Caravan tool boxes

Hi.
I reckon there are 3 issues:
1 Can you add another 60 kg without exceeding the van's ATM or the overall GCM of the rig?
2 What is the effect on the towball load (this will depend on the design of the van (single axle or tandem; where the axles are in relation to the length of the van, etc.?
3 Is the van chassis strong enough to hang a toolbox a metre or so behind the chassis?
Common sense tells me, if you hang 60 kg off the back, then the front just has to lighten up, but then someone said that common sense is what tells us the earth is flat. So there! If its a single axle van then there's really no question (think of a see saw!) but a tandem rig will not be as susceptible

Cheers for that; GCM is fine didn't think about the difference of single versus tandem axle( mine is single) so yes it will be a seesaw. My main problem is the the draw bar is so short and the gas bottle being in the way, engineering a box for the front would be a real pain (hence thought of the rear). I will keep looking

Thanks

could be one of the worst decisions you could make. 60kg today 85kg next week.
without knowing the positioning of your single axle the effect of the 60kg could easily be 300kg at times going over a hump at speed or pot hole
have to ask the question what are you looking to put in the box?
cannot believe amount of gear some van and m/h travelers take. we take as little as possible to be comfortable

You do need to be mindful that it is illegal to hang things off the back of a van. Apparently it increases the overall length plus weight increases may cause you to exceed maximum. Heard that authorities in QLD were against such additions. Can't be exactly sure of other states.

No room under the Bed ..Beds for a sliding draw?,

Pvc pipe across the front for poles etc.



Cheers Axle.

Another thing that obviously a lot dont consider is by adding an the back you alter the dimensions of the van and there is a limit how far behind the axle you can go

Look back a page or so under oversize van and you will see what I mean.

As has been said when hitting a bump the weight can increase by about 7times Is the van capable of withstanding stresses like that.

We carry the annexe in the back of the Croozer.

The poles in a pipe carrier and the rafters are under the bed.

This keeps the weight distribution good and also the LEGAL ATM is not exceeded in either vehicle.

Just for fun weigh your rig you may be in for a shock Most would be I think.

It may be possible to have the draw bar extended by a certified caravan repairer and mount the tool box on the front. I had the draw bar extended on a 1977 millard in 1996 so that the wheel carriers on the troopy could open fully without touching the van.

Positioning any extra weight at any distance from the axle/s significantly decreases the stability of the 'van, especially in the yaw and sway axis.

This will create lateral dynamic moments on the towing vehicle and hitch which, it has been suggested, may be a contributing factor to increased tyre wear, reduced economy, and component failure.

Most of all, though, it reduces the controllability of the combination under adverse situations such as swerving to avoid an obstacle and/or heavy braking.

Hi All,

Thanks for your advice, Might be leaving things as they are. (Have tube for poles and annex usually goes on top bunk as its easy to get too) Might look at a side access under the lounge seat next has a dent there anyhow....

Thanks you again

Snowy7