RotoPax carrier for Slee Rear tire swing out

[SanDiegoCruiser]

Ever since I purchased my Slee rear bumper with the single tire swing out, I have been searching for an elegant solution to carrying extra gas and water. I don’t do this enough to warrant the 2nd Slee ladder swing out. Also, having two swing outs becomes a hassle since my Cruiser is my daily driver and all of those mall runs require constant access to the rear, which means unlatching the swingouts which is a pain.

I came across a solution from Vector Off-road primarily built for Jeeps. They recently developed an “Exo Rack” that handles the carrying of RotoPax water/Fuel/Storage containers by attaching a rack to the spare tire mount. The website does not list the 100 series 5 X 1.50mm lug pattern as an option, so I contacted Keith to ask him if it would fit. Keith said it may fit, but if it didn’t it would only take an additional hole drilled to make it work.

Based on this info, I decided to order the rack. I was able to make it fit with the drilling of one hole. It fits like a champ. I’m running 285/75/16 tires. When I ordered it, I selected the “2.5 Bolt Pattern Length (3-4” wms to far tire edge). There is a measuring procedure that is outlined on the site as to how to get the correct fit based on the tire/wheel combination.

I have ordered two two gallon RotoPax containers from Keith and they should arrive soon. I’m looking forward to testing this setup out on a Mojave Rd / Death Valley trip in the near future.


After showing these photos to Keith, he said the following: "we will add the hole pattern to our next run of parts when our existing stock is depleted" so this will mean off the shelf support for 100 Series Land Cruisers.
Here is where you can order the Epo Rack from:
http://www.vectoroffroad.com/exo-rack-p-76.html

 

[natvet]

Nice take some pics when the containers come in. I am thinking of going the same way.

 

[e9999]

glad you're happy with it and enjoyed the DIY part. For me, though, those things are too small and seem more like a gadget than an effective solution. I'd rather stick a standard 5 gal can -on the tire if a must- or preferably some place else. More convenient and likely cheaper. For that matter, I'd rather do 2 or 3 or 4 of them

 

[r2m]

glad you're happy with it and enjoyed the DIY part. For me, though, those things are too small and seem more like a gadget than an effective solution. I'd rather stick a standard 5 gal can -on the tire if a must- or preferably some place else. More convenient and likely cheaper. For that matter, I'd rather do 2 or 3 or 4 of them

Aaaaahh, you're just too hard core!

I like the idea, but I think for me I have to agree with e9999 that I don't think those Rotopax hold enough per carry on unit.

 

[e9999]

there seems to be this notion floating around that gas cans inside are a big no-no. Well, I'm not so sure about the validity of that statement. Of course, you can't have any that are leaking but that's pretty easy to take care of. As far as danger, I'm not at all convinced that inside is worse. The chances of a good can inside leading to your getting engulfed in a fire is infinitesimally small I think. Frankly, I think a can on a bumper is way more likely to be punctured and resulting in a fire than one inside. But again, one inside that is leaking is undoubtedly a major No-no, of course.

 

[SanDiegoCruiser]

Doubling them up, you can carry up to 8 gallons ~ 100 mile range, which is more than enough for anyplace I would need to travel. Sure, they are not cheapest containers around, but they are very versatile. The fact that you can use different configurations of water/gas/waste etc makes them appealing to some.

 

[e9999]

If you like them and $$ are not an issue, all is good. Enjoy! Keep in mind though that 8gals up there is starting to be quite a load. Is the swingout/spindle etc up to the task? (probably if it's Slee's one would think )





[ooops, sorry, got into your post above by accident, didn't change it.]

 

[AATLAS1X]

I like it!

Even if you had the ladder with basket, you could carry water on one side and fuel on the other.

I've got a good hook on Rotopax @ justgastanks.com use "Metric TLc" for coupon code at check out.

 

[AimCOtaco]

there seems to be this notion floating around that gas cans inside are a big no-no. Well, I'm not so sure about the validity of that statement. Of course, you can't have any that are leaking but that's pretty easy to take care of. As far as danger, I'm not at all convinced that inside is worse. The chances of a good can inside leading to your getting engulfed in a fire is infinitesimally small I think. Frankly, I think a can on a bumper is way more likely to be punctured and resulting in a fire than one inside. But again, one inside that is leaking is undoubtedly a major No-no, of course.

I hear what you're saying but I disagree. Seems that under normal conditions you're OK but what about in an accident? I would prefer any leaking fuel from an accident to occur outside the bus, never inside. There is also the un-punctured projectile problem with a 50lb +/- mass. If they are in a bolted down rack on the interior that is one thing but if just strapped in I say no way. To each their own of course but for any road use including my family I'm keeping fuel out of the passenger compartment. Not trying to pick apart your suggestion just want folks to consider the down sides along with the advantages.

 

[SanDiegoCruiser]

I like it!

I've got a good hook on Rotopax @ justgastanks.com use "Metric TLc" for coupon code at check out.

Great - I went to that site to see the savings. $3.25 in savings is not bad, but I got free shipping from Verctor Off-Road, so that is more savings.

 

[Layonnn]

I hear what you're saying but I disagree. Seems that under normal conditions you're OK but what about in an accident? I would prefer any leaking fuel from an accident to occur outside the bus, never inside. There is also the un-punctured projectile problem with a 50lb +/- mass. If they are in a bolted down rack on the interior that is one thing but if just strapped in I say no way. To each their own of course but for any road use including my family I'm keeping fuel out of the passenger compartment. Not trying to pick apart your suggestion just want folks to consider the down sides along with the advantages.

x2
As well as if you have one of the regular wally world gas cans, it might have a leaking cap and you don't even know it. Fuel vapors could then leak into the cabin and then the simplest electrical spark, like rolling down power windows could cause it to ignite.

Dumb idea to store fuel inside the cabin.

 

[AATLAS1X]

Great - I went to that site to see the savings. $3.25 in savings is not bad, but I got free shipping from Verctor Off-Road, so that is more savings.

I "think" Ben ships free on some orders. You could always email him and ask.

 

[davegonz]

Nice. That rack looks like it can be a good base to mount some pioneer tools (shovel, axe, etc) on.

 

[SanDiegoCruiser]

Nice. That rack looks like it can be a good base to mount some pioneer tools (shovel, axe, etc) on.

Yeah, Vector Off-Road makes a similar tools that fit on the rack.

 

[re_guderian]

Where do you guys go that you use > 8 extra gallons of gas? Though I've carried up to five gallons before, the only place I've used extra gas was in the West Desert of Utah, on my Nissan pickup with a 13 gallon tank. Oh, that and central AZ in the 60 on a week-long trip where I was intentionally avoiding civilization...

 

[e9999]

I hear what you're saying but I disagree. Seems that under normal conditions you're OK but what about in an accident? I would prefer any leaking fuel from an accident to occur outside the bus, never inside. There is also the un-punctured projectile problem with a 50lb +/- mass. If they are in a bolted down rack on the interior that is one thing but if just strapped in I say no way. To each their own of course but for any road use including my family I'm keeping fuel out of the passenger compartment. Not trying to pick apart your suggestion just want folks to consider the down sides along with the advantages.

sure, I only wanted to make the point -and probably made it too strongly as the devil's advocate- that I think some of the fears out there about inside carry are overblown. I did not mean to say that it's much better to carry it inside, in fact I do carry mine outside, but I would not be extremely worried about having a good one inside either. One could make arguments in favor or against each mode.
A metal one getting punctured inside is not very likely I think. And I think I would smell any leak right away. The issue of a can flying around inside is a different story of course.
And yes, I think that having a can on a bumper -at least fairly low- is potentially dangerous. Do you think it's more likely to get a secured can punctured inside or outside? I think the latter. Rear-enders are not that uncommon.
Roof rack carry has also its potential issues, think rollover.
Of course for our open-top friends the distinction between in and out becomes somewhat more academic. Should one not ride in an open top Jeep or FJ40 because there is a can someplace ?

