Topic: Rotopax thoughts?

[Ghost65]

Here are a few shots of the Rotopax spare tire strap mounted kit on my Xterra.













These are the 3 gallon size cans. The strap is essentially a ratchet strap.

Very easy to install and remove once you set it up. Set up was a little tedious at first, but once I figured it out very simple. Oiling the ratchet mechanism helped a lot. WD-40 silicone spray to the rescue.

Since I only plan to really use this set up off road, I'm no too concerned about the drivers side mounted can blocking the tail/brake light. Or, if you had to drive around town, I suppose you could just remove it by emptying in your tank and storing inside. Again, my goal was to provide extra off highway fuel storage.

The eventual goal is to have another 4 gallon Rotopax on the roof, totaling 10 gallons of fuel.

I also didn't want a permanent mount on my Shrockworks bumper, since again, only off highway use.

This was an expensive package, almost $425 shipped. I realize not for everyone, but it worked for me. Also, I realize not theft proof at all. Again, wouldn't be using in areas where that risk was high. If constant locking fuel storage is your goal, probably a set up like Bobby's or roof mounted is the way to go.


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[FrankB]

Now that I see how that strap goes around the tire I wonder just how secure that will really be bouncing around off-road. Those cans can't be light, and that strap will surely flex somewhat.  Is there any sort of extra strap running horizontally around the center of the tire?  Maybe even around the outside of the cans?  Or, maybe I'm just being paranoid, and someone with more experience has already tried this determined it works okay. Granted, I'm basing my comments solely on looking at the photos here.

[scottmen]

Looks really good.

I think if anything I would be worried about the mount sliding down along the strap. Does the mount "grab" the strap?

[Ghost65]

Frank and Scott,

Yes there are metal C shaped mounts that hug up against the tire.  As the strap tightens, they flatten out and grip the tire as well.

I will be playing with this over the weekend and testing out on a bumpy road.  Bill over on TNX had the same comments, and suggested filling with water and doing a shake test.

[RockinX]

These look like they have potential.  "For showers, drinking, and cooking, this slim upright water tank fits inconspicuously behind the rear seat."  (10.57 gallons)  $274  frontrunneroutfitters



Keep 10 gallons of water within reach with this quick, simple to use footwell water tank.  2 drains with hoses are positioned on each end for easy access from either side of the vehicle.  $220



This 40 liter (approx 10 gallon) BPA free plastic water tank with hose fits in the Front Runner double jerry can holder but  can also be used alone strapped to any flat surface.  $203



For showers, drinking, and cooking, this universal 10.57 gallon water tank mounts to the Front Runner Slimline Roof Rack or any flat surface.   This water container was designed specifically to fit into the supplied Double Jerry Can holder.  $250

[Ghost65]

Nice post on water storage options Marshann!

An update on the spare tire/Rotopax shake test over the weekend in Truckhaven. They performed really well, with a little perceptible vibration, and no issues with movement of the mounts over 130 miles of highway/desert washboard/sandy wash/whoop see doo's/rock crawling/hill climbing/and general trail navigating terrain.

If this were Mythbuster's, we would have CONFIRMED the Rotopax during our test session.

They easily poured all six gallons in to the tank, covering a quarter tank of gas and topping off for the trip home.

I do need to remember to pack some hand wipes, as even the most spill free gas filling gets some gasoline residue on the hands, especially when affixing the spouts to the cans. 87 octane is not the best cologne.


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[knightrider]

I'm digging the floorboard and behind seat water tank options, pricey but easier to store in the truck and more capacity than my current blue cube 5 gal tank

[RockinX]

I do need to remember to pack some hand wipes, as even the most spill free gas filling gets some gasoline residue on the hands, especially when affixing the spouts to the cans. 87 octane is not the best cologne.

They will also come in handy if you happen to run across a fire hydrant in the middle of the desert. 

[Ghost65]

Touche' Marshann!! 

[FrankB]

The footwell and behind-the-seat ideas are interesting, but I don't know about that roof-mounted one. Combined weight of the water, container and rack is probably pushing 100 pounds, in a relatively small area on the roof rack. Sounds like trouble to me.

[knightrider]

Yea I don't like too much hanging out on the roof. I like the 4 gal rotopax up there since they are low profile.

[hardrock]

Check out this link to TNX:  http://www.thenewx.org/forum/showthread.php?t=50573&highlight=rotopax

The guy is no longer on TNX but his thread has some pretty good info.  He runs four of the three gallon rotopax cans on his roof with a simple mount that he fab'd up.

[Toro]

I'll be building myself a drop in gas can roof rack. Kind off like a half Dep-Hep. It would be easy to adapt RP's to work with it.

[chrishaynesusa]

It is MARK your territory
NOT! soak your territory

[RockinX]

I'll be building myself a drop in gas can roof rack. Kind off like a half Dep-Hep. It would be easy to adapt RP's to work with it.

Hey Danny - John probably hopes you get the removable rub rails built first.  He has a tendency to do things in 2s and 3s, such as popping beads.   Haha!  I went to my Azusa Canyon pictures to get this link and the 350+ pictures I was going to weed out are all still there.    About 200 of them are of your rig Danny.