Rotopax mount on flatbed Fleet rear rack

[JiminMaine]

Can members who opted for a rear ladder on their camper share how the Rotopax mount is mounted. I've noticed that there are two holes through the rear rack in photos online. Is there an additional plate that the mount is bolted to, then installed into the rack frame? Or, is it directly bolted to the frame at 12 and 6 position? I have 1/4 plate of Aluminium I can use if more rigidity is required.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Jim, I suspect folks are using a plate. I know I would.

 

[JiminMaine]

I suspected so..... I will make up a wee plate to support the gas can.
Thanks for the response!

 

[rando]

I am curious what you mean by 'rear ladder'? If it is a rear rack, the easiest way to do it is to use 8020, then you can mount what ever you want where ever you want.

 

[JiminMaine]

My apologies Rando. I have edited the original post to reflect the correct term.
I should have said rear rack opposed to ladder rack.
Thanks!

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

That may make a difference. I don’t have experience with 80-20 .

 

[rando]

Ah, do you already have the rack and the rotopax? If so, rotopax makes a mount plate that should span the two rails:

FuelPaX Universal Mounting Plate | RotopaX

Introducing the brand new FuelPaX Universal Mounting Plate. This mounting plate easily attaches to: ATV rack, UTV frame, trailer wall, etc.

www.rotopax.com

If you don't already have the rack, buy a couple of lengths of this for the rack - it is stronger and you can mount anything anywhere without having to drill holes, and there are all sorts of accessories available:

T-Slot Aluminum Extrusion Profiles | Framing Options | 15 Series

Aluminum T-slot profiles are a modular framing solution for your 80/20 project. 15 Series profiles available in a variety of shapes and finishes. Visit 8020.net for more info.

8020.net

I have two 3 gal rotopax mounted under my flatbed, and frankly I have not been very impressed with them. They bulge in the sun, which can make it almost impossible to release the mount as it gets really tight. I had to fabricate and carry a special tool to release the handle on hot/sunny days. I also had to replace the spouts as the stock ones were almost unusably bad, and the lock they supply for the handle is made of plain steel, so it rusts and jams. All in all, an unimpressive product. If I hadn't designed the flatbed storage around them, I would have switched to something else. Do you have the option to use standard gerry can mounts instead?

One other thought - if you plan on keeping these full much the time, then the rear rack is not a great place for them - it is really high up and way behind the axle, which is about the worst place possible for extra weight. This is why I stuck mine in front of the axles and below the flatbed (see below). I know a lot of people mount them on the rear rack, but they are often next to an axe and shovel, which makes me think it is more about looking expolicous on instagram than actually practical.

 

[jiminruskin]

Not including the RotoPax mount you can build 2 mounts using 1/4 in aluminum plate from Amazon for less than $40. Drill a few holes and mount them where ever you like. I see the OP already has the aluminum plate, I am posting this for general info.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Rando, there are a couple of videos on YouTube that show how to modify those spill proof spouts so they actually work. I’ll post one if I can find it again.

 

[JiminMaine]

Thanks for the responses. I do indeed have the rack, the Rotopax and aluminium plate. I am currently looking at small bench top drill presses and intend to make this my weekend project. Thanks once again!

 

[rando]

Rando, there are a couple of videos on YouTube that show how to modify those spill proof spouts so they actually work. I’ll post one if I can find it again.

Yeah, I ended up just buying the old school spouts for mine - they are sold as 'water spouts' but are compatible with petrol. Some of the spill proof ones work fine, but the rotopax ones (at least from 10 years ago) did not. Maybe newer ones are better.

 

[rando]

PS If you have a 3D printer, this is a great gadget for getting the rotopax lids off:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3684895

And I can share a design/STL for a tool to release the mount on a hot day:

 

[JiminMaine]

Rando, I use these to prevent the swelling of the Rotopax. Works extremely well.

https://www.amazon.com/Magicfour-Replacement-Water-Faster-Flowing/dp/B08747LWC4?pd_rd_w=Hi73x&content-id=amzn1.sym.8316a2b5-cd70-46ae-8cd3-b6d53778915d&pf_rd_p=8316a2b5-cd70-46ae-8cd3-b6d53778915d&pf_rd_r=JT98Q7JNE6NQ4V4KZVG0&pd_rd_wg=KCNoh&pd_rd_r=b4809a57-ed08-4fbe-82dc-578c3dc737e6&pd_rd_i=B08747LWC4&psc=1&ref_=pd_basp_m_rpt_ba_s_1_sc

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

There’s a YouTube video on venting with those.

 

[rando]

Rando, I use these to prevent the swelling of the Rotopax. Works extremely well.

https://www.amazon.com/Magicfour-Replacement-Water-Faster-Flowing/dp/B08747LWC4?pd_rd_w=Hi73x&content-id=amzn1.sym.8316a2b5-cd70-46ae-8cd3-b6d53778915d&pf_rd_p=8316a2b5-cd70-46ae-8cd3-b6d53778915d&pf_rd_r=JT98Q7JNE6NQ4V4KZVG0&pd_rd_wg=KCNoh&pd_rd_r=b4809a57-ed08-4fbe-82dc-578c3dc737e6&pd_rd_i=B08747LWC4&psc=1&ref_=pd_basp_m_rpt_ba_s_1_sc

Thanks for the suggestion - I will give these a try.

 

[JiminMaine]

Just a wee update. The rotopax cans are mounted! Like many members, I have decided to make my own rear rack in the near future. This will allow for a more modular approach for different adventures. Until then, this will do for now.
Thanks once again to those who shared their experiences.