Adding front cargo area to travel trailer?

[syoungs]

So im finding myself in need of a bit more cargo space on my travel trailer, but don't really want to trade it in for a newer/bigger one, it is just about perfect sized for our needs at this point. I also own my truck, and don't want to sell to buy a longbed.
I want to add a cargo deck the same width as the trailer, and about 4' long, on this deck I will put 2 batteries for the camper, and the 2 7.5 gal propane tanks, along with other hunting/camping gear, bikes (pedal), camp stoves, wall tent, cots etc.

The trailer is 21' long, about 3800# right now, and is already somewhat tounge light if the black/grey tank are full.
The tow rig is a f250 with a 12k # hitch setup, I would need a new set of weight distributing bars, but I think I can probably get it to within the truck/hitches spec. doing so will have higher then normal tongue weight, like 22-25% of trailer weight.

has anyone seen this done, or am I crazy for thinking it?

[D-Rock425]

Seen them on the back just never upfront.  One thing I'd think you'd need to watch is clearance issues when turning trailer hard.

[timberghost72]

Find yourself a couple 7.5 gallon MH propane tanks at a wrecking yard, the horizontal type, (I found mine for $10/pair with brackets) and mount them up underneath on the trailer frame. Running the lines is easy. Also build yourself a battery box to fit up underneath on the frame. If you need to charge the batteries, run an extra set of cables/connector to a junction that is easily accessible.

The bikes are light so mounting a bike rack on the rear bumper won't be an issue. With all this out of the way, you now can build a smaller cargo space on the front of the trailer and not have to worry too much on tongue weight.

Just some thoughts 

[follow maggie]

I don't think you'd be able to turn with that big of a rack on the front. I think if you put th batteries & propane under the frame rails it's only a matter of time until they get scraped off on the highway or getting into a campsit, driveway, etc your best bet might to be to out the rack on the back bumper

[syoungs]

im talking about adding an addition to the frame of the camper itself to get the storage capacity, kinda like those toyhauler tent trailers. playing around with it before, even moving the batteries and propane only buys me a tiny bit of storage space really.

[follow maggie]

That's a good idea. That should be pretty easy for a competent person. They'll need to extend the frame and reattach the box to it.  Not sure if the box would need to be removed, or not. It'll probably be expensive because of labor. I think you want to look for a commercial truck body company, like Heiser in Seattle, North End Truck Equipment in Marysville or the Fab Shop in Milton. They have the capabilities to cut the frame and extend it.

[elk247]

Tagging... Alot of work,  but this is a cool idea!

[syoungs]

in july I am going to take it to a few places in town to get some quotes and see if its feasible. my other option would be to sell and buy a toy hauler, but that means finacing, and the toy haulers in my price range are pretty sparce as far as amenities.

if its to much money, I may build a lumber rack with a roof basket for the truck, would solve most of my storage issues, just a bit more of a pain.