Hard-sided Storage Containers for Roof Rack

[4Gears4Tires]

Pics in the luggage rack? Rachet straps for securing it?
_________________
'87 Syncro Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition
'85 Westy Sciuridae Domus Edition

[Blacks_Bodhi]

This thread appears old, but if anyone like me still looking for options for their upper luggage tray, I'm happy to recommend this https://caliraisedled.com/products/dark-grey-dry-box-with-drain-and-bottle-opener

It's made like a Yeti cooler, complete with a drain and bottle opener. But best of all, the 117QT version fits the footprint of the upper luggage tray perfectly.

[JED THE SPREAD]

Just adding this set up,

2 large boxes or 3 smaller ones in the same size bag,

Liners available for the large boxes,

And these two liners available for the smaller ones,

Custom tie down strap kit too,

Sometimes it's just nice to have the right gear.

http://campervanculture.com/shop/westfalia-front-roof-tub-or-roof-rack-storage-system-zip-bag/

Jed
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[newfisher]

[dobryan]

Does it need to be hard sided? If not try a cargo bag for one of those hitch platforms. They are the perfect size for the westy luggage rack.
_________________
Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2010 Subaru EJ25 (Vanaru) and Peloquin TBD

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson

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[otiswesty]

I need something big enough for some fire wood and a couple of elk skulls. What would be my best choice?

_________________
1978 Sage Green P22 Westfalia
1988 T3 Syncro Single cab

Just a regular guy

[GypsyDriver]

There may be a couple of other alternatives to the Pelican 1720. I have one I use as a rifle case. It fits nicely and its expedition quality. But, its only 5.25" deep on the inside. The 1720's exterior dimensions are: 44x17x6.5. The interior dimensions are: 42x13.5x5.25.

Pelican offers another line of cases that may fit. The Pelican IM3220:

The exterior dimensions for the IM3220 are: 47.2x16.5x9.2. The interior dimensions are: 44x14x8.5.

An even more intriguing case is the Seahorse SE1530:

Its exterior dimensions are: 46.6x16.7x6.8. The interior dimensions are: 44.5x14.29x6.22. And it currently lists for $100.97 at the Seahorse website: http://seahorsecases.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Sc...e=SE_CASES

I don't have any experience with Seahorse, so can't vouch for the quality. I have lots of experience with Pelican - its what we use in the Army and their quality is second to none. But they are pricey and I'm not sure if the IM3220 would fit in the luggage rack, which I believe is 46.5" wide.

But, given that we're probably not hauling rifles up there, the Seahorse for $100 might suffice.

Incidentally, I've done the action packer in the rack on a long road trip and it significantly reduces gas mileage sticking up more than a foot above the luggage rack.

[kamzcab86]

[Westified]

What about a 48 gallon ribbermade action packer. I think it will fit as the bottom is smaller than the lid. I have one in my office I wiil have to measure next week. Product in Inches (L x W x H): 44.75 x 20.937 x 17.687
It can be locked with a padlock. Might give a lot of wind resistance but will hold a lot of stuff and easy to access.
_________________
1984 Westy Wolfsburg, owned since 1987. FAS 2.0 NA engine conversion in 2022.

[pinetreeporsche]

[amishman]

Here is a new option I have not seen anyone do.

I was liking the Pelican Rifle Case option that GoWesty had. About the same size Plano makes a gun rack just like the Pelican that could work. Problem withe these though is they are only 5.5" tall. Therefore you are fairly limited on what you can stick in them.

Therefore comes what I decided to buy. A OEM Yamaha Cargo Box that they make for their ATVs. About 37" long, 16" deep and about 11" tall. So twice the height as the Pelican and Plano rifle cases and just a tad shorter at 37" instead of the 42". I will take the extra height.

I figure this style will hold charcoal, dutch oven, fishing gear, wet waders, etc....

Be creative with the cup holders. I was thinking I could make a cup attachment with an adjustable swing out arm for a lantern or spotlight. Options are endless.

Since this was made for an ATV the bottom is not level. Nothing a couple small stick on rubber feet could not level off.

TJ

Here is what it looks like in the cargo roof rack on my Syncro.

Here is what it looks like not on a vehicle.

_________________
tj (the Amishman)

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[davevickery]

[SyncroGhia]

I like the three boxes idea.

We have a Westfalia awning with OE Westfalia bag and straps etc which sits up there and unfortnately takes up all the space available. There is enough room in the bag for an extra ground sheet etc though.

I've found that I have to strap it down very tightly despite it being very full, otherwise it creates a wind disturbance and the CB aerial does circles and clouts the roof

MG
_________________
T3 Syncro 16 S6 Westfalia Limey SOLD
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[Mundopacheco]

Hey David, it looks like the tie down that you have your 'lock bar' secured to could easily be unscrewed......or have you taken precautions?
Miguel

[MsTaboo]

Nice!

Bit cheaper than these and looks the same.
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=3984&category_id=325&category_parent_id=
_________________
Currently:
'90 Syncro Westy 3 knob w/Zetec

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[kamzcab86]

That's pretty slick!
_________________
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子

[davevickery]

Here is a pic of my new storage box. It is an SKB and this model (I-series) came out a few years ago to compete with Pelican case in the 42" x 14" size. It is made from sturdy molded plastic with waterproof seals, wheels, nice hinges and handles. The outside dimensions are nearly perfect for the vanagon westy luggage area, 45" x 17 x 6". It isn't huge, but it holds all the extra parts, tools, jack, and stuff you should have but don't need to get at very often. Cost was only $139 on Amazon with free shipping (compared to 200+ for a Pelican). To secure it, I bent a metal bar and drilled a hole through it for the lock. The full model # is 3I-4214-5B-E but you can also google SKB 4214 and find it.

[DAIZEE]

no I see that on this one , I'm saying I saw another picture posted and I thought I remembered 2 doors. None the less I like it but bag will have to do for me.
_________________
'09 2.5L Jetta 5 cylinder, 5 spd, super turbo, see thread in H2O Cooled Jetta, etc...
83.5 Vanagon L Riviera Model with 98 1.9L TD AAZ 4 speed Daily Driver 3 out of 4 seasons (sold)
84 Vanagon GL Wolfsburg Westy WBX 4 speed (sold)

[Timwhy]

[DAIZEE]

That Westy from Quebec, there is more info in one of the old threads, I think it had two doors on it tho. That would work on a Country Home or Riviera also.

I have a complete roof top bag (a very good one) but I just found another one at such a special price, well I had to buy it. Much smaller so more suitable.
_________________
'09 2.5L Jetta 5 cylinder, 5 spd, super turbo, see thread in H2O Cooled Jetta, etc...
83.5 Vanagon L Riviera Model with 98 1.9L TD AAZ 4 speed Daily Driver 3 out of 4 seasons (sold)
84 Vanagon GL Wolfsburg Westy WBX 4 speed (sold)