hitch basket

I like it... been planning on doing something like that myself. Why'dya turn the top flange out? __ Steve .

thats just angle iron facing out. i did it that way to open up the top a little bit. facing in the lip was taking to much of the opening and the kids book bags would hang up on it so i broke out the torch, cut it off, redid it.

the only thing i dont like about it is the weight. its about 50 pounds or so, i wanted it to come in around 25. i suppose with even lighter top rails and posts with lighter gauge expanded metal it would come around there. course, with my kids the lighter gauge expanded metal wouldnt have stood up anyway. :-)

Nice rework... the flange makes for handles all the way around.

I'm thinking about doing something like this, but with some drop down legs, so you can back up, flop the legs, pull the pin, pull away, and leave the basket at the campsite. It'll probably weigh more than yours, what with my shitty welding skills and all... I do love metalwork. __ Steve .

....and at 50 pounds and 44 inches wide, those handles are sure handy. :-)

the legs added about 20 pounds. they were also removed for that very reason. i think it could be done a lot lighter, im stuck in the mindset of overbuilding everything so that it never breaks. sometimes that works out good, other times its just to heavy for comfort.

Wish I could weld . . .

I have the Steelhorse Hitch Hauler, but your basket (especially if you put the lockable top on it) fills a totally different niche. VERY nice!

Paul B.

That is really nice! You ought to go into business...

Rubicon Hitch Basket?

(ducks and runs)

thanks. ;-)

Get yourself a little crackerbox wire-spitter... loads of fun. I got the Craftsman 80A flux-core welder... had to do some work on the wire feed (the spiral wrap kept coming out of the stupid plastic blocks retaining it) but now it's solid. Warning: as with any other hobby, you'll want more stuff (angle grinder, chop saw, cutting torch, etc). The Haynes welding manual was enough to get me started... sci.engr.joining.welding is a very active newsgroup that can help. __ Steve .

Far as I can tell, he already is (notice the liscence plate)... __ Steve .

except for a break over the last couple years ive been a welding contractor (bridge work, gas lines, structural) for many years. i plan on starting up again eventually, but after we decide on where we're going and make the move. on the side ill also be building roll cages and bumpers, but it wont be my focus. all thats down the road a bit though.

Haven't seen your video--interested--I've cut rebar with an oxyacetylene torch many years ago, but that's it--

The Hitch Hauler was $100 about 18 months ago -- I've seen them for less recently. Let us know when/if you decide to market your basket!

Cheers! Paul

Ya see, I'm so ignorant I don't know what you're talking about ;-)

Guess I'll have to go look at a >Craftsman 80A flux-core welder!

Thanks! Paul

here ya go! right click and "save as" (14 megs)

actually i wont be able to because once im "selling" that would be spam. when the time is right though my signature will change unannounced in keeping with the newsgroup charter.

i hope you find the video useful!

lol....many thanks!

interesting enough, im making an offer on a house in montana. if all goes well, thats within driving distance. :-)

heck yeah! i can go do some climbing while you make me some nice bumpers...... :)

Cool! I've got one of those flatter trays, but yours would contain stuff so much better. The lockable top idea is also good. Nice, clean work!

Do you TIG up aluminum as well? That in an Alu. version would be pretty light!

thanks!