but OK, I better not make too much out of this. I'll still keep mine outside for now

 

[e9999]

Where do you guys go that you use > 8 extra gallons of gas? Though I've carried up to five gallons before, the only place I've used extra gas was in the West Desert of Utah, on my Nissan pickup with a 13 gallon tank. Oh, that and central AZ in the 60 on a week-long trip where I was intentionally avoiding civilization...

well, I think convenience is also part of it. Not having to go back out to civilization and returning just cuz you're running low or wanting to go a bit farther than originally planned cuz the scenery is stunning. Or having gas for a generator or stove. Or for a friend with a 13 gallon tank ) ) Or planning for an unplanned leaky main tank cuz of the sharp rock. Or not wanting to deal with dirty or superexpensive gas at the mom and pop store in the boonies. All that. But most importantly, I'm told that a bunch of jerry cans are babe magnets. Is that not true...?

 

[Mxndrnks]

Where do you guys go that you use > 8 extra gallons of gas? Though I've carried up to five gallons before, the only place I've used extra gas was in the West Desert of Utah, on my Nissan pickup with a 13 gallon tank. Oh, that and central AZ in the 60 on a week-long trip where I was intentionally avoiding civilization...

A lot of places I go in Baja, there is no way you are going to make it without an extra 10 gal.

Sent from my phone using IH8MUD

 

[e9999]

A lot of places I go in Baja, there is no way you are going to make it without an extra 10 gal.

Sent from my phone using IH8MUD

Not only that, but I also don't trust gas sold from barrels down there either, not just dirt wise but also "what the heck is in there?" I did it before cuz I didn't have a choice but I didn't like it. And I don't particularly care to pay the "rich tourist sucker in distress" prices either... No way I'd go down to Baja with only one can and my gas-guzzling hog. In fact, when the prices will go back again to $5/gal here, you may make a fortune bringing gas back statewide...

but anyway, this is diverting too much from the OP, I better stop here with that and conclude by saying that one good thing about the rig above is that the cans are pretty high up so indeed little chance of them getting busted in a rear-ender (unless you run with Mogs ).

 

[inkpot]

sure, I only wanted to make the point -and probably made it too strongly as the devil's advocate- that I think some of the fears out there about inside carry are overblown. I did not mean to say that it's much better to carry it inside, in fact I do carry mine outside, but I would not be extremely worried about having a good one inside either. One could make arguments in favor or against each mode.
A metal one getting punctured inside is not very likely I think. And I think I would smell any leak right away. The issue of a can flying around inside is a different story of course.
And yes, I think that having a can on a bumper -at least fairly low- is potentially dangerous. Do you think it's more likely to get a secured can punctured inside or outside? I think the latter. Rear-enders are not that uncommon.
Roof rack carry has also it's potential issues, think rollover.
Of course for our open-top friends the distinction between in and out becomes somewhat more academic. Should one not ride in an open top Jeep or FJ40 because there is a can someplace ?

but OK, I better not make too much out of this. I'll still keep mine outside for now

For years I always carried extra fuel outside as I did not like smellilng inside, and I was concerned about safety issues. I now carry it inside in the plastic Spector cilivian cans. No rattles, no slosh, no smell. They are mounted in a 3/4" square tube rack mounted to the 3rd row seat bolts in the floor. If my rig were to crash hard enough to risk damage to these cans, I would most likely be at risk for multiple fatalities also. I can also mix/match with similar water cans depending on need. I was interested in the RotoPax mostly due to their smaller size being much easier to man-handle, but stayed with conventional 5 gallon units. It is definitely a personal choice on how you choose to mount/carry extra fuel/water. John