OK... I've been thinking about doing something with the floor of my safari basket to add some support and to keep things from falling through the wide open slats. FWIW... I've got the surco basket, but let's talk geneally for a moment.

There have been several times when I wanted to use my safari basket but couldn't for fear of things falling through the open flooring. I'm talking about things like fire wood and camping gear (rain fly for my tent and the like), muddy boots, etc.

I was thinking about using some sort of heavy duty chicken wire or something, and just cutting it to fit. I'd probably do the same for the sides, then use one of those bungee mesh cargo net things across the top. But I don't want the sharp edges... snagging on stuff or cutting me.

So what could I do around the edges? Any creative suggestions? Anyone done anythign similar?

 

take the chickne wire, prime and paint it so it doesn't rust, and so that it matches the black color of the rack.

get some "U" shaped rubber tubing and stick it around the edges.

 

U shaped rubber tubing? Any details? Where can I find this stuff? What's it normally used for?

 

I'm sure there is something at home depot or lowes.

If nothing else, then get some rubber insulation, cut a slit in it along the side. Spray some glue in along the inside (spray can with thin straw), and stick it over the wire. Then crimp the insulation with a pair of pliers.

 

if you can't get U shaped tubing just go out and get a little bit of fish tank tubing or something of that nature and run a slit down it

 

Door Edge Guard from a automotive store, should do what you wanted.
As for material I would maybe call some local shops that deal with metal I got some grill material in aluminum was cut off scrap so I got a good deal on it for a cash sale from the guy They have stuff in all kinds of patterns.

 

I'd find a local sheet metal shop and have somebody weld you on some aluminum sheets or some grating to the bottom and the sides. IMO that is the only way to really do it right, and so you could still use it for you other needs.

FYI, that steel basket is going to weigh a freaking ton compared to an aluminum one. Our Surco 45" x 60" weighs about 22 lbs and an equivalent size one made out of carbon steel weighs close to 95 lbs. All your available load weight on the roof is used up just carrying the dang basket!

 

www.mcnichols.com has perforated aluminum in various thickness and hole patterns.... it's not cheap though.

 

I guess it depends on your situation.... but heres an idea thats cheap and simple:



They do make UV resistant, plastic "Chicken wire" fence in black in some different hole 1/4 to 1" sizes. . HOme Depot has it in big rolls in the Garden Section. Get a package of zip ties to anchor in various places.

Some of it is pretty strong stuff for what it is, espcially the 1", so if your just worried about boots and firewood slipping through the cracks, the bars of the rack still support the real weight anyway.

Also wont add to the over-all roof weight.



Probably 20$ total and 1.5 hours of fooling around doing it and drinking beer at the same time. 1 roll of material would likely do 4 or 5 racks.

 

EXACTLY. I belive the laws of diminshing returns have been significantly exceeded.

 

Chain link isn't really too flat - that and the gaps are still pretty significant...
That's what I'd be taking into consideration if I were to be doing this.