T@B Aluminum Platform

Tabaz

I thought about putting my Honda 1000 on one side of the platform, but decided against it for the fume issue and also the noise that would come in through the front window and maybe vibration on the frame.  I'm trying hard to configure my Outback for boondocking without a generator.  If I do use one, I'd prefer to have it as far away from the trailer as possible.  I have another Action Packer (same size) on order for use on the front tongue for the dirty stuff like sewer hose and wood blocks under the stabilizer jacks.  I really do like how the two military water jugs fit on the left side.

Tabaz

Dave28 - I'm actually have a little difficulty finding suitable locks for the Action Packer.  It is a strange opening size for a traditional padlock shank.  For now, a tight bungee cord over the top (left to right) will keep the lid secure.

JustJohn

OutbackAZ said:

Dave28 - I'm actually have a little difficulty finding suitable locks for the Action Packer.  It is a strange opening size for a traditional padlock shank.  For now, a tight bungee cord over the top (left to right) will keep the lid secure.

Dave, you can run a drill bit through those holes to enlarge them a little if needed.

Photomom

Dave28 said:

Great concept!  Thank you for sharing! Please consider securing the latches on the ActionPacker or strapping down the cover.  Over latches will sometimes come loose.

It looks like the ActionPacker totes are lockable, so I plan to put small padlocks on to prevent pilferage. That should help secure the tops, right?

jkjenn

Is the lock hole it too narrow or too long for a standard padlock? You might need a cable style  of long shackle lock. If your objective is keeping it closed versus actually locking it you could also go with either gear or zip ties.

Tabaz

The body of a small luggage type lock is too narrow to work.  A "normal" size padlock sticks up and out at an angle (very unsightly).  The plastic tabs that hold the lock are very small and could be cut with linesman's pliers fairly easily.  Google "Rubbermaid action packer locks" and you'll see the link for a company that makes an aluminum frame that secures the top to the base (very pricey at $144 with 8 gal. packer).

hunter99

If you want to beef up the action packers, these guys make a frame for that.

http://www.swagoffroad.com/8-Gallon-Rubber-Maid-Action-Packer-Baja-Bins_p_35.html

jkjenn

You could buy a Pelican case cheaper than that. I think zips ties or gear ties make more sense.

Nomad

Have to take into account any wind/breeze affecting the generator also. I move my generator around from corner to corner depending on the breeze.

Tabaz

Jenn: I'm a huge fan of Pelican cases. But could not find one that opened from top and fit on the platform. Lots of talent on this forum, someone will figure this out. In the meantime, a bungee cord works just fine.

Ratkity

Verna said:

jkjenn said:

Would the platform support a small generator? If so, do you have to remove the generator to run it? Would fumes coming into the T@b be an issue?

I would think there would need to be some degree of separation between the various intake vents and the exhaust of the generator. If the fridge vent is near, if the A/C vent is near, if the roof vent is open, if one or both or all three windows are open--all would need to be taken into consideration, along with the direction of the breeze.

A few years ago, a family was killed in an RV parked in someone's yard for the family's attendance at the Indianapolis 500 or the Brickyard.. Exhaust fumes from a generator running and placed too close to the RV, allowing the exhaust fumes to enter the RV, killing all occupants as they slept. I never can seem to forget that. Sure, they park those RV's in like sardines, but it didn't need to happen. 

I have to add my own experience about a 3000w genny. At the time, power was out in the house because of a hurricane (gen on, so sump pumps and frig powered only while I was home). The gen was locked outside, exhaust pointed away from house about 20 ft away and the cords were run through the open dryer vent as I hadn't set up any permanent plugs. It didn't take much time for all basement CO (carbon monoxide) alarms to go off (CO2 is carbon dioxide). New strategy was implemented, but unfortunately, several people lost their lives during that period because of similar conditions. Scared the bejebus out of me. Please be careful. You are important.

jkjenn

Ratkity said:

Verna said:

jkjenn said:

Would the platform support a small generator? If so, do you have to remove the generator to run it? Would fumes coming into the T@b be an issue?

I would think there would need to be some degree of separation between the various intake vents and the exhaust of the generator. If the fridge vent is near, if the A/C vent is near, if the roof vent is open, if one or both or all three windows are open--all would need to be taken into consideration, along with the direction of the breeze.

A few years ago, a family was killed in an RV parked in someone's yard for the family's attendance at the Indianapolis 500 or the Brickyard.. Exhaust fumes from a generator running and placed too close to the RV, allowing the exhaust fumes to enter the RV, killing all occupants as they slept. I never can seem to forget that. Sure, they park those RV's in like sardines, but it didn't need to happen. 

I have to add my own experience about a 3000w genny. At the time, power was out in the house because of a hurricane (gen on, so sump pumps and frig powered only while I was home). The gen was locked outside, exhaust pointed away from house about 20 ft away and the cords were run through the open dryer vent as I hadn't set up any permanent plugs. It didn't take much time for all basement CO (carbon monoxide) alarms to go off (CO2 is carbon dioxide). New strategy was implemented, but unfortunately, several people lost their lives during that period because of similar conditions. Scared the bejebus out of me. Please be careful. You are important.

Thanks, Ratkity, this was helpful. I winded what a safe distance from the T@b is?

Ratkity

jkjenn said:

Ratkity said:

Verna said:

jkjenn said:

Would the platform support a small generator? If so, do you have to remove the generator to run it? Would fumes coming into the T@b be an issue?

I would think there would need to be some degree of separation between the various intake vents and the exhaust of the generator. If the fridge vent is near, if the A/C vent is near, if the roof vent is open, if one or both or all three windows are open--all would need to be taken into consideration, along with the direction of the breeze.

