Running board modifications

[PMaine]

I want to mount a rotopax style fuel can on the rear end of the running boards of my Nytro. Has anyone ever drilled the rivets out of the edge trim, bent it straight and added aluminum to create a wider rear running board area?

View media item 1574
The white lines are showing what I was thinking.

 

[DirtFarmer]

I haven’t to answer your question. I have however thought about adding the rotopax fuel cans for long rides. My thought about it though is I would rather have the cans closer to the center on my RTX instead of more to the rear of the skid. I would just think the extra weight to the rear would affect the ride more then being towards the center.

 

[markyb]

I’m not sure of your reasoning to straighten and widen the rear of the boards. Is it to get the cans as far back as possible? I have the older Kolpin 1.5 gal fuel packs on my 09 xtx. Pretty much the same as the Rotopax. I played with the distance and angle and mounted in just the right place. The only modification I did was to grind off a couple inches of grip on the edge of the board so the fuel pack wouldn’t rub. This is the best picture I can find right now. I can get a few more later and post if it would help you out any.
The end result is they are far back enough that they aren’t in my way and far forward enough that I got bolts in the 4 bottom holes. And I don’t find a whole lot of difference with the added weight.

 

[pedros83]

Hey what rear storage bag is that? How do

View attachment 132188 I’m not sure of your reasoning to straighten and widen the rear of the boards. Is it to get the cans as far back as possible? I have the older Kolpin 1.5 gal fuel packs on my 09 xtx. Pretty much the same as the Rotopax. I played with the distance and angle and mounted in just the right place. The only modification I did was to grind off a couple inches of grip on the edge of the board so the fuel pack wouldn’t rub. This is the best picture I can find right now. I can get a few more later and post if it would help you out any.
The end result is they are far back enough that they aren’t in my way and far forward enough that I got bolts in the 4 bottom holes. And I don’t find a whole lot of difference with the added weight.

Hey what rear storage bag is that? How do you like it?

 

[markyb]

Hey what rear storage bag is that? How do

Hey what rear storage bag is that? How do you like it?

I had it on for my 06’ rs venture and kept it when I sold. I don’t see it listed anymore but it is very similar to the “combination trail bag” p/n SMA-8HG73-20-00.
I love it. Not bulky. Stays put and perfect or an extra pair of gloves and a lunch.

 

[radianguy]

I also have the rotopax fuel cans, I didn't see a need to mount any further rearward. They are not in my way like most people think.

 

[DirtFarmer]

Radianguy, what size are the fuel packs? They look like the 1.75?

 

[radianguy]

1.5 I believe, hang on I'll go check

 

[radianguy]

Yes they are kolpin 1.5 gallon fuel cans.

 

[DirtFarmer]

I’m going to have to go with the 1.75 gal rotopax since they only offer the 1 gal size then step up to 1.75 gal. Was try to gauge size wise looking at the pics of those of you who have them mounted on the side of the tunnels. Thanks for the info!!

 

[PMaine]

My reason to widen the boards is to provide more room for the cans. I want them all the way back.

 

[markyb]

My reason to widen the boards is to provide more room for the cans. I want them all the way back.

I think I understand how you want to do it, but if you go back that far I don’t think there is enough vertical left to attach the pack mount. As shown in the pic, only the 4 bottom holes are used on the mount to get clearance so can doesn’t rub on the board. Mine is mounted where the last part of the board tips up (the section you plan on altering)

 

[PMaine]

You're correct on the vertical part. I would need to add a backer plate to rise up enough to capture the mount location.

 

[PMaine]

Ended up leaving the running boards alone. Here is the end result of my fuel can installation.

View media item 1586
View media item 1587
View media item 1589
View media item 1588
View media item 1590

 

[PMaine]

Each can is 1.3 Gallons. The mounting is really strong, no flex or movement at all. I am really impressed.

Some of you will note that this is not a Rotopax can. I ended up finding these black fuel cans on ebay and I liked them much more for a couple reasons, mainly the fact that they were black and blended in better with the sled, but also they carry 1.3 gallons vs the 1 of the rotopax I was going to purchase.