Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 12-28-2010, 08:12 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
GreyDawg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: No fixed abode
Posts: 347
hitch storage boxes

Hi --

I have a hitch haul type of storage rack for the rear -- 24"x 60". Any storage needs to be <18" tall to avoid blocking the license plate.

I'm having a hard time finding appropriate storage boxes (RubberMaid Action Packers are the closest bet -- one 24 gal and one 35 gal, which would cost about $100) so I might build some boxes from wood (3/8" ply), well coated in exterior latex enamel.

Assuming that they're basic chests with hinged tops, how should I make the top so that they're waterproof? Is there some sort of gasket I should use?

Thanks.

__________________
GreyDawg
2017 T-250 MR 148" 3.7L cargo van. Slowly becoming a campervan...
GreyDawg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-28-2010, 11:03 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
cellularSTEVE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: SoCal
Posts: 1,071
Re: hitch storage boxes

Not what your asking, but have you tried The Container Store? I found many various size boxes for my SMB storage solution.

steve
__________________
'05 Ford V-10 4x4 SMB "50" White
'00 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 Highly Modified
'04 Jeep Grand Cherokee- wife won't let me modify it. :-(
Does anyone really read this stuff other than surfgeek?
cellularSTEVE is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-29-2010, 07:23 AM   #3
Senior Member
 
jage's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Parker, CO
Posts: 7,643
Re: hitch storage boxes

Can you move the license plate to the box when in use? Or mount it somewhere besides the door, like the rear bumper?
__________________
it was good to be back
jage is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-29-2010, 08:35 AM   #4
Senior Member
 
GreyDawg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: No fixed abode
Posts: 347
Re: hitch storage boxes

Steve -- unfortunately the Container Store doesn't have boxes that will stand up to being on the hitch-haul for 2-3 months in all kinds of weather. Their boxes work well in the interior.

Jage -- yes, moving the license plate is a possiblity; I'll have to check Texas laws.

Sorry for the unclear post. Let me try again:

if I build very basic plywood wooden boxes for storage, to carry on the hitch haul, they will need to be more-or-less waterproof. If the lid is just a piece of plywood, hinged on the back so it lifts up and down and sits on the rim of the box body, how do I make the seal around the lid lip secure against rain, etc? Is there a gasket that should be used?


Thanks.
__________________
GreyDawg
2017 T-250 MR 148" 3.7L cargo van. Slowly becoming a campervan...
GreyDawg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-29-2010, 09:02 AM   #5
Senior Member
 
GreyDawg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: No fixed abode
Posts: 347
Re: hitch storage boxes

I may have answered my own question: photos of LenS' rig show that he build a wooden rim around the lid top on his storage boxes.

LenS' gallery has some great stuff -- the answer to my box question, photos of a 1937 proto-Sportsmobile, a traveling cat ....
__________________
GreyDawg
2017 T-250 MR 148" 3.7L cargo van. Slowly becoming a campervan...
GreyDawg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-29-2010, 10:29 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
Ford_6L_E350's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Washington - Ridgefield
Posts: 4,728
Re: hitch storage boxes

We mounted a Stowaway 2 box in a 24 x 60 rack. Took it to Alaska and back. It blocked the plate, but nobody ever said anything. You could always move the plate to the back of the box.

Mike
__________________
Alaska to Key West, Labrador and more
Prostate cancer survivor. See Thread Prostate cancer and Sportsmobiles
2015 VW GTI 2020 Fiat 124 Spider
2012 E250 Hitop camper
Ford_6L_E350 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-29-2010, 12:03 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
LenS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,220
Re: hitch storage boxes

Thanks for the compliment Greydawg. I am a woodworker and it helps to have LOTS of woodworking tools!

My storage boxes (sides and top) are made out of 1/4" exterior grade plywood. The bottom is made out of 3/4" exterior grade plywood. Used 1/4 inch for weight. Because 1/4" can move around and not hold it shape the top cover has a "track" in it to force the sides in place and keep their shape.

Here are some detail pics. Maybe they will give you some ideas as you design yours. Mine have stayed 100% water tight. We carry cast iron dutch ovens in one box and any moisture getting in would rust them is short order.





Have fun and great travels!!!!
__________________
Len & Joanne

The Green TARDIS
LenS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-29-2010, 03:14 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
jage's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Parker, CO
Posts: 7,643
Re: hitch storage boxes

I would think some angled aluminum might be an alternative rim material, but after that I'm guessing about sealing as much as you are!
__________________
it was good to be back
jage is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-29-2010, 03:29 PM   #9
Senior Member
 
Silver350's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 427
Re: hitch storage boxes

Maybe you are looking for what is comonly known as "Bulb Seal" or "Edge Seal" A.K.A. "Door Seal" Sorry about these part #'s they are for a Canadian Supplier and most likely won't do you any good. It comes in various sizes, those shown will grip 1/8" material, like a piece of angle iron or chanel iron. Also comes in 90 dergee or straight. Found at places that make Truck tool boxes or indutrial supply people like maybe Grainger?
Attached Thumbnails
Bulb seal 3.jpg   Bulb seal 2.jpg   Bulb seal 1.jpg  
__________________
"there is neither science nor fact prevailing here" - vlamgat
Silver350 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-29-2010, 04:58 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
GreyDawg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: No fixed abode
Posts: 347
Re: hitch storage boxes

Yes! Thank you so much!

LenS, this is exactly the sort of detail I need, so now I'll tackle building boxes with confidence, if not competence. I see that your lids are not hinged, but lift off like a shoe box, right? I hadn't thought of that design, but in fact it will work better with the bikes: just lift up the lid and set it aside, rather than swinging it up on its hinges and whacking the bike wheels. But one more question: how are they locked/secured? Have you put hasps or latches on the boxes?

Silver350 -- "door seal." Yep, either that or the closed cell foam weather-stripping that LenS used should fit the bill. It should be easy to get at Napa or a similar store.

Since I am putting the storage boxes on a HitchHaul, I could secure them using square u-bolts, nuts inside. I’d like to figure out some semi-permanent way to secure them, rather than straps, since I'll be opening at least one box daily (it will have the Coleman stove and fuel in it).

Here, by the way, are photos of the basic setup that I’m working with:



The Hitch Hauler with another receiver piggybacked onto it.




Close up of piggy-backed receiver. Note bolts tapped into top and side to prevent wobble (idea gotten from another thread on this forum!)




My road bike and mountain bike, with clearances to license plate, rear tire, and front fork noted.
__________________
GreyDawg
2017 T-250 MR 148" 3.7L cargo van. Slowly becoming a campervan...
GreyDawg is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sportsmobile SIP or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:24 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.