Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

What is the conventional wisdom on mounting a steel wedge shaped tongue box against the roof of an aluminum skinned Teardrop? Should it be mounted flush against the trailer or should I allow a space between the box and the trailer roof? The box will open fully either way. I have searched the threads on "Tongue Box" and "Tongue box spacing" and found nothing. I appreciate any information on your experiences - good or bad. Thanks for the help. The maiden trip is scheduled for two weeks from today. Git-r-done!

When you say "Roof" I'm assuming you are referring to the front of the tear since you are talking about a tongue box. A space or gap of 1" would be about right, with the lid in an open or upright position to allow for clearance needed depending on how it's hinged.

Many "tongue" boxes must have some gap to be able to open the lid, but depending on the front contour the space does not need to be wasted. I uses a piece of 6" and 4" to store sewer hose and tent poles.

I think you are asking for trouble directly butted. Especially steel touching aluminum (corrosion). I'd give it a minimum of a quarter inch gap.

If it is touching then I would think that the steel would "sand" a hole in your aluminum just from road vibration. Even close could be bad if road grit and gravel could be trapped between the two.

I would leave some space between them.

Thanks folks for the quick responses. That's exactly what I needed. Shadow Catcher - great idea on the PVC pipe for tent poles, etc. so I will be borrowing your idea on that one. I have a large fishing rod case that may fit there perfectly as well. Cindy - I had not thought of the possibility of a rock lodging between the box and the body. Thanks for the heads up on that one. The wealth of knowledge on this forum is an incredible resource.

Do a google search for polyurethane tape or helicopter tape. It's a tough clear tape used to protect race car fenders and the leading edge of helicopter blades from flying debris. Really handy stuff anywhere you might be worried about abrasion, and it's nearly invisible.