advice mounting Pelican box for top case

[sourbeer]

So i scored a sweet pelican case today and I'm hoping to install it on my rear rack to use as a top case. I've been wanting one of these and it fits my laptop bag very nicely. I don't use the rear seat and can afford to encroach on it some but need to be able to get the rear seat off without using tools. so then, would you simply mount it with the four holes in the rear rack by drilling four holes in the pelican case or would you try raise it up by installing some other plate or something. I'm fine with bolting it down and do not plan to take it on/off regularly. It is pretty darn spacious, seems light enough and i've seen folks use them for this application successfully, just not on the ST1300. I looked at the turbocity rack and considered using it to mount the box, but didn't want to the extra expense and am not sure it would provide any additional benefit for the added weight/expense. If I lay it flat on the rear rack, it seems to contact the grab handles lightly, so I may have to construct some spacers or use some large washers or something.

any suggestions/ideas? I'm a little tentative about drilling the holes in the case and want to feel good about the placement before i do so.

 

[Capt_Gruuvy]

I have considered the Pelican case as we have a couple in our shop not doing anything.

My plan was to use an acrylic cutting board to recreate the ST mounting plate and extend that forward and wider for the surface area of the pelican case.

Then use another cutting board for the interior of the Pelican case to beef up the bottom after the holes are drilled in and to spread out the surface tension of the bolts.

I would then sandwich a sheet metal plate between the new ST mounting plate and the bottom of the Pelican case to provide the strength of the whole Sha-Booga-Bang (techical term).

Top Acrylic Cutting Board
Bottom of the Pelican Case
Sheet metal plate
New ST Acrylic Mounting Plate

and some ABS glue to make me feel good about it.

It wouldn't have to be neat but it should be very strong.

 

[sourbeer]

i thought about doing the sandwich thing, just not sure that these cases need it. i've not seen pics from anybody that has mounted one here, but somebody has to have done this before.

 

[Capt_Gruuvy]

Which case do you have ?

I'm just concerned about the constant up-n-down movement whilst riding. That may in time wear out the plastic. That's why I would layer it.

For $69.00 or so you can get a Bestem box with a mounting plate. So maybe that would be easier all around.

 

[graymike]

I rode about 20k miles with a Pelican 1550 on the back of a V-Strom. I mounted it to the rack with three "J" bolts from the hardware store . . . also used big fender washers inside, as well as "nut knobs" that made it pretty easy to take off when necessary. Measure carefully before you drill . . . otherwise you won't be able to remove the seats w/o removing the Pelican. Good luck and post some pictures when you're done.

 

[sourbeer]

I think that it is a 1550 as well. lots of folks have been using these on dual sport type bikes in applications that make mine look like a sunday ride. i've seen the besteem box as well as the GIVI's etc and don't think they can compare to a pelican case for protection and weather protection. I also like the profile of the pelican, as it does not stick up as high and fits my contents better than the oval type top cases mentioned above. i'm going to try to get it mounted this week, will try to get to the hardware store tonight to get some stainless mounting hardware. Just want to be srue of the location before i drill the holes as that is pretty permanent.

 

[Capt_Gruuvy]

I think you could remove the ST Mounting plate to use that as a template for the holes. Then put it back in place.

Go with large washers and you should be fine. I have spy'd the Pelican cases here with evil intent so I may put one on the ST also. I may need to create more unique mount so not to interfere with my Corbin back rest.

Let me know how your project goes.

 

[jbim]

I did a similar thing with my GS. I replaced the pillon with a Touratech rack and bolted the case to the rack. That way, it's removable and lockable.

 

[mitch96]

Mark over on the FJR list did just that..

http://www.fjr1300.info/howto/luggagerack.html

mitch

 

[sourbeer]

I mounted it pretty simply with 4 bolts through the 4 holes in the existing rack. It has a little flex but seems to be pretty sturdy and comparable with other top boxes that I've had on bikes. I'll try to get some pics posted. It is definitely industrial looking, but functionality seems like a great solution for transporting my laptop bag.

 

[Capt_Gruuvy]

Would like to see some pix. I am looking at ordering a new Pelican case this week. I think I may go tall to put the hinge over the Corbin back rest. This should allow me to lock in a helmet or sample products I haul around.

 

[sourbeer]

mine will definitely not fit a helmet and is pretty low profile. I think that the box is a 1550 size, not certain as i got it second hand. I may add a plate to stiffen it up some after i've had a chance to use it some to see how it holds up. hopefully i'll be able to get some pics, they probably wont be pretty since my tupperware is still removed from the farkle installs that i'm doing. this weekend, i did my honda heated grip install and ran the harness for a set of PIAA 910's that are to arrive this week, and mounted a set of BLM brackets.

 

[Rich3608]

Space is always a difficult item, so I decided to expand. The Pelican 2700 is very large, and built tough. I mounted a 1/4 inch plate, 16.5" x 12", to the rear rack using carriage bolts for low clearance. The box was mounted with the same bolts, lock nuts. I added Bungie Buddies for strapping things to the top of the box. I camp and cook and space baggage is always at a premium. I would go with the biggest box you can manage since nobody ever complained of having too much capacity.

 

[MeanST]

I just put a Pelican with quick Disconnect on my KLR rear rack. Twisted throttle makes a nice setup with adapters. Talk to them.

 

[Rich3608]

I looked at the Twisted set up, ~$200. The alum. plate for mine was $25, hardware $5. Very substantial and strong, but not quick removable, which isn't going to bother me. Mount it and leave it. The Pelican 2700 is HUGE and I plan on filling it for long trips.