Mounting traction boards on the side ?

[Twoxentrix]

The issue with using PPF or another pad between the magnet and the paint is magnetic force is inverse squared to distance, so a little distance makes a lot weaker magnet. Will the thickness of PPF make a significant difference? Not sure, but it will weaken the rated holding power.

The Load Force really wouldn't apply to begin with...
Load Rating on magnets is measured perpendicular to the surface its mounted to - Since these magnets would affix to a vertical surface and the weight (of the recovery boards) distributed in-line with that surface, any load rating which accompanies the unit would not be applicable.

 

[lulupass]

CDA camper, How did you mount the trax to the bars?

 

[Steve Hunt]

Seasucker makes suction recovery board mounts. They should work fine on paint. Probably would not be my first choice since theft is easy. I have heard from many others that their bike mounts work very well so a few recovery boards should be no problem.

https://www.seasucker.com/products/...cC_RcTXhhZzFggNIglDPKIkYH3ZuNc3AaAoPpEALw_wcB

Ha, I thought of Seasucker, grabbed the link and then saw you already posted it. Here's a board on the side of a RV...beats drilling holes even if it is more expensive plus you can come up with other uses.

https://d3g5hqndtiniji.cloudfront.n...d-ac2f-6da8d447466c.jpg?d=200x131&crop=center

 

[mkosina]

So after some exploratory "dry" fitting, I went for it using the original 3 bolt pattern and Yakima hardware (the washers are a bit special as they are designed to press evenly on the channel).

Used the heavier type M8 rivet nuts (17/32 hole) squeezed with Harbor Freight Doyle tool. The sheet metal on the body is actually quite thick, with the bracket attached I applied quite a bit of downward force and there wasn't any flexing tendency at all. Would probably work even with the pins, but with the large flat area of the Yakima bracket there is not question any forces are spread well spread out. . I also put some stiff rubber bungees to perhaps counter the downward moment a bit on bumps, but probably not necessary. Still, might fabricate metal straps to hook into the gutter instead and attach under the bracket through the same M8 bolt for longer term peace of mind, but so far this seems lot more than adequate, even when a shovel is added.

 

[Orv-SMB]

Now that I see it, it makes sense. That part of the body has a curve to it and a couple embossed creases that add strength, and it's right below the gutter pinch weld. I think I was picturing it further down where the body has a bit of a tendency to oilcan.

 

[mkosina]

Re: magnets - that looks very clean - happy how my bolt-on solution turned out (and I can strap the shovel on), but probably would have tried this. I do trust the magnets more than sea-suckers; wouldn't hesitate if failure just meant loss of the equipment and its extremely unlikely multiple would lose seal simultaneously, but anything with the potential of becoming a projectile at highway speed would just make me perpetually nervous to enjoy the ride.

 

[CDACamper]

CDA camper, How did you mount the trax to the bars?

I'll snap a photo later today and post it. I made it easily with parts I had lying around. It has u-bolts that attach to the bumper tube in 2 places (upper and lower). I drilled slots in the traction boards so that you align the bolt head with the round area of the slot and then it slides down to hang in place. It literally takes 3 seconds to hang them and to remove them. The setup has been well tested with a couple of thousand miles of dirt and off road for the past 3 years, including a trip to Alaska last summer. Since they are so easy to access, I use the traction boards all the time and rarely need to get out my leveling blocks when setting up camp.

 

[Twoxentrix]

Until today, I had never seen this Aluminess MaxTrax mount so thought I'd attach it to this thread:
BackPACK Rear Door Storage MaxTrax Clampshell Mount – Universal
https://www.aluminess.com/products/backpack-rear-door-storage-maxtrax-clampshell-mount-universal/

 

[Oly11]

I stumbled across these recently. I see them around on other overland vehicles but had never seen them for the ford vans.

https://agency6.com/collections/ford-e350-van-grids

 

[Twoxentrix]

I stumbled across these recently. I see them around on other overland vehicles but had never seen them for the ford vans.

https://agency6.com/collections/ford-e350-van-grids

I find this intriguing as well. No details on how the panels affix to the body. From the picture it looks like 4 mounting screws positioned towards the outer corners, only they are far enough ‘in’ they look like they would go through a window??? Unless they bolt onto suction cups. I’m curious enough,Think I’ll reach out to see what they say.

 

[Oly11]

I believe I read on their Instagram that it mounts through the original glass mounts with aluminum spacers.

 

[Twoxentrix]

I believe I read on their Instagram that it mounts through the original glass mounts with aluminum spacers.

I had already sent Agency6 a massage inquiring how the panels would mount - sounds like you are correct Oly, this was their response today:

From:
sales@agency6.com
Wed, Dec 27 at 7:11 PM

Hi,
Our E350 window GRIDS mount through the window onto the frame using replacement cnc hardware made in house.

Please let us know if you have any questions.
Thank you,

Sales Dept.
Agency 6 Inc.
Office: 916.297.7635
Email: sales@agency6.com

Website: https://agency6.com

***I failed to ask in my initial inquiry, so replied back inquiring how much weight the panel would hold (more importantly, what they recommend as 'max' weight for the panel using their hardware)? I'll post that as well since it seems prudent.

 

[86Scotty]

Yep, no good for most SMB's with custom windows, but I happen to have a passenger van and these look great. Hmmmmm.

:b5:

 

[larrie]

I like the idea of putting one on the drivers side window behind the door. From the website it appears that they only make one for the 2003 to 2014 model years so it will not work on my 2002. I did not realize that the window design changed between 2002 and 2003.

 

[mkosina]

Could be, but would give them a call to confirm - these guys are a small shop and pretty responsive, in my (limited) experience.

I have an SMB with custom windows (the "RV prep" Ford option) but considering one of their panels for the aft barn door. Got their grab handles and it's nice quality metal work.

 

[86Scotty]

I like the idea of putting one on the drivers side window behind the door. From the website it appears that they only make one for the 2003 to 2014 model years so it will not work on my 2002. I did not realize that the window design changed between 2002 and 2003.

I don't think there's any change in passenger van windows from 92-14. Their website is likely just inaccurate.

:b5:

 

[mkosina]

Follow-up some 5K miles later:

I recently removed one of these mounts (to reroute a strap that came loose) and looks like it has held up really well.

The rivet nuts are still solid without any spinning tendency and no evidence of any stress on the sheet metal around them. That was carrying two boards and a shovel full time.