Mounting storage box

[gbaglo]

I have an aluminum check-plate box, measuring about 48" x 30" x 24", which was intended to secure my camera equipment, but just took up space in the trunk of the company car. It's just taking up space in my carport now.

I was thinking I could maybe acquire it for the Escape. Easiest thing to do would be to pick up a cheap cargo tray from etrailer.com and mount it on the back, using the rear receiver. But, I've read a lot of advice about weight distribution. None of it appears to have stuck.

Anybody able to advise on where to place a storage box, how to balance the weight, other considerations I haven't thought of?

I have the dual propane tanks on the front and only the battery on the back.

I'd like to carry water hoses, power cords, 1 lb. propane and butane bottles, small butane stove, ax, blocks, etc. in the exterior box. And, maybe throw the BBQ and camp chairs on top.

Currently I have all that stuff distributed under seats, on beds, or in a box in the middle of the trailer for travel.

I can see that on an extended trip, all of this could be an issue.

baglo