Trailer A-Frame Storage Options: Boxes, Bike Racks, Etc.

A trailer’s A-frame plays an important role in providing towing support and stability. But that A-frame structure doesn’t have to be wasted space. It can serve a secondary purpose as valuable storage space. Today, we’re looking at trailer A-frame storage options that can help maximize space and efficiency.

What Is a Trailer A-Frame?

A trailer A-frame is a triangular structure at the front of travel trailers and utility trailers. It provides stability and support when a trailer is being towed. This means that the A-frame plays a critical role in safe towing. And, of course, the front of the triangle is where the trailer connects to the hitch ball on the tow vehicle.

This strong frame can serve a dual purpose as a support for a variety of storage options. But it’s essential that the ratings for the trailer hitch weight and/or the capacity of the towing vehicle are never exceeded. We suggest checking out our posts on tongue weight and trailer sway control for more information.

What Can Be Stored On a Trailer A-Frame?

Most campers value any extra RV storage space they can get. We’ve posted before on storage options like RV bumper racks and rooftop cargo boxes. But some items may be reasonable to store on the A-frame of your travel trailer as long as their weight is within limits.

Let’s take a look at what types of things can be carried on a trailer’s A-frame.

Storage Boxes/Cargo Carriers

Trailer A-frame storage boxes and cargo carriers are designed to be mounted onto a trailer A-frame’s structure. Storage boxes come in various sizes, shapes, weights, and materials. They’re great for storing camping gear or can be used as a tool box. They’re the perfect place to keep outdoor/dirty equipment like hoses, leveling blocks, firewood, etc.

Different types of A-frame trailer storage boxes can be mounted to carry generators, as could a trailer A-frame storage rack. The key, of course, is to be sure your box or rack is very securely mounted and that your trailer tongue can safely carry the weight of a generator and its fuel.

Following are several A-frame trailer storage ideas. Looking at these options, we can’t overstate the importance of choosing a carrier that keeps your rig within the limit of your trailer tongue’s weight capacity and all maximum weight limits when full of your gear.

Let’s look at some trailer A-frame storage options that can increase an RV’s storage capacity. The first four are different versions of trailer A-frame storage boxes. Available in various weights and sizes, they can all be mounted to a travel trailer’s A-frame.

Following is an option that mounts to a trailer A-frame to serve as a “trailer tray.” It has a steel tray that can sit over propane tanks or a storage box mounted to the A-frame. It can carry safely secured items like a box of camping gear, a cooler, or even a small generator. Again, keep those all-important weight limits in mind!

Bike Racks

For travelers who enjoy biking, A-frame-mounted bike racks may be an option depending on the type and weight of the bikes. Some models of A-frame bike racks can even store bikes above other A-frame storage such as propane tanks or cargo boxes.

The first two below are from the Let’s Go Aero series, the “Hitch It” and the “Jack-It.” Made by Lippert Manufacturing, they’re lightweight and connect securely to the A-frame of your travel trailer to hold two bikes.

Note that each of these bike racks has an 80-pound weight capacity, meaning that your bikes need to weigh less than 40 pounds each. This means that they can’t carry something like a single electric bike that weighs more than 80 pounds, which some do. (Our awesome RAD Power Bikes weigh 75 lbs each.)

The following two bike racks are from Futura GP, a Canadian company. Note that the first rack has a carrying capacity of 80 pounds, while the second can hold 120 pounds.

Propane Tanks

Propane tanks are some of the most common items found on an A-frame of a travel trailer. This is how owners carry the propane for their stoves, heaters, water heaters, and RV fridges. Travel trailers often come with specialized brackets and tanks that are designed to fit securely on the A-frame, allowing for the exterior storage of propane.

Battery Box

Another item often found stored on a travel trailer’s A-frame is a battery box. These typically hold one or two deep-cycle house batteries that provide DC power to the RV’s electrical system.

Some travel trailers come from the factory with battery boxes built onto the A-frame. You can also install your own battery compartment in this area. Just ensure your batteries are well protected from the elements and the box is well secured to the A-frame.

Also, if you build your own battery box, you may need to provide appropriate venting, depending on the type of battery. (AGM & lithium batteries don’t require venting like flooded lead acid batteries do.)

Temperature may also be a consideration for battery placement. For example, lithium batteries that don’t heat themselves can’t accept a charge when it’s below freezing. If you plan to RV in the winter, you may want your batteries installed inside the RV’s heated space.

Trailer A-frame storage options offer an extra way to maximize storage space. Just be sure to pay attention to staying within (or below) all weight limits, balance your load properly, and regularly inspect your A-frame storage solution and the gear stored on or in it.

While we’re on the topic of storage, this video about managing the gear in our basement may have some tips you hadn’t thought of before:

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