Mount a Pelican Air 1507 to Altrider rack

[BadNews]

Edit: Scroll down to see how this turned out with pictures.
New Pelican Air 1507 to be mounted on Altrider rack, not needing any quick on/off so it will be clevis pins or bolts.
Would like any suggestions as to how to mount it securely, proper hardware (stainless?), how did you mount yours, etc. Can 1/4” I.D. fuel hose be used for spacers? This is my first time mounting a top case, Thanks!

 

[Alexander]

My opinion, worth price charged:

1) Yes, use stainless.
2) No, don't use clevis pins -- no tension, it'll rattle. I used stainless bolts (largest I could reasonably fit), washers, and nylock nuts. Use big washers to distribute the load on the plastic case. If you want more security, add metal plates or metal strapping between the case mounting bolts on the inside of the case (I didn't).
3) Up to you whether or not to use fuel hose or rubber/nylon washers for isolation, etc. (I didn't).
4) For the actual installation, just remove the rack, place it on the bottom of the case, measure for center, mark holes with a center-punch, drill holes (after removing any interior foam from the case).

Mounting can be a little tricky, as the case itself may cover some of the mounting bolts for the rack. Just have to be creative. I loosely fit my case bolts upside-down through the rack, then installed and bolted down the rack, and then installed the case by slipping it over the bolts, holding the case bolt heads steady with a finger as I tightened the nylock nuts inside the case. Clear as mud?

I'm sure other folks have better ideas, but I've never had a problem doing it this way on two bikes, and sometimes simplicity will suffice without over-complicating things. Once, on my other bike, I forgot to put it into gear at a gas station and it started to roll forward off of the kickstand -- I grabbed the bike by the plastic case and caught it from falling (and this was an 800 pound bike). Case mounting seems secure enough for me. Didn't damage anything, not even the case, despite the simplistic caveman mounting technique.

 

[Longdog Cymru]

I used bonded rubber anti-vibration mountings with stainless steel nuts and large penny washers With a bead of silicon for water proofing. I have no need to mount/uncounted my box.

 

[BadNews]

(If you want more security, add metal plates or metal strapping between the case mounting bolts on the inside of the case)
I was thinking maybe some 1/8” aluminum bar stock? That would sort of clamp the case between the rack and the bar stock, correct?


(used bonded rubber anti-vibration mountings) Could you post a link to this or a similar product?

 

[Alexander]

(If you want more security, add metal plates or metal strapping between the case mounting bolts on the inside of the case)
I was thinking maybe some 1/8” aluminum bar stock? That would sort of clamp the case between the rack and the bar stock, correct?


(used bonded rubber anti-vibration mountings) Could you post a link to this or a similar product?

Sure -- it probably doesn't need to be excessively thick to add a lot of structural support.

The only slight headache there will be getting the measurements correct for the holes on the brace -- might try to slot one end for easier installation / less side-loading of the mounting bolts.

 

[Longdog Cymru]

(If you want more security, add metal plates or metal strapping between the case mounting bolts on the inside of the case)
I was thinking maybe some 1/8” aluminum bar stock? That would sort of clamp the case between the rack and the bar stock, correct?


(used bonded rubber anti-vibration mountings) Could you post a link to this or a similar product?

Here you go, they come in a variety of thicknesses and you can probably find them on eBay too

Male Male Bobbin Mounts: AV Mounts Online

Male Male Bobbin Mounts Application Air Conditioning Units, Exhaust Mountings, Diesel Engines, Generator Sets, Instruments at AV Mounts Online

www.avmountsonline.co.uk

and here...

M6 Male / Male Anti Vibration Rubber Mount Car Boat Bobbin Isolator Damper 20x20 | eBay

Threaded: M6 (18mm Thread Length). These anti-vibration bumpers are used to reduce vibration and shock. Their cylindrical shape ensures that when used in a row, the buffers spread the loads over a number of buffers - reducing the chances of possible overloading.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[BadNews]

OK, thanks! When I get this mounted I will post some pictures.

 

[jpward]

I have had success using inner tubes as a cushion between the box and the rack.

 

[BadNews]

JP: would a cushion be needed between aluminum and a plastic Pelican case? I don’t want the powdercoat to rub off the rack, nor do I want any squeaking.

 

[VRODE]

If you are not concerned about a quick release system, I’d go with SS bolts with nylon nuts. I’d also use fender washers and gaskets to support the case when bolting it up.

 

[BadNews]

Mounting a Pelican Air 1507 to an Altrider rear rack.
I was undecided whether to use bolts or clevis pins, so I bought both sets of hardware, plus some stainless and rubber washers. I used the existing 1/4" holes in the Altrider rack because I didn't want to take a chance on getting stress cracks due to drilling additional holes. The 1/4" bolts and clevis pins fit snugly through the existing holes.

It turns out that the 1" long clevis pins and bolts are the perfect length needed. I laid out a centerline on the case and aligned the rack with it to locate the holes.

The black dots are where I initially marked for the holes, but after turning the case over to see where the holes would be inside the case, I decided I wanted the holes to be in the flat floor of the case instead of in the foot depressions, so the washers would lay flat. So you see where the holes are now.

I went with the clevis pins for now because they have no where for a thief to get a grip on them. If I decide to go with bolts later, I will get some button head hex key drive bolts instead.
As you can see, the 1" length was perfect after putting a rubber washer and a stainless washer on.

After attaching the two pieces, I picked it up and shook it and there was no looseness. I'm going to leave it like this for now; if I encounter any problems with looseness I will switch to the bolts and nylock nuts.
Hardware used, in order:

I ordered TSA latches at the same time I ordered the case from a supplier on Amazon (CVPKG is the supplier) and the case arrived with the TSA latches installed! They also sent along the original latches. (They have other colors besides yellow).

So now I have a lightweight, locking case! I can wiggle the bike by grasping the case and shaking, so it seems firmly mounted with the clevis pins.

I will get some foam or maybe just a piece of leather to line the bottom and protect the contents from any sharp edges, but for now I re-purposed an old gel seat pad I had lying around. I will do an update eventually as to whether I am sticking with the clevis pins or not. I have not done anything to waterproof the holes I drilled; I may have to put a dab of silicone under the rubber washers.

 

[BadNews]

Update:
I've been satisfied with the above installation using clevis pins; I haven't had any reason to swap them out for bolts.

 

[PineLaneRider]

Any idea if this case is narrow enough to go between the OE side cases?

 

[BadNews]

Mine measures exactly 16 15/16" wide.