Seneca sewer tote storage

[Robbbyr]

Something that has perplexed me for a while was identifying a space I could store my Barker sewer tote, yet have it accessible for use when needed. I have thought for a time it could fit up underneath behind the rear axle, and I was right!

As it worked out, the tote will fit nicely up between the frame rails. So I fabricated a ramp system to hold it, as well as a winch mechanism to lower the ramp when I need to load or unload the tote. The ramp is hinged at the front, attached to a frame crossmember. A winch from Lippert raises and lowers the ramp, operated either by hand (with a crank) or a drill with a 3/4" socket. The winch is mounted to another frame crossmember to a bracket I fabricated. The winch driveshaft terminates in the rearmost compartment on the right side, the driveshart is supported by a bearing secured to the back wall of that compartment.

I constructed the ramp so it clears the back of the trailer hitch by 1/4". When the tote is onboard and the ramp raised, the tote rests in between the frame rails on the sides, and between the two frame crossmembers fore and aft. It can't move anywhere. I also fabricated "guides" that ensure the ramp centers itself as it is raised. The guides also have provisions for hitch pins to be inserted to act as a "fail-safe" should the winch ever fail. I didn't think it would be very good to "deploy" the tote at highway speeds like a C-130 Hercules aircraft releases pallets as it flies just above the ground! The hinge pins can't fall out since they have to be turned to clear the trailer hitch. With the hinge pin clips installed, they can't turn. I am very confident they will keep the ramp from ever accidentally falling.

It was a bit of work to create and install, but now I have more leeway to select non-sewer spots. One more project in the books!

[Rustynuts]

Turned out great, I would do the same but I have fuel tank there

[MD3]

Very nice !! I love seeing projects like this.
I have a 58 gallon fresh water tank in this spot.


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[Mark S]

And yet another really nice job, Rob. Actually a great job. And a smart use of that space. I keep looking at that area to do something with that space. My list of mods for when you come to Florida next winter keeps growing LOL.

And early happy birthday from Eureka Springs, Arkansas. When are you leaving on your trip?

[Robbbyr]

Thanks Mark!

We leave for Maine next week with my Ohio daughter and grandsons. Then my brother, sisters, and a few Ohio friends head northeast the week after. We meet up in Boothbay with my CT-based daughter, son-in-law, and the Maine family and we all get together to celebrate my 60th by doing the "Cabbage Island Clambake". Can't wait!