Underfloor storage-aftermarket - Page 3

yfarm · 07-11-2010, 09:00 PM

Northern Tool and Equipment item # 716094
inframe toolboxes top would need to modified to flush mount but most of the work is done and the material is all there

UJOINT · 07-17-2010, 09:18 PM

Something that needs to be considered is the crossmember that holds the factory spare tire. It's a structural piece of the frame, and needs to be removed to fit the storage box. The frame HAS to be reinforced. I bet the majority of the cost is related to this.

**daveb** · 07-18-2010, 12:35 AM

And it would be very interesting to incorporate the battery box into the same build if possible. I wish the battery box (I have 2-4D's) was more accessible.

**WVvan** · 07-19-2010, 12:53 PM

After having read UJOINT's posting I cranked down the spare tire and had a better look at everything. The spare tire holder does look like it also performs a structural function. I'm thinking two U-beams bolted between the main frame pieces might do the trick. Each beam positioned about where the outside edge of the spare tire holder is currently located.

And while I had the spare tire down I weighted it. Mine's just a plain spare tire and it's 75 lbs. For those who store their spare tire on the roof, especially the oversized ones, my hat goes off to you.

carringb · 07-19-2010, 11:03 PM

I don't think SportsMobile or QuadVan do any reinforcing of the frame after the carrier is removed for underfloor storage. Cutaways also do not have it. But, the cutaways do have one more crossmember, and one crossmember option in one that is essentially a hitch receiver without the opening. So having a hitch receiver installed should be enough reinforcing.

**daveb** · 07-20-2010, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carringb

I don't think SportsMobile or QuadVan do any reinforcing of the frame after the carrier is removed for underfloor storage. Cutaways also do not have it. But, the cutaways do have one more crossmember, and one crossmember option in one that is essentially a hitch receiver without the opening. So having a hitch receiver installed should be enough reinforcing.

Don't the battery rails count?

carringb · 07-20-2010, 08:04 PM

I'm not sure about the battery rails.

When I do it, I will add my own tubular crossmember, as this will improve torsional stiffness of the frame compared to a C-channel crossmember. And I will mount it as shown in the document below, as this will provide impact and rock protection for the rear tank (when I add that).

Here's the two documents I have found pertaining to the E-series frame:

https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas.../Q-184e_5_.pdf

https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/non-html/Q18.pdf

Based on those documents, I see no need for anything other than a another crossmember if the tire carrier is removed. And the optional tubular cross member is pretty darn similar a hitch receiver, which is why I think having one would be sufficient reinforcement.

**WVvan** · 07-20-2010, 09:15 PM

Hey Carringb.
Great work!

Quote:

Here's the two documents I have found pertaining to the E-series frame:

https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/no ... 84e_5_.pdf

https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/non-html/Q18.pdf

I found this diagram from the second document especially interesting considering what we're discussing.

Quote:

Trailer Hitch Crossmember (can increase protection area)

(I'm adding this as a note to myself.)
210 millimeters = 8.2"
30 mm = 1.1811 in or just a little bit less than 1-3/16 in.

SheepShagger · 07-21-2010, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WVvan

And while I had the spare tire down I weighted it. Mine's just a plain spare tire and it's 75 lbs. For those who store their spare tire on the roof, especially the oversized ones, my hat goes off to you.

Mechanical advantage or leverage
While standing on the roof rack, put one end of a tie down / or rope round the roof rack, thread it through the wheel, then back to your hands. You just 1/2 the weight of the wheel. It's dead simple to put an oversized wheel on or off the roof.

skrivan · 07-21-2010, 09:23 PM

ok...i was psyched to see this post because i'm thinking of building a basement too. BUT, that means i need to put the spare tire on a rear rack of some kind. Alternatively, I could just build another rear mounted box: easier to get to??. is there any advantage to having underground box versus another rear mounted box? the engineering and use of a rear box is way easier than a hole into the floor...i gotta be missing something.