Hey Ralph,

Great project. Did something similar to hold a big aux battery I got for free. Made more of a tray than box but did add splash shields on the sides ( treadmill fabric). I have to use jack to lower and raise tray as the battery weighs 110lbs ( yeah, stupid heavy and a little silly to have that weight up front).

Search using “ aux battery” on my blog.

https://shufti.blog/

Made another for friend and he uses it to store equipment ( in waterproof bag).

One thing I was, and suppose I still am, worried about was airflow from rad. I took one of the splash shields off one side as I thought both sides closed inhibited flow.

Good luck with your project and let’s see some pics

Alistair

> On Jan 6, 2018, at 11:13 AM, Ralph Meyermann <ralphmeyermann@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> No pics yet, I have some of my original adapted one. The refined version
> should be lighter/cleaner looking and seal out the elements better. Weight
> depends on how much tools/parts you cram inside. Mine got kinda heavy for
> the 12day 3k mile West coast trip and back.
> 
> 
>> On Jan 6, 2018 1:09 PM, "Chris S" <szpejankowski@gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> I like the idea. Extra diesel fuel tank? My thought is that anything heavy
>> in spare tire cavity will be difficult to close. Got pics?
>> 
>> Chris
>> 
>>> Wiadomość napisana przez Ralph Meyermann <ralphmeyermann@GMAIL.COM> w
>> dniu 06.01.2018, o godz. 10:34:
>>> 
>>> Howdy Volks.  After going with a rear spare tire carrier, I was pondering
>>> what to do with that available space. I ended up adapting my home made
>>> larger clamshell/tire carrier into a toolbox. I found it handy.
>> Currently I
>>> took it to my machine/Fab shop guys to make a refined design/prototype.
>>> Roughly 27"x 27" the front of it has 45° angles on the sides and  7"
>> tall.
>>> The first quote was $211.  I went downs and verified a few design aspects
>>> including a better sealing surface for the lid and how it fastens down.
>> The
>>> first one/prototype is currently being built. Looking at $211-$250 final
>>> cost from machine shop, I don't know what shipping or anything could be
>>> yet. Hopefully It'll be what I envision and be able to have them
>> available
>>> for those with alternative spare tire carriers. Storage is worth it's
>>> weight in gold, Westy or tin top.
>>