Explorer 1
Explorer 1
Not being a fabricator by trade such projects come laboriously slow. Lots of measuring, cutting, thinking, experimenting and then starting all over again when it doesn't work out the way you want it.
This is my third attempt at a solid durable 5 gallon gas can holder. In the past the "off the shelf" models just didn't hold up in the long run based on trails I take and my style of driving. Most I've seen are ok for the slow rock crawler type of travel or the occasional off road trip but I need something that could stand up to hundreds of miles of bouncing, banging and rattling.
I'm almost done with the build of the roof rack/spare tire combo and really pleased in how it has been holding up. Plans are for two can holders on either side of the spare tire, up high enough so as not to hit when I come off a steep drop.
Not having the confidence to build both at the same time I have just finished one and based on it's performance, I''ll fab the other.
I used the Adventure Trailer box to hold the can, it's light weight (aluminum) and has a very attrative design, with some minor modification for additional strengtht should work out fine.
http://www.adventuretrailers.com/fuelholders.html
And then fabricated the hangers and braces to be held by pins to the spare tire rack.
Here is the basic Adventure Trailer can holder:
Here's what it looks like after the bracing and hangers have been installed and a trip to the powder coaters:
It hangs by it's own weight on the two cross tubes of the spare tire holder and is further secured by stainless steel quick release pins.
When the pins are installed it is so strong that you can rock the whole vehicle back and forth by pulling and pushing the can holder. Looks like I can start on can holder #2, except this time it won't take so long to make!
Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1
This is my third attempt at a solid durable 5 gallon gas can holder. In the past the "off the shelf" models just didn't hold up in the long run based on trails I take and my style of driving. Most I've seen are ok for the slow rock crawler type of travel or the occasional off road trip but I need something that could stand up to hundreds of miles of bouncing, banging and rattling.
I'm almost done with the build of the roof rack/spare tire combo and really pleased in how it has been holding up. Plans are for two can holders on either side of the spare tire, up high enough so as not to hit when I come off a steep drop.
Not having the confidence to build both at the same time I have just finished one and based on it's performance, I''ll fab the other.
I used the Adventure Trailer box to hold the can, it's light weight (aluminum) and has a very attrative design, with some minor modification for additional strengtht should work out fine.
http://www.adventuretrailers.com/fuelholders.html
And then fabricated the hangers and braces to be held by pins to the spare tire rack.
Here is the basic Adventure Trailer can holder:
Here's what it looks like after the bracing and hangers have been installed and a trip to the powder coaters:
It hangs by it's own weight on the two cross tubes of the spare tire holder and is further secured by stainless steel quick release pins.
When the pins are installed it is so strong that you can rock the whole vehicle back and forth by pulling and pushing the can holder. Looks like I can start on can holder #2, except this time it won't take so long to make!
Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1