hitch cooler rack

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Completed this today. The angle iron was an old bed frame and I purchased the other metal. It needs some rust removal and paint and will be finished. I had a little trouble with the frame warping so had to bend it back but it was an easy project for a beginner like me.
Reply:Looks good, I'll be posting up something similar as I'm building one for my Tahoe. From the looks of your bumper, you have a Chevy as well. Anyway, I'm looking at making mine about 61" wide and 30.5" deep...that's just big enough to fit a few of the Wal-Mart plastic footlockers side by side. Instead of the expanded metal, I'm looking at using a plywood bottom. Looks great though, I hope mine turns out that well!
Reply:Looks good.  Does anyone know if there are laws about how big these platforms can be?  At some point it seems like you should almost be required to have reflectors or lights. I just built one that is 60" wide and 36" front to back.  It is for my brother and he would actually like it a bit smaller so I am going to cut it down to 24" so it doesn't hang out as far.  ~Brent
Reply:You probably noticed how hard bedframe angle is,so be aware it will probably crack easy in a use like that. That's a good lookin' job,a little paint and it will look as good a factory made one.                                     MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:Since all welds shrink, I have two questions. Did the warp twist it, like diagonally? Or did it bow up or down across the width?Thanks, Craig9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:What do you mean the welds will probably crack. I just want to know because I thought bed frames were relatively strong. Do you mean the metal is rigid and won't allow much give.Craig, It first warped diagonally and came out of square pretty bad. Had to heat and bend. Plus, each end of the rack was sagging after the square tubing was welded on. Had to straighten that as well. I don't have a welding table so I can't clamp things down too much or make any jigs for my projects just yet. For now my saw horses will have to do.
Reply:Originally Posted by TxWelder99What do you mean the welds will probably crack. I just want to know because I thought bed frames were relatively strong. Do you mean the metal is rigid and won't allow much give.
Reply:Looks good,if your worried about the strength maybe add a little bracing out of some strapping or similar material on the bottom.pro-level dumpster diver                                     Hobart 125EZ
Reply:Tx:I'm a hobby weldor, thanks for the feedback. I still use saw horses or whatever. How do you fasten the wheelchair to your platform?Just in case mla2ofus doesn't reply; bedframe material is very brittle. I think because it has a high carbon content. But I don't believe it will be a problem in your application since there's no impact or cyclic vibration. Paint it good and have someone watch for cracks. This will only happen adjacent to the welds, nowhere away from the welds. Even if you have a failure in your application, it will be slow and obvious.Zap pointed out two 'stress risers'. (edit: well, I thought he did, they're gone or I'm on the wrong thread) This is where cracks will start. If you picture a 'poke' made with a center punch, you'll get the idea. You need to weld it smooth enough to grind round (smooth). You're young enough to have seen the cartoon "Ice Age". Remember what happened when the ice started to crack? Never forget: All Welds Shrink. It will make you crazy forever. edit: mla2ofus replied while I was. Last edited by Craig in Denver; 06-19-2008 at 11:09 PM.9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:You will need to make a license plate holder on the rack if your license plate will be covered. And maybe a light holder as well if your out at night. You might get a ticket if you dont.
Reply:I plan on putting something like THIS  in the end of mine and probably some reflective tape as well...should take care of the light requirement
Reply:looks good but wouldnt it me more practical if it had rails
Reply:I don't see anything about it being used for wheelchairsLooks nice, coolers shouldn't be too much weight for it, besides the weight will be spread evenly"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Looks good!  Definitely need the plate to stay visible, maybe screw it to the cooler!! Last edited by tanglediver; 11-18-2008 at 04:11 PM.City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:Nice!!
Reply:Super cool! That is my next project, as well. I have a Jeep Cherokee, but since I use it for heavy 4x4 action and camping, the back is usually totally filled up on trips. I do have a roof rack, but with the lift and 33 inch tires, heavy items can be troublesome.Have a Jeep Cherokee?  Click Here!
Reply:Originally Posted by TxWelder99Craig, It first warped diagonally and came out of square pretty bad. Had to heat and bend.
Reply:I(we) did one recently. I(we) learned a lot on this one! City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny