 |
|
29 Sep 2003
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Eureka, CA USA
Posts: 323
|
|
|
Ammo Boxes
Has anyone used metal ammo boxes for panniers? If so how did they work? I know they are water proof and durable, but not made for motorbikes.BTW I'm not looking to travel the world, just 2-3 week trips at most. If I make it to Europe next year(pray for me) I will rent a bike.
------------------
John
__________________
John
|
30 Sep 2003
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Posts: 456
|
|
I haven't used them myself on a bike, but i briefly met someone who does while passing through Egypt. He was very happy with them. He said the only problem is that they weren't as water / dust proof as they were supposed to be, but maybe that was because he ones he had where pretty banged up. I've used them personally in my Jeep and they did the Job fine. They don't look as slick as alu boxes but they don't cost as much either.
------------------
A.B.
OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
ShortWheelbase.com – Jeep preparations.
__________________
A.B.
OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
|
30 Sep 2003
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Kansas City Missouri USA
Posts: 79
|
|
|
Try Merimite food containers instead. Made of aluminum and weigh less. Email me for pictures.
John
|
9 Jun 2008
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Nelson BC
Posts: 9
|
|
|
60 mm mortar cans as panniers
I use army surplus 60mm mortar ammo cans. They look like tall 50 caliber cans, and are narrow enough not to be too hard to mount. The lids are removable, and watertight. I made a rack out of half inch square tubing, and mounted the left side on a hinged platform to allow me to move it out of the way so I can open the hinged seat on my old gs. They cost about 25$, are light sheet steel, strong , and when you remove the folding handle on top of the lid you have two welded loops that work beautifylly as tie downs. Cheap enough to sacrifice when the bike falls over, and cushions the fall.Don't asl me how I know...
|
9 Jun 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
|
|
|
I used 7.62mm SAA boxes as external stowage on the sidecar. Good points is that they are cheap and strong. The bad bit is that they aren't waterproof, they are heavy and weren't designed to be used long term. Mine are now used as storage in the garage as they rust and the hinges start to fail through vibration. Unless you are really on a budget I'd say to look at the various aluminium boxes that are about. Even if you only get one ally box for your camera etc. and go with soft luggage for the rest, I think you'll be happier.
Andy
|
9 Jun 2008
|
 |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Wild West (of Crete)
Posts: 283
|
|
|
Small ammo boxes for tools with the words painted out to avoid unwanted attention.
|
9 Jun 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 235
|
|
|
mortar boxes
I concur with one of the above replies, 60mm mortar ammo boxes are pretty good sized but have to disagree with another by saying they ARE designed for long term use due to the fact that ammunition is often banged about and stored in shitty areas, being ex military I know! Although they do rust and are unforgiving when need to be beaten back to shape after a spill. If you want budget boxes then they're pretty good but you have to have some pretty good mounts and supporting brackets as they will fail in time without! They will make locals in some war torn countries look twice at your kit as even if they're painted over they are still recognisable from a distance!
Have fun with them!
__________________
Geoffshing
'Security is a product of one's own imagination, it does not exist in nature as a rule, life is either a daring adventure or nothing.'
|
9 Jun 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 235
|
|
|
save money?
Sorry, but just as a follow through on my last reply. The cost and availability on decent panniers, ie, MM's or TT's when they are busted to the availability of replacement ammo boxes could outweight the cost of aluminium boxes 3 to 4 times over!
I, in the meantime went for Touratechs (TT's) and they were a ball ache to fit the frames and had GERMAN instructions! TT never replied when I asked for ENGLISH instructions! Deustch buggers! Sorted it finally with the help from my girlfriend who embarrassed me loads!! Actually she should be the one replying to this!!
Just as a thought!
__________________
Geoffshing
'Security is a product of one's own imagination, it does not exist in nature as a rule, life is either a daring adventure or nothing.'
|
10 Jun 2008
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Lutterworth,Midlands, UK
Posts: 574
|
|
I used an old amo box as a pannier, it was silly heavy so I drilled lots of holes in it first, it held up well but for the next trip we made up alu panniers which worked just as well and were much lighter.
