Cargo cases vs Thule roof boxes
Posted by drewforty@reddit | overlanding | View on Reddit | 24 comments
I have the pelican brackets to clamp these rifle cases down to a rack, but now that I’m running an rtt that won’t work. I want them as low as possible (not on the bars), and I don’t want to drill the cases. I’ve considered running a pair lodged between these crossbars with sinch straps over the top from the rail tie downs, but then that’s 2 straps, 12 latches, and 4 locks to open them both. Heavily considering a used Thule L, XL roof box for the ease of use and added volume but curious about other setups for storage on top of RTTs specifically.
El_Dentistador@reddit
“Rifle cases” mean free pass for search by law enforcement. They don’t even need a reasonable articulable suspicion to perform a full search. In court they’ve held up as dedicated use cases and as such are searchable. For this reason I don’t like using rifle cases as storage ever as it’s an automatic traffic stop and search if an officer wants to.
Refactoid@reddit
Additionally, I was going to say that even aside from law enforcement, a rifle case is going to make you a target for theft.
drewforty@reddit (OP)
Interesting. Seems like bullshit given all of the available pelican sizes and uses but not surprising either. Plus the vault series is specifically marketed as gun cases. Good to know.
burner118373@reddit
That a 460?? Mine is the same color would love to see more
drewforty@reddit (OP)
Yep! Knights Armor gray 🫡 (the 10-14 only color)
burner118373@reddit
Mine is a ‘12 knights
drewforty@reddit (OP)
Sweet. Most people don’t know the difference between knights and nebula 😄
burner118373@reddit
I don’t but know I got knights. Was thinking of some vault cases up too but I don’t store that much gear daily
drewforty@reddit (OP)
This is for a trip only fwiw. wouldn’t carry stuff over the rtt all the time. This was the setup last year before the rtt. The pelican brackets are super simple and just grab the handles.
Constant_Tomorrow_69@reddit
I get not wanting to drill the case...but if you use a rubber/foam washer/gasket on the outside and inside then you should be safe from water/dust intrusion. Unless you have other uses for the case and can't have holes in it...and if that's the case, might be time to buy another case.
drewforty@reddit (OP)
Mainly I don’t want them mounted high on top of the crossbars, which is where they’d be in a tradition drill hole - add bolt scenario. Also I have the no-drill pelican mounts for a regular 4+ crossbar roof rack, but that doesn’t work with just the two bars.
Constant_Tomorrow_69@reddit
Do you or anyone you know own a 3D printer? I'd imagine one could fairly easily print up a drop brace that locks/bolts around the bars and secures under the box where you could tap into. I've seen dudes print up engine parts that hold up if you use the proper plastic.
Outside-Season-5602@reddit
depends on what you want to put in them. large bulky items like tents and sleeping bags won’t fit in the pelican cases
drewforty@reddit (OP)
Sleeping bags in the compression rolls, pillows, and my chairs should fit; they break down into backpacker sized bags already. Basically light soft goods and anything I can move out of the backseat. Aiming for a 4 people for a week 😅
Outside-Season-5602@reddit
can you put all that stuff inside the rtt and still close?
drewforty@reddit (OP)
Not really, downside of an rtt that’s less than 5” thick closed. No interior storage. It compresses its mattress when closed. You could maybe roll out some bags flat but that seems tedious.
Marokiii@reddit
Tents not from places like Walmart will fit in that pelican case. Even bulkier tents will in that case if you take each part out of the storage bag. The v800 case has like 6.5" of usable interior storage height.
GTI_88@reddit
My primary recommendations are to be bring less stuff or get a small cargo trailer
drewforty@reddit (OP)
Thanks
Amadreas@reddit
Isn’t the idea of having an RRT opens up the interior storage of the vehicle? But when you get something new it disrupts the order and causes more issues. I can only suggest not using the crossbars and using low profile unistrut in place of the crossbars and attach the box’s to that.
drewforty@reddit (OP)
I freed up the interior space and immediately filled it with a fridge and power station. I can carry a couple plano 27g totes inside still, but I’m looking at options that retain the full backseat for a 4 person trip. Basically I need to carry more stuff for more people and I lose the backseat to keep it in.
Amadreas@reddit
I mean I’ve seen a couple Thule boxes on top of a RTT. Difficult to access, when the RTT is closed even, shifted interior items when RTT is opened (wedge design), can the RTT opening strut take that extra weight, can you close it too. Maybe consider a trailer hitch tray. It’s modular and removable.
drewforty@reddit (OP)
I’ve looked at hitch racks, but I’m using a Wilco hitch swing out for my spare. I could double them up but the departure would be atrocious and I’d still like to do some 4s and 5s. I’d be moving light bulky things up top to free up interior totes, where the heavier stuff would live. I’m thinking bags and beddings, clothes bags, etc that wouldn’t get damaged. I’d toss everything out before popping the rtt I guess.
Amadreas@reddit
Then just use a soft roof bag.