Pelican boxes as panniers

**Dodger** · #1 25 Nov 2005

Hi,
Has anyone used Pelican bags as panniers ?
They look to be extremely tough and there is one size that would be perfect for a reasonable sized pannier .Also they could be demounted and used as a suitcase. I believe that Adventureworks? in the USA is making a frame to carry them .
I personally would make my own frame .
Any feedback from users would be welcome .
Thank you .
Dodger

**Wheelie** · #2 25 Nov 2005

Ceveral people have done this... search it.

**Riq** · #3 25 Nov 2005

Dodger;
I have mounted a pelican case onto my top rack as a top box and love it. The weight can be a concern however it is completely waterproof and extremely tough.

My only advise would be to make sure you get the style with the pressure equalization knob on the front as they do seal that tight.

Have fun
Rick

**Dodger** · #4 26 Nov 2005

Yeah thanks Wheelie ,I have researched it !
But most people use them for laptops cameras and top boxes .
I was looking for user information ,from people who have done a few thousand miles with these pelicans on their bikes as panniers .
For example ; how did they stand up to a tumble on a gravel road ? Did the vibration kill them ?
That sort of thing .

Dodger

**Riq** · #5 26 Nov 2005

Dodger

While I haven't used them as panniers I do carry gear in the back of my pick up in these cases. After thousands of Kilometers on Northern Alberta logging and oil roads they still do not leak and are standing up just great.

As far as ability to standing up to a drop and skid situation I think the mounting system would be gone long before you damaged the case.

Have Fun
Rick

**Dodger** · #6 26 Nov 2005

Thanks Riq ! Good info .

All the best
Dodger

**Narelz** · #7 27 Nov 2005

I've used the pelican 1550 cases as panniers for 2yrs now, no complaints. they will be used for an upcoming trip to mex/c.amer.

http://photobucket.com/albums/c178/n...Picture031.jpg

**Nicko** · #8 28 Nov 2005

Narelz
The pic looks good and that is what I was looking at doing. Did you make your own frame or mount it to an existing one? What mounting type did you use?

I have a frame already on my DR650 but don't kow the type.

cheers

**mmclaughlin** · #9 29 Nov 2005

I have Pelican cases as forward panniers on my bike. They have been on for 35,000 miles or so. Vibration has never been a problem. I have not crashed them yet, but I lay the bike on its side (most of the engine weight is on the case)and they hold up fine for that. As far as weight is concerned, a Pelican case is about the same weight (almost identical) to a 16 ga (1.5mm thick) aluminum box with the same interior dimensions. (based on aluminum box material volume and aluminum density, I did not make a box) My boxes do not come off; they are an integral portion of their frame. What constitutes the "frame" for mounting is about 1 lb (1/2 kg) of strut material. I had frame silders, so I mounted to those, too.

Here is a link to pictures:
http://forum.svrider.com/photoalbum/...rch=front+bags

The cases pictured were about $45 each. Everything you see (not counting frame sliders, though they were handy) came to about $100. (all prices U.S.A currency). If I ever do crash hard enough to destroy a bag, I'll just spend the $45 for a new one. Grinding a hole through the side or pulling out a fastener won't prevent a roadside repair from letting me continue on with all of my gear.

Matthew

**Narelz** · #10 7 Dec 2005

Nicko

the rack/frame can be found here
http://www.happy-trail.com/productin...16&startpage=1

they are mounted using quick release plucks(cases on and off in a couple of minutes).

I use these removable liner bags(secured to the inside of cases with heavy duty velcro) to keep contents of cases in place.
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/P...k-AllTextSearc hGroup?Ntt=liner%20bags

cheers

[This message has been edited by Narelz (edited 06 December 2005).]