Tongue Storage

[Pat Maundrell]

Our TV has a 600 lb Tongue Weight Limit so we thought that any additional storage would be out of the questions. As it turns out, the used 2019 EL2 we bought already had the Storage Basket on it so we tried it out. We added a Wood Enclosure to secure out stuff and then measured the actual weight using a Tongue Scale. The empty TW was 480 lbs and included 2 half full LPG tanks and about 30% full fresh water tank, which I was encouraged to find. I remeasured the TW again before our first trip with the Storage full of Chocks/Levels/Hoses/some tools etc and found the Loaded TW  was at 580 lbs, perfect! I need to redo the Storage Box and include a Top Hinge and rodo the dimensions so our Honda Generator fill fit when required. Of course all the other stuff will have to be temporarily relocated inside the SUV and cooling/exhaust vent added.

[John E Davies]

That should work great. May I suggest a different tie down system? Those steel hooked bungee cords are nasty and can remove a finger or an eye if you are not really careful.

These ROK Straps are terrific, they look very classy and they probably won’t damage any of your body parts. I use them inside my Yakima Rocket Box and also to secure my two MaxTrax together, plus other applications. For anchors you can install stainless 1” footman loops in the front and back. If you want to stick with hooks, a safer choice is SmartStraps.

John Davies

Spokane WA

Edited April 9, 2021 by John E Davies

[Jim and Chris Neuman]

Years ago I learned the hard way about metal hooks on bungee cords.  John is right, please avoid them if possible.

[Patriot]

Another option;
Went this route and sealed the inside lid of the Action Packer with foam weather strip for Andersen chocks and blocks. 
Secured with Rhino ratchet straps. Small master locks (visual deterrent only) certainly not going to stop a determined thief.
 

 

 

 

Edited April 9, 2021 by Patriot

[Overland]

12 hours ago, John E Davies said:

These ROK Straps are terrific, they look very classy and they probably won’t damage any of your body parts.

I like those but I have had hit and miss luck with those plastic bayonet style clasps on backpacks and whatnot.  Obviously some are better than others, but that's not a place I'd want to test my luck.  

[John E Davies]

2 minutes ago, Overland said:

I like those but I have had hit and miss luck with those plastic bayonet style clasps on backpacks and whatnot.  Obviously some are better than others, but that's not a place I'd want to test my luck.  

Add a third one crossways for fail-safe security. I always like to have more than the absolute minimum. The ROK Straps have a lifetime warranty and they have an excellent reputation in the motorcycle world. If a buckle fails they will replace the strap. I would not choose them to routinely hold a set of exposed sand tracks on a roof rack, but I would be happy to short term if I also added two extras at different attach points. For securing camp chairs inside a protected cargo pod they are dandy.

John Davies

Spokane WA

[Patriot]

14 minutes ago, Overland said:

I like those but I have had hit and miss luck with those plastic bayonet style clasps on backpacks and whatnot.  Obviously some are better than others, but that's not a place I'd want to test my luck.  

Agreed Overland, I have ROK straps from my BMW ADV dual sport days. A quality strap for securing cycling gear, packs etc. For the action packer I wanted a lot more substantial strap hence I  with Rhino ratchet straps. Just another view point.

Edited April 9, 2021 by Patriot

[Pat Maundrell]

Good suggestions.

This box was done in a hurry so I could try it out during our first Road Trip. We found it to be very useful and convent! The second generation will be better, maybe different material and dimensions to fit the Honda Generator for intermittent usage. Additionally a Marine Grade Hinged Top with Lock.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the TW was still within our TV's limits.

[BackofBeyond]

You do need a certain amount up front - one must offset the load attached to the rear 11/4 " carrier.

 

Balance is important-

The art of front to back distribution - exposed:

Simple really. 

Happy Friday.

RB

 

[Pat Maundrell]

4 hours ago, Pat Maundrell said:

Good suggestions.

This box was done in a hurry so I could try it out during our first Road Trip. We found it to be very useful and convent! The second generation will be better, maybe different material and dimensions to fit the Honda Generator for intermittent usage. Additionally a Marine Grade Hinged Top with Lock.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the TW was still within our TV's limits.

One more thing, currently the Top get screwed down with 4 Stainless Steel screws for security, the buggies are redundant. The finished version will have a SS Hinged Top and 2 locks.

[Pat Maundrell]

You are 100% correct!

