Hello, I recently sold this 2016 X213, (purchased a 2017 White Hawk 28DSBH), but wanted to post some pics of a mod I did for more storage.
Welded up a mounting bracket for a 60" x 18" x 18" aluminum toolbox on rear bumper. Added lights because the box somewhat blocked the trailer lights. I tapped into the wiring harness towards the front of the trailer and added another trailer plug at rear of trailer and connected the lights on the toolbox to a plug-(so toolbox can be easily removed without cutting wires). Found a yellow wire capped off in junction box up front for the reverse lights.
Main side brackets are 3" x 1/4" and bottom frame is 2" x 1" x 1/8" Channel. Top Square tube is 1" x 1" x 1/8".
I removed the rear bumper which mounts on the outside of the trailer frame and I made my bracket to fit in the inside of the trailer frame and used the existing bolts and added another 1/2" mounting bolt that goes through my bracket and the trailer frame. (had to use a saw zaw to cut the huck bolts that were used to mount the rear bumper to the frame).
My wife and I were looking at a 2017 25BH and if we got that I would have removed this set-up and put on the 25BH(30" lenth) but the white hawk is just under 33' and I did not want to make it any longer- and the frame is different dimensions so bracket would have had to be modified.
Thank you- first time posting anything and I really love the info I have found on this message board.
The only issues I can think of is the storage box has to be screwed into a substantial frame that is using bolts that will tie into the frame under the rear of the trailer... Using the same bolts that hold up the flimsy bumper may not be enough... Your tool box will get pretty heavy all loaded down... Some of these rear bumpers just barely hold up a spare tire etc...
Second item is hopefully the lights that you have added will pass the trailer State DOT Inspection criteria. They have funny rules to follow. Whenever I have needed to mess with the lights especially those on the rear of the trailer I always go to DOT first and ask for permission. Also the tail light LENS have to have a qualified assigned DOT NUMBER that is stamped in the lens. There also may some rules on how many lights you can have 'ON' etc... The back-up lights mounted on the rear of the trailer have to come 'ON' when you place the truck into REVERSE and not have a separate ON-OFF flip switch... etc
Just passing alone based on some of my earlier experiences with DOT and Safety Inspections. Sure is a bummer to go for the Safety Inspection and be denied on the spot and have to quickly tear out your expensive lights etc to be able to pass the inspection...
Roy Ken
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Hey RoyBraddy-thanks for the info-- my brackets are bolted to the trailer frame not just the bumper- it is very solid. For the lights- for my occupation I deal with DOT all the time and these lights are actually overkill for this set-up but thanks for the heads up. Yes the reverse lights come on when the TV is put into reverse. Trailer passed PA state inspection with no problem, but I understand DOT is federal.
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