Customized Tongue-Mounted Aluminum Cargo Platform

georgianwinds

I decided to add an aluminum cargo platform to the tongue of my 2019T@B 320 CS. Aluminum is less than half the weight of a steel alternative and therefore reduces the tongue weight impact. So I purchased a 5 foot wide (20 " deep) aluminum hitch-mounted carrier (rated for 400 lbs) and, ignoring all the hitch related parts, reinforced the carrier with 2" aluminum angle and attached the strengthened result upside down to the tongue frame, so as to have a flat surface rather than a shallow basket (see the pics). All the fasteners used were stainless steel bolts and SS locking nuts. Nylon washers were used wherever aluminum came in contact with steel so as to minimize any galvanic reaction. The stock platform wire mesh was covered with aluminum tread plate (matches the stone guard for a custom look) and attached it using aluminum rivets. A variety of stainless steel tie-downs were added so that I could secure a couple of large buckets (Rigid brand - from Home Depot) for camping gear. 

The 4 inch drain tube that is attached to the side of the trailer tongue frame carries four 5 foot adjustable poles for supporting a couple of shelters. I repurposed two garage tool hangers and secured the tube to them using large metal gear clamps. 

I also moved the spare tire from under the trailer to the tongue and attached it to the jockey wheel post using 2.25" muffler clamps. Nice and snug. 

Total cost for all as shown in the first pic, not including HD buckets, approx. $325 Cdn. As good as the 'boondock' solution, but at a huge savings. Feel free to let me know what you think about this modification.

 F

georgianwinds

Btw, the original / basic aluminum hitch basket and the frame mounted spare tire holder was purchased from amazon. The stainless steel fasteners, aluminum tread plate and angle iron from Home Depot. The stainless hold downs all from Canadian Tire.

jgram2

Looks great and offers increased functionality. Nice work.

Sharon_is_SAM

Very smart!  Something you may consider - I see other members added padding between the jack and the muffler clamps.  Any reason for not extending the aluminum tread plate fully across the hitch basket?

georgianwinds

Thanks. The aluminum plate only came in 24" widths. No reason other than to save a few dollars.

d4amigos

I like your mod and am forced to duplicate it (my propane and battery support - angle iron - broke in half during a recent trip almost dropping both propane bottle and battery on the highway). Can you tell me how you mounted the propane bottle? The existing propane bottle holder was welded to the angle iron.