Aluminum "Diamond Plate" Storage Box

sgttiki

I will soon be ordering a Silver/Silver T@B. I see that some are experiencing problems with the propane/battery storage unit. I am thinking of immediately swapping that for a aluminum "diamond plate' storage box. Is this a good idea? Will it work? Has anyone else made this change? Suggestions/pictures would be welcome!

I haven't camped since I was a kid in the 60's. Native NYer (Long Island). When I get my T@B, I will be hitting the road for an extended look at the USA! This forum has already provided me with a wealth of information, that may keep me out of the repair shop and emergency room, or, from being a meal for a bear!

To all you good folks providing such invaluable information, I sincerely thank you!

Nomad

The cracking on the standard cover seems to be associated with turbulence between the TV and T@B so dependent on what TV one has. I haven't had any trouble with my Jeep Wrangler. Was just out checking the bolts and nothing amiss. If I was ordering new, I'd probably go for it just to be protected depending on the cost difference. As I've mentioned in other threads, I thick $800 is a little stiff but don't recall what a replacement one is.
The diamond plate box is new to the Outback so not sure anyone but new Outback owners have one.

Nomad

Ok, can't remember the thread but Rad recommended checking the screws that hold the cover to the frame and someone (Rad again?) recommended drilling new holes and using bolt... Mine already has bolts, the bolts that hold the battery support to the frame go through the propane cover as well and everything is nice and tight.

nctraveler

I see the diamond plate one on the T@b site is $295

Nomad

Hmmmm - Reported earlier here in the forums that it was $800 - $295 is much more reasonable.

nctraveler

I saw that and went to look. I think  $295 is a great price.

mawebb

Just checked and the "T@B Diamond Plate LP Cover" is listed at $695. Was the $295 a mistake that has now been corrected? The standard replacement T@B LP Cover is $590. 

sgttiki

Thanks for the feedback. There are a number of place to purchase aluminum storage boxes. I think I need to first purchase the T@B. Soon!

ChanW

So, maybe if you specify the diamond plate box in your order, it will only be-$295?

JandJ92010

I just looked at the "Store",  $295 is for the rectangular box and the rounded one is $695.

Verna

The $295 box is not tall enough for your propane tank, and you will need to make ventilation holes, and holes for the power cables and propane connections.  Just food for thought. 

sgttiki

Hmmmm, I may have to buy an "off-the-shelf unit, then modify it to fit the T@B requirements. Thanks all for your input.

nctraveler

Oh, ok, I didn't realize the $295 box wouldn't fit the propane bottle. Seems odd they would show it on the tongue like that and it wouldn't fit it. Sorry.

Nomad

They make several different teardrops - that one is probably meant for one of the smaller ones without propane, not the T@B - They should specify in the description what models though so there's no confusion.

mdimdi

It looks to me like the $695 diamond plate box comes with that storage platform on both sides. If that is the case, the price seems worth it to me. 

Verna

mdimdi said:

It looks to me like the $695 diamond plate box comes with that storage platform on both sides. If that is the case, the price seems worth it to me. 

I would recommend calling the "store" (telephone number is on the "store" site" to verify the sides come with the $695 box.  I have seen a T@B without the storage platforms, so I'm not sure if they are optional or included.

ChanW

Ask too, how much weight those platforms will support. They don't look braced enough for the weight of propane bottles.

hatbox

Pxlated...you mentioned "turbulence between t@b and tv"...what could cause that?

Nomad

It's the shape of the vehicle and how the wind flows across it and exits the rear. Some cause vortices or mini tornados when the air gets between the TV and T@B. There's another thread about the covers cracking that has videos.

hatbox

Ok.  Good info to know...I'll search cracking.  

Nomad

It's kinda the same effect as when air leaks off the ends of airplane wings - creates vortices - you'll see some planes with vertical winglets on the wing tips to cut down on this. If your flying a smaller plane you don't want to get caught in these. There's takeoff/landing routines for avoiding them.

hatbox

Aha, I understand that...jetstream.  TV is subaru outback so it's shorter than t@b.  Might be issue.  Think I'll try hauling with 94 land cruiser instead.

Nomad

If you can find that other thread with the video, there's also little airflow thingies one can buy/apply to tamper it down - But it does seem to be tied into the type of TV is used.

Nomad

Here's that thread - http://tab-rv.vanillaforums.com/discussion/482/problems-with-the-lp-cover-cracking#latest

hatbox

Wonderful! I could not find.. Thank you,.  I will view it.

hatbox

Wow!  No wonder they're cracking up.   

Rad

hatbox said:

Wow!  No wonder they're cracking up.   

Is that not a great video? You have to hope the factory sees it.

hatbox

It's shocking.  What was his tv?  Looked in his signature, but not listed.

hatbox

It's gonna take more than a couple rubber washers...

Nomad

What TV - Tought he mentioned that somewhere in the thread. My cover shows absolutely no wear-tear. The Jeep must not throw up much turbulence.

Rad

Ford Expedition from what I can tell from the other thread