Im sure MM are ace but they also cost a mint too. So try out some cheaper alternatives there has been lots of threads on various cheaper options including some plastic cases.
|
10 Jun 2008
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Nelson BC
Posts: 9
|
|
|
Ammo can mounting tips
One of the reasons I chose 60 mm cans is that they are relatively narrow and tall. This means the thin gauge sheet metal they are made of is not being stressed too much because they are supported directly underneth with a half inch square tube base, instead of being cantilevered, if I can call it that. They are sitting vertical, with no leverage away from the bike, which would eventually tear through the metal.Because they are narrow, the weight sits close to the bike. No worries about cornering clearance, or the huge wide set up needed for the 20mm boxes. I bolt them through the sides and into the frame using one eighth inch by one inch aluminum strips which are epoxied in place inside the box, again to strengthen the thin sheet steel so it can't tear through. The bolt holes are sealed with marine silicone, and rubber washers cut from old inner tube. Never any trouble this way. I run the bolts through rubber bushings made of half inch sections of old fuel hose between the outside of the box and the frame, and this cuts vibration a bit and cushions the side of the box from the frame, which also adds to its strength. Torquing the bolts compresses the rubber a bit, which keeps the bolts from unwinding themselves like bolts do. I tie the two sides together with a horseshoe shaped piece of square tube around the back of the bike,which allows a mud flap mount in conjunction with the license plate frame.Very strong and light, and no welding needed. An advantage if repairs are needed after a fall.
The other advantage is being narrow, they tuck in the airflow of the bike. I don't even get bugs on the front of the boxes, and no whistling at speed. The half inch square tube frame bolts under the passenger foot peg, and this extension makes a good base for mounting spare fuel cans, outside and on the front of the pannier, so things don't stink of fuel or require unloading the pannier to top up the tank.
|
18 Jun 2008
|
 |
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Posts: 9
|
|
|
Hi 78Suz,
do you have photos of your setup?
__________________
"I reject your reality and substitute my own!" -Adam John Savage- MythBusters
|
19 Jun 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: I S T
Posts: 655
|
|
I have one which is not enough big at home and it is made from steel and far heavy.
If you can find a large enough one, it will be heavy. You would not want to use it as you can have some other stıff inside that panniers instead of its own weight itself 
Anyhow, if the money is important subject for this case...  Give it a try...
And please share the result with us.
__________________
"where the traveller goes, nobody knows ! "
|
29 Jun 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Nairobi Port Alfred London
Posts: 210
|
|
Blasted UK ammo boxes are the wrong dimensions, either not deep enough 50mm, too skinny 30mm or side loading not top loading...
Considering buying 4 of these NATO stackable boxes then cutting the bottoms out of two and welding them ontop of a box to give me a 17L x 8W x 14H Pannier, lockable and waterproof.
Strong Green Ammo boxes from Surplus and Outdoors / Jerry Cans, Ammo Boxes
Going to try to make a plan but these deffinetly fit into my ideaology of what I am looking for price wise.
I still really like the idea of the Pelicases and will be getting one as a top box for the camera gear.
Thanks for the tips.
G
Last edited by photographicsafaris; 29 Jun 2008 at 15:06.
Reason: Add in address
|
29 Jun 2008
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by geoffshing
Sorry, but just as a follow through on my last reply. The cost and availability on decent panniers, ie, MM's or TT's when they are busted to the availability of replacement ammo boxes could outweight the cost of aluminium boxes 3 to 4 times over!
I, in the meantime went for Touratechs (TT's) and they were a ball ache to fit the frames and had GERMAN instructions! TT never replied when I asked for ENGLISH instructions! Deustch buggers! Sorted it finally with the help from my girlfriend who embarrassed me loads!! Actually she should be the one replying to this!!
Just as a thought!
|
another key bonus of ammo boxes - you crash hard enough to split a fancy pannier you are in a jam. Mild steel as used in ammo boxes CAN be hammered out easily and welded with pretty much anything (even a few car batteries in parallel so you can do it on the road).
If I felt I needed the instructions, and then had to get my girlfriend to bail me out I would probably keep it under my hat! lol
I have seen some great panniers made out of jerry cans - look like jerry cans from a distance, look like shit up close, just what you want for overlanding!
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
