Added Exterior Storage

mikewingo1955

I wanted to get some storage that was easily accessible to store the things needed immediately when arriving at camp and the last things to store when breaking camp. Examples: Surge protector, electric cord, wheel chocks, stabilizer wrench, water hose, level, grey water hose.

So I bought these ATV toolboxes and mounted them to the platform on the front of my T@G. I used framing strip backed with rubber to dampen vibration and spread the stress across the area, 3/8" galvanized washers and hex bolts. Used a split lock washer on the bottom. Ran the bolts through the holes on the camper platform, so no drilling on the camper. The framing straps inside and on the bottom helped spread the pressure across the floor of the toolbox for strength.

michaelsandovalngc

Looks awesome

Fishermanandy

Great idea. Thanks for the details and pics.

DavidJenifer

Great idea. What size are the boxes?

mikewingo1955

David, they are 20" W x 12" D x 9-3/4" H. I tried a taller one but the pull handles on the T@G prevented the opening of the lid enough. These open almost completely. Plenty to easily access everything. I moved the box out about 1-1/2" from the back of the platform to provide more opening. This is the best mod that I have made to the T@G. Made set up and breakdown so much easier.

TomD

Great stuff! I love it when function beats out form and the form is beautiful. The entire set up looks like it should have come as an included option. Soooo useful.

mikewingo1955

Thanks Tom

tanda62

Just want to say thanks for the idea Mike. I got the same boxes and mounted them as you did - this will be a time saver and no I don't have to lift up the bed to get setup!
Tom

mikewingo1955

Glad it worked out for you Tanda. I looked for a long time to find the boxes that worked for me. It is a real time saver and I know exactly where the things that I need are.

tanda62

Just went on our first trip with the new boxes and wow what a difference! Saved all kinds of time and having all the stuff necessary for setup in one place is great.
Tom

LifeInTheRightLane

Mike. Excellent post. Where did you find this size box? Been searching online and cannot find them. Thanks

Michigan_Mike

https://m.ebay.com/itm/Better-Built-67011386-ATV-Tool-Box-Aluminum-Diamond-Plate-20-long-12-wide-/311223007430?_mwBanner=1&_rdt=1

Michael

Mike (wingo1955),
Is your T@G a 5W or a 6W? In measuring mine even the 20in boxes would hang out too far in my opinion on my 5W. I would think from your pictures that yours is a 6W but just wanted to ask. Thanks

mikewingo1955

yes mine is a 6 wide

mikewingo1955

Lifeintherightlane, I bought mine on Amazon

jetravel

I'm looking for the specs for the boondock platform before purchasing. I have a new, larger tongue box. I would like to be sure there's some platform ledge space on either side of the box before ordering.

racpat

Mike, I notice on your first photo that you have a batwing awning installed on the roof rack. I also bought this awning and a mounting kit for the yakima racks, but the mouting blocks and U-bolts do not fit the T-shaped brackets that came with my rack. It seems you have L-shaped brackets with the awing mounted down. Is that high enough to clear the rear hatch? Is the gap between the awing and the trailer an issue (rain)?
Thanks, Patrick

mikewingo1955

racpat, my awning is not a batwing it's an ARB 2500. Sorry so slow about replying.