msp2jxr
03-22-2012, 05:37 PM
Finally installed the Lippert storage unit on a 2012 Cougar MKS 326. Before you rush out and buy one think about where it will be installed, you many not have room depending on your trailer. You need a clear path from one side of the trailer to the other side that is 24" wide. The only place it would fit on the 326 is behind the tires. I could have moved plumbing or gas pipes but preferred not to. Also I did not choose to cut the plastic underbelly for the install. I used the mounting plates to help hold the plastic up against the frame rails of the trailer. I then drilled holes through the bolts and pinned them so the nuts could not spin off. I also used lock nuts so the chance of this thing coming off is remote. The two mounting plates did not line up with the frame of the trailer and I had to cut them off and make new mounting plates to match the frame rails on my trailer which is 71'' outside to outside of the I beam trailer frame rails. Other than that it was clamp it to the frame and drill four bolt holes and bolt it on. I also used four self tapping screws on the inside frame rails. I was going to screw the middle plate to a frame rail that was in the middle of the trailer because it matched up and thought it would add extra support. I found out after words "DON'T". The spare tire won't slide if you do so I had to take the screw out so the frame work for the spare tire will slide to the side of the trailer when needed.
The spare tire sits just a tad lower than the axles but not by much. I don't think it will really cause a problem at least for me. I don't go off road with my trailer for boon docking. If you look closely you will notice my storage rails are a little twisted. This happened when I welded the new mounting plates. I got it a little hot and the plates twisted the rails. The totes still slide fine so I decided to leave will enough alone. If anyone has questions on this they can always PM me and I will be glad to answer questions the best I can.
The spare tire sits just a tad lower than the axles but not by much. I don't think it will really cause a problem at least for me. I don't go off road with my trailer for boon docking. If you look closely you will notice my storage rails are a little twisted. This happened when I welded the new mounting plates. I got it a little hot and the plates twisted the rails. The totes still slide fine so I decided to leave will enough alone. If anyone has questions on this they can always PM me and I will be glad to answer questions the best I can.