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.

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John

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John

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.

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A.B.

OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
ShortWheelbase.com – Jeep preparations.

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A.B.
OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.

Try Merimite food containers instead. Made of aluminum and weigh less. Email me for pictures.
John

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...

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

Small ammo boxes for tools with the words painted out to avoid unwanted attention.

Attached Images

 

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Simon

London-Cape Town 2004-06
Buenos Aires-Vancouver 2008-10:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/fitzpatrick

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!

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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.'

This is the way to go, they are cheap, strong, lightweight, and big.
(just make sure you cut them the right way, shown here Mermite Cans Mounted to KLR650 - YouTube)

How about Pelican cases. I just finished this install on my V-Strom:



I used the SW-Motech racks and got the Pelican 1550's for about $96 USD on sale from an on-line vendor. Not as cheap as surplus ammo cans, but I think they look a heck of a lot better.

-Cabel

Here are a few pictures after I got them painted and the tool tube put on.

I deliberated for a long time over whether I could justify the expense of ally (TT) or ABS (Peli) panniers for my Royal Enfield Bullet...but finally decided to go the 'Pooratech' route and use army surplus ammo boxes.

A pair of 40mm boxes (like the ones on the XRV site) set me back about £20 including postage from a UK mainland supplier; plus £10 for a tin of smooth silver 'Hammerite'; £5 worth of button-head allen bolts; and £0 for flat steel strap 'salvaged' from work...

The end result is sturdy; stylish; and waterproof - with the added bonus that they saved my life (or at least my right leg) when I messed up a tight left hand bend at about 40mph last weekend, and ended up on the hitting a low stone wall on the right i.e. 'wrong' side of the road.



The wall took out the headlamp; throttle cable; footrest; gear lever; bent an indicator...and scuffed the paint on the pannier - but the pannier protected my leg and all I got was a sore knee. I honestly think I would have lost my knee and/or lower leg if it had felt the full weight of the bike and wall.

Unbelievably, I stayed on the bike, although I didn't get far without the missing throttle cable!

I have sourced the parts I need to repair the bike (aren't online auction sites wonderful?) but I'm going to leave the 'battle scars' on the pannier as a reminder...

Jo

Show us some photos,those are my panniers on the xrv site and there still going strong.

Ironheadziggy76 they look pretty good mate, im looking at doing the same myself, any pointers? how have they held up?