Wolfman Rack and 1.75 gal Rotopax Pics

Hey all,

I just installed the Wolfman side rack Rotopax mount and a 1.75 gal Rotopax. I was worried that the 1.75 would look and feel too bulky and that the straps for my saddlebags would be too short.



The Wolfman sideplate was bare metal and the edges were SHARP. I deburred the edges of the plate with steel wool and painted the plate black to match the racks (I'm surprised Wolfman doesn't do this). The Rotopax holder attaches with two bolts (and generous amounts of Loctite).



I didn't think the 1 gallon tank was adequate to supply the range I needed, but I worried the larger tank would stick out too much. I think my fears were unfounded. It looks fine, I think.



Another shot from the rear.



With a full load-out. The water bottle carrier on the left was sticking out too far in this picture. I moved it to the rear straps between the gas can and the saddlebag and it fit like a glove. I took this load-out on an extended ride through New Hampshire and Maine. I rode some of the roughest single track and ATV trails that I've ever ridden--big elevation changes, off-camber hills, rocky climbs, mud, and a couple of stream crossings. I never gave the Rotopax a second thought. It didn't wiggle, squeak, or otherwise make itself known.

Except, of course, when my odometer read 100 miles and it was 25 miles to the nearest gas station. I made it the station, but it was comforting to know it wasn't a crisis.

Nice Rig, I'm planning on the same setup with 1 gal rotopax, and small / med expedition dry duffel.
Just ordered 3 small jscaggs racks for my WR team.

Anyone try rollies for saddle bags ?

First post here sorry if I mess up

Cool you put up some great pictures of your setup with the 1.75 gal RotoPax.  I am on the fence about which to go with.  Nice having pics showing how they look.  

So if I understand correctly, the 1.75 gal Roto is 3.5" wide while the 1 gal is 3" wide.  You mention that the stock straps that go from the Wolfman side rack, around the Rotopax and attach to the saddlebags reached fine?  I was wondering about that.  

Did you ever feel like the left side was a bit heavier carrying the extra weight?  I figure you can offset the weight on one side by packing the expedition saddlebag on the right with heavier stuff.  

Bottom line, you feel that the 1.75 was a much better choice then the 1 gal?

Thanks!

Dirtrider1970 wrote:

Nice Rig, I'm planning on the same setup with 1 gal rotopax, and small / med expedition dry duffel.
Just ordered 3 small jscaggs racks for my WR team.

Anyone try rollies for saddle bags ?

First post here sorry if I mess up

Thanks for posting the pics. I went with the 1.75 tank and the wolfman racks too. I put on a large rolie bag on the right side as a saddlebag. I took it for a 150 mile ride through gravel roads and bit of single track and it worked just fine. I am taking my WR down the continental divide in August and I was told there is a stretch of about 225 miles without gas in Wyoming so I needed more than the 1 gallon tank.

250riders wrote:

Cool you put up some great pictures of your setup with the 1.75 gal RotoPax.  I am on the fence about which to go with.  Nice having pics showing how they look.  

So if I understand correctly, the 1.75 gal Roto is 3.5" wide while the 1 gal is 3" wide.  You mention that the stock straps that go from the Wolfman side rack, around the Rotopax and attach to the saddlebags reached fine?  I was wondering about that.  

Did you ever feel like the left side was a bit heavier carrying the extra weight?  I figure you can offset the weight on one side by packing the expedition saddlebag on the right with heavier stuff.  

Bottom line, you feel that the 1.75 was a much better choice then the 1 gal?

Thanks!

Oh yeah, I'm very glad to have chosen the 1.75 over the 1 gallon can.  The mounting plate, sold by Wolfman, comes with some strap extenders that work well and are easy to use.  When fully loaded down with all my gear, the back of the bike feels heavier (duh), but I never felt that the left felt any heavier than the right.  Perhaps this is because the right is already heavier (due to the pipe and header)?  

I don't think anyone should even consider the 1 gallon can.  The 1.75 can actually fit 2 gallons if you stand it upright while filling.  One extra gallon is really nothing more than a glorified reserve tank.  Two gallons adds appreciable range and peace of mind when traveling.  What if that remote gas station is closed?  Look at it this way, you can always put LESS gas in a 2 gallon can.

Just my $.02

Thanks RS for the reply!

I bought the Wolfman left side only from the outfit that makes them for WM. I welded a plate to it so I could mount the 1 gal RotoPax as the 1.75 wasn't a able yet. (I'll get the 1.75 soon). I use a Giant Loop Coyote for tools, etc. I'm kind of thinking of taking the WR to Alaska, in that case I'll use a larger Giant Loop for luggage.

Blackdog wrote:

I bought the Wolfman left side only from the outfit that makes them for WM.  I welded a plate to it so I could mount the 1 gal RotoPax as the 1.75 wasn't a able yet.  (I'll get the 1.75 soon).  I use a Giant Loop Coyote for tools, etc.  I'm kind of thinking of taking the WR to Alaska, in that case I'll use a larger Giant Loop for luggage.

Any chance you could share the contact info for the rack. You can PM if you won't want it to be public.

camaroz1985 wrote:

Any chance you could share the contact info for the rack.  You can PM if you won't want it to be public.

You can see the complete build in "Blackdog's build". I forgot who makes the racks for Wolfman, I'll have to find my old receipt.

Blackdog wrote:

I bought the Wolfman left side only from the outfit that makes them for WM.  I welded a plate to it so I could mount the 1 gal RotoPax as the 1.75 wasn't a able yet.  (I'll get the 1.75 soon).  I use a Giant Loop Coyote for tools, etc.  I'm kind of thinking of taking the WR to Alaska, in that case I'll use a larger Giant Loop for luggage.

I like that you mounted the rotopax with the filler on top. I have to remove my rotopax and stand it on end to fit the full 2 gallons in mine.