In all serious, you should have 9-15% of your trailer's weight on the Tongue. In my case, our Tow Vehicle's  TW is limited to 600 LBS, so I have to be careful not to exceed this. I am in the process of added a Bike Rack Receiver to our Oliver as we speak, and will observe the 100-150 lbs limit. The original plan was to install a Bike Rack there for one 65 lb ebike, the second ebike had to be stored inside the TV. A percentage of this additional weight, let say 150 lbs (Bike + Bike Rack) will be subtracted from the TW. However, because this added weight is behind the Trailer's Axles, (leverage) it will increase, so the actual weight the Axles sees, could easily be 250 lbs. I haven't done the math yet, but it will probably mean 50 lbs (of the 250 lbs) will COME OFF (leverage again) of the Tongue Weight. Currently our TW is 580 lbs. This could be good news by making room, weight that is, for our Honda Generator to be permanently mounted on the Tongue.

[Geronimo John]

@ Patriot:  Which model number Action Packer did you use?   I really like your solution.  

Thanks for  posting it.

 

[topgun2]

GJ - 

I know that Patriot is presently a bit "busy", so, it might take him a few days to get back to you on this.

Bill

[Galway Girl]

Jumping in as we use them as well... size of Action Packer that fits the Oliver Front Tray.

Not suggesting you buy from Amazon, just using it to show the size etc.

Craig

 

 

 

 

 

[DavidS]

I would like to suggest an alternative to the 24 gallon ActionPacker, the 27 gallon Greenmade Tote. It is available at Costco for $8.50, much less than the ActionPacker 24. 

It is also available at other stores for $9-$14. 

It is lockable, although a determined thief could easily overcome the lock. I have driven through rainstorms with it, and in my hands it is waterproof. 

It fits perfectly in the Ollie storage basket. I carry my empty grey water waste tote on top of it. 

 

[Overland]

If you're looking for something bombproof, I've used Hardigg cases for years.  I don't know what you'd have to do to destroy one, and you can spray them down with a power washer without them leaking.  You can always find them on eBay in different sizes, sometimes very cheap.  Appearance quality is hit and miss since most of them are military surplus.  I've got a bunch of grey ones in the 1818-0603 size, which is about the largest that I'd want to lift over my head to put on a rack, but you could use a larger one on the front basket.  I've thought about getting a huge one for the back of the Ollie to cary my wife's telescope.  

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=hardigg&_sacat=0

 

[SeaDawg]

2 hours ago, DavidS said:

I would like to suggest an alternative to the 24 gallon ActionPacker, the 27 gallon Greenmade Tote. It is available at Costco for $8.50, much less than the ActionPacker 24. 

It is also available at other stores for $9-$14. 

It is lockable, although a determined thief could easily overcome the lock. I have driven through rainstorms with it, and in my hands it is waterproof. 

It fits perfectly in the Ollie storage basket. I carry my empty grey water waste tote on top of it. 

 

These stack well, too. We have several. 

[Hokieman]

Followed Overland’s suggestion and looked for Hardigg cases on Facebook Marketplace.  I found dozens of good candidates for less than $60 within 50 mile radius.   I’ve got some smaller ones, but plan on getting a bigger one for cargo tray.   Search “aluminum storage tray dimensions” in this forum if you need to figure out what sizes will fit.

[Overland]

27 minutes ago, Hokieman said:

Followed Overland’s suggestion and looked for Hardigg cases on Facebook Marketplace.  I found dozens of good candidates for less than $60 within 50 mile radius.   I’ve got some smaller ones, but plan on getting a bigger one for cargo tray.   Search “aluminum storage tray dimensions” in this forum if you need to figure out what sizes will fit.

Glad you mentioned distance - the shipping cost for those cases can be pretty high just due to their size. 

[Landrover]

Here is one more option to consider. It works very well for us. Lifetime cooler from Walmart it serves multi  purposes, takes up all the space in the basket just enough room on the back side to store two 2x6 wood blocks  water tight,  can be used for extra dry food or put food on ice which lasts about 4 days or just use as a anything storage.  I also added a theft deterrent chain and lock on the back side.  i also plan on getting another fuel pack for the other side of the basket.  4gals of fuel plus all the onboard propane I’m set for hurricane season.💨💦⚡️

[Hokieman]

Glad you suggested this Landrover, I think I may go with that option.  

[SeaDawg]

Landrover, is that one of the bear proof models? Looks pretty rugged. I've not seen those in person.

[Landrover]

38 minutes ago, SeaDawg said:

Landrover, is that one of the bear proof models? Looks pretty rugged. I've not seen those in person.

Sea Dawg 

I remember seeing a bear sticker on it you my be right.  Bear proof or not if he wants it I won’t argue. 😳

[SeaDawg]

Only ask, because we camp in bear country a lot. I wouldn't argue, either. 😄

[Landrover]

6 minutes ago, SeaDawg said:

Only ask, because we camp in bear country a lot. I wouldn't argue, either. 😄

Check you tube there’s a lot of videos and reviews on them.