Seeking Input on Camper Box Idea

First topic message reminder :

Hi all! One of my hobbies (other than camping) is woodworking. Once retired (now planned for November, 2011) I would like to be able to do some woodworking while we are traveling. DW and I plan to take several long trips per year but we are not planning to become full timers.

Have been dreaming and planning about doing wood turning (small items) and carrying the tools needed in a box to be mounted to the rear of our WC with two receivers. These would be attached below the bumper but on a frame added to the main beams of the WC (no attachment to the bumper).

Here are a couple of images with more info about the ideas. Your input would be appreciated. Thanks to all in advance. The extra images mentioned on the text image do not exist.

Sketch of box:



Text:

maxum1989 wrote:Glen,

I have finally finished the fabrication of the elevated bike rack and rear hitch box on my trailer. With winter not bringing the best of weather and my trailer being stored outdoors I had to pick my days to work on it. It is currently apart in pieces ready for painting. When that is complete I will weigh all the parts plus what I put into the box and let you know what it all came to. I have already done test drives with it mounted and loaded with good results. Give me a couple of weeks or so and I should have more information for you on this topic.

I am looking forward to reading (and viewing) more. Thanks!

I have finished my rear rack setup and I will do my best to post some pictures here to show you what I have done. Bear with me, I am new to the picture posting thing.

This first photo is showing the new thicker bumper with three receiver tubes welded to it. The mounting points were reinforced to take the added weight I was intending on putting back there.



This next photo is showing one of the metal frames that holds the bike racks and storage box.



Next, we have the two metal frames with the box and bike racks mounted.



This picture shows the bikes loaded up ready to go.



And lastly, showing the clearance for the lid to fully open with bikes still attached.



I weighed everything as I put it together and it came to 200 pounds with nothing in the box. That includes the bikes, storage box, metal frames, bikes racks and I added 25 pounds for the thicker bumper. Of course, depending on what goes in the box, the final numbers will change. I am thinking roughly another 100 pounds or so.

I am pleased with the results and how it ended up looking. This setup allows many different uses as I can remove the whole thing and put my dirt bike rack on instead. That is why there are three receiver tubes. The middle tube does not get used in the storage box setup but would if I put my dirt bike rack on the back instead.

Looks Good!



What kind of items do you plan to put in the box?

I plan on putting the items that seem to get my pass through storage area dirty. Grill, outside carpet, fire wood, dirty hoses and cords when they are wet, dogs mats and toys. Things like that. With the space for the lid to open, I could even strap more things on top of the lid for travel. Lighter things like boogie boards and empty coolers. The main reason I did this was to get the bikes out of the trailer and make the pass through storage more manageable. I have a major trip planned in two weeks, so a full road test will be coming up shortly. Can't wait.

Very nice.