Scepter Gas/Water can holder for roof rack?

[cnynrat]

I'm looking for a gas/water can holder that is compatible with the Scepter cans and is suitable for mounting on a roof rack, and I'm not finding any options. I've looked at the following products, and most seem to either explicitly state that they are not compatible with the Scepter cans, or at least imply that. The only exception is the holder from Baja Racks which they say "may" work.

The new (to the USA) ARB dual can holder (pictures all show this one with the Wedco cans)
The ExpeditionWare product sold by EE (pictures only show this with the Wedco cans)
The Front Runner product (Equipt web site says not compatible with Scepter cans)
The Baja Rack dual can holder (Baja says they "may" work)

I'd like one that will hold two cans and that leaves a relatively low profile base on the rack when the cans are not in place. Anybody have any suggestions?

[kcowyo]

It's a single, but it's a start... (http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42066)

.

[EricBirk]

I just got my Bajarack one in the mail today.
I will be mounting it to a wilderness rack with 2 scepter cans.
Obviously might take a bit of modifications...

I will mock it up on my living room floor tonight and see if I can snap a picture for you with the cans mounted.

[squatch]

adventure trailers make a single can holder with a scepter option. i just took my name off a waiting list. you can take my spot? martyn is who i emailed. hope this helps?

[cnynrat]

It's a single, but it's a start... (http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42066)

.

Thanks, I missed that one. I'm hoping to make room for 4 cans, but I'll keep this in mind as a backup. As you say it's a start ...


I just got my Bajarack one in the mail today.
I will be mounting it to a wilderness rack with 2 scepter cans.
Obviously might take a bit of modifications...

I will mock it up on my living room floor tonight and see if I can snap a picture for you with the cans mounted.

Thanks, I'd like to see pics of how that works out.


adventure trailers make a single can holder with a scepter option. i just took my name off a waiting list. you can take my spot? martyn is who i emailed. hope this helps?

Thanks, I was aware of the AT product. My only issue with it is there really isn't an easy way to make it low profile when not carrying a can, so I'd want to take it off the rack when not in use. Not an ideal solution, but maybe a backup plan if I can't find anything else that works.


I am almost certain I've seen pictures of rigs with Scepter cans on their roof racks - there has to be a solution out there somewhere.

[EricBirk]

Here are 2 pics of it on the floor. They fit pretty well and dont move at all.

The only issue is that the back (BS side picture, left side) the rear tabs of the top dont touch the cans. Not a big deal, it holds tight.

My other beef is that the top mount has a threaded bolt that is just long enough with the Scepters. In testing it on the roof the bolts threads got screwed, I think they welded the nut and didnt chase the threads after...

Now to build a mount for my wilderness rack.

[cnynrat]

Here are 2 pics of it on the floor. They fit pretty well and dont move at all.

The only issue is that the back (BS side picture, left side) the rear tabs of the top dont touch the cans. Not a big deal, it holds tight.

My other beef is that the top mount has a threaded bolt that is just long enough with the Scepters. In testing it on the roof the bolts threads got screwed, I think they welded the nut and didnt chase the threads after...

Now to build a mount for my wilderness rack.

Thanks for the pics - glad the rack is working out for you.

A couple questions: How much clearance between the cap on the can and the rack? Just wondering if the Scepter water can with teh extra little spout in the cap would fit. Regarding the bolt, does that run all the way down between the two cans and into the base?

[EricBirk]

Thanks for the pics - glad the rack is working out for you.

A couple questions: How much clearance between the cap on the can and the rack? Just wondering if the Scepter water can with teh extra little spout in the cap would fit. Regarding the bolt, does that run all the way down between the two cans and into the base?

There is a 2"ish wide piece of plate that is J hooked to the base that goes between the cans.

I cant see the water cans being an issue as there is a bit of wiggle room until you lock it down. One of the things I really like about this, other than the fact that you can completely remove the top, is that you can adjust the clamp force/height.

[overlander]

Here are 2 pics of it on the floor. They fit pretty well and dont move at all.

The only issue is that the back (BS side picture, left side) the rear tabs of the top dont touch the cans. Not a big deal, it holds tight.

My other beef is that the top mount has a threaded bolt that is just long enough with the Scepters. In testing it on the roof the bolts threads got screwed, I think they welded the nut and didnt chase the threads after...

Now to build a mount for my wilderness rack.

You can glue weatherstrip on the bottom of the upper strap along it's length to take up that slack, and probably should to keep vibration of the metal strapping from rubbing on the cans.

[EricBirk]

You can glue weatherstrip on the bottom of the upper strap along it's length to take up that slack, and probably should to keep vibration of the metal strapping from rubbing on the cans.

That is a damn good idea!!, and I just so happen to have some leftover black one sided foam tape.

[BriansFJ]

Try this: http://www.okoffroad.com/stuff-fuelcanholder.htm or this: http://www.okoffroad.com/stuff-canholder.htm They show both of these models holding Scepter cans, and sell the cans too...

My 5 yo son wants to add a smilie::safari-rig::PROFSheriffHL::gunt:

[CJCA]

Try this: http://www.okoffroad.com/stuff-fuelcanholder.htm or this: http://www.okoffroad.com/stuff-canholder.htm They show both of these models holding Scepter cans, and sell the cans too...

My 5 yo son wants to add a smilie::safari-rig::PROFSheriffHL::gunt:

Looks like they copied Adventure Trailers' design.....

http://www.okoffroad.com/gifs/stuff/canholder-1.jpg

[Ludedude]

My other beef is that the top mount has a threaded bolt that is just long enough with the Scepters. In testing it on the roof the bolts threads got screwed, I think they welded the nut and didnt chase the threads after...


The nut is threaded wrong for that bolt. I did the same thing to mine a few days before a multi-day trip but BajaRack made it right. Just use the small silver wingnut and either the cotter pin they sent or put a small lock through the hole in the J bolt to keep it all together.

Mine worked fine even doing my best Ironman Stewart Baja impression through the Mojave :victory:

[EricBirk]

The nut is threaded wrong for that bolt. I did the same thing to mine a few days before a multi-day trip but BajaRack made it right. Just use the small silver wingnut and either the cotter pin they sent or put a small lock through the hole in the J bolt to keep it all together.

Mine worked fine even doing my best Ironman Stewart Baja impression through the Mojave :victory:

hahaha
I have run a tap and die on the bolt and the nut welded to the big bar but have not checked on the wingnut yet. I might have to cut and put a longer bolt on it anyways as the Scepters seem to be a bit taller. I made brackets to mount it last night out of 3/4 x 1/8" thick angle, just waiting for the paint to harden and I will try it out tonight.

[Ludedude]

Yeah when the Scepters swell up a bit in the heat (it's always hot here), it can get tricky to get the top piece over the J bolt. I just crack the cap and squeeze them back to size, then it's not that hard.

Overall it's a great set of can holders though. Well built and they do hold up to airborne excursions without any issues. That's where the Scepter cans really shine too :Wow1:

Here's a gratuitous pic:

http://lasvegashikes.com/gallery/albums/new-uploads/web_Mojave%20Rd_%20NVTTORA%20April%202010%20-%20046.jpg

[elcoyote]

Looks like they copied Adventure Trailers' design.....

http://www.okoffroad.com/gifs/stuff/canholder-1.jpg

Hmmm, interesting. Not only did they copy our design after buying a few holders from us, they are using our copyrighted pictures to boot! Attached is the original picture. I guess a phone call and some finger wagging is in order. Thanks for the heads up folks.

[EricBirk]

wow not only did they steal it but they did one of the worst coverup attempts I have ever seen...

[Martyn]

It's a real shame when a company does something like this.

The picture being used to advertise their "copy" is ours, but if you look at their product carefully you'll see that they have a hinge at the bottom of the strap.

So technically it makes it "different". But it also shows that they don't understand the engineering behind our can holder.

So now they have copied something, slightly changed it, and in the course of doing that made it inferior.

Well done OK Offroad. It's something we have come to expect from Chinese companies, but not from US based companies.

[4xdog]

Mario and Martyn, I can imagine this would be *very* frustrating for you. Insult to injury with your own photos, too.

