Mounting Rotopax Containers

[Ralph Mawyer]

I’m wanting to mount two 2-gal Rotopax containers. My initial thought was to mount them outboard on the cargo box, but with a Honda 1000cc generator in the box now I’m not crazy about adding another 40 lbs to the tongue weight. 
 

It looks like I can mount them horizontally on the rear bike rack, which also helps balance the tongue weight of the generator. 

It looks to be a simple mount, but the closed beam mounting structure will require 2” bolts for the depth of the beam vs the simple bolting up front.

(That and getting the top and bottom holes to line up.  With the hitch u-bolts opening up the inside of the beam, I wondered why they didn’t drill drain holes. Small holes so not that big a deal I guess.)

Thoughts? 

 

 

 

[John E Davies]

That is a really hazardous location for gas cans. I used to carry two 5 gallon steel NATO cans in back, before I removed my cargo basket entirely. Those are super tough and can take a big impact without rupturing.  I think you could mount the Rotopax vertically in the same spot, with the thin sides facing to the rear so they don’t block the lights. But you will have to fabricate brackets. Rotopax offers an L Bracket but it weighs 20 pounds! …. https://www.amazon.com/Rotopax-L-Bracket-Single-Mounting-x13-95/dp/B01LRDVZHA

You also need to consider security, is there a way to lock the caps?

Unfortunately that diamond plate sewer cover is not designed to support any weight, it has a single thin piece of reinforcing angle running across the back. You could beef it up, so it could actually support the gas cans. I made a long tie down rail for my ebike, it is a 2”x2”x0.188” section of 6061T6. I riveted it down with common 3/16” aluminum pop rivets at 2” spacing. It is hell for strong.

If you were willing to get rid of that tire cover, you could easily fabricate a double can mount that attaches to the center threaded rod, I think it is 3/4” diameter. That would put them up out of the way and would look cool!

John Davies

Spokane WA

[Ralph Mawyer]

Thanks John. I was hoping for your input. 
 

I considered some of your concerns, but the wall thickness on the tube was something I hadn’t considered. 

Worse case they’ll go on the truck roof. 

[John E Davies]

7 hours ago, Ralph Mawyer said:

(That and getting the top and bottom holes to line up.  With the hitch u-bolts opening up the inside of the beam, I wondered why they didn’t drill drain holes. Small holes so not that big a deal I guess.)

 

No drain holes = lazy technician. I drilled 1/8”: holes in my bumper at each end, and also in the bottom of the  entry steps where water pools. My DIY rack is wide open on the ends so water cannot get trapped, and I can blast inside when I wash the trailer. 

You can use a drill guide block to get the top and bottom holes to line up. It isn’t as precise as a drill press, but it is good enough for this kind of project. I bought this one, it is super well designed, but $$$. There are some adequate ones with fewer features for less that $20.

30 45 90 Degree Angle 4 Sizes Drill Hole Guide Jig with 4 Drill Bits for Angled and Straight Hole, Portable Cable Railing Lag Screw Drilling Template Block for Cable Wood Post, Wire Metal Handrail

John Davies

Spokane WA

 

[Geronimo John]

I would not have a problem with this for water storage.  But for gasoline,  when I saw the below, all I could think of is some jerk with an axe to grind.  Giving a perfect opportunity to torch your beautiful trailer.  Twist the cap, light it off and go.

 

 

[Ralph Mawyer]

Had that done to a car once when I was a pretty active soccer referee…unhappy players I expect.  Don’t think I want to repeat the experience. 
 

Will likely go on roof mount at this point. 

[dewdev]

As a alternate to carrying gas cans, you could switch your generator to burn propane.

[Geronimo John]

On 5/7/2022 at 3:57 AM, dewdev said:

As a alternate to carrying gas cans, you could switch your generator to burn propane.

A good option for sure!  Do consider that most generators do lose capacity due to the energy content decrease between gas and propane.  Something to run to ground so that you "know before you go" that path.

[Trainman]

I have a new Rotopax fuel tank and mounting that I purchased for my motorcycle off road riding to carry extra fuel, common for dual sport motorcycle riders to carry extra fuel. Now since I don't ride anymore I just need it to find something that I need fuel for when camping. I will say these are very good fuel container and very sturdy for all uses, many carry then on there ATV's and UTV's. 

trainman