How much can I trust this ?
Posted by Galax8811@reddit | overlanding | View on Reddit | 35 comments
It's a side mount. The problem is that the lower fixings are suction cups on the glass. Will it hold well and for a long time ?
My instinct tells me not to trust this fixation technique too much, but actually I don't know anything about it and I have no idea if it's any good or not.
skoolie_dadowheels@reddit
1st rule of suction cups… remove all suction cups…
meat_whistle_gristle@reddit
Maybe 10% below whatever it’s rated for.
I sure as hell wouldn’t be winging it.
I lost a Kayak on the interstate once when a ratchet strap failed.
I learned a hard lesson but at least no one was harmed.
I now have 2 high quality straps for redundancy.
joe-knows-nothing@reddit
Mall rated
MauiDarts@reddit
Trust it - lots of people put a ton of stuff on them. Check this out - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWkCIUECqsF/?igsh=MXRiZ3VqcjZrMnJqMQ==
Galax8811@reddit (OP)
Thanks
Useless_Engineer_@reddit
I'll get down voted for this because it's the opposite of what everyone wants to believe but I've run two panels, 4 bolts to the roof rack and 2 SeaSucker's on each rack. SeaSuckers can hold up to 120lbs each, so as long as they are suctioned, they do a really good job.
I have traction boards on one side, and a 5lb propane tank + Joolca Hottap on the other.
Used it for a 5 day overlanding trip through the San Juans without an issue.
Been lazy to take the propane tank off on this photo but drive around with the panels (Traction on one side and empty propane carrier + joolca carrier on the other), no issues
Outside-Season-5602@reddit
i have the seasucker 5 gal. did 200 miles through death valley without issue
Useless_Engineer_@reddit
Yeah 40ish pounds bouncing around is my concern when they're typically rated for hot to that BUT if it works, then great!
monstertruck567@reddit
This seems like the right load/ intended use. Start strapping large liquid containers, especially 1/2 full ones and I would have concern.
Useless_Engineer_@reddit
Agreed, even though the 2.5 gallon fuel or water containers are popular, they’re okay cause it’s under 25lbs and the dynamic weight (what you’re talking about it sloshing if fluids) is reasonable
The 5gallon ones are too much for comfort for me but people also run them
Galax8811@reddit (OP)
Thank you for the positive feedback.
PonyThug@reddit
Seems like a great place to put something expensive, tell everyone who’s car to break into, and make a lot of wind noise etc.
I don’t get them at all
PresenceLeft2074@reddit
I see you hate letting your rear seat passengers have a conversation above 35mph.
Von_Satan@reddit
Zero.
redbeardactual@reddit
I’ve ran these exact mounts to carry Rotopax for two years now. The suction cups will give out fairly quickly on the trail if it’s dusty but they just act as a cushion. It sits far enough away from the window in the 80 series to not damage it. I’ve honestly given up on the suction cups at this point but it’s still sturdy.
Galax8811@reddit (OP)
Ok thanks 😁
Sirosim_Celojuma@reddit
You can absolutely trust that highway noise will be louder.
DEADB33F@reddit
And fuel usage will be higher.
fishEH-847@reddit
And blind spot bigger!
Outrageous_Run8554@reddit
I'm planning to make those kinds of racks, but installed indoors, so they serve as protection against theft, modular storage space, and support for blackout blinds or insulators. On the outside, I want them to be as discreet as possible. All I need now is to buy the Jeep.
TruCrimson@reddit
The suction cups job is to stop it from slamming into your car during the drive. As long as the cups are clean, and the area they're attached to is clean, should not be a problem. Your main attachment point is the top.
Galax8811@reddit (OP)
Yeah, I'm thinking the same thing. For road use, I wouldn't worry about it, but will it still hold up well after a week on corrugated tracks and sand? That's what worries me.
reallifedog@reddit
That's a tough test on any gear. Ive seen people wheel pretty hard with that setup but washboards are another beast. I think they'll hold up but I'd keep an eye on the attachment points and check wverythings tight when you think of it.
TruCrimson@reddit
If the cup is fully attached to the glass/window, and should technically be "sealed" not allowing anything to get inside. Of course with physics, that can be overpowered if another lateral force is applied to it. Since the suction cups are behind the molle panel, it's somewhat protected by the elements.
As long as the panel does not get pulled away from the vehicle, there should be no issue of the cup getting off. The only other thing I can think of that may compromise the cup is sunlight/heat for a prolonged period of time. You still have air beneath the cup, so the expansion of that air may cause the cup to unseal, the same way window mounted suction devices, i.e., phone mount or gps mounts, fail overtime.
If you're concerned about suction cup mounts and being in the elements, there are people who go off-roading, or do off-road reviews (carwow on YouTube), that have suction cupped action cameras all over the interior and exterior of the car, and on their tests they stay onto the car.
Galax8811@reddit (OP)
Yeah, you're probably right, I'll probably give in to temptation.
TruCrimson@reddit
If the suction cups ever do fail, the molle panel will most likely just bounce around a bit, and the suction cups will act as cushions. If you want a hard fixed point, you can try to find something, or 3D Print something, and attach the 3M locks that the EzPass, or similar type of tow pay systems, use that stay on the glass for what seems like an eternity (I attach my dashcam using the EzPass 3M adhesive and it has stuck for years in the sun without falling off).
Artistic-Jello3986@reddit
Only one way to find out!
I’d be a lot less upset about it falling off on a trail than on the highway and hitting someone else’s vehicle.
Galax8811@reddit (OP)
Yeah, clearly, although losing 20 liters of diesel far from civilization isn't good news either.
braknstuf@reddit
Can confirm this is a great place to ziptie a death wistle
theusualsteve@reddit
If you strap enough stuff to it you won't need the whistle anymore
turb0g33k@reddit
Doesn't work.
jer619@reddit
This happened to a buddy of mines while on a trail running something similar on his 4 runner
Galax8811@reddit (OP)
Yeah, I also had that concern about how well the window can withstand it, given that it clearly wasn't designed for that.
winstonstokes@reddit
This was my thought. If you’re planning on putting 20 gallons of fuel I’d be mostly worried about the weight on the windows where the suction cups are.
I’d never trust any of this lame shit and would put fuel in the back of my truck but, send it OP. Report back with your findings.
SocialSyphilis@reddit
Id worry about getting dust in under those suction cups and scratching the glass up. 🤷♂️