Fly Rod Carrier

Hello all. Over the last couple of months I have built a fly rod carrier. It consists of

• (3) 2" Sch 40 PVC pipes 5ft long
• (3) Threaded end caps so that I can add additional piping for full length rods (but plan to run it shorter at the moment
• (3) Custom made 3D printed brackets. One for support, the other two for the connection of the box to the piping
• (1) Harbor Freight special ammo box

The carrier has been mounted to my Prinsu for a couple of months now. It is mounted with (2) 2" stainless steel U-clamps. It has done well, except for the ammo box, it leaks. I replaced the seal on the box with a Pelican case seal, but still brings in water.

Fast forward to today, I removed the carrier today from the truck. Moving forward, I am replacing the Harbor Freight special with a much nicer one from Cabela's. I plan to seal all the connection locations with JB Water Weld.

I did not like how I had it mounted to the truck. For mounting it to the Prinsu, I am thinking of a bracket that has U-Bolts suspended from it that holds the carrier. See Photos below.



Thought on how I am mounting it? Or any other suggestions on what I can do to improve this. I will eventually be painting it black once the weather breaks.

 

I mount my custom surf rod rack to the cross bars using drop in t-nuts/bolts from Sherpa.
Have you considered adding some padding inside the box to prevent your reels from banging around? perhaps something similar for the first few inches of the tube to protect your rods? My rods are held tight in the rack and don't bounce around.

 

Ive got a few things mounted to the truck using carriage bolts, this is what I will use to bolt the brackets too.

As for the bouncing around of the rods, I found this idea. I plan to use some piping foam insulation, cut off a small 3" section or so and clip this to the rods. I think this should prevent any bouncing or moving.

 

With the carrier off and the old box removed, I had an idea to fill a sink with water. Submerge the box in the water and see where the fail points are. Water came rushing in through the seal.

I will do this same test with my Cabela's box later today.

 

It looks nice so far. I see CAD and printing. So you have a manufacturing background. I'm a machinist so I may have a lot more options than you. For a home project I would just use a base plate and clamp over each tube. They just finished a solar project at my work do I see the new electrical conduit coming down tge wall every day now.

You can use nylon, hdpe or whatever various plastics they have out there. It's easy to work with at home. Maybe get a thick piece and put holes in it with a hole saw and slide your tubes in it. Glue pvc couplers on each side to secure it.

I can see you box sealing problem. You're using the box in the opposite direction in which it was designed to seal. You are blowing the water in from the underside. Try some of the various plastic and build a fairing around the leading edge. You can glue and screw it to the box.

I would also pad and put dividers in the box just like rod and reel carries.

I not too sure about your extension idea. You will always have those gaps from the couplers which may catch the tip guide i guess you could print some inserts to make it more seamless..

 

Great ideas, appreciate the feedback.

 

Electrician here. Go sch 80 electrical grade(no meth) It's meant for above ground and better protection due to thickness. As far as painting it... That's above my pay grade. You're lucky to get advise free.

 

I’ll likely plastidip it as I did with my refurbished pelican case and my water tank. Worked well for two summers and two winters.

 

Results were great.

First test failed, then I replaced the gasket on the cabelas box with the pelican case gasket. No leaking under pressure.

 

Here’s the new 3D printed and caririer mounted in the truck.

 

Must say this version is much better. Brackets are awesome. Ammo box is much better than the harbor freight special. JB Water Weld helped with stiffness and when painted will give a sweet welded look. I’ll roll this for a couple months or so before paint.

 

Ive plastidipped PVC pipes before. Coincidentally it was a 6" PVC pipe for fishing rod storage. I ended up just peeling it off and using spray paint thats made for plastic. its held up much better.

that said, this is a great project. cool idea overall.

 

Very neat. I’ve always eye balled getting a carrier myself but they are too much.

I wonder if there is a more square looking type of tubing you could get. The white round pvc just is not it for me personally and has been what’s prevented me from trying to DIY my own.

 

My pelican case refurb is plasticoated and showing some peeling but it’s been on the truck 3 years running. My water tube is too but only has one season and was prepped and treated way better. No peeling.

There’s a company out there that takes this idea or concept and wraps the whole thing with box casing. Looks slick but un necessary in my opinion. Wait for the paint, it might change your mind.

 

After a short 30 minute highway drive into work, the carrier did quite well. The sturdiness of the new box is great, doesn't wobble like the harbor freight special. No rain in the forecast but thats next test.

 

After heavy rain, driving on the highway with 45 mph winds, followed by drop in temps and snow, the carrier has held well. No water, remains dry so far. This is good news.

 

Rod carrier is ready for its first adventure tomorrow. Hunting some steelhead.

 

Carrier is done with paint. And will put it on the truck next week. Here is a progress pic.

 

A little extra addition to the box. This replaces the handle and snaps right into the existing slots. I will have to paint it I think.

 

Question: what color should I paint the fish emblem ?...