Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Equipment Reviews
Low cost travel box alternatives Mermites Low cost travel box alternatives Mermites
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipment Reviews Post YOUR REVIEWS of ANY Motorcycle, Camping or Travel Equipment and accessories. Tell us what worked and didn't work for you!
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 23 May 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Vermont, USA
Posts: 35
Low cost travel box alternatives Mermites
Just thought I'd give a heads up to those of you not afraid of doing a little work for something that will save you a lot of money and be very useful. If you need a good sized durable travel box you can do a search on ebay for "mermites, or mermite" these are old USA military coolers that can be stripped down into very nicely sized aluminum pannier boxes. I bought a pair for $40 off ebay and will be modifying them for a rack soon. Nice big lid and durable watertight construction.

Seth S
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 May 2005
Mr. Ron's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Vancouver, BC, for now...
Posts: 792
Hello Seth. I met a guy at the Airheads rally in Feb. who had a pair of these. He removed the insulation to make more room, but his only mistake was bolting through the body of the boxes and not using a proper frame to distribute the weight. By the end of our off-road adventure both of them had fallen off and he was forced to strap them to his rack behind his back. Great boxes, but you'll have to support them properly.
Good luck!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 18 Dec 2006
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Traverse City, MI
Posts: 15
Mermite Use
The guy I bought my Wee-Strom used mermites as well. The insulation was removed and the cans were attached to givi rack frames. I changed the bolts to 1/2 in with washers. I'm heading to Mexico for 6 weeks with this set up. When I return I'll let you know how they held up. Shayne

It's taken me a year to fill you in but here goes. The mermites held up wonderfully as did the rack frames. My only complaint was the how wide the combination made my bike. It got very tight trying to squeeze through traffic in Mexico City. Otherwise they made great panniers.


motolocogringo.blogspot.com
Last edited by Vampyremp; 27 Feb 2008 at 03:42.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 22 Dec 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Perth
Posts: 263
the search
only thing which came up on the suggested seach was marmite !
I hate that stuff
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 31 Dec 2006
Brian Williams's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: england
Posts: 137
marmite, you either love it or hate it !
__________________
rust & dust
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 1 Jan 2007
Dodger's Avatar
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
marmite boxes
My search brought up this ,
No self respecting motobicycular traveller would leave home without one !

__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 21 Jan 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 6
here is how its done
first build a frame

then buy 2 mermite cans for $40

cut around the interior leaving about one inch from the top for extra support

cut down the center

now pry the aluminum away fron the insulation

after prying loose, pull out

ok, its out

now your left with about one inch of insulation that you have to scrape

almost done scraping

now wire brush the interior

paint the interior if you want

here is the end result



the panniers now are buffed to a nice even luster with a few stickers and the mounting systen is different. I will take a pic some day of the new system.......oh ya the interior has a stainless steel sheet with stainless bolts welded to it. This plate provides tons of support so there is no stress on the aluminum where the holes are drilled
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 29 Jan 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Northumberland UK
Posts: 36
Absolutely excellent post, where in UK can these mermite cases be obtained if anywhere or similar containers.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 29 Jan 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 6
military surplus stores. Ckeck e-bay..........
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 14 May 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 1
bc-gs: do you know how the paint was removed from the exterior of your mermites? They look great and I'm hoping to do the same with mine.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

LinkBacks (?)
LinkBack to this Thread: https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/equipment-reviews/low-cost-travel-box-alternatives-5369
Posted By For Type Date
The Yamaha Thumper Website :: View topic - FAO all American dooods... This thread Refback 15 Feb 2007 12:29
The Yamaha Thumper Website :: View topic - FAO all American dooods... This thread Refback 13 Feb 2007 21:33

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
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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.

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:43.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top