Another rotopax mount

[Lighthawk]

We initially had invested in two AT Overland Rotopax Holders for GEN 2 Rotopax and two 2 gal. rotopax vessels. However, the gas cans grew in size and became stuck in the holders. I was unable to remove the gas cans in the field. Once I got home I had to remove the holders and use a 2x4 to prize the gas can out of each holder.

I called AT Overland and they said it was my responsibility to vent the gas cans every few days, due to temperature variations. There's actually a warning on the gas can too. I mentioned it's not uncommon for us to drive from Lone Pine over Tioga Pass which is a 6,000' gain in elevation which can also pressurize the gas can. Ultimately AT Overland said they would take back the holders, and I agreed to keep the gas cans. They had a cool idea using the jack brackets for mounts, but their holders are flawed, IMHO.

I decided to use plus nuts to mount the rotopax base. The trick is to find the studs, which were ~10" in from the corner and to verify I had enough room to slide the gas can over the base. I used a stud finder, but found tapping to be a better indicator. I used some Dicor butyl seal tap around the head of each plus nut. They seem sturdy enough with the plus nut inside the stud face, sandwiching the siding up against the base of the rotopax. We just did 600 miles, including 70 miles of Death Valley washboard with zero issues using the new set up.

 

[RONR]

Very helpful! I had the exact thing happen to me. During a short trip to the mountains from sea level last summer, I could not get the rotopax out of the AT holder. When I got home I had to pry it out. I called AT and they were great and sent me a new can and instructed me on the venting. I’m sure they are sick of this coming up.

Of course, as you said, this is a problem when heading over summits and/or driving long distances in the heat. It’s easy to say “just vent it when you fill up the truck” but heck, I hardly remember to dump my garbage at the gas station let alone unlock and vent the can.

But I’m trying to be more vigilant. However your workaround is really good. So thanks for posting this and it looks to be a good way to go if you want to mount between cab and camper. I just don’t have anywhere else to store extra gas.

All in all, I think AT Overland is a good company and they have excellent customer service.

BTW. Once I got the distorted can out of the holder, I emptied it and left it in the sun for a couple of days without the cap on. It went back to its original shape and fit in the holder. It does not really solve the issue, but it did surprise me given how distorted it was.

Ron.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Andy, thanks for showcasing the expansion issue. I was thinking about buying two of these mounts, but am reconsidering.

 

[CPT Davenport]

Yes, thank you for sharing this. I have these mounts and use them mostly for the white water pax. So far so good. Have used for gas only once with no elevation change and all went well. I know now to not trust them on a a long haul holding fuel. They also rattle a lot on rough roads. I put a bit of foam on the face plate to minimize the movement and noise. I think your new mount will work fine. I have that same mount on my k5 and have had years of good performance.

I do need to look more into the plusnuts, they seem to be a popular choice.