MiniMax owners: PSA pertaining to the carrier handle.

Sea2Ski

I was picking up the minimax and carrying it to the table where I was going to cook.  It is about a 15 foot carry over one brick step. As I was getting ready to step on the brick step, I felt a pop, and the right handle separated from the carrier frame. What do I mean by that? Take a look at the picture:


That is how it was for the remainder of the carry. 

Here is what I saw when I pulled it out a little further after getting it to the table:



Writting this so others would know what the handle construction is like. I thought it was a single screw and when tightened pulled the carrier together so there was no chance of separation. Nope.

Looks like I will be taking these apart and getting a threaded rod. I will rig it so it does not have any chance of happening again.

Close call!  Almost a devastating afternoon...!!

DoubleEgger

I've seen several issues about this on Facebook. Good PSA. 

theyolksonyou

Looks like a weekend project coming up!  Thanks

Sea2Ski

DoubleEgger said:

I've seen several issues about this on Facebook. Good PSA. 

Not on Facebook, but I am glad people know about it. 

theyolksonyou said:

Looks like a weekend project coming up!  Thanks

For you too??  I really do not need another project...  Ugh....

YukonRon

Wow. I have been toting mine around for a year and had zero knowledge of this being a potential issue. Thank you so much for the heads up!

HoustonEgger

Thanks for the info - just got my carrier last weekend!

EggObsessed

Our MM handle came off in my husband's hand the third time we used it. Luckily, he was over a table or a tailgate when it happened, or it could have been really bad.

northGAcock

I am gonna just leave mine where it is. 

Sea2Ski

I have an idea of how to fix it, but I tend to make things harder than they need to be and also over build everything. Anyone see any sleek/easy/permanent solutions? 

Sea2Ski

northGAcock said:

I am gonna just leave mine where it is. 

One of the reasons I got the MM was so I could move it.  Otherwise I would have went with another large.  I like the portability option. Stinks I have to worry about moving it though right now

CincyTiki

Have to check that this weekend, thanks @Sea2Ski

YEMTrey

I just checked the bands on my XL, guess I'll check out everything on the Mini Max now.  Thanks for the heads up.
I remember seeing some Mini Max's on here that had a chrome handle to carry.  Maybe they threaded/designed it differently.  Hopefully those owners see this and chime in.

theyolksonyou

YEMTrey said:

I just checked the bands on my XL, guess I'll check out everything on the Mini Max now.  Thanks for the heads up.
I remember seeing some Mini Max's on here that had a chrome handle to carry.  Maybe they threaded/designed it differently.  Hopefully those owners see this and chime in.

@NPHuskerFL

NPHuskerFL

OEM are hollow pos handles w/ a nut tack welded. Either use red thread lock or change up the handles. Don't have this issue on mine or our Son's @HuddleHouseCook. They are billet aluminum and also used thread lock @McStew

NPHuskerFL

EggObsessed said:

Our MM handle came off in my husband's hand the third time we used it. Luckily, he was over a table or a tailgate when it happened, or it could have been really bad.

Devastating it would've been!  Pretty ridiculous to have to worry about handles falling apart with normal usage considering it's one of the only things that comes out of the "box-o-parts" pre-assembled by the factory.  

NPHuskerFL

Now let's chat about the high end carrier nest feet. They went all out on those buggers Huh? 

Sea2Ski

yea... umm... NO!  they stink.  As soon as I get the time, I am going to do your upgrade on those.  The handles just really annoy me, because for 500+ dollars, you would think you could use them without worry.

NPHuskerFL

@Sea2Ski Totally agree. 

YukonRon

Are those under warranty?

NPHuskerFL

YukonRon said:

Are those under warranty?

1 yr (maybe 2-3 though) on the carrier if I'm not mistaken. 
Edit.  It doesn't specify carrier but, seems it falls into this category of the written warranty. 

Sea2Ski

YukonRon said:

Are those under warranty?

 @yukonRon Even if it is, I am not sure I trust the design as it is now.
I am coming up with a few designs in my head. The winning one so far is a wooden dowel in through the current handle, and fastening a solid screw in each end pressing/pulling the carrier together.  Just have to think if this really is the best way to go.

Sea2Ski

thanks @NPHuskerFL  Hmmm... what to do....

Also - you better charge your phone soon.. ha ha..

NPHuskerFL

@Sea2Ski Ya. Going to crash out soon so I'm bleeding it down as low as I can

DoubleEgger

Looks like a business opportunity...

YukonRon

Sea2Ski said:

YukonRon said:

Are those under warranty?

 @yukonRon Even if it is, I am not sure I trust the design as it is now.
I am coming up with a few designs in my head. The winning one so far is a wooden dowel in through the current handle, and fastening a solid screw in each end pressing/pulling the carrier together.  Just have to think if this really is the best way to go.

Absolutely concur. I sure as shid don't trust mine. I am liking your idea. I am thinking threaded rod through the center of the wooden dowels. 

stompbox

Ijust bought the carrier for the Mini, you guys are not instilling confidence in me using it.

Jeremiah

This reminds me. I still owe @McStew a bag of Rockwood!

NPHuskerFL

Jeremiah said:

This reminds me. I still owe @McStew a bag of Rockwood!

AKA Illegal California BBQ Crack

NPHuskerFL

stompbox said:

Ijust bought the carrier for the Mini, you guys are not instilling confidence in me using it.

I'm sure with all the KNOWN ISSUES they've correct it. Or have they?

northGAcock

Sea2Ski said:

northGAcock said:

I am gonna just leave mine where it is. 

One of the reasons I got the MM was so I could move it.  Otherwise I would have went with another large.  I like the portability option. Stinks I have to worry about moving it though right now

Yeah....I agree, was just making an attempt at a funny. I have good intentions also with tailgating and road trips. Will look into this further this weekend. No way I want that sucker dropped on my feets.

Focker

As a redneck engineer,
I'd go with galvanized threaded rod, fender washers, lock washers, nuts, and Loctite 262.

Dowels into the handle might work.  I used a standard broom handle and did this to the legs of my kettles.  Pressed 3 inches into the leg flush, then pushed into the kettle socket.  Works great at improving stability.