FRONT UTILITY BOX
Posted: Sat Sep 07, 2013 12:15 pmThis is how I built my Trailer Tongue Box last August using scrap materials I had laying around.
Since the beginning of my project I have been looking for a suitable front utility "Tongue Box" box for my Teardrop. I saw a lot of boxes in my search, but none that was big enough or shaped right. One day last year I was looking for something in my garage and came across this piece of aluminum Diamond Plate that used to be the flip down end flap on my toy hauler trailer tail gate. I took it off my tail gate because it wasn't needed and it lightened my tail gate up considerably for lifting and I realized that it was about the right size for the sides of my Utility box.
I measured it up and did a little planning and decided to use it as the sides on my box and I would build the back and bottom out of Tar Coated Plywood. I don't have a break, so I did my bending by notching the square tubing and scoring the diamond plate on the inside so I could bend it accurately.
So this is how it ended up. All that is left is to take it to my friend's sheet metal shop and have him make the lid, then I will hinge the lid to the back side to open up and back.
This box will be completely water proof and it will house my 120v / 12v Power Converter, Battery, Propane Tank and much more.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it. I hope this helps to bring ideas for a box to those who are looking for an alternative to the $300.00 under sized ones you find on the internet. PS : I extended the tongue 7" for plenty of clearance to the tow vehicle.
Since the beginning of my project I have been looking for a suitable front utility "Tongue Box" box for my Teardrop. I saw a lot of boxes in my search, but none that was big enough or shaped right. One day last year I was looking for something in my garage and came across this piece of aluminum Diamond Plate that used to be the flip down end flap on my toy hauler trailer tail gate. I took it off my tail gate because it wasn't needed and it lightened my tail gate up considerably for lifting and I realized that it was about the right size for the sides of my Utility box.
I measured it up and did a little planning and decided to use it as the sides on my box and I would build the back and bottom out of Tar Coated Plywood. I don't have a break, so I did my bending by notching the square tubing and scoring the diamond plate on the inside so I could bend it accurately.
So this is how it ended up. All that is left is to take it to my friend's sheet metal shop and have him make the lid, then I will hinge the lid to the back side to open up and back.
This box will be completely water proof and it will house my 120v / 12v Power Converter, Battery, Propane Tank and much more.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it. I hope this helps to bring ideas for a box to those who are looking for an alternative to the $300.00 under sized ones you find on the internet. PS : I extended the tongue 7" for plenty of clearance to the tow vehicle.
I dont think I could have done as good of a job with a brake. What kind of hinge are you using? I would consider putting the hinged side on the side so you can put the box against the cabin without too much of a gap. Think about it after you make the lid to try it out.
I am also a jack of many trades. I think that seal would work, you just have to get you hinge at the right height to keep the lid level, and a latch that pulls it down tight. As far as the vent, not too sure on anything, not much experience there. But with it being right behind the tv, the box will be taking the blunt impact of everything your tires throw up. Could you put it on the bottom with the vent pointing to the back? Or maybe some kind of scoop over the vent on the side? The box looks so good it is going to be hard putting a big hole in it.