For what it's worth, you might guess that a lot of your target customers are active on this forum. I expect that a lot of us will make it a point to chose AT when it comes time for can holders, and will make it a point to stay away from these guys.

Sorry -- hijack over... Back to this interesting thread.

Don

[EricBirk]

Mario and Martyn, I can imagine this would be *very* frustrating for you. Insult to injury with your own photos, too.

For what it's worth, you might guess that a lot of your target customers are active on this forum. I expect that a lot of us will make it a point to chose AT when it comes time for can holders, and will make it a point to stay away from these guys.

Sorry -- hijack over... Back to this interesting thread.

Don

100% agree. I would have gotten the AT holder but I needed one that could be removed from the base like the bajarack as it was going on my roof.
The people on this forum know who makes good stuff and supports people who use said stuff. In the end this cheap junk will probably fail when it is needed most which is rather unfortunate but you get what you pay for.

[cnynrat]

The gall of okoffroad is amazing! To not only copy the design, but use a cheap photochop of AT's product photo puts them in the category of the lowest of the low.

Back on track to my original question, I'm still not finding any really attractive solutions out there. The BajaRack option sort of works, perhaps with modifications. I'm not a fan of their approach to fastening the cans down though - some sort of quick release latch would be much more convenient. Scepter cans don't fit in the ARB or EE products. The AT holders are great for mounting on a trailer, on a swingout behind a vehicle, bed of a pickup etc, but they can't be put in a low profile configuration for a roof rack application.

So, looks like there is an unfulfilled market need here for a Scepter gas/water can carrier for roof rack applications. Here's a description of my ideal product:

Compatible with Scepter 20L gas and water cans (accomodate the extra little spouts on the water can)
Ability to easily strip down to a low profile configuration when not in use
Quick release latching mechanism
Ability to lock the cans in the holder
Ability to mount on a variety of popular roof racks

Any clever product designers want to take this on?

I've carefully hoarded a nice collection of the unobtainable Scepter cans only to find I don't really have a good way to carry more than the two that are on my trailer. :(

[EricBirk]

The gall of okoffroad is amazing! To not only copy the design, but use a cheap photochop of AT's product photo puts them in the category of the lowest of the low.

Back on track to my original question, I'm still not finding any really attractive solutions out there. The BajaRack option sort of works, perhaps with modifications. I'm not a fan of their approach to fastening the cans down though - some sort of quick release latch would be much more convenient. Scepter cans don't fit in the ARB or EE products. The AT holders are great for mounting on a trailer, on a swingout behind a vehicle, bed of a pickup etc, but they can't be put in a low profile configuration for a roof rack application.

So, looks like there is an unfulfilled market need here for a Scepter gas/water can carrier for roof rack applications. Here's a description of my ideal product:

Compatible with Scepter 20L gas and water cans (accomodate the extra little spouts on the water can)
Ability to easily strip down to a low profile configuration when not in use
Quick release latching mechanism
Ability to lock the cans in the holder
Ability to mount on a variety of popular roof racks

Any clever product designers want to take this on?

I've carefully hoarded a nice collection of the unobtainable Scepter cans only to find I don't really have a good way to carry more than the two that are on my trailer. :(

Why is it so important to have a quick release? I can have mine off in 10 seconds with the threaded rod AND I know it isnt coming off. Simple works and is strong. The Scepters done move around at all either.

[cnynrat]

I think a QR latch would be more convenient, and the wing nut becomes something else to lose. Most all the products that are compatible with the Wedco cans use a QR latch.

[EricBirk]

I think a QR latch would be more convenient, and the wing nut becomes something else to lose. Most all the products that are compatible with the Wedco cans use a QR latch.

Good point, never thought of the losing aspect.

[overlander]

So, looks like there is an unfulfilled market need here for a Scepter gas/water can carrier for roof rack applications. Here's a description of my ideal product:

Compatible with Scepter 20L gas and water cans (accomodate the extra little spouts on the water can)
Ability to easily strip down to a low profile configuration when not in use
Quick release latching mechanism
Ability to lock the cans in the holder
Ability to mount on a variety of popular roof racks

Any clever product designers want to take this on?

I've carefully hoarded a nice collection of the unobtainable Scepter cans only to find I don't really have a good way to carry more than the two that are on my trailer. :(
x2, I have 6 military scepters and would like a mount for my rack to carry one or two of them when needed. I really like the Front Runner and hannibal designs, just need scepter variant.

[4x4mike]

I ran into the same problem as the OP. I couldn't find anything to fit my needs or my price range. I've currently got 2 MWC and wanted to carry them on the roof. Here is what I came up with. It still needs a wall welded in between the cans so I can carry just one if need be, needs a latch of some sort and some paint. I left room inside of the frame to add adhesive weather stripping to keep the cans from getting beat up.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Specter/DSC08042.jpg


http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Specter/DSC08044.jpg


http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Specter/DSC08045.jpg


http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Specter/DSC08046.jpg


http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Specter/DSC08047.jpg


http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Specter/DSC08048.jpg


http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Specter/DSC08050.jpg


http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Specter/DSC08058.jpg


http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Specter/DSC08064.jpg


http://lh5.ggpht.com/_6hyBcEQWF14/TGhFHFLQ-yI/AAAAAAAAXxs/3vX6mlwJXHc/s800/0716001639.jpg


http://lh3.ggpht.com/_6hyBcEQWF14/TGhFH5irDyI/AAAAAAAAXx0/9d1-OwIfae0/s800/0716001639a.jpg


It can be mounted vertical as well but I was planning on horizontal from the get go so I'll start with that. I'm hoping the MFC's are the same size. If so I may start looking for one now that I have a way of carrying it safely, I think.

[Hannibal USA]

The Hannibal double jerry can holder works well with Scepter cans. The Hannibal comes with a cross-piece that mounts over the lids of non-scepter gas cans. This cross-piece is to prevent people from opening the lids on the gas cans to steal gas, and does not otherwise provide a tighter fit. This cross-piece does not fit over Scepter cans. Here are a couple pictures:

Scepter Cans without Cross-Piece:

43223


Cross-Piece that goes over other cans:

43224

[4x4mike]

It looks very easy to make another piece that does fit over the water cans if you needed. Not like people are going to steal your water but more for additional containment.

My holder cost me all of $10. Angle frame was left over from a free day bed frame I got last year. Steel was $4, shearing $2 and hinges were $4. When I'm done I'm sure I'll have an additional $10 in spray paint and mounting hardware if I don't already have some.

[Hannibal USA]

It would be very easy to make a cross-piece to fit over the lids, but I personally wouldn't bother.

[adi]

I purchased two of the FrontRunner holders without doing all my research.

They fit my Scepter water cans (ones from LCI), and I can fit my brand new Scepter gas cans in them, if they are empty, but its a tight fit. My older ex-military diesel Scepter cans do not fit at all, even when empty.

Their design is very very close, I'm thinking of taking it to a local fab shop, and see what can be done using their latches and mounting system (looking at Front Runner roof rack eventually as well).

But now that Hannibal has shown theirs working with Scepters, I might just go with them. Luckily with Scepters and a strap wrench, I can carry them in the interior with no leaking for now.

ETA: if you guys want I'll try and get some pics of me trying to get the Scepters to work on the Front Runner system.

[overlander]

I'm glad Dan posted that. I happen to have a full length Hannibal rack, and now my decision on fuel mounts is resolved.

[coax]

Bit of a thread revival, but here was what I came up with for roof top mfc storage. Figured I'd pass it along.

harbor freight rack, some yakima adapters and good to go. Just recently put it together so haven't had a chance to field test it yet.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RHGIeuamB_E/TJVGbr1KLVI/AAAAAAAAAn8/iVdqfn4ZpCQ/s720/S0162848.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RHGIeuamB_E/TJVGiFoa5oI/AAAAAAAAAoM/W5CO3MefKMU/s720/DSCF2846.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RHGIeuamB_E/TJf2AjxCIZI/AAAAAAAAAog/TwphcwjpfeE/s720/DSCF2851.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RHGIeuamB_E/TJf2BSg2aJI/AAAAAAAAAoo/V2_tF8PR02c/s720/DSCF2853.JPG

[cnynrat]

I discovered another option for people looking for dual Scepter can holders suitable for mounting on a roof rack where the ability to be used in a low profile configuration is important. The Phoenix MCU, shown below, is a new product available from Mojave Off-Road (http://www.mojaveoffroad.com/Home_Page.html).

http://www.mojaveoffroad.com/images/26980484_nyg0.jpg

The top piece slides off the hinges to the side so you are left with just the tray mounted on your rook rack when you aren't carrying cans (just like the Engel fridge lid).

http://www.mojaveoffroad.com/images/26980456.jpg

I picked one up at the Pomona Off-Road Expo a few weeks back, but have not yet had a chance to test it out. I'll report back after I've had a chance to try it out.

[762X39]

Ok, Finally seen a dual can carrier I would buy (Phoenix MCU). Looks like I know what my trailer is getting 2 of.:coffee:

[97tjguzzy]

I discovered another option for people looking for dual Scepter can holders suitable for mounting on a roof rack where the ability to be used in a low profile configuration is important. The Phoenix MCU, shown below, is a new product available from Mojave Off-Road (http://www.mojaveoffroad.com/Home_Page.html).

http://www.mojaveoffroad.com/images/26980484_nyg0.jpg

The top piece slides off the hinges to the side so you are left with just the tray mounted on your rook rack when you aren't carrying cans (just like the Engel fridge lid).

http://www.mojaveoffroad.com/images/26980456.jpg

I picked one up at the Pomona Off-Road Expo a few weeks back, but have not yet had a chance to test it out. I'll report back after I've had a chance to try it out.

whats the price on those?

[762X39]

If you link to the on-line store on the website you will see it is priced at $249.00.

[robert]

If you link to the on-line store on the website you will see it is priced at $249.00.


:Wow1: Beautiful piece of gear but wow that's an expensive way to carry fuel.

I've sketched out a few designs and have pretty much decided on one that has a base with removable top strap assembly that covers the caps too. Honestly it shouldn't be that hard to build one.

[off-roader]

Yeah I prefer the one I have from Baja Rack which is a 3 piece design (base plate, top piece and bolt that holds the two together) that allows you to remove the upper part so it makes it an aerodynamic & low profile unit when not in use.

Plus it's only $99 http://www.bajarack.com/accesories-page
75529

The design is also mod friendly as I was able to modify it to use with both a Garvin Wilderness Trails Rack and BVG rack.

[Eventhough]

Yeah I prefer the one I have from Baja Rack which is a 3 piece design (base plate, top piece and bolt that holds the two together) that allows you to remove the upper part so it makes it an aerodynamic & low profile unit when not in use.

Plus it's only $99 http://www.bajarack.com/accesories-page
75529

The design is also mod friendly as I was able to modify it to use with both a Garvin Wilderness Trails Rack and BVG rack.

I have a BajaRack dual can mount. I like it a lot. It is simple and easy to use.

[BroncoHauler]

Yeah I prefer the one I have from Baja Rack which is a 3 piece design (base plate, top piece and bolt that holds the two together) that allows you to remove the upper part so it makes it an aerodynamic & low profile unit when not in use.

Plus it's only $99 http://www.bajarack.com/accesories-page
75529

The design is also mod friendly as I was able to modify it to use with both a Garvin Wilderness Trails Rack and BVG rack.

I like the simplicity of it. Does it work with Scepters, including the older ones that seems to be a bit thicker in the middle?


thanks,
Herb

[fourfa]

I guess this doesn't fit the "over-engineered" theme of this board, but... I have a Yakima MegaWarrior on the roof, the width is just about right for three MFC/MWC flat on their sides. I do 4 MFCs and 2 MWCs in two rows, with the crossbar set for a tight fit lengthwise. A ratchet strap holds them in place to the rack, and a bike cable lock runs through the handles and under the rack to secure them. Pic:

82690

Pic shows 5, three in the front row and two in the back row. Laying flat reduces the wind drag a bit. I did have to add a rubber o-ring to the vent screw on the MWCs to make them totally leak-proof. No problem with the MFCs even in very hot sun. After the first time, it only takes a few seconds to loosen the strap, undo the cable lock, and get them out

[Bobmog]

Here is mine, Baja Rack works great with Scepters.