Universal Hanger

Description

You need some type of hanger to mount anything under a mule unless you want to drill holes in the deck. There are the alternator mounting plates but at $10.00 a piece, it can get expensive. I needed something that was cheap and easy to make.

I decided to try something like a superstrut nut. They work by inserting the nut holder into the channel and turning it clockwise to spin in place and stop. It also comes out easily by turning counter clockwise.

I use the design specified here to hold up my battery box, mount my battery connector and rear light. This design is flexible where it is utilized, will hold quite a bit of weight and is easy to install and remove. The best part is that it does not require any expensive tools to fabricate.

Another benefit of this solution is the securing plate can be welded on to design many types of attachments.


Materials

Tools

Steps

Refer to Figure A below for steps 2, 3 and 8.
Refer to Figure B below for step 5.
Refer to Figure C below for steps 6 and 7.

  1. Make sure one end of each piece of flat stock steel is square. Square the ends if necessary.
  2. Using the drill bit for the 5/16" tap, drill a hole in the center of the 1/4" x 1 1/2" flat stock steel 1" from the squared end.
  3. Cut the 1/4" x 1 1/2" flat stock steel 2" from the end. You now have a piece 2" long with a hole 1" from each end.
  4. Verify this piece slides long wise between the slots underneath the bed. You can use the engine cover to test. If necessary, grind a small amount off one end until it slides easily in the slot. ( Refer to Picture 1. ) Note that some slots are a tad narrower than others.
  5. Tap the just drilled hole with the 5/16" x 24 tap.
    Note: ( Refer to Figure B for the following ): Sometimes the flat stock is bowed. You need to tap the hole from the concave side of the bow and then grind the piece flat.
  6. Using the 5/16" drill bit, drill a hole in the center of the 1/8" x 1 1/2" flat stock steel 1 1/4" from the squared end.
  7. Cut the 1/8" x 1 1/2" flat stock steel 2 1/2" from the end. You now have a piece 2 1/2" long with a hole 1 1/4" from each end.
  8. Lay the 1/4" x 1 1/2" x 2" piece longways vertically with the flattened side UP. ( this is the side you will screw the bolt into as in Figure B. ) You now have to remove a small amount from the top right and bottom left corners. ( Refer to Figure A ). Remove small amounts at a time and test until the piece will twist in the slot clockwise 90 degrees. (Refer to Pictures 2 and 3. )

Figures

Figure A: Hanger Diminsions and design. ( Click on image to enlarge. )


Figure B: Tap and Flatten. ( Click on image to enlarge. )




Figure C: Securing Plate. ( Click on image to enlarge. )





Pictures

Picture 1: Fits into slot. ( Click on image to enlarge. )


Picture 2: Insert into slot. ( Click on image to enlarge. )


Picture 3: Twist into place. ( Click on image to enlarge. )


Picture 4: Parts. ( Click on image to enlarge. )




Application

Hanging Light ( Click on image to enlarge. )


Anderson Power Connector Mount ( Click on image to enlarge. )
Notice I added a piece of 18 gage steel the width of the opening to the securing plate to keep the fixture from turning.