New 179 - First Mod

We have taken 4 trips in our new 179, and quickly realized that we didn't like moving our cooler in and out of the door. Not only did it get the floor dirty, I could see it eventually dinging up the trim inside. I decided to try and mount it on the tongue as I have a WDH and figured it could take the extra weight.

I started with a hitch mounted aluminum cargo basket and mounted it through the existing support for the propane tank. This way I didn't have to drill into the frame, and can easily reverse the mod with minimal damage.



I used the stock propane tank holder and regulator and bolted them to the basket.



Then I added on the cooler - I will strap it on all 4 corners around the bottom of the basket - should hold it well and make it easy to remove if needed.



I used all stainless hardware so along with the aluminum basket, should hold up to our wet weather up here. Super easy mod and cheap at only $100 or so all in (except the cooler).

Heading out this weekend close to home so we will see how it works!

Party at WAPODDERS!! 

According to my measurements, i should be able to get to 90 degrees, but then again, i have never been very good at geometry.  Come to think of it, i should have test fit with it hooked up to the tv........fingers crossed..

Originally posted by furpod Unless you are towing with a Gold Wing, no way in heck can you get 90 degrees. I strongly suspect you are going to need to invest in tail light stock.

Well - close but no cigar. I moved it back as far as I could, and it still is a little to close for comfort. I am sure it would be fine for 90% of situations, but not for those tight camp spots and u-turns. Back to the drawing board.

Originally posted by techntrek If you can shave the corners of the tray you may be ok 95% of the time.  Another option, look into mounting the tray so it can be slid side to side (but locked down the rest of the time).  If you get into a situation where you must make a tight turn slide it to the side, then center it again when you are done.