Alternate Hitch Usage

Think it fits David. It basically is about how to carry around the stuff you need. All about compromise I suppose. And risks you want to take - no spare. Murphy is a close associate of mine.

A RWC and LRT cost a lot of $$$ and whilst I don't have any kids to transport I have found that I am using the back all the time so don't want a RWC if I can get away without one. That limits spare tyres etc.

not sure I would want fuel inside the vehicle though it might be the way to go.. I was thinking about how to carry carrying jerry cans on the roof after your response. If my physics is right the best way to carry them would be on their side rather than on the edge or upright. Same weight but just sitting lower. The larger plarform would be an advantage there. Still you are overloading the roof.

I am sure that any hitch mounted carrying device will also add strain to the vehicle. I have about 6 spreadsheets going with different options to compare weights and costs.

I have a little teardrop trailer that I built so that is my go to for most things. Corrugations frighten me till I get the suspension working properly for off road - too much bounce at the moment. Also you can't carry any fuel on the trailer. In some ways a light weight off road trailer would make things a lot easier. Trailers like the Patriot are super $$$$$$$. Having said that trailers are a Solution I don't see many people describing their trips and towing one.

more thinking planning and changing of the mind to come.

Quote:

---

Corrugations frighten me till I get the suspension working properly for off road - too much bounce at the moment.

---

If you drop the tyre pressures and your speed on heavily corrugated roads your suspension and your spine will be forever grateful [thumbsupbig]

Have a look at RotoPax jerry cans. They are expensive but low profile with a multitude of options for carrying arrangements.

I think towing a light weight, small trailer with good ground clearance using a D4 is a valid option, depending on where you want to travel. Towing seems frowned upon for remote tracks because it's more common to see a heavier trailer towed by an underpowered vehicle that has done damage, particularly to dunes. But poor driving by overloaded non-towing vehicles with high tyre pressure must be doing at least as much of the damage.

Scott

Perhaps this is an answer!
Easily removable and something I would think about for a second spare.
BUT it is an issue if you want to tow a trailer as well.
Tyre Trek, 4WD, Rear Bar, Tyre Carrier, Jerry Can Holder, Tow Bar Mounted Tyre Carrier, Swing Away Mounted Tyre Carrier, 4WD Accessories

And I just found this - I believe it is less expensive that the previous unit, plus it has a towbar on it.
Universal Tow Hitch mounted Wheel Carrier | eBay
and their website
http://www.sportsrange.com.au/4x4-ac...-fuel-carrier/

Front Runner do a roof fuel carrier which lays the containers on their side.
https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.co...an-holder.html
I would be wary of the tow bar one myself.

Rhino too, although the Frontrunner (steel) strap arrangement looks more robust, albeit with a shallower tray.

L - Rhino R - Frontrunner
Attachment 125124Attachment 125125

and of course there is the weight discussion...

David

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Aussie Jeepster

Perhaps this is an answer!
Easily removable and something I would think about for a second spare.

---

Wow great search find. I continue to be amazed at this forum and how you can find the help you need. Son lives in Toowoomba so going to drop in and see them next time I am up there. Have asked for a price and weight though. It is what looks like a great compromise for those that do not want to permanently fit a RWC. Use the jerry can holders for water or fuel as needed.

Not sure about the second one as it appears to sit a long way from the vehicle but as you said you can still tow the trailer.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LRD414

Have a look at RotoPax jerry cans. They are expensive but low profile with a multitude of options for carrying arrangements

---

They look good Scott. After I get over the price I will have to look at their dimensions. Just wondering how much thinner they are than a jerry can lying on its side.

It is all about compromise. The ability to modify you vehicle so it is as you want when you want. Looks like some more spreadsheet work coming up. I know they say 75kg for the roof but there are lots of ways that weight can be put up there changing the dynamics and safety.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by l00kin4

Sorry for the diversion of the thread...

I like the idea of being able to remove touring items when I'm not touring and the idea of swinging a RWC in and out when I'm at the back of the car pulling out training gear for kids' sport gear etc. all the time doesn't thrill me.

I'd probably end up just leaving the RWC off around town but travelling without a spare would be an inconvenience at some point (although perhaps more convenient than working around the RWC)

One thing I've been looking at is a removable diesel tank like this Boab one.

Attachment 125086
It would fit neatly behind the 2nd row in the cargo area with my fridge cage setup and I could take it out when I don't need it - most of the time. As with everything there are pros and cons.

- Puts fuel inside the cabin (albeit diesel);
- Chews up some space in the cargo area;
- It isn't as big as a long range tank (but maybe only one extra jerry required for most trips);
- Need to transfer fuel to main tank - perhaps a bit fiddly / messy;

+ Weight of this fuel is more central front to back and between the axles (albeit higher than a long range tank);
+ I can remove it when not needed;
+ No need for long range tank or RWC

Maybe I'll just buy a camper trailer to give myself more options! :unsure:

David

---

I'm with you David on the RWC. It would be too inconvenient for everyday use with kids etc....
The Boab tank looks the goods but as you said it takes up valuable real estate inside and I would be concerned about how to fill it. Diesel is such a smelly, oily fuel and if you spilt any on the carpet, it would be hell to get out (especially if travelling at the time). I suppose you could make an extension pipe to the filler to extend it outside of the interior, but then the filler has risk of spills etc..

I don't find the std tank plus say 20-40l extra in cans only used when necessary, restrictive for travel. Most fuel is less than 600km apart, and the cans can be used to extend this to near to 1,000km when necessary. When I have the camper trailer they would go on the A frame, or when trailer free as per my last trip, just put them on the roof. I use a jiggle siphon hose to drain them straight from the roof into the tank, so no lifting required. If you were keen, you could fill them on the roof as well.

The tow hitch mounted brackets look feasible, but they would drive me mad having to take them off every time I wanted to get into the cargo area, even just for a quick coffee stop....

Chris

If going the internal tank route, there are a huge number of different boat related poly tanks out there. Some come with internal fuel level indicators etc.