Commuting - New pannier/trunk idea

I really like my bucket panniers, but, being the geek that I am, I am not satisfied with leaving well enough alone. :p One thing that I would like to add to my bike is a rack trunk, but not willing to shell out the money if there is a possible hack. One possibility that I have in mind is to use an old ammo can like this (http://mendelsons.stores.yahoo.net/miamca7mmwa3.html). But then I thought, "What about a matching set of panniers?", using something like this (http://www.armysurplusworld.com/product.asp?ProductID=923) or this (http://www.armysurplusworld.com/product.asp?ProductID=920).

Now, the panniers would be fairly easy (basically do the same thing I did with the buckets), but I'm trying to figure out a way to attach the trunk to the rack that would be secure enough for a rather bumpy commute, but easy to attach and remove. Maybe something like a pair of rigid hooks at one end with a corresponding pair of spring-loaded hooks at the other end. Does anyone know of sources for such hardware? Has anyone here tried something similar? Any input would be great. (Yes, the spousal unit will probably roll her eyes and try and talk me out of it. :lol:)

I don't have any suggestions for locating hardware, but that does sound like a solid plan. I would however caution you on weight. I'm by no means a weight weenie but I have worked with the ammo cans before (see here (http://workshopwebs.com/steve/pictures/ammocasepc/DSC04134.JPG)) and they are VERY heavy. At least the one I used was, and having three big honkin' ammo cases bolted to my bike would drag me down quite a bit, let alone actually using them.

But if done properly they are water proof, to an extent bullet proof (literally) and could take the beating. And, on the right bike they'd look pretty sweet.

Good luck!

I used ammo cans on a Military cruiser bike. Very heavy and not for commuting. They make some plastic ones, but they are probably heavy as they are made for carrying heavy ammo. Stick with the buckets.

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o192/conion1/Mission%20Accomplished/0730081150.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o192/conion1/Mission%20Accomplished/CIMG0977.jpg

Thanks for the input. Guess I'll have to come up with another plan. :p

Yeah, those things are heavy as hell.

On the other hand, most will take a fairly close hit from an artillery shell. So you'd have that goin' for you.....

I would use them just for putting around town. Just for looks. If you have a rear wheel and bike that can handle the weight. I would not want them for a commute longer than a couple miles though!

I put ammo can panners on my Harley Sporster two years ago, they where great!
Completely water tight! The mounting I had cracked after about 12K, I took them off
and went with throw overs I modified to bolt on. But I did NOT have to worry about
WEIGHT, they are heavy for a bicycle, I tried one on my rear rack...

I used an old playmate type cooler on the back rack for one trip, I think I paid 50 cents
at a yard sale for it. You can get all the hardware you need at an ACE hardware!

I once found an Ambico camera bag at a thrift shop for $2.00 and took it home and sewed some straps on it for a trunk bag. It worked like charm and after 6 years, it's still working! If you want some pics, let me know.

I used ammo cans on a Military cruiser bike. Very heavy and not for commuting. They make some plastic ones, but they are probably heavy as they are made for carrying heavy ammo. Stick with the buckets.

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o192/conion1/Mission%20Accomplished/0730081150.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o192/conion1/Mission%20Accomplished/CIMG0977.jpg

Do tell is a bit more about you Mil Cruiser.. :love::D

I really like my bucket panniers, but, being the geek that I am, I am not satisfied with leaving well enough alone. :p One thing that I would like to add to my bike is a rack trunk, but not willing to shell out the money if there is a possible hack.Take your pick of these [click on photo for link]:

http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/images/26169_lg.gif (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200153174_200153174) http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/images/26171_lg.gif (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200365436_200365436)


lighter than metal
waterproof
readily available and inexpensive
choose your color - commando/ninja or high visibility


I use one of these bungied to my rear rