My ATV Rack is Too Small!

[mud_n_fun]

Over the years I have always found the racks on the ATV to be insufficient for my needs. So this morning when I walked out into the garage I decided to no longer struggle with trying to strap every thing to the racks or try strapping it to the top of th DX3000, which really never works completely.
For the past few years I have checked the after market suppliers with no luck for a useful rack.

So it was off with the stock rack.


Started with a basic frame, 51"x21". This should do the trick.

Here is the basic frame fit to the quad.

I always found putting the auger on the rack a waste of space.


Now the 20lb. cylinder. Another bulky item that takes up to much rack space.
Looks I might be able to get every thing on the rack now.
Added some mesh and chain links for tie downs, never can have enough tie down spots.




Is there anything I am missing? Any suggestions? Before I paint it.

Well this came out so nice, I think I'll have to do the front rack now.

[mud_n_fun]

Here's the old way of getting everything out there.

[poot_818]

very well done man.  now i am beginning to see why they call u the shanty god....you have so many good ideas.....i really liked wat u did with the 20lb tank.....if u did the front rack you would have no problem getting all your stuff out onto the ice for sure....wat color are you gonna paint the rack?just rattle can black?....when i get a 4 wheeler in the next couple years prolly i will have to get the dimensions of ur rack from you because that is just genious!!!!

[mud_n_fun]

I will be using rustolium gloss black. But I'll shoot it through the spray gun. I always get a better finish that way.

[mr.clean]

Mud-n-Fun,
  Nice work you are truly a master of designand skilled craftsmenship. One question is not the auger in danger of damage from items kicked up by the quads' tires.
   Also enjoyed the post on the shanty build I'm wondering how the hydraulic cylinders that raise and lower the shanty operate.



 Steve

[mud_n_fun]

I located the auger head just outside the tire just for that reason. It's mostly just snow dust off the tires anyways.

As for the hydraulics they will be operated by a snow plow pump I have had sitting around. Been giving that project a rest for a little while. Should be getting back to it some time this week after figuring a few thing out.

[Out4Trout]

Can't beat the home made stuff. Very nice rack M&F, I like the idea of hanging the auger under the rack. I'd like to come up with a rack for my snowmobile, it would have to be a lot narrower than yours to fit thru the trails though. Pulling a large otter sled has worked the best for me for now.

[poot_818]

one more question i have is apparently you have a welder and a paint sprayer.....not very many ppl have those just sitting around....so is there n e tool that you dont have in your garage?

[Skipper]

If you want it done right, do it yourself! Your welds look nice too, congrats on a nice job!

Before you put that Rustolium on, consider using a self etching primer first. I first used it when I painted my aluminum boat, but I use it on anything I care about now. It is some real tough stuff that grabs the metal almost as good as powder paint. It is a 2 part epoxy that you mix and then spray through your gun. Clean your gun out right away when you are done because it will harden inside your gun and wreck it. Most auto parts stores that stock body work suppies have it. Just ask for a 2 part etching primer. A pint will set you back about $30, but it is well worth it for the durability it adds to your finish.

[mud_n_fun]

one more question i have is apparently you have a welder and a paint sprayer.....not very many ppl have those just sitting around....so is there n e tool that you dont have in your garage?

I don't have a sheet metal brake. If I ever come across a one for the right price I'll pick it up. Till then I'll make due.

I've used the self etching primer in the past and just might have to do that. Thanks Skipper!

Just got to take a sit on my stool and think about it.
Can you guess........Yep Homemade!

[gofish33]

Be careful going up ramps etc. , with all that weight on the back it may stand on its' tail. My brother made something similar with 2X4's and loaded it up with stuff, proceeded to do a wheelie when trying to drive it up into the back of his truck.  I wasn't there to see it but he said it was "exciting".

gofish33

[mr.clean]

Mud-n-Fun,
  Thanks for the reply good luck with the hydraulic system . I hope the weather will not affect it to much ,we have a trash compacter at work in the cold it sometimes becomes stiff and slow moving not to mention leaks of hydraulic fluid.



 Steve

[mud_n_fun]

Mud-n-Fun,
  Thanks for the reply good luck with the hydraulic system . I hope the weather will not affect it to much ,we have a trash compacter at work in the cold it sometimes becomes stiff and slow moving not to mention leaks of hydraulic fluid.



 Steve

That's why you use aviation grade hydralic fluid. Doesn't slow the system down in cold weather. Boss snowplow fluid is one such fluid.

[stumper]

Looks great, but like was said before your auger will get covered in slop on warmer days,even with it outside the wheelbase.a small sheet of aluminum fabbed in front of it or a small "mud flap" will solve the problem.

[mud_n_fun]

Finally picked up the materials to make the front rack.  I did get a little crazy on the chain for tie down spots. On to the paint booth tommorrow.


As you can see it just gives that little bit more room that is always needed.

[mud_n_fun]

Looks great, but like was said before your auger will get covered in slop on warmer days,even with it outside the wheelbase.a small sheet of aluminum fabbed in front of it or a small "mud flap" will solve the problem.

A "mud flap", I will keep that in mind.

[stumper]

I LOVE the chain idea!!! Very nice!!

[ALASKANSS]

you should sell those!

[mud_n_fun]

The next time I get a day off I was thinking of parking it in the front yard with a sign saying "custom Racks Made Here" and see just how many guys would stop and look or ask about a rack.

[ALASKANSS]

The next time I get a day off I was thinking of parking it in the front yard with a sign saying "custom Racks Made Here" and see just how many guys would stop and look or ask about a rack.

i bet you would sell as many as you could make.

[poot_818]

i think you should have done the same thing with the chair all the way around on both racks...but then again maybe it wouldnt be such a good idea either?maybe a few i hooks instead of all the chain depending on how big your tie down straps are or if u are just using bunjy cords....or you could do a combination of both?maybe something to think about if u ever run into trouble with wat you have now?

[Sven936]

Those racks are really nice! You do great work!   

[QuantumPT]

Well you guys talked me in to it. I picked up the sign today. You just had to twist my arm. Wife was happy though. She's been waiting for me to advertise some kid of welding company. Moddest as I am in person, welding is one of my strong points and for the most part, I only do it for myself.
(Image removed from quote.)

wow those racks are intense.  You have a sickness and i hope its contagious!!!!

[BoneHead]

looks good to me.

[bucketmouth]

Necessity is the mother of invention, you did this one up good!  Love that chain idea on the front rack.  I wish you luck in your sales venture.  I'm sure you'll be kept as busy as you'd like.

Don

[bowhuntken]

those racks are sweet how long does it take to complete a set???

[mud_n_fun]

I could do a set in a couple days.

[pikeking]

Hey Mud, now we all have your phone number. Expect a call or two now.
How much you selling those racks for?

[mud_n_fun]

Depends 250-350 each rack I'd say. I would have to either have or see the quad for the measurements though. Unless I had very specific mounting and clearence mesurement.

[perchhogslayer]

Had to borrow that stamp. cause those racks are awesome!