Using those "gun boxes" for roof storage?

[kaitlyn2004]

Lately I've seen a bunch of people referncing using those various gun boxes - basically square boxes - for rooftop storage instead of the overpriced Thules and Yakimas of the world... and yeah, I guess they should be a bunch cheaper but being so squared off, won't they have a meaningful hit to both fuel economy and wind noise?

I've never run any kind of rooftop cargo box yet... but looking for something that can transport my skis (length is always a problem!) but also some basic recovery gear + dirty items like snow chains etc.

 

[jdbruce18]

One of the guys at work just mounted it inside the roof rack behind the fairing he has on it. I’ve talked to other guys that use them and they haven’t mentioned wind noise but mpg does obviously suffer a bit.

 

[ragin_cajun]

Are you referring to the Pelican style boxes?

 

[batex]

I am assuming you are referring to pelican or storm cases, or the many cheaper imitations of such. I picked up a large pelican gun case at a pawnshop that I intend mount on my Sherpa roof rack for the same reason as you state. Haven’t done it yet, but will post when I do..

 

[TheWraith]

I'm using a pelican 1740 to store all my recovery gear, my 4 tire air down system and tools

Ps. HARBOR FRIEGHT has a decent cheap version

 

[jlT4R18]

I have the cheaper Plano gun case on my LFD Offroad roof rack. I never noticed any wind noise on the highway. I have it on and off my roof rack for about a year now. Also put in lots of highway miles. I didn't really notice it making my mpg any worst. My mpg already sucks with the lift, A/T tires and my heavy foot! But with the case on and off, my mpg didn't change.

 

[delloro]

A terrible idea IMHO because it will be a theft target. Losers will think there are guns inside, steal your stuff, and sell if for a dimebag.

Yes I know people are not keeping guns in them, but crackheads do not know that.

 

[ElJefe]

I went with the Harbor Freight version. Got it for $100 on black friday. Have it behind the wind fairing and notice some wind noise but not too much. Haven't had it on long enough to know about gas mileage change. Its only 6" tall so hopefully not too big a hit. I bolted it down and have a pad lock on it.

 

[kaitlyn2004]

Are you referring to the Pelican style boxes?

Yep!

 

[jtgrinsell]

I went with the Harbor Freight version. Got it for $100 on black friday. Have it behind the wind fairing and notice some wind noise but not too much. Haven't had it on long enough to know about gas mileage change. Its only 6" tall so hopefully not too big a hit. I bolted it down and have a pad lock on it.

I went this same route and have it mounted on my LFD bars. I can hear a little wind noise at highway speeds but not enough for me to be bothered. The only thing I noticeably hear is my padlocks bouncing around if I'm offroad.

 

[jk24runner]

I use a hitch pin style lock on my pelican case. Basically found on that fits through the hole and has a cover for the key hole. No padlock rattling around

 

[T4R_Canuck]

I use a hitch pin style lock on my pelican case. Basically found on that fits through the hole and has a cover for the key hole. No padlock rattling around

Nice idea!

Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

 

[mcat707]

This YouTuber made a video on a alternative way to secure Pelican cases on a rack without drilling the through the cases. I plan on trying out this method to mount my Pelicans on my Gobi. Don’t want permanent holes in my cases.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTrn-Q3if3s&feature=youtu.be

 

[TheWraith]

This YouTuber made a video on a alternative way to secure Pelican cases on a rack without drilling the through the cases. I plan on trying out this method to mount my Pelicans on my Gobi. Don’t want permanent holes in my cases.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTrn-Q3if3s&feature=youtu.be

I drilled thru mine and then silicone them on the inside... been thru a few rain storms, washes, and snow storms. Dry as a bone. Bolts on the bottom is alot more secure with my gobi than straps.

Even If you get water inside those without silicone. You have bigger problems...

I had this 1740 just sitting collecting dust for more than 2yrs so I put it to good use. And as soon as I did it ... picked up another 1740 for $100 that's cleaner than mine.

 

[mrblah]

mine is drilled and mounted with big giant washers and bolts. The cases stay empty and locked until i need to use them.

I think they are a great alternative to a THULE or those giant roof boxes.

nobody has tried to steal them or peak inside of them, and if they did, there is nothing in them.

I have two plano rifle cases mounted (42 inch and 52 inch), and only used for the following:

1 is for all my recovery gear/winch recovery gear/straps/shackles/snatch block.

1 is for camping gear/chairs/tent/fire pit/shovel/saw/hatchet.

I like them for their versatility, and ease of use in and around a campsite or trailhead. I don't have to dig around my cargo bay for these items.

I've driven them through snow, monsoon rain, and took them all over Utah/Moab and they held up great.

 

[ElJefe]

I have my Harbor Freight case centered on my 3/4 rack. I had the moonroof open with the wife in the car and she complained about the sound. If I moved it forwards or back would it be better for wind noise?

Was wondering if anyone has tested or have experience in this. I have about 4 inches each way I could move it.
It isn't aero dynamic but just wasn't sure if moving it might help or reduce the sound.
Thanks

 

[BlairB]

Have been running a plano box on my roof since 2015 and have had absolutely zero problems. Really happy I went with it and saw no impact to noise/mileage/etc...

 

[AgentKooper]

Why is a Thule/Yakima box “overpriced”? You can get one for $500-$600 that will last you a good long time. I bought a Thule ski box in 2007 that’s still going strong — skis in the winter, camping gear in the summer. Definitely one of my most heavily-used pieces of gear. Not sure what else you’re going to carry your skis in.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk