500-lb capacity hitch rack from Harbor Freight
- Thread starter rayra
- Start date
IdaSHO
IDACAMPER
DaveInDenver
Middle Income Semi-Redneck
That rack is super slick, Kenny!
To the original post, I feel that is the worst place to carry fuel cans. What a risk that would make in a rear end collision or dragging it over a steep parking lot exit.
rayra
Expedition Leader
To each their own. I'm certainly not advocating using such a rack for 'regular' use. I think I made my 'emergency use' rationale clear in my earlier posts about it. Putting 55gal fuel drums in the open on the rear of CommBloc tanks is a 'bad idea' too. That's why they are removable, can be jettisoned when empty.
From my opening post -
But it's not a config for anything but paved roads or well-graded dirt roads. Not unless you are desperate. Makes an already poor departure angle even more impractical.
it's also certainly NOT something I'd want to display in something like say a hurricane or post-disaster evacuation. If you are going to do that, I suggest at least a tarp and maybe some unsightly household crap on top of them, as camoflage. Find somewhere out of sight to use the fuel.
From my opening post -
But it's not a config for anything but paved roads or well-graded dirt roads. Not unless you are desperate. Makes an already poor departure angle even more impractical.
it's also certainly NOT something I'd want to display in something like say a hurricane or post-disaster evacuation. If you are going to do that, I suggest at least a tarp and maybe some unsightly household crap on top of them, as camoflage. Find somewhere out of sight to use the fuel.
bigskypylot
Explorer
Die Gas Pumper!!
I have one of these as well, and I bought the 3 bike carrier as well, and have used it on multiple vehicles, but my favorite use was when I plugged it into the receiver of my little bantam knock-off and towed that behind my Wrangler. I've done that twice, used it on the wifes previous Safari for a trip or 2 to Floridaa, and obviously on the Wrangler itself when we went up to Silver Lake in Xichigan. Every time I use it, I swear I am going to get one of the stabilizers, then I put it away and forget about it until next time, LOL! :jump: :smiley_drive:
I too have used one (not HF but something similar) with our Yukon when going with the three kids. Yeah it kills the departure angle but it allows me to get there where I can then unload it, take it off an then have my "USUAL" crappy departure angle back. Ha! Depending on what I'm carrying I have put a small piece of plywood down to stabilize things (mine just has bars across it for a floor). But they do help for sure when space is tight.
Function > Form
New member
I have the same rack from Princess Auto, kinda the Canadian Harbor Freight. Side note, I find it difficult not to write HarboUr... 
I used mine numerous times and had similar issues to you folks. Borderline acceptable welds, rattles like crazy, etc.
I haven't used it much except for transporting empties, or to pick up great curbside garbage day finds (I like to resurrect old stuff). Since using our tent trailer more these days (similar to a Heilite), we wanted to carry a 10lb propane tank, some sceptres, tool box. Check it out.
I basically flipped the orientation to make it work best, then cut some relief spots so it would sit flat on the a-frame, then fluxwelded, sanded and painted. I can jump on the corners with very little flex...mind you...I only weigh 155 lbs soaking wet.
![IMAG1731[1].jpg](https://forum.expeditionportal.com/data/attachments/323/323908-75e229d4c0446df70184cc9d8037db2a.jpg?hash=deIp1MBEbf "IMAG1731[1].jpg")
![IMAG1734[1].jpg](https://forum.expeditionportal.com/data/attachments/323/323909-52691bbcb5dd677055b25319ebe8274b.jpg?hash=UmkbvLXdZ3 "IMAG1734[1].jpg")
I used mine numerous times and had similar issues to you folks. Borderline acceptable welds, rattles like crazy, etc.
I haven't used it much except for transporting empties, or to pick up great curbside garbage day finds (I like to resurrect old stuff). Since using our tent trailer more these days (similar to a Heilite), we wanted to carry a 10lb propane tank, some sceptres, tool box. Check it out.
I basically flipped the orientation to make it work best, then cut some relief spots so it would sit flat on the a-frame, then fluxwelded, sanded and painted. I can jump on the corners with very little flex...mind you...I only weigh 155 lbs soaking wet.
rayra
Expedition Leader
That's a good re-purposing. Like the ring mount or the propane, too.
I've since bought a few of the Scepter 'Civilian' jugs. The (kerosene) blue water jugs are $20 at the Tractor Supply stores, the red fuel jugs with the CARB-bastardized nozzles are $25. They're certainly surdier than any other commercial grade jug, water or gas. Their trapezoidal shape / fatter bottoms certainly make them more difficult to lash together. But that's a minor quibble. And since I use a SuperSiphon and hose to empty fuel jugs when needed, I'm not concerned with the ergonomics of the caps or fuel pouring.
Got about 40-45gal of both gas and water in 20L/5gal jugs, now.
/I need to hose that dusty mess off and repaint that storage cabinet.
I've since bought a few of the Scepter 'Civilian' jugs. The (kerosene) blue water jugs are $20 at the Tractor Supply stores, the red fuel jugs with the CARB-bastardized nozzles are $25. They're certainly surdier than any other commercial grade jug, water or gas. Their trapezoidal shape / fatter bottoms certainly make them more difficult to lash together. But that's a minor quibble. And since I use a SuperSiphon and hose to empty fuel jugs when needed, I'm not concerned with the ergonomics of the caps or fuel pouring.
Got about 40-45gal of both gas and water in 20L/5gal jugs, now.
/I need to hose that dusty mess off and repaint that storage cabinet.
