Utility Trailer Upgrades: Toolbox, LED Taillights, and Spare Tire Holder

Question:

I have two over the wheel cargo boxes that I am wanting to replace with a single tongue mounted tool box on my 6 by 12 single axle trailer. I would like to add more tongue weight to my trailer. I have submitted a photo of the front of my trailer, I am not sure if there is a tool box that will fit on my trailer. The distance from the trailer frame to the mounting plate on the trailer jack is 17 inches, the trailer jack is 11 inches from the frame to the handle. From the trailer frame to the angle iron frame is 14 inches. I would prefer a tool box that is between 28 to 36 inches long and will not restrict my turning radius. I am also looking to upgrade my taillights to LED lights. I am typically backing the trailer into the storage area at night, and want to get I as much light output as possible. I am also looking for a spare tire holder that will attach to my angle iron trailer, and not compromise the interior storage of my trailer. Thanks for any suggestions you can provide.

asked by: John R

Expert Reply:

The Dee Zee Specialty tool box # DZ6535P should work as a tongue tool box for your trailer dimensions. The overall dimensions of this tool box are: 35 inches long by 14 inches wide by 13 inches tall. Please check these measurements with your trailer and make sure that the full square portion of the tool box will not interfere with the turning/backing radius of your trailer.

This toolbox has a capacity of 3.6 cubic feet. When you relocate the cargo that you are carrying in the tool boxes above the wheel of your trailer to this tongue box it will add tongue weight to your trailer, which you mentioned was your preference.

I have checked the measurements of the a-frame style of all the other tongue mounted tool boxes and none of the ones we currently carry will fit with the dimensions that you specified for your trailer, including the Dee Zee # DZ91717P that you originally referenced.

For taillights for your trailer upgrading to LEDs would provide better visibility. If you are usually backing your trailer up at night and need some additional light, a very easy solution would be to use 2 left hand taillights for your trailer like the Optronics # STL9RB. These LED lights serve as taillights, turn lights, and also have a clear bottom portion that is intended to illuminate a license plate, but using 2 of these lights will provide more light at the rear of your trailer. Typically a right hand taillight does not have this clear lens under it for illuminating a license plate or the ground. Therefore using 2 left hand lights will provide more light output at all times.

Another option would be to wire in a set of reverse lights on your trailer. This would change your trailer connection to a 7-way connection in order to provide a reverse light circuit. Then these lights would only activate when in reverse. For this you could use the Optronics 6-1/2 Oval LED # BUL78CB, and mount them on the vertical uprights on your trailer to additional visibility when backing the trailer into your storage area at night.

It would not be advised to use the clear lights illuminated when driving down the road, but to only use them when backing up the trailer or installing an in-line switch. Then you could turn them on for backing into your storage area, and off when driving.

If you would like some additional amber side marker lights you might want to consider the Optronics Mini LED Side Marker and Clearance Lights # MCL13A2B. These lights would be activated when the running lights were on, and would provide better visibility for your trailer on the road, and might benefit you when putting your trailer away in the dark.

If you will be changing your current trailer wiring from a 4-way as indicated in the picture of the tongue of your vehicle to a 7-way you will want to use a 7-way connector like the Hopkins # H20046. This will provide the trailer connection as well as the additional wiring needed to install the Optronics Clear Oval LED lights on your reverse circuit.

For a spare tire holder that will fit your trailer we do have a weld on style that would most likely work for you, and it is part # FSTC1000301. It will accommodate and 4 and 5 lug wheels, and includes mounting hardware for carrying your spare tire.

We do not currently have a bolt on-style that is intended to fit the angle iron portion of your trailer. The bolt on spare tire holders that we offer are intended to be bolted to a square or rectangular tube and it looks like the only portion of your trailer that would work on is the tongue of your trailer, and that will most likely be occupied by a tongue box. This would leave little room to mount your spare tire carrier and not further decrease your turning/backing radius.

I have provided links to the parts listed above, demonstration videos and installation videos if available, a photo of the tool box, and a helpful article for your reference.