claims or liabilities as a result of a courts assessment of a grossly negligent act by the policy holder.   In short, you are hosed.

So IMO as well,  it's just not worth the risk to you, you family or other's.

GJ

     

[Geronimo John]

That said....

I like your mounting concept. 

But in an adverse situation the short height will foster spilling contents out of the storage basket.  This is a major reason that the OTT box and all the options above have height enough to ensure stuff in the basket stay in the basket.  If you were to::

• Match the size and shape of the Oliver Box foot print, this would mitigate the Basket/TV interference damage issue somewhat.
• Ditch the hanging fuel containers outside the basket.  Reduce the fuel load and mount a fuel container inside the frame of your basket.  Would require vertical tang.
• Ditch the blue straps and get some STRONG ones.  These plastic strap ends will fail under impact. 
• The larger picture below seems to indicate  that the blue straps are run up and to the flanks of the generator handle.  IF this is the case, a better solution would be to "X" them on the front and back big sides of the generator, running them through the handle.  I would also increase the bottom width distance to help reduce movement port/starboard directional movement.  Or add another strong strap port/starboard also passing through the generator handle. 

Combined the above would significantly mitigate the situation.  

GJ 

      

[Geronimo John]

PS:  What is this?   Thanks  GJ

[Just Joe]

7 pin plug cradle (also keeps it dry).

[Geronimo John]

24 minutes ago, Just Joe said:

7 pin plug cradle (also keeps it dry).

NIce!

 

[Ronbrink]

On 12/14/2024 at 1:22 PM, Geronimo John said:

Ditch the blue straps and get some STRONG ones.  These plastic strap ends will fail under impact. 

To his credit, @Just Joe does show use of covers and metal cam lock straps in his last photo to protect and better secure the loads, respectively. However, agree with your point that proper strap configuration is paramount!

Edited December 16 by Ronbrink

[Geronimo John]

4 hours ago, Ronbrink said:

To his credit, @Just Joe does show use of covers and metal cam straps in his last photo to protect and better secure the load

My comment on the blue straps is their plastic ends.   I am not familiar with this strap buckle.  But it looks like just a loop through type.   If it is metal and is rated well stronger than the burst strength of the quality strapping, then again more credit to Joe.

GJ

 I am not familiar with this strap buckle

[Steve Morris]

We have the Oliver front storage basket, and use a Rubbermaid Action Packer 24. There is extra space around this, as it doesn't completely fill the basket. We'll sometimes stuff wet tarps of carpets in there rather than inside the trailer or SUV.
 

30 minutes ago, Geronimo John said:

 I am not familiar with this strap buckle

RollerCam, the best in the business, and made for continued use in the sun. They started out in the rafting industry, and expanded into other fields.
https://www.rollercam.com

We use one across the ActionPacker, and if leaving the trailer unattended for short times, we also use a bicycle cable lock.

[Ronbrink]

2 hours ago, Geronimo John said:

My comment on the blue straps is their plastic ends.   I am not familiar with this strap buckle.  But it looks like just a loop through type.   If it is metal and is rated well stronger than the burst strength of the quality strapping, then again more credit to Joe.

GJ

 I am not familiar with this strap buckle

Exactly, the blue straps with plastic fasteners are not adequate for this application, even as secondary securement. The cam lock straps are strength test rated and can be cinched down to the extent of one’s own strength; pressure on the cam releases the tension. For optimum securement and safety reasons, a ratchet strap would actually be the best choice.

[Geronimo John]

Sounds like these Roller Cam cam lock straps would be a great choice for battery hold downs.  

Thanks

GJ