A few years ago, a family was killed in an RV parked in someone's yard for the family's attendance at the Indianapolis 500 or the Brickyard.. Exhaust fumes from a generator running and placed too close to the RV, allowing the exhaust fumes to enter the RV, killing all occupants as they slept. I never can seem to forget that. Sure, they park those RV's in like sardines, but it didn't need to happen. 

I have to add my own experience about a 3000w genny. At the time, power was out in the house because of a hurricane (gen on, so sump pumps and frig powered only while I was home). The gen was locked outside, exhaust pointed away from house about 20 ft away and the cords were run through the open dryer vent as I hadn't set up any permanent plugs. It didn't take much time for all basement CO (carbon monoxide) alarms to go off (CO2 is carbon dioxide). New strategy was implemented, but unfortunately, several people lost their lives during that period because of similar conditions. Scared the bejebus out of me. Please be careful. You are important.

Thanks, Ratkity, this was helpful. I winded what a safe distance from the T@b is?

My theory is that at the time, it was Sept, plus hot and humid after the storm - so I had fans running in the upstairs windows not facing the backyard. I think it was enough of an air pull to bring in fumes through the open dryer vent from the exhaust.  Insulation, towels, duct tape (gotta have duct tape involved) and repositioning the genny from any of the side windows that were opened stopped the alarms. Also kept the basement door to the main house shut with a "bottom of a door" draft blocker.. just in case. 

With all the little helper fans and vents (not counting the fantastic vent) in the T@B, I'd be hesitant to run a genny on an aluminum platform in the front. PXL can tell you where he puts his. I'm sure he'd have already told us if his CO alarm was making him get a migraine on a regular basis, so he must be doing something right.

The smoke alarm I have is another matter..... I swear, I was just crisping a little bacon that was already cooked!

Nomad

Ratkity - I move the generator from corner to corner depending on which direction the wind is coming from. I secure the generator to one of the corner handles with a carbon fiber cable so it's never too far from a corner unless I'm in a secure area in the boonies, then I set it out further. Have never had the detector go off.
Smoke alarm - It's a pain, too sensitive in my estimation. I take the battery out when I'm cooking.

Restless_Native

OutbackAZ said:

Here are a few photos of my use of the platform.  Per Jenn's suggestion, right side Rubbermaid Action Packer.  Left side, two 5 gallon water jugs from Amazon.  The Packer has plenty of room for the shore power cord, garden hose and sewer hose with room to spare

I love those water jugs! Do the straps come with them? If not, did you get those on Amazon as well?

jkjenn

Tardistravel360 said:

OutbackAZ said:

I love those water jugs! Do the straps come with them? If not, did you get those on Amazon as well?

I have one of the 5 gallon containers but it is blue. http://amzn.to/1P6Zd6i The holders are extra: http://amzn.to/1pFdPF7

Restless_Native

jkjenn said:

Tardistravel360 said:

OutbackAZ said:

I love those water jugs! Do the straps come with them? If not, did you get those on Amazon as well?

I have one of the 5 gallon containers but it is blue. http://amzn.to/1P6Zd6i The holders are extra: http://amzn.to/1pFdPF7

Thanks!!!

John_and_Kris

We at last have our platform installed ;storage box on; TV antenna installed and storage basket for our chairs. ( they actually stand upright in the basket in the bags and are secured around grab handle and platform posts

Tabaz

Tardis - yes, bought the jerry cans and holders on Amazon.  Make sure you get cans for water. These are very thick food-grade plastic. The holders are NOT made for the water cans (just the gas cans), so you'll have to do some cutting on the forward strap with a Dremel tool to allow the strap to go between the blead-off valve and hose spout on the large cap. The photo you see was before I made the cuts to the straps. Still works, just not perfect.

Tonydjd

Looks great. were did you get the yellow landing pad for trailer jack.

John_and_Kris

We got the landing pad from  Camping World her is a picture and the Item number

Ramrod

Is it possible for the storage box to hit your TV bumper when backing up?

hunter99

jkjenn said:

You could buy a Pelican case cheaper than that. I think zips ties or gear ties make more sense.

Yes, they are expensive. It's one of those things you get what you pay for. Not saying they are for everybody but they are extremely stout. You cannot flex it by hand.

I never could find a pelican case that was the right size. If I did the opening didn't work.

John_and_Kris

Ramrod We have backed servearl times with one of us behind ,sharply somtimes and have never had a problem with the storage box coming into contact with  the TV

Redufresne

Probably some will find this extravagant, but after searching for diamond plate boxes with covers and hasps for the two sides of the front rack on the Outback (which seemed to range in price from $200 to $900),we finally decided to have two made to order from http://www.customaluminumboxes.com/. The people were nice and we get the exact size we want for about $160 each.  Will post picture when they come in.

Ron

Could you post the measurements for the boxes you ordered?

Tabaz

I ordered this one from Kotula's for $130 to put in front of the propane tub to house my inverter.  Not too big at 24" W x 12" D x 12" H.  A custom one made for $160 seems like a great deal based on the price of this cooler.

http://www.kotulas.com/deals/aluminum-diamond-plate-ice-chest-and-cooler

Redufresne

Ron, if you mean my boxes, I ordered 19" wide 16" high 14" deep, and got them with shoes box hinged tops (means it has a lip) and hasps for locking.

Ron

Thanks.  Looking forward to pictures.  My thought was to transport small generator on one side and gas can and maybe sewer hose on the other side.

hunter99

These guys make a generator box for a pretty good price. http://www.kshmarine.com/generator_box.htm