Tie down points for the generator tray?

[John E Davies]

Has anybody added stout tie downs to the perimeter of the tray? The expanded aluminum sides are weak and will bend with any real force. The edges are knife sharp and need to be radiused. It needs a ventilated pad to protect the can bottoms .... Otherwise, I think it is a dandy accessory, VERY stout and good looking.

 

I want to be able to tie down a variety of items, but primarily two steel gas cans and two plastic water cans:

 

 

 

These fit _perfectly_ in this configuration with no extra room on the sides, and I can strap the gas cans and water cans down hard, and independently, so that either set can be removed without disturbing the other. I just need some better attach points. Maybe these around the top?: ....

 

 

http://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/product/versatie-track-kit-4-foot/VersaTie-Track-Kits

 

I would need a minimum of a 48 inch and a 36 inch piece to cover the entire perimeter, less the angled corners.

 

Comments welcome.

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

[Overland]

Maybe add some footmans loops to the rails?

[John E Davies]

Maybe add some footmans loops to the rails?

Hi, I considered those but they are pretty light duty; I don't know if they even publish a safe working limit. I want a setup with a high load capacity for rough roads as well as holding things in place in the event of a crash or rollover... Plus footman loops require you to thread the webbing through the slot, that is time consuming and I would rather use a more open connections style, for a hook or carabiner to go through.

 

The Mac's tie down with 1.5 inch welded ring is rated at 3000 pounds! That is probably overkill in this situation.

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

[John E Davies]

Does anyone know if there is a published safe load limit for this rack? I am guessing 100 pounds. I might load it down a little more, but it would be rarely, and not for long. Most of the time the cans would be empty, to reduce tongue weight.

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA.

[topgun2]

John - Assuming that you are talking about the generator tray/rack, I would guess that Oliver has not published a weight limit for it.  However, even if they have it is probably no more than you suggest and may even be slightly less.  I base this opinion on the weight limit that Oliver posted for the "hitch" on the rear of the Oliver.

 

Also, I assume that you have thought about chain expansion links.  While not very elegant and they would rattle when not in use, they would be simple to install and you could move/remove them if needed elsewhere.

 

Bill

[Overland]

A honda 3000 with gas weighs approx. 150lbs and you're talking 160 or so for 20 gal. of water and fuel so I think you'd be fine.

[John E Davies]

Also, I assume that you have thought about chain expansion links. While not very elegant and they would rattle when not in use, they would be simple to install and you could move/remove them if needed elsewhere. Bill

Chain links would work, but if run through the mesh they won't have the desired stregth. If I drilled holes through the top structure they would work. .... but if I am going to be drilling holes, I think I would rather have strong, elegant and expensive ($100+ for the Macs kit) rather than weaker, shade-tree and cheap.

 

I wonder why the factory doesn't supply a few welded on eyes, or even holes or slots in the frame? There is no good way to strap things down that doesn't involve running a really long strap under the A-frame.

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

[ScubaRx]

Does anyone know if there is a published safe load limit for this rack? I am guessing 100 pounds. I might load it down a little more, but it would be rarely, and not for long. Most of the time the cans would be empty, to reduce tongue weight. John Davies Spokane WA.

 

We have had the same generator basket on two different Olivers carrying our 165 lb Yamaha 3000 for over 60,000 miles total with no problems.

[John E Davies]

 

We have had the same generator basket on two different Olivers carrying our 165 lb Yamaha 3000 for over 60,000 miles total with no problems.

Thanks, that is useful info. What method do you use to tie it down, or do you use a locking rack?

 

Do you have a pad for cushioning?

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

[PAndrews]

Hi John.  The load capacity limit on the storage basket is 140 lbs.  there should be a yellow sticker on the basket that states this.

 

 

[John E Davies]

Hi John. The load capacity limit on the storage basket is 140 lbs. there should be a yellow sticker on the basket that states this.

Thanks, Jason just verified that number by email.

 

Mine has no sticker so I can ignore it ;) I think I will be OK with my planned max load. It will be rare, and for short distances. I might keep the gas cans full all the time, but the water cans would only be filled if I expected to be dry camping more than a couple of days.

 

I will keep an eye on the tightness of the mounting hardware, just to be safe.

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA