fuel can holders - cross post from merch

[AJAEbj42]

I'll take two. Please and thanks. Somewhere in the $125-$150 price bracket is good (each). I'll bring you a cheque next week at the meeting.

 

[Fantom]

LOL, thanks Rob, but hold on a second.
I'm still getting the feeler out there for demand and I will likely need to order at least 10 sets for a good price from the metal guy and the anodizing guy. Give me a week or 2 to sort it out and get everyone to give me the best price possible. I want to make sure I can actually deliver at that price point.
Thanks for your enthusiasm though!

 

[AJAEbj42]

No worries!

 

[Fantom]

You will be the first on my list if I can make this happen, thanks!

 

[Glenn-BJ74]

OK that seems to make more since from a cost stand point.

Let me know what a cost would be for 3 bases, 2 sides and 2 joining plates.

I'm not in a big rush for this product as I do not have any trips planed this year that will require any spare fuel.

Thanks,

I find my 40 litres of spare fuel capacity is also useful when there is a temporary price drop, when I am outside the Metro Vancouver tax zone or in the US. But you would likely only use that extra capacity if its convenient to use- like on a swing out, rather than on the roof, which is more hassle to fill, transport and use.

 

[Antarctican]

I have been looking for ones that hold 2 cans. BUT, why add half a meter of height onto my rig? Just lay the cans flat. I'd be FAR more interested in a system that folds 2 or 3 cans flat (my cans never leak), fits on any roof rack, and has a pivot with lock that lets you stand them upright for filling. Bonus points for utilizing lasers somewhere in there.

 

[Glenn-BJ74]

I unsuccessfuly tried to make that point above.

 

[Wheelingnoob]

I find my 40 litres of spare fuel capacity is also useful when there is a temporary price drop, when I am outside the Metro Vancouver tax zone or in the US. But you would likely only use that extra capacity if its convenient to use- like on a swing out, rather than on the roof, which is more hassle to fill, transport and use.

Yes I get all my fuel in the US so I will be filling them every trip down for gas. I am planing on mounting this on the 2nd swing out on my rear bumper. I have no roof rack nor would I want to lug them up there, I also need to be able to fit in my garage.

Mat what colour will you be having them anodized? Just a thought but would it not be better to have them powder coated? Anodizing I have had done in the past when a colour has faded every time with heat and UV exposure.

Have you looked into using 1/8th steel to keep cost down?

 

[Fantom]

I'm looking at a clear anodizing finish, natural aluminium colour. Going with a coloured finish would be an issue as everyone might want something different. After getting a couple quotes for anodizing aluminium, it is by far less expensive than powder coating and to a degree better.
I have looked at the idea of using steel, now the current design uses 1/8" aluminium, if I go with steel, then the only solution is powder coat, which requires (to be done properly) sand blasting and then coating. All that would raise the cost of production, and if you scratch the powdercoating off, it will rust, it will also be heavier. In the long run, aluminium is a less expensive product.
My reasoning was to create something you would only have to buy once and never again.

As for a flat design, I can do something with that in mind but I do not think it is actually legal to carry fuel cans that way. Never mind the fact that if it does leak (atmospheric pressure changes, the seals wear out a bit, etc) then you have a problem of your roof covered in fuel and none in the cans. Standing them up on their back, which this bracket allows, is still a better transportation solution. Granted it isn't as low profile but it is also safer and less likely to leak.

 

[LanceCruiser]

I think the inside base of the fuel can holder will be the most susceptible to wear. Eventually powder coating or anodizing will wear off wherever there is heavy contact from the jerry can. The gritty dust or caked on mud along with the vibrations of driving off road and buffeting from the wind will sand through any coating over time and start working on the metal.

 

[kim]

maybe design the rear carrier design with a tilt so when you transfer the fuel to your tank, it doesn't actually involve removing the cans from the carrier.

 

[Fantom]

That would be too large a variable depending on vehicle application and may not be pratical in many vehicles.
This little invention, that sadly I can't take credit for, is a much less expensive and better alternative:
Self Priming 1/2" Siphon / Syphon Hose - Gas, Oil, Water, & Aquarium Siphon

 

[pbgbottle]

i could use two sinlge ones for my scepters.

 

[Fantom]

I'm getting some good feedback from you guys, sadly, not much from the rest of the crowd in the merch section (maybe they are not awake or interested). I'll be approaching my metal guy to see what they can do for pricing for me. I just don't want to get stuck with an order of 20 holders and 2 sold.

 

[AJAEbj42]

That's because the rest of the merch crowd would rather buy from China Wholesale - Buy wholesale products from Chinese wholesalers on MadeInChina.com (edit: I can't believe that's a real website!!! I just guessed! good grief, now I'm even more pissed) because it's cheaper and they enjoy it so much they get to do it again when the krap fails. OK, I fell better, does that help?

 

[Fantom]

LOL, Rob needs a beer I think. I know what you mean though. The way I look at what I create is simple, I am not competing with an entire country filled with over worked, under paid slaves that are just thankful they have a job and are not living in the gutter, literally. In China, to be able to work in a factory is a large privilege and many apply but few get in. Families actually have to pay the companies to have their children enrolled in courses to be able to work there, so they pay the company to train the workers. But that is a different world and a different culture with much more competition. I don't want to start a debate over that in this thread.
What I am building, like many other, very skilled, talented and original fabricators that are around here, like Jason, is something that is based upon traditional values. Quality, craftsmanship, service, durability, trust and honesty. Combined with the ability to have you little personal touch that comes with custom fabrication. Some people can appreciate that and are willing to pay a little more for it, others are not looking for that. I am not here to argue those points, quality and reputation will speak for itself and after the cheap stuff breaks and they are in need of something durable, I hope they chose my product, if not, I hope they chose the product that is right for them. It is not a mentality that will make me a millionaire, but it is one that allows me to sleep comfortably at night and not feel bad about my decisions.

 

[AJAEbj42]

I'll drink to that (at Little Laphroaig to calm the nerves), much better now.

 

[kim]

I would commit to two can holder for an eventual rear bumper build. I guess that means I'm in for 2 x rear tire carrier thingamajig.

 

[Fantom]

Kim, I'll sort you out later, let me finish your swing out first.

 

[Wheelingnoob]

Is someone finally getting there 35" tire of of there truck?