Stupid Question about Pelican Cases

**Dan 23** · #1 16 Feb 2008

Ola

Maybe this is a stupid question, but how exactly do you fix Peli cases (to a bike - not to a cat)? I like the top-boxes as laptop holders, but I'm kinda bewildered by the bolts - are there proper mounting systems or do you just drill holes in one side and bolt it down to any old rack? Details appreciated...

Ta, Dan

**Dodger** · #2 16 Feb 2008

You might get some ideas from here ;
www.cariboucases.com - World's Toughest Motorcycle Luggage

However there's nothing stopping you from mounting them onto any frame with those hockey puck type thingummybobs.Or you could just bolt directly but quick release would be better IMHO .

If you reinforce the inside of the case with very broad washers or a thin piece of plate to spread the load , this will help prevent the bolt heads from ripping through the case walls when the bike goes down .

There is a bunch of info on advrider , search mode should bring it up .

**Jeffr726** · #3 18 Feb 2008

Dan,
I attached a Pelican case, size 1450, to my DR650 tail rack. I drilled four 5/16 holes through the rack itself, then four matching holes in the bottom of the pelicase. I took some unidirectional bolts, (they have a slot for a flat head screwdriver but can only be tightened), and pushed those up through the rack and into the box. I threw a couple fender washers on the bolts inside the box, and cinched it down with a lock washer and some cap nuts. It's a semi-permanent setup, but I don't plan on taking that box off like I will my side panniers. I'm using mine for things I want to pack easily and get to often. (Waterproof liners and hiking boots) Hope this helps.
Jeff

Note: I would recommend going a size up on the box; a 1550 maybe. I mail ordered mine and didn't visualize how much room my hiking boots were going to take up. There's not much room left for anything else.

**Matt Cartney** · #4 18 Feb 2008

I've done something similar to Jeff by using a peli case as a top box. I chose one of the smaller ones on purpose as all I wanted it to carry was a small tool roll, a compact extra layer for cold days and a pastrami and mustard sandwich (albiet with extra watercress).

I made a 'custom' rack for mine out of 20mm steel flat which attaches to the rear bolts of my passenger handles and the attachment points for my indicators on my XT. I welded the rack together and because I kept it as 'low profile' as possible the steel flat is stiff enough to be quite strong so no need for tubing. I then drilled four holes in the box (through the 'feet') and matching holes in the steel flat. I then tapped the holes in the steel with an M6 tap. The box is bolted to the rack from the inside using domed head bolts which aren't too intrusive and because the rack is threaded (rather than using nuts) it is well nigh impossible to detach the box from the outside. (The box is intended to remain on the bike semi-permanently) The result is an uber strong, waterproof box which would be very difficult for a theif to get into. I am dead chuffed with it and my sandwiches remain dry and safe.

I expect if you wanted to use one as a side box, mounting those 'quick release' style pucks and hangers on a peli case would present no difficulties.

Matt

**Dan 23** · #5 18 Feb 2008

Thanks, fellas - typically useful replies - gotta love this site.

Looks like a good solution to the 'what the hell do i do with my laptop?' question. Now I just need to answer the 'Do I really want an incongruous briefcase permanently bolted to the back of my dirt bike?' problem...

Suerte, Dan

PS Matt - what are you riding these days? And where are you taking it next?

**Lone Rider** · #6 18 Feb 2008

Pack your laptop in with your dirty and/or clean clothes, seriously.

**Dan 23** · #7 18 Feb 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lone Rider

Pack your laptop in with your dirty and/or clean clothes, seriously.

And then just sling it in a soft pannier and forget about it? It will either survive or it won't, so cover losses by regularly burning pic cds and uploading words? That was my initial instinct - problem with being off the road for a while is the flirty distraction of too many fancy accessories...

**Lone Rider** · #8 18 Feb 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan 23

And then just sling it in a soft pannier and forget about it? It will either survive or it won't, so cover losses by regularly burning pic cds and uploading words? That was my initial instinct - problem with being off the road for a while is the flirty distraction of too many fancy accessories...

I use a soft rear bag (MotoFizz) and always pack my laptop inside a padded sleeve, then mix it in with my clothes inside the rear bag. When camping, I'll add the sleeping bag to the rear bag, like extra stuffing.
I've carried a laptop this way for 160-180k miles.
I think the Pelicans are heavy and constitute a large mass, especially with any foam padding.
As long as you can access your stuff, the fewer the number of bags, the better.

**Spaghettiworld** · #9 29 Feb 2008

Look here & type peli case by the search button

ADVrider - Powered by vBulletin

**Matt Cartney** · #10 29 Feb 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan 23

PS Matt - what are you riding these days? And where are you taking it next?

Still got the XT (I've got a sneaking suspicion I'm never going to sell a bike, still got the Enfield which was my first bike, waiting for the summer and cafe racer glory!)

Taking the XT on what was originally a straight 'there and back again' trip to the Alps for spring skiing but thinking Poland is kind of on the way...

What about you?

Matt

**Frank Warner** · #11 11 Mar 2008

The pelican cases are about 6mm thick in the walls - so really strong.

If you drill a hole in them then the life time warranty is void. I know someone was looking at a glue so they could still have the warranty.

I've been using two 1550s as side panniers - they have surived my abuse! A fall at over 80km/h in deep sand about 18 months ago - still water proof, some scratches.

**Riq** · #12 11 Mar 2008

I use a pelican case as a top box on my Triumph Trophy. I drilled 4 holes in the case to line up with the slots in my carry rack. I then put an "eye" bolt in each hole so that when on the bike the "eye" stuck down through the rack.

I then took carrige bolts, however any type of rod having the right diameter would work, and put it through the "eye" bolts. I drilled the retaining rods for either a lock or a hairpin clip.

As long as you are careful where you drill the holes so that they are in the very ends of the rack slot the case cannot turn or slide. The rods stop it from bouncing up and it can be put on or off of the bike in a matter of seconds.

I mounted the "eye" bolts to the case using, from the outside in, nut, metal washer, piece of rubber, case, piece of rubber, metal plate between 2 bolts, lockwasher and then nylon self locking acorn nut.

Nut on the outside makes sure you can adjust the depth the "eye" bolt protrudes, the acorn nut on the inside is just to prevent rubbing something in the case.

Rick

**MikeS** · #13 26 Mar 2008

I'm also thinking of adding a Peli case to the luggage rack of my DR650. The one thing I like about having my Ortlieb bag on the back is the 'backrest' qualities it provides on long rides so I guess you don't get that with a pelican (case) behind you?

Although there's some good descriptions of the different mounts people are using, any chance of some pics to help 'illuminate' the various mounting option that seem to work with these cases?

**Matt Cartney** · #14 27 Mar 2008

Hi Mike,

I'll try to post some pix this weekend before I head off to the alps. Mine is over the parcel rack area so you could still put a dry bag back rest in between it and yourself.

How's Australia?

Matt

**MikeS** · #15 27 Mar 2008

Cheers Matt

Well only 2nd week into the new job here but will be good to start earning some cash again even though I'm quite alergic to working now. Did the Great Ocean Road last week, stunning scenery and great roads, am glad we did it then as the weather today reminds me somewhat of Bonny Scotland...