Strapping a tent to across a top-box: where?
 

XR400R. 22 litre tank, otherwise standard weight-wise.

Now, I have a Givi E45 topbox attached to the back, between the taillight and my behind!

All the camping gear goes in it, food and clothes in a small (45litre) rucksack. Possibly adding tank panniers for waterproofs.

So where to strap the tent (4.5kg)?
I'm going to mount U-bolts into the lid and use that for securing the tent.

Option A:
Across the top toward the back of the top box?
Weight higher up but a bit further forward. More stress on the tox mount (further from fulcrum).

Option B:
Across the back, over where the key goes?
Weight lower but further back. Less stress on the box mount (closer to fulcrum).

I can't strap it right behind me as the rucksack and top box will probably be argueing the whole way already and a tent would make it worse.

So? A or B?

Hmmm. I don't like the sound of anything heavy on a top box. They really arnt made for it.

But if you really have to, why not fit some cupboard handles to the top box.

http://www.aandhbrass.co.uk/products...et_handles.jpg

Any size, shape and colour you need, already holes for bolts and cheap as chips :)

As for fitting, I reckon the top would be the best place as the weight will be on the actual box and not the attachments.

"Well, I'm looking for chique, but not gawdy.... You know like "I'm a success" but without shouting it out, you know?....So perahps number 21 or number 8 Yar, yar!"
:p (just pissing about: not taking the piss!)

Actually, I already have 4 25mm U bolts that I will stuff through the top rather than at the back. I think the weight should be OK. I'll put some rubber mat between box and plate to take up any slack.

Givi actually do a rack to fit the top of the box so your solution should be good. of course Givi will say there is a 5kg max load for the topbox including the contents but I wouldn't worry about that. I usually have 14kg inside my E52 and the rack has taken the weight ok. I don't see there being a problem putting a tent on there. Maybe you could put the pegs and poles somewhere else to save a bit of weight if you think it wise. I have been known to put a roll bag on top of mine but just with my clothes in.

asuming your not having a pillion, put it between you and the topbox then its also a backrest