Double Toolbox Installation
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1299
Printed Date: 12 May 2025 at 1:07pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Double Toolbox Installation
Posted By: Gerald
Subject: Double Toolbox Installation
Date Posted: 22 Jun 2010 at 1:26pm
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Thanks to Lee for his great idea for the toolbox on the tongue. I just installed two toolboxes on the front of my 177 along with a battery cut off switch. I looked at many toolboxes and found his suggestion for the 28 inch Stanley Fat Max to be the best one. It also helped my decision when I picked up my Canadian Tire Flyer and they were on sale for 25% off.
First I cut off the propane regulator bracket. Then bolted a 10 inch x 60 piece of plywood to the frame and re-installed the regulator bracket near the rear of the plywood in the middle. I bolted the two boxes to the plywood, installed the battery box inside one of the toolboxes and installed the cut off switch on the toolbox. Lots of storage, don't know if you measured the box before you bought it or not Lee, but the crank handle for for the stabalizers fits perfect in the box. I noticed this in one of the pictures that you published. There is room for a second battery in the box if I decide to go that route too.
 Cut off Regulator Bracket
 Install plywood and bracket
 Bolt on boxes
 Install battery box and cut off switch
Going camping this weekend with my two new toolboxes, my two dogs and my wife.
Can't wait
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Replies:
Posted By: TerryM
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2010 at 10:00am
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That looks very interesting! Question: would the plywood hold up 2 batteries? It seems like there would be a lot of weight pushing down on it. Terry ------------- RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4 Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565 |
Posted By: Gerald
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2010 at 10:16am
| That is a good point. The picture is a bit deceiving as it does not show how much of the back part of the plywood is being supported by the frame. The front of the plywood looks like there is not much frame supporting it but towards the back (because of the "V" shape of the frame) there is a lot more support. There is actually not that much overhang at the back. Probably a safer bet would be to mount one battery in each toolbox. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2010 at 11:18am
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Love this. Welcome Gerald! ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: Gerald
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2010 at 1:28pm
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Hi Terry, another thought.
If there is a concern about the added weight of a second battery, maybe instead of plywood, two pieces of angle iron could be bolted or welded to the frame.
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2010 at 4:32pm
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You could put a second battery in the other box, also on top of the a-frame support. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: John and Lisa
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2010 at 11:14pm
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Gerald,
Was it tough drilling through the trailer frame? Will a regular Dewalt type electric drill do the job? Any special type of bit? You did a great job. ------------- John and Lisa Covington, GA R174 pulled by an H3 Hummer |
Posted By: jjbescher
Date Posted: 25 Jun 2010 at 10:13am
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Is this the box you used? http://www.lowes.com/pd_6513-46921-028001L_?PL=1&productId=3037055&cm_mmc=search_gps-_-gps-_-gps-_-Stanley%2028%20Structural%20Foam%20Tool%20Box jon ------------- '10 R-pod 173T. TV - '03 Honda Pilot |
Posted By: jjbescher
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2010 at 7:45am
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Gerald - Can you take a picture of the space that have in the toolboxes after you installed the battery? I am looking into doing this, but want to make sure I know what space I have. They seemed awfully small when I went to go look at them yesterday. Also, maybe a picture of the boxes with the stuff you put in it. Thanks, jon ------------- '10 R-pod 173T. TV - '03 Honda Pilot |
Posted By: Gerald
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2010 at 10:10am
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Hi, sorry it took so long to reply, we were camping over the weekend. Actuall I didn't drill through the frame. I used two 3\8 inch x 6 inch carriage bolts. I straddled the frame on the underside with a bracket so it resembled a "U" bolt and fastened with two lock washers and bolts. If you need pictures I can take some. Used the toolboxes for the first time on the weekend, it sure was convenient.
You don's see too many R-Pods in Canada yet, we were the talk of the park, everyone loved it!!!!
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Posted By: Gerald
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2010 at 10:12am
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Yes, this is the toolbox I used. Good luck, you are going to love it. |
Posted By: Gerald
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2010 at 10:14am
| Yes, this is the one I used. You are going to love it. |
Posted By: Gerald
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2010 at 10:26am
| There are different size boxes, the one I used was the 28 inch one. I will take pictures tonight and send to you tomorrow. |
Posted By: Butterfly_Lee
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2010 at 6:22pm
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GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE...You went where I'm going.
I took the crank to Lowes with me, because I wanted to make sure that item would fit. Even though I have an electric drill, sometimes to have to use the crank to start the stablizers. I've ended up with three of those boxes. Over for fall (or maybe sooner) I plan to get another battery and do exactly what you did. The third Box I use for tie downs, buggies and miscellanous stuff and keep in the back of the truck.
I did drill though the frame on my box and used bolts on the little bridge I made and self tapping screws on the tongue.
Anyway Great JOB.
Lee
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Posted By: Gerald
Date Posted: 06 Jul 2010 at 8:51am
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Hi Lee, a bit of luck on my part. When I went camping for the first time with the tool boxes and went to crank the stabalizers, I realized that the crank handle "JUST" clears the plywood support. Something to check if anyone is going to do this. I know know that I should have made the plywyood 1/2 inch shorter on both ends. By the way, I am going to carry my drill with me now, great idea. Especially when I bang my nuckles on the plywood. ------------- 2010 R-Pod 177 / 2009 GMC Canyon 4X4 Gerald, Lydia and The Boys (2 Shelties)......Canuck Podders |
Posted By: Butterfly_Lee
Date Posted: 06 Jul 2010 at 9:25am
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Yep I forgot about that, I use a drill and sometimes I have to use the crank to start/lossen, but I thought it was because I installed my stablizers.
I'll have to keep that in mind when I do my double.
Lee
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