Under Chassis Storage Unit install

[msp2jxr]

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.

[Clanton24v]

Looks good

[f350chief]

Looks great Hope it works well. Is there any way I could get you to take some picture of the spare tire and the way that it slides. Thanks.

[msp2jxr]

I will get pictures for you when the weekend arrives showing the spare being pulled out. I can tell you Lippert sent a grab handle to reach to the center of the trailer and pull the tire towards you. I discovered the plastic tote boxes are the mechanisms that hold the tire in place while the trailer is in motion. If you don't have the storage totes in place the spare tire can move from side to side. The tote boxes “pinch” the tire in place.

[paoutlaw]

I have bben lookin in to adding this to mine . But is it water proof if no then i will have to come up with something else.

[msp2jxr]

It is not water proof although I have my totes behind the tires and have never found water to be inside the tote or noticed anything being soaked even after pulling in the rain. I did add mudflaps to the trailer. There are drain holes in the bottom so this is far from a water tight enclosure.

[sandy43]

Those mud flaps are interesting. What did you hook them to? I'm thinking of doing that. Pictures and a little info would greatly appreciated. Thanks

[trucker LOU]

Hey Sandy, I made mud flaps from white plastic big rig flaps from peterbilt dealer. Thet are mounted to the frame outrigger just behind the wheels.------- LOU----