Enclosed Aluminum Box Front Mount

[John E Davies]

Mountainoliver, I may not be the only member who is curious about your light. It has a Victorian vibe. 😀 Can you elaborate?

And I really like that stout cross support. Excellent!

John Davies

Spokane WA

[mountainoliver]

The KSH folks provide a cam lock nylon strap for securing the generator. Looking at the photo of the u bolt inside the box, notice a 1/4 gap under the u bolt. I plan on running the straps under the u bolts and over the generator. I’ll probably also line the box with some sort of rubber to further protect the generator just in case. 

[mountainoliver]

The light? Hahaha, no particular meaning to it. I found it at a campsite. The previous folks threw it away because it didn’t work. Just cleaning up the contacts fixed it. I made an adapter for it and it’s just on a strong magnet. It stays in the back of the truck while traveling. 

[mountainoliver]

The trip that we just returned from last night was a month long road test to make sure that the box was weatherproof before I put the generator in. So as requested, I put the generator in the box this morning. The nylon strap that KSH supplied seems more than sufficient to hold the generator solidly in place. The original strap anchors that were welded inside the box may not have been sufficiently strong enough to hold the generator. I removed them because they were in the way of using the original Oliver supplied basket anchoring u bolts. If I were to buy this box again, I’d ask that the welded in strap anchors not be used. There is enough space for my extension cords and rope lights (pack rat deterrent) as well. I draped a piece of indoor/outdoor carpet over the generator to prevent any damage from the cords, etc. I’m very pleased with the results! The extra plus is that the generator box is about six inches narrower (front to back) and eight inches total narrower (side to side). This gives me a little tighter turning radius and a little less worry while backing up. I’m also saving about 15-18 pounds on the tongue. I would have liked to use a “store bought” triangular shaped aluminum tongue box but I never could find one of reasonable size that my generator could fit into. 

[Brian and Brandelyne]

On 5/21/2023 at 7:54 PM, Mike and Carol said:

A blurry shot from underneath the tongue.  It doesn’t look like much but it has been very stable over the last 5 years or so.

@Mike and Carol Mike - did you run all three bolts through the fiberglass in the same manner as in the pic?

Wasn’t sure if the “pair” of bolts in the aft section are plated together on the underside or they have their own washers and nuts.

Thanks - I will be installing one of these as well.

Brian

[Mike and Carol]

52 minutes ago, Brian and Brandelyne said:

@Mike and Carol Mike - did you run all three bolts through the fiberglass in the same manner as in the pic?

Wasn’t sure if the “pair” of bolts in the aft section are plated together on the underside or they have their own washers and nuts.

Thanks - I will be installing one of these as well.

Brian

Brian - three bolts, all with their own washers and nuts.  I drilled up through the fiberglass, then through the bottom of the box.  I had the box clamped to the tongue.  The hardware is stainless steel with neoprene washers on the aluminum.  Mike

[Patriot]

On 6/6/2023 at 10:39 AM, mountainoliver said:

The trip that we just returned from last night was a month long road test to make sure that the box was weatherproof before I put the generator in. So as requested, I put the generator in the box this morning. The nylon strap that KSH supplied seems more than sufficient to hold the generator solidly in place. The original strap anchors that were welded inside the box may not have been sufficiently strong enough to hold the generator. I removed them because they were in the way of using the original Oliver supplied basket anchoring u bolts. If I were to buy this box again, I’d ask that the welded in strap anchors not be used. There is enough space for my extension cords and rope lights (pack rat deterrent) as well. I draped a piece of indoor/outdoor carpet over the generator to prevent any damage from the cords, etc. I’m very pleased with the results! The extra plus is that the generator box is about six inches narrower (front to back) and eight inches total narrower (side to side). This gives me a little tighter turning radius and a little less worry while backing up. I’m also saving about 15-18 pounds on the tongue. I would have liked to use a “store bought” triangular shaped aluminum tongue box but I never could find one of reasonable size that my generator could fit into. 

@mountainoliver well thought out and nicely done! Do you think the gen box lid lock is robust enough to keep your gen secure? Have you considered a secondary cable lock inside the box to help secure your gen? I like the suitcase generators and their portability. Unfortunately due to their portability they have been known to grow legs. That said, I hope you never have an issue with theft.

Patriot🇺🇸

[mountainoliver]

Patriot, I hope that I don’t have a theft issue either! It was under a tarp for five years which could have been removed easily with a pocket knife. I did have a strong cable and lock but, as far as I know no one ever peaked under the tarp to find out. Yes, I have thought about a heavy hasp (probably home made) to tie the lid to the box. Still thinking about that. Then again no one knows what is in the box and weather it’s even worth the hassle to find out. Added locks gives the impression that there is something important in the box. Who knows?

[Patriot]

17 hours ago, mountainoliver said:

Patriot, I hope that I don’t have a theft issue either! It was under a tarp for five years which could have been removed easily with a pocket knife. I did have a strong cable and lock but, as far as I know no one ever peaked under the tarp to find out. Yes, I have thought about a heavy hasp (probably home made) to tie the lid to the box. Still thinking about that. Then again no one knows what is in the box and weather it’s even worth the hassle to find out. Added locks gives the impression that there is something important in the box. Who knows?

All good points. I seriously doubt you will ever have an issue with theft. And I agree, a hasp does highlight the box. A nice set up you have. All said, I would still consider a secondary lock for the gen, just me.
 It should serve you well. 

Patriot🇺🇸

[Brian and Brandelyne]

Ok, after much consideration and some mentoring from @mountainoliver I finally purchased and installed a storage box for my trailer tongue.  It was not the least expensive option but I got an incredible deal on it through a local vendor (truck parts/accessories store).  These have an insulated top, one hand opening feature and are very well made.

Thank you for all the ideas and suggestions on this thread.

Brian

[Wandering Sagebrush]

6 minutes ago, Brian and Brandelyne said:

Ok, after much consideration and some mentoring from @mountainoliver I finally purchased and installed a storage box for my trailer tongue.  It was not the least expensive option but I got an incredible deal on it through a local vendor (truck parts/accessories store).  These have an insulated top, one hand opening feature and are very well made.

Thank you for all the ideas and suggestions on this thread.

Brian

Looks good!

[rich.dev]

@Brian and Brandelyne very nice, is that the 49” UWS aluminum box, do you have a link for it?

[Brian and Brandelyne]

@rich.dev it is 34” across the back and 20” in the front. 
 

I will look for a link when I get home but it’s easy to find on Amazon. As I mentioned, my local guy was able to get it for much less than Amazon. 
Shop around. 
 

Brian

[rich.dev]

45 minutes ago, Brian and Brandelyne said:

I will look for a link when I get home

Disregards the link, I found it, thanks!

[Brian and Brandelyne]

@rich.dev I didn't have a factory basket so I called OTT and ordered the hardware they use to mount the baskets. It included the nice rubber strip that mounts between the basket and the fiberglass.

BL

[Brian and Brandelyne]

On 5/17/2023 at 11:44 AM, VBistro said:

We just installed this before leaving on a 6 week trip.  It's been a game changer!

Looks like the same one I installed. Plenty of room and very well made.

BL

[rich.dev]

3 minutes ago, Brian and Brandelyne said:

I didn't have a factory basket so I called OTT and ordered the hardware they use to mount the baskets

Ah great thanks good to know! 👍🏻

[rich.dev]

42 minutes ago, Brian and Brandelyne said:

I didn't have a factory basket so I called OTT and ordered the hardware they use to mount the baskets. It included the nice rubber strip that mounts between the basket and the fiberglass.

Brian, did you have to buy any additional hardware? 

[Brian and Brandelyne]

Just now, rich.dev said:

Brian, did you have to buy any additional hardware? 

I mounted a piece of square aluminum tubing (1" x 3" x 12") under the front inspired by @mountainoliver and then I added a strip on aluminum on the inside back for additional rigidity. I don't think I needed that as they welded nice aluminum angle brackets along the front and back. I will NOT be carrying a generator in this box, it is primarily for our camping needs.

I just have an issue putting things that are wet or dirty in the basement so close to the sleeping area although I try to clean them as much as possible before putting them in there.

BL

[JRK]

I have been looking for an alternative to the original Oliver box that likes to mash my bumper  - my fault as I turned to sharp. This just might be it. Looks good.

[RoadKingsofGA]

On 5/22/2023 at 11:45 AM, MAX Burner said:

@Katjo:  Here's the link:

ARKSEN 29 Inch Aluminum Diamond Plate Tongue Box Tool Chest, Waterproof Under Truck Storage for Pick Up Truck Bed, RV Trailer, ATV with Lock and Keys - Silver

 

I wanted to see if you are still happy with this box since install? We need one to contain set-up stuff only as we keep our larger generator in the truck bed. 

[jd1923]

On 5/22/2023 at 6:26 PM, Tim Willingham said:

I am also scared to death to drill into the fiberglass.  But I like the look and the space!

Don't be! I promise it doesn't feel your pain. Before I drill, I think "will I ever want to remove this?"