Carrier Mod

[wildebus]

I have been looking at options to allow me to leave my small Trailer at home and still keep the inside of the Camper free of gear so I can use it overnight while travelling to and from shows.

Decided on using the Thule EasyBase as the main part as all the Thule gear I have bought in the past has been rock solid
Thule EasyBase Carrier Base Unit Tow Bar-Mounted

It wasn't suitable as Thule intended though, so first step after putting the base together was remove the right hand upright support where it fouled the door mounted Ladder

Base offered up and upright cut down by David, on Flickr
(I also adjusted the ladder position to make it higher so it cleared the main base part)

The upright pole as shown in the first [Thule] photo I wouldn't have fitted anyway as it would have also fouled on the Spare Wheel on the left hand side.

On the bench and this is what we have

Thule Carrier by David, on Flickr

Took some mesh I had hanging around and cut it to match the Easy Base platform

Thule Carrier - Mesh Offered Up by David, on Flickr
(Thule do sell an "EasyBasket", but that costs around £100 or so, so quite pricey for a bit of shaped wire mesh)

Bit of wirebrushing and then some paint and primer made the mesh a lot tidier.
Then some Neoprene Foam strips put on the base to provide some anti-vibration & anti-rattle support for the mesh; Then bolted it down using Roofing Bolts with Penny Washers at the top and standard washers and Nylock nuts underneath.

Thule Carrier by David, on Flickr

Strategic trimming in the mesh was added to allow access to the towbar securing bolt

Mesh Cutout by David, on Flickr

And fitted into place ready for use

Thule Carrier with Mesh by David, on Flickr


I need the numberplate (and will put a yellow one on) as when in use the door mounted plate will be obscured, but not sure if I need the lights though? the standard lights will still be visible, but the carrier is 700mm further back from those lights which may be too far?

 

[Robmac]

Nice job!

 

[Exwindsurfer]

great job Dave

 

[Obanboy666]

I looked at the Thule rack when I wanted a rear box for screen covers, ramps etc.
Eventually went for the Bak Rak. Very similiar, made from steel and a higher payload. I carry a Solent box on it full to the brim with chairs, ramps internal & external screen covers, hosepipe, ehu cable etc, etc.

 

[wildebus]

I looked at the Thule rack when I wanted a rear box for screen covers, ramps etc.
Eventually went for the Bak Rak. Very similiar, made from steel and a higher payload. I carry a Solent box on it full to the brim with chairs, ramps internal & external screen covers, hosepipe, ehu cable etc, etc.

I'd be interested in a photo or two of your setup Have you got the tilting option so you can access the back doors still?

I looked at the Bak Rak as well (they really need to better their website though!) and was very tempted as it looks a great product but a couple of things put me off.
I also thought the aluminium construction would be lighter to take on and off (be usually without) and the lower payload won't (I think!) be an issue.
I have some bits to add on tomorrow

 

[Obanboy666]

I'd be interested in a photo or two of your setup Have you got the tilting option so you can access the back doors still?

I looked at the Bak Rak as well (they really need to better their website though!) and was very tempted as it looks and it looks a great product but a couple of things put me off.
I also thought the aluminium construction would be lighter to take on and off (be usually without) and the lower payload won't (I think!) be an issue.
I have some bits to add on tomorrow

I'd be interested in a photo or two of your setup Have you got the tilting option so you can access the back doors still?

I looked at the Bak Rak as well (they really need to better their website though!) and was very tempted as it looks and it looks a great product but a couple of things put me off.
I also thought the aluminium construction would be lighter to take on and off (be usually without) and the lower payload won't (I think!) be an issue.
I have some bits to add on tomorrow

- agree about the website, rubbish. Without the box on it allows access to the rear doors, simply remove a pin which allows rack to tilt down. I never remove the box as it carries ‘gear’ I need when on my trips out which is more or less every week or so. Don’t find lack of access to the rear doors an inconvenious to be honest.

 

[Robmac]

I would consider a couple of reflective strips on that Steve.

Nice storage solution!

 

[Obanboy666]

I would consider a couple of reflective strips on that Steve.

Nice storage solution!

I’ve put a couple of round reflectors on since taking the photo. I have been in front of a Vosa van and a few police cars and never been pulled over. Took a chance on not fitting light / number plate board but checked the regs and I reckon I’m ok. Nearly went for the next size up box, pleased I didn’t as it would have covered the van number plate and the lights. The rear projection of the rack / box is just under the limit of needing a lighting board so all good.

 

[wildebus]

I’ve put a couple of round reflectors on since taking the photo. I have been in front of a Vosa van and a few police cars and never been pulled over. Took a chance on not fitting light / number plate board but checked the regs and I reckon I’m ok. Nearly went for the next size up box, pleased I didn’t as it would have covered the van number plate and the lights. The rear projection of the rack / box is just under the limit of needing a lighting board so all good.

do you know the actual limit by any chance? I fitted the supplied lights but not sure if I legally need to have them?
PS. Not heard of Solent Plastics before. Just checking out their website and browsing the boxes

 

[SimonM]

It looks a good setup, I agree it really needs a couple of reflective strips, and I personally would add a pair of bright brake lights powered off the towbar electrics if fitted (I tend to go a bit over the top for visibility)

 

[Obanboy666]

do you know the actual limit by any chance? I fitted the supplied lights but not sure if I legally need to have them?
PS. Not heard of Solent Plastics before. Just checking out their website and browsing the boxes

1 metre rear projection, my rack is approx 32”.

 

[Obanboy666]

It looks a good setup, I agree it really needs a couple of reflective strips, and I personally would add a pair of bright brake lights powered off the towbar electrics if fitted (I tend to go a bit over the top for visibility)

Not bothering with the reflective strips as I’ve fitted round reflectors.
I didn’t bother with the electrics, was going to fit them but I’m selling my pvc this spring so not bothering.
The Rack/ box doesn’t require lights etc fortunately.

 

[wildebus]

Adding some of the extra bits to the Carrier ....

Storage Box by David, on Flickr

This is a fairly heavy duty box that came from Home Bargains at the princely sum of £12.99. I secured it to the Carrier using the same type of bolts and washers I used for the mesh

Box Bolts by David, on Flickr

Adjacent to the storage box I have a place for other items and specifically, depending on the occasion, my Generator

Briggs & Stratton P2200 by David, on Flickr
(I am going to look for a base for this to rest on and will be secured with straps plus a chain for security)

The Box bolt-down location was specifically selected to allow the generator to be put adjacent to it and still allow the right hand rear door to open to allow access to the main garage storage

I can run the generator while it is on the Carrier and there is no vibration carried though to the Campervan.