Jobsite box as tongue box?

[geanes]

Been looking at tongue box options for my small camping trailer. They all seem to be crazy expensive ($400+) and made of thin steel with cheap locks. The cheaper ones (sub-$200) are even more flimsy and don't seem too secure.

This got me thinking: what about using a mid-size jobsite box from either Ridgid or Kobalt? They are 16 gauge steel with recessed padlocks. The Ridged has a lid gasket to prevent or minimize dust/water intrusion. But, it's BRIGHT orange which attracts attention. The Kobalt has no lid gasket (can add one very easily though), but has nifty rubber covers that go over the 2 padlocks to prevent dust/water intrusion. The Kobalt is less overt as it's a blue color. Both are powder coated, so I would think they would hold up well on the tongue platform of my trailer.

Both are 5 cubic foot storage which would be plenty for setting up a small battery system and still have room for other valuable things.

Curious if anyone else has used these. Photo of my trailer below (tent has since been moved onto the trailer)

Ridgid 32" jobsite box: RIDGID 32 in. x 19 in. Portable Storage Chest-32R-OS - The Home Depot

Kobalt 32" jobsite box: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-19-in-W-x-32-in-L-x-18-in-Steel-Jobsite-Box/1000172277

 

[Hillbilly Heaven]

I would be worried about the weight.

 

[OverlandNA]

Neither of those are waterproof. The Rigid doesn't even have flaps over the lock holes. Weight is a factor.

 

[Hillbilly Heaven]

Rigid is listed as 72 pounds!

 

[old_CWO]

There is a reason why the Harbor Freight tongue boxes are popular, they are a good value for the money. The HF box is plenty sturdy enough to discourage the casual scumbag of opportunity. If a thief is determined enough, they are going to get into anything. Heck, sometimes I think making something super secure piques the interest of thieves and they are more determined to see what you have. I would use a standard box and not worry too much about it.

 

[geanes]

Thanks for the feedback! Sounds like the Harbor Freight box would be plenty. I guess I was overthinking things a little bit.

 

[MOguy]

You have a long trailer tongue and a good tow vehicle but you trailer looks light. Getting boxes like that would be wasted weight esp sitting on your tongue.

I would think abut the boxes you see in the back of pick ups. They are lighter and more weather proof.

 

[alia176]

Ebay has custom alum boxes in all shapes and sizes using the five bar European diamond plating material. Their prices are pretty decent and might be worth a look.

 

[PrdCdn]

I went with an ATV cargo carrier - aluminum and cheap and one of these - picture shows yellow, mine is black.
https://www.dewalt.com/products/gear-and-equipment/coolers-and-carriers/toughsystem-cooler/dwst08404
Enough to store my wheel chocks, battery, tools, and I can walk away with it when not in use. Gives me extra space for anything else I need.

 

[PacificNorthWestJeeper]

Been looking at tongue box options for my small camping trailer. They all seem to be crazy expensive ($400+) and made of thin steel with cheap locks. The cheaper ones (sub-$200) are even more flimsy and don't seem too secure.

This got me thinking: what about using a mid-size jobsite box from either Ridgid or Kobalt? They are 16 gauge steel with recessed padlocks. The Ridged has a lid gasket to prevent or minimize dust/water intrusion. But, it's BRIGHT orange which attracts attention. The Kobalt has no lid gasket (can add one very easily though), but has nifty rubber covers that go over the 2 padlocks to prevent dust/water intrusion. The Kobalt is less overt as it's a blue color. Both are powder coated, so I would think they would hold up well on the tongue platform of my trailer.

Both are 5 cubic foot storage which would be plenty for setting up a small battery system and still have room for other valuable things.

Curious if anyone else has used these. Photo of my trailer below (tent has since been moved onto the trailer)

Ridgid 32" jobsite box: RIDGID 32 in. x 19 in. Portable Storage Chest-32R-OS - The Home Depot

Kobalt 32" jobsite box: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-19-in-W-x-32-in-L-x-18-in-Steel-Jobsite-Box/1000172277

The Lowe's Kobalt is one I found after I bought my harbor freight tongue box. I like the Kobalt one, pretty solid and secure and a great price. Weather stripping can water proof it...
If I could do it over I would buy the Kobalt, cut the feet off the bottom so it sits flat, rhino line the outside, then bolt it to the tongue on my M416. Good luck with you decision...

 

[EmersonHart13]

I bought an eBay Diamond Plate box for a deal. Grabbed it when they had those eBay coupons.