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WAPODDER ![]() Newbie ![]() Joined: 23 Jun 2015 Online Status: Offline Posts: 8 |
![]() Posted: 24 Jun 2015 at 8:51pm |
We have taken 4 trips in our new 179, and quickly realized that we didn't like moving our cooler in and out of the door. Not only did it get the floor dirty, I could see it eventually dinging up the trim inside. I decided to try and mount it on the tongue as I have a WDH and figured it could take the extra weight.
I started with a hitch mounted aluminum cargo basket and mounted it through the existing support for the propane tank. This way I didn't have to drill into the frame, and can easily reverse the mod with minimal damage. ![]() I used the stock propane tank holder and regulator and bolted them to the basket. ![]() Then I added on the cooler - I will strap it on all 4 corners around the bottom of the basket - should hold it well and make it easy to remove if needed. ![]() I used all stainless hardware so along with the aluminum basket, should hold up to our wet weather up here. Super easy mod and cheap at only $100 or so all in (except the cooler). Heading out this weekend close to home so we will see how it works! |
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Leo B ![]() podders Helping podders - pHp ![]() Joined: 13 Jan 2012 Location: Lyndonville, VT Online Status: Offline Posts: 4514 |
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Nice Job!!
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Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
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fwunder ![]() Senior Member ![]() ![]() Joined: 04 Oct 2013 Location: New Jersey Online Status: Offline Posts: 1676 |
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Party at WAPODDERS!!
![]() You did test for tight turns with your TV, right? fred
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2014 RPod 178 => MyMods and Buying Habits
2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
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techntrek ![]() Admin Group - pHp ![]() ![]() Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9059 |
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Looks good. I was going to mention sharp turns, too.
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WAPODDER ![]() Newbie ![]() Joined: 23 Jun 2015 Online Status: Offline Posts: 8 |
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According to my measurements, i should be able to get to 90 degrees, but then again, i have never been very good at geometry. Come to think of it, i should have test fit with it hooked up to the tv........fingers crossed..
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furpod ![]() Moderator Group - pHp ![]() ![]() Joined: 25 Jul 2011 Location: Central KY Online Status: Offline Posts: 6128 |
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Unless you are towing with a Gold Wing, no way in heck can you get 90 degrees. I strongly suspect you are going to need to invest in tail light stock.
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WAPODDER ![]() Newbie ![]() Joined: 23 Jun 2015 Online Status: Offline Posts: 8 |
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Well - close but no cigar. I moved it back as far as I could, and it still is a little to close for comfort. I am sure it would be fine for 90% of situations, but not for those tight camp spots and u-turns. Back to the drawing board. ![]() |
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techntrek ![]() Admin Group - pHp ![]() ![]() Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9059 |
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If you can shave the corners of the tray you may be ok 95% of the time. Another option, look into mounting the tray so it can be slid side to side (but locked down the rest of the time). If you get into a situation where you must make a tight turn slide it to the side, then center it again when you are done. |
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WAPODDER ![]() Newbie ![]() Joined: 23 Jun 2015 Online Status: Offline Posts: 8 |
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Good ideas! The only thing that is holding me back from tweaking that basket is that I can't weld aluminum. My TIG machine is only DC and I don't have a spool gun for my MIG. I think I may just build a tray out of angle for just the cooler and mount it where the stock propane rack is. I should be able to build a support for the propane tank to fit behind the cooler next to the battery. Have you ever seen anybody use a frame-mounted spare tire holder to hold a propane tank? I could make a protective cage that bolts to it for the tank - just worried about the weight on the frame with all that leverage going over bumps.
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marwayne ![]() Senior Member ![]() ![]() Joined: 25 Oct 2011 Location: Edmonton AB Can Online Status: Offline Posts: 1002 |
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There are many things you can do without welding, no welding on my backend of the pod.
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If you want something done right, do it yourself.
2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
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