You can't deny the rad dudes design is bullet proof. Trex deck and a full welded rack is where it's at. Wood rack won't last like steel. Even carpeted you'll have to maintain/replace. They have the most copied design out because it's simple and it works.
Edit: The receiver pin hole is 5/8. 11/16 is a little big
I was hoping this site wouldn't come to this but i will always back up my practice with fact... this is in response to
your pin size comment.
In structural steel applications, the hole drilled has 1/16" larger diameter than the nominal bolt size. For example, a 3/4" bolt would be drilled 13/16." And the calculations of the connection strength figure a hole 1/8" larger than the nominal bolt diameter to include an additional 1/16" of damage that can happen in drilling and punching operations (AISC D3.2).
However, this practice is necessary mainly due to multiple bolt connections where alignment of all bolt holes would be impossible (due to fabrication tolerances) if each hole were drilled exactly the nominal diameter of the bolt used).
That said, diameter you drill the pin holes depends on the tolerance of the hole location... the more slop, the larger the hole needs to be to accommodate it. At a minimum, add 2 times your location tolerance to the diameter.
If you can locate AND DRILL the center within 1/64", then add 1/32" to 5/8". Or just drill it 11/16" and use the STANDARD THAT THE STEEL INDUSTRY DOES.
As for which carrier is Superior yada yada yada ... how do YOU define Superior? is it price , is it weight, is it quality of welds, ??? Ill break it down for ya and i am not attempting to look down apon ANYONES work ...
R*ddudes carrier is a nice piece except :
1. its way toooo long ( unless you have a jeep)
2. It has no triangulated braces (that i can see) for the bunk rails
3. its spray painted
4. It costs your first born kid to ship it ( most likely because of its weight and size)
5. Its not "designed " to have something towed behind it
VersaHaul carrier is a nice carrier except:
1. its just plain too big and bulky
2. It costs 2x as much as other carriers
EZ-SKI carrier is a nice piece except
1. It has conventional wood bunks with marine carpet
ALL OF THIS IS MY OPINION!!!! SO TAKE IT AT THAT ... straight out guys ... I build a VERY WELL BUILT, EXTREMELY SIMPLE CARRIER in support of this sport that we all adore so much. And I do it at a VERY FAIR price ... and then give a website discount on top of that. Can i use TREX for my bunks ? sure .. just dont see the immediate need, I ALWAYS accept customer input as well as special orders ( just finshed a VESPA carrier lol)
"We make them all long because just about anyone out there can cut it down if needed and drill a hole. Not many can lengthen. its also nice having it set back when backing in the water.Just saying its easier to cut then add" RAD DUDES
Again just my opinion , i would never expect a customer to have to modify his/her carrier that they had built for them . But obviously your customers are ok with that. I take the time to talk to each individual customer in case they would like something custom added i.e a license plate mount, or a atv flag mount ( dont know why but i had a gentleman that wanted one.. so he got one) I guess what im trying to say is .. there is plenty of business out there to not fight and argue over what is better.... who has more friends .. whos D**k is bigger etc.
P.S if you want TREX i can make them with TREX! lol Hell if you want i will make a 100% stainless steel carrier entirely TIG welded . ( is it practical ..no .. is it cool ... F*CK YA!!
Again Again .. thanks for the warm welcome to the site .... here is one with a bike carrier in use =)
