Getting the rig ready for the Baja 500

[tri5ron]

Once again, I'll be working the race at my favorite spot.
Acambaro Market, about 70 miles before the finish line.

Been doing some welding for the past couple of days, and this year, my quad is going too. Yea !!

It's not done yet, still need to weld on the tie-down points, add some tail lights, and haven't yet decided if I'm going to put a railing around it.
I should get it finished up tommorow.

Here's some "test fit" pics...

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Rear%20Quad%20rack%20for%20Motorhome/IMG_1557.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Rear%20Quad%20rack%20for%20Motorhome/IMG_1561.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Rear%20Quad%20rack%20for%20Motorhome/IMG_1565.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Rear%20Quad%20rack%20for%20Motorhome/IMG_1566.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Rear%20Quad%20rack%20for%20Motorhome/IMG_1572.jpg

[CEREBRAL]

Sweet rig and nice job! I'm jealous. I will one day get out to the Baja.

[CEREBRAL]

Oh....... I would go for at least one rail on the very rear, but I overkill everything for peace of mind....... It's super nice either way.

[bkelley]

Yeah, I wouldn't be able to drive down the road without a railing. That is, without being a nervous wreck the entire time. You're hauling some precious cargo, man. Either way, nice work, came out perfect.

[dan5]

I would think you should weld on some 45 degree supports under the main rails . There is probably going to be some bouncing back there. just my thought

[honda400ex2003]

nice rack ron! you are always making something nice. steve

[tri5ron]

Originally posted by dan5
I would think you should weld on some 45 degree supports under the main rails . There is probably going to be some bouncing back there. just my thought I hear what your saying, but what you cant see in the pics is how the 2 main supports are HEAVILY gusseted, with 3/16 plates welded over and on top of all of the tube welds. angle gussets are completely covering all of the critical welds, and then 100% perimeter welded.
I did some load tests prior to test fitting the quad on it,and it passed with flying colors, at 300% expected max loads, with minimal flex at the far rear points.

Then today, I decided to go ahead and build another 2"x 2" center beam, and angled down to use the original center reciever tube.
This will just about double the current load capacity, and eill completely eliminate any flex.
This thing is so rigid and strong you could carry a freakin' Jeep on it. (well, maybe not quite), BUT,... I wouldn't be afraid to load 1500 lbs on it.

On top of all that,.. I decided to go ahead and put a 7" tall railing along the back and left side, about 10" along the left front, and a removable "gate railing" along the right side.
(I decided to switch the load/offload side to the right side).

After that, I will mount some aux. tail/turn/stop lights to make up for the covered RV tail lights, and may even mount some halogen fog lights to be hooked up to the RV's reverse lights..

will post more pics of the progress tommorow.


Originally posted by honda400ex2003
nice rack ron! you are always making something nice. steve

Thanks Steve,
(It's an A.A.D.S. thing, LOL!)
This thing is going to be PLENTY solid.
I cant afford to lose my quad while whipping down some Mexican highway, and I can't afford to replace it either.

another $25-$35 worth of steel, and a little extra welding, is alot easier to swallow, than watching it in the rear view camera monitor, come off and go summersaulting down the road ! LOL!!!

[tri5ron]

A little more progress...

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/IMG_1573.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/IMG_1575.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/IMG_1576.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/IMG_1585.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/IMG_1587.jpg

[honda400ex2003]

Looks great! wish i had one. I just have my receiver rack i use to move some small things like my snowblower or a cargo container. lol. nothing big enough for an atv. if i had my 400 of the back of the explorer it would hit the ground lol. steve

[guenther]

Looks great Ron. You are a welding fool to say the least. :D

[bkelley]

Now paint it to match the EX haha.

[clemsonteg]

If hitch carriers like this one are rated for 500 lbs and only mount to the hitch itself I am sure yours will do the 400ex no problem

http://www.trailerhitchhelper.com/v/vspfiles/photos/VH-55%20DM-2T.jpg

[dan5]

Dude, now that I can see the underside it looks like it would hold two 400's that is a sweet looking carrier. Nice job have fun at the Baja

[tri5ron]

Thanks for all the compliments guys.
Putting in the center support really made it rock solid. Maybe it's a little over the top and unnecessary, but I think it's worth it just for the peace of mind if nothing else.
I am now 100% confident that the quad will be safe for the trip.
still need to add some tail/stop lights, but will probably just use the magnetic type trailer/towing lights for this trip.

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/IMG_1588.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/IMG_1591.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/IMG_1592.jpg

Damn near killed myself yesterday riding the quad up onto the rack.
I had it almost up the ramps, and spit the right ramp off of the rack, and the rear wheels were not quite on the rack yet.
just about pissed myself, and no one was around to help me out. Almost tumbled the quad and myself to the ground.
sometimes I can be a real dumbazz ! LOL !

Note to Self,....
Use tie downs to hold ramps tight to the rack BEFORE you try to ride up.
DUH !!!