P500 how are you attaching homemade cargoboxes to the rack?

[monaco]

How are you attaching homemade cargo boxes to the rack? I'm designing my box and wondering what't the best method is with what's commonly available at the hardware store.

I was thinking covering all the tubes with pipe insulation first, then clamping my box down with a bunch of "U" pipe fittings... but that will be a PITA to do and I'm wondering if there's a better method?

 

[Admin]

 

[Chooglin]

Just drill 4 holes thru the wrack and use carriage bolts to secure it , that's what I used on mine !

 

[monaco]

That's not a bad idea, but i'd rather not weaken the rack or make a new spot to rust out

 

[Deleted member 3748]

I did u-bolts with the threaded ends sticking into the box. It was the easiest way to tighten them. Then I put a blanket in the bottom of the box to cover up all the pokey parts.

 

[trigger]

Just drill 4 holes thru the wrack and use lag bolts to secure it , that's what I used on mine !
View attachment 27713

Through bolts, washers, lock washers and nuts. Through bottom of tool box and 1/2" plywood.

 

[rocmar]

4 U-Bolts
each corner of
Rack.......

 

[jawquin]

U bolts. I have 8. 4 on the tool box with some old rubber hose to prevent rattling and 4 on the wood box no hose.

 

[oldfortyfive]

I just used the bigger high strength tie wraps to hold my plywood platform on. Then screw everything to the plywood. I've put 7,000 miles trailering the machine and the plywood is still there

 

[Jshell3]

I did u-bolts with the threaded ends sticking into the box. It was the easiest way to tighten them. Then I put a blanket in the bottom of the box to cover up all the pokey parts.

Whoa... Slow down. You did what with a blanket?

 

[monaco]

Whoa... Slow down. You did what with a blanket?

covered the pokey parts

 

[monaco]

I just used the bigger high strength tie wraps to hold my plywood platform on. Then screw everything to the plywood. I've put 7,000 miles trailering the machine and the plywood is still there

the simple solutions are the best!

 

[trigger]

I figure rolling mine down a hill would be the only way the box is coming off.
If it rattles, put more ass on those bolts.

 

[sam3006]

I made a rack with 3/4 cabinet grade plywood, some I had left over from a remodel. I cut pieces out that fit down into the spaces in the rack. I glued these to the bottom of the piece I used to cover the rack. I then bored 4 holes through the flat parts of the rack and bolted the plywood to the rack with carriage bolts, with big wingnuts on the bottom. I also added 2 inch aluminum angle iron on the edges of the platform three sides, with holes drilled in up side of the angle every 4 inches for tiedowns and bungee cords. I covered all of the plywood, top and bottom, before installing it with Rhino liner. It's held up well for almost 2 1/2 years now.
I also added two 5/4X6 boards to the back of the cab with u-bolts around the cab frame to make a front for the deck.

 

[trigger]

I made a rack with 3/4 cabinet grade plywood, some I had left over from a remodel. I cut pieces out that fit down into the spaces in the rack. I glued these to the bottom of the piece I used to cover the rack. I then bored 4 holes through the flat parts of the rack and bolted the plywood to the rack with carriage bolts, with big wingnuts on the bottom. I also added 2 inch aluminum angle iron on the edges of the platform three sides, with holes drilled in up side of the angle every 4 inches for tiedowns and bungee cords. I covered all of the plywood, top and bottom, before installing it with Rhino liner. It's held up well for almost 2 1/2 years now.
I also added two 5/4X6 boards to the back of the cab with u-bolts around the cab frame to make a front for the deck.

View attachment 27937
View attachment 27938

View attachment 27939

Added 3/4" pressure treated to a trailer bed once with carriage bolts. Years later, all rusty, the carriage bolts would just spin in the plywood and no way to get a bite on them. Had to cut them off from underneath. Galvanized or stainless would've helped.

 

[monaco]

Added 3/4" pressure treated to a trailer bed once with carriage bolts. Years later, all rusty, the carriage bolts would just spin in the plywood and no way to get a bite on them. Had to cut them off from underneath. Galvanized or stainless would've helped.

Good advice...

 

[Deleted member 3748]

Good advice...

@trigger is too smart for the rest of us.

 

[monaco]

I ended up going with the carriage bolt solution... I'll post pics when I get it painted and put back on

 

[GaryGrant]

My box hooks in the front and is held on with velcro straps ... easy on, easy off as needed.

 

[Mudder]

Used pull/toggle latches for easy on/off.

 

[AlR]

I just used the bigger high strength tie wraps to hold my plywood platform on. Then screw everything to the plywood. I've put 7,000 miles trailering the machine and the plywood is still there

Like @oldfortyfive, I've used nylon-ties for years holding boxes, crates and platforms on my ATVs. Decided to do the same with the P5.

Since I'm not a metal worker, I made the box out of 3/4" plywood on the base and 1/2" sides. The aluminum box is screwed into the plywood.

I ny-tied the box to the rack in 8 places. I like using the nylon-ties because I can remove the box in a minute if I need to get under it.

On one or two occasions, I have had the nylon-ties break after major abuse. I can tell when a tie has broken, as the box gets alittle loose. I've never 'lost' a box. To counter this, I sometimes use heavier ties. For now, I'm using inexpensive 6" ties, doubled up. I don't see 16 of them breaking. I prefer not to drill through that beautiful Honda rack.

PS: I really like the idea of putting on DIY cargo trays. Everyone's needs are different and you can make a rack that answers your specific needs. PLUS, when your needs change, you change out the box. My rack cost about $7.
Al