Secure storage box

[smee]

With our big trip nearing I'm looking again at luggage solutions. I picked up an Elise parts luggage rack a couple of years ago and want to build a box to bolt to it which would be weatherproof and lockable.
I'm thinking of ordering this...

http://www.expedition-equipment.com/pro ... 120-litres

It seems to be the right size for the rack, wind noise might be interesting. It would fit both our small suitcases.
I plan to use U bolts with aluminium spreader plates and rubber gaskets to bolt the box to the rack and the company think it should be safe enough.

Your thoughts on this idea would be appreciated and any other suggestions.
We plan to do a shakedown trip to Arran at the end of June and the big trip is at the end of August.

Thanks

[Dominic]

First thought - that looks good! Second thought, how much weight (inc packed cases) would you have on your luggage rack? - how much can the rear clam support? ...maybe not an issue, but worth considering.

[smee]

Rack states 50kg limit, weight evenly distributed over the 4 mounting points and the box doesn't weigh much.
These are our bags http://www.amazon.co.uk/Eastpak-Suitcas ... tranverz+s

[Dominic]

In that case - does the box come in Lotus Racing Green?

[smee]

Just a can of spray paint away ha ha

[Dominic]

I guess one downside it would stick up quite a bit over the height of the roll bar - which would give a bit of drag - therefore eating your fuel.

If bothered about that, you could always add some aero device to the front (and back) of it.

Like this



Or more seriously;

[smee]

Did consider that but probably no worse than luggage alone.
Incidentally, quite fast at work dom?

[neil]

Will you be able to access the boot and engine with the box attached? I'd be worried about all the weight when opening the boot, that's if there's enough space to do that with the box on.
What about just strapping a peli case on instead? They're virtually instructable and come in all shapes and sizes such as http://www.waterproof-cases.co.uk/produ ... le-handle/

[smee]

Did look at peli cases before I found these boxes. More expensive and if only strapped on our luggage could go walkies if we stop somewhere for lunch.
If needed to access engine the rack hinges forward, box could stay attached but we'd remove the suitcases

[graeme]

A couple of motorcycle top-boxes? Ditch the suitcases, use soft bags or stuff sacks? Forget the stupid rack and just post your whisky home.

[smee]

Again, looked at motoring boxes. I dare say stuff sacks will be used as well! Don't want to arrive at a nice hotel clutching 15 tesco bags and a fistful of socks. Luggage rack is the only way to bring small cases.

[graeme]

Just to clarify, motorcycle top boxes are removable (with the mounting plate attached to the rack) and they become your carry luggage. You won't get 120L capacity, but you could maybe get 2x50 and you gain whatever space the suitcases were taking. Also, lockable and aero-tested by things faster than an S1.

[smee]

I'll look again then at them

[Ferg]

Could you put a lock box in the footwell instead of the foot rest?

Also, remember this.... http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MnipzwgiP4Q/T ... 2BCopy.JPG


Although his post here says he added A LOT of strengthening...http://elsiefrombottomtotop.blogspot.co ... -jobs.html

[douglasgdmw]

If you are looking at Motorycyle boxes then would recommend Givi. I had them years ago on the CBR and they were fantastic, certainly better than another brand that fell of the carrier whilst on the dual carriageway.

George