| Author | Message | ||
     Hughesatron |
I'm planning a 16 day camping trip from Colorado to California to Alaska and back. I'll be mostly camping and riding without a passenger, so I decided to buy a sturdy waterproof lockable case with plenty of storage and build a rack for the rear. I can't decide if I want to mount it in parallel or perpendicular to the bike. In parallel, it will have less wind resistance, but will hang off the back a bit. Perpendicular, it will have a lot of wind resistance, but it "looks" like it fits better. Thoughts? I know it probably looks rediculous and overkill, but it's the choice I am making.   | ||
| Dynasport |
Wow, that is a big trunk. Perpendicular I think. | ||
| Eulysses |
How about a big Igloo cooler...full! Euly | ||
| Druelly |
In terms of looks, Perpendicular. Wind resistance, wouldn't the wind go over it seeing as you are sitting immediately in front of it? Anyway I think the perpendicular look is better to my eyes. You may feel differently than I. | ||
| Motorbike |
You may want to add some ballast to the front to keep the wheel on the ground. | ||
| Itileman |
If it hangs too far back, you're going to have a severe case of the tail wagging the dog. I'd have it sitting across the bike and as far forward as possible so as to make a back rest. | ||
| Mikef5000 |
Perpendicular! With it parallel you're hanging too much weight off the back, which will mess with your steering geometry. | ||
| Hughesatron |
Sounds like the general consensus is perpendicular looks best. It does look better perpendicular, but I am worried about wind resistance. It looks like a big heavy beast, but I'm going to try to keep light stuff in it. Sleeping bag, tent, tarp, ground pad, warm clothes, rain gear. In parallel, I don't think it will disrupt the handling characteristics any more than a passenger with trunk rack would...  | ||
| Rfp52 |
I would worry a lot more about side winds. On mountain passes high crosswind areas are not uncommon. You are putting a big flat surface high up outside the load triangle. A good strong side blast is going to push you either off the road or into the oncoming lane. I would strongly suggest a one or two waterproof duffles and looking at ways to limit your gear. Rain gear jacket liners, etc should easily fit in the side cases and strap the duffle low behind you on the seat and triple tail. Then your packed load is only as large as it needs to be. I have seen parked bikes with high loads pushed over by the wind and bikes on the road pushed across two lanes into the guardrail by a strong gust. I have also found the more room you have the more unnecessary stuff you pack. | ||
| Hughesatron |
After looking at the configurations for a while, I have decided that the case is just too big. It looked small enough in the store, but once on the bike, it's just too big. I returned it and bought something a bit more reasonable and I'm happy with it. Now, I just need to build a frame with some quick releases and I'll be good to go.    | ||
| Buewulf |
Perpendicular. I don't see why it would be much different than carrying a passenger that way. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
The smaller case seems to me to be a much safer choice. Have a great trip and take many many photos so that we can also enjoy. | ||
| Itileman |
+1 on the smaller case. There's a big difference between passenger weight and dead weight, especially dead weight that can shift. I prefer the duffles and straps. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Bah, Vern will strap two coolers and a dead elephant on the back and not bat an eye. Could be the hole the BAW is punching. | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
That second case looks pretty good! Could we get a bit more info on it? | ||
| Blasterd |
I have one of those Actionpackers (14.99 if I remember right from Wallyworld) and I have secured it with bungee cords sitting the same way you have it on the bike. It is lightweight and the top snaps into place tight, works well. | ||
| Hughesatron |
indeed, the case is from Walmart and I got jacked on the price! It was $19.99. It's called a "heavy duty" storage container. It seems pretty sturdy. I might just go the bungee cord method also. | ||
| Rotorhead |
BTW The action packer is not water proof! Tried that once and had enough water inside to fill a dogs bowl after a brief rain storm. The beaver tail does have a metal core so it can be drilled to provide a secure attachment for the box. The strap holes that are already in it are to flimsy to really hold a box down secure once loaded. The trip to AK and back will be on to remember. take your time and smells the roses and moose poop along the way. | ||
| Johnboy777 |
$35 at Sears and it shipped free - mounted to the triple tail - waterproof & holds a lot of chit.   | ||
| Hughesatron |
Johnboy777, that looks pretty nice. can you send a link? | ||
| Johndb |
This is what I found on the Sears site: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM208808 655P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1 | ||
| Johnboy777 |
Here's the old AdvRider Link: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55 6539 Looks like the one I have is gone from the Sears site. I just checked JC Whitney (I think Sears may own them) and found it. I have the 'medium' ...looks like they are $54 now. http://www.jcwhitney.com/motorcycle-travel-trunks/ p2010969.jcwx  | ||
| Blasterd |
I have had that large one for 3 years now and it's been on 2 different bikes. Works great, waterproof no issues whatsoever in like 50,000 miles. great trunk and I got a deal on mine- 47.99 shipped! |
