"A"frame boxes

Submitted: Monday, Oct 27, 2008 at 22:30

ThreadID: 125159 Views:4816 Replies:4 FollowUps:4

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Good morning ladies and gents,

I know there is a strong opinion by BTi on installing boxes on "A" frames so I'm here to ask the question as I'm considering doing just that! The box is to house the outboard and genie mainly. The plan is that it will fit just in font of the existing jerry can holders and well behind the hand brake - approx 38cm wide by 65cm tall. I'm estimating the combined weight in the area of 100Kg. Some established downside are that the stone shiels has to move forward, additional weight on the draw bar and some restrictions accessing the spares and gas cylinders, and I can not swing the jockey wheel. The main reason is off course to get the fuel out of the van and to provide better access.

Any input would be appreciated as would pictures.

Kind regards

Theo

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Reply By: Motherhen & Rooster - Tuesday, Oct 28, 2008 at 02:33

Tuesday, Oct 28, 2008 at 02:33

Hi Theo

We don't have an outboard, but have a genny plus ULP cans box on the a-frame. We have not weighed it, and the set up makes getting the spares tyres of awkward, and the gas bottles difficult. The stone guard slides of easily to open the box (front opening). The slope on the stone guard used to conflict with turning circle and spares tyres on rear of Nissan, and is still upright although it could be sloped again now we have the F250. It needs re-covering anyway after our recent travels where it took a bashing (we had large mud flaps on the Nissan but haven't made them for the F250 yet). I can email you pictures if you like.

Motherhen

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AnswerID: 576215

Follow Up By:- Tuesday, Oct 28, 2008 at 02:44

Tuesday, Oct 28, 2008 at 02:44

Hi Motherhen,

Thank you, hope all is well? I would appreciate pictures. My email is theo.moret@deta.qld.gov.au

Kind regards

Theo

FollowupID: 850279

Reply By: Frank Aus - Tuesday, Oct 28, 2008 at 05:50

Tuesday, Oct 28, 2008 at 05:50

Well i know Steve would be really bleep if he saw my van as i have a box on the rear and i still have 300kg on the tow hitch (approx 12% all up) as i would like to add a forth water tank and a genny box, so i am hoping that they will neutralize each other out and put a box on my A-frame for the Genny and maybe 2 jerrycans, , might make it a stainless tank for the rear,each weighing about 100 kgs but in saying this Theo, its all about the weight, how much does the van weigh and what do you have on the hitch, and do the sums, (i bought one of those multi weigh jacks and seems ok, ) i will come in under my 3 tonne gross with no worries, (actually only adding possible 120 kg all up. and Mother Hen can you send some pics to me as well please. frankaus@hotmail.com

AnswerID: 576216

Reply By: Bob & Chris - Tuesday, Oct 28, 2008 at 17:30

Tuesday, Oct 28, 2008 at 17:30

Hi Theo
We have an aluminium box sitting on the draw bar.Can not remember the size.I had it purpose built.It takes a Honda Geny,one 20ltr fuel container. Fresh water hose and a few bits and pieces.It does not go the full width of the van so access to the spares is not an issue.I moved my jockey wheel to the center behind the coupling.Changed the jockey wheel to a small one,saves heaps on weight.I just undo the clamp and remove the jockey wheel when not in use.Box has been on the van for about 4 yrs. no problems.I fitted a stone guard to the back of the Land cruiser to overcome damage to the rear window etc.You may be able to make out the box in the picture section under Bob & Chis
Bob

AnswerID: 576217

Reply By: Deleted User - Tuesday, Oct 28, 2008 at 18:02

Tuesday, Oct 28, 2008 at 18:02

Hi Frank and Bob,

Thank you for your input. I am planning a tail end counterweight (storing my boat trailer on the rear) to offset the additional weight of the box and I'm guessing this will keep the overall balance of the van. I can't see any way that the swing away function of the jockey wheel can be retained so will plan to unclamp the wheel and store that instead. I don't have a problem with this as I do this on my camper trailer already. At this stage I feel that adding an additional jockey wheel clamp to the new box will provide the storage answer for wheel (have this set up on my trailer as well).

Kind regards

Theo

AnswerID: 576218

Follow Up By: Noosa Fox - Tuesday, Oct 28, 2008 at 20:55

Tuesday, Oct 28, 2008 at 20:55

Theo & Others,

The problem with having heavy objects at both the front and rear of a trailer/ caravan is that it causes pitching of the trailer as the further the weight is from the wheels the force caused by this weight multiplies several times. This pitching could cause instability when travelling at speed.

I have seen boxes on A Frames that are hinged at the front so that they can be fitted close to the spare wheels and when access is required to gas bottles or wheels, the pins at the rear are released and the whole box can be tilted forward giving better access.

Another means of carrying the out board that some use is to have a frame made up across the A Frames so that the outboard can be carried in an upright position using the clamps on the motor to hold it in place. They then just have a vinyl cover over it.

We don't have a box so I cannot give you any photos.

Brian

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FollowupID: 850280

Follow Up By: NIK `N` OFF - Tuesday, Oct 28, 2008 at 23:35

Tuesday, Oct 28, 2008 at 23:35

Contacted Theo with my thoughts & photo's, but will include a few photos here of the outboard brackets i made and trailer position in case others are contemplating the same.

And the FlipnEasy boat trailer fits here

The Jockey wheel was removed and the trail-a-mate hydraulic positioned behind the hitch.

Works for us.

FollowupID: 850281