Locker box for A frame of van

[ozscott]

Hi all,

I am about to embark on vanning with an older Golf Tourer poptop single axle. Really nicely put together van with big chassic - hot dipped - and independent suspension. It could do with some more storage being a smaller van. The Aframe draw bar looks inviting. I have a Tough Box, but dont want to wreck it by putting brackets through it - I was thinking of using its handles to run a ratchet strap (wide and rated) from the handles, under the chassis rails/frame and then just crank it up. I would also weld some brackets on to contain it - say a couple of inches up the sides. Can anyone think of a better way to mount the box so it can still be taken off easily and also used elsewhere?

Cheers

[pop058]

What about a cradle made from angle iron that is secured to the A frame with a ratchet strap from one side through the handle and over the top to the other side. The cradle locates the box and the tie-down holds it down. A chain link welded to the angle iron frame works well as a ratchet connection point.

[ozscott]

THanks mate - yep thats the go I reckon.

Cheers

[inside]

I have read you shouldn't weld across the A frame as it can fatigue and break the frame itself. I have a picture of one that has broken like this on a camper.

[ozscott]

Thanks mate - I think it all depends on what it is made of and how you weld it. I have welded the single draw bar on my 2 tonn boat trailer with no ill effects. Welding only weakons I think when overheating occurs or overpenetration, but my welding is TAFE and home based. Having said that the pressure welder who built my latest boat trailer welded a ubolt onto my draw bar (single 5mm wall box) for a second safety chain.

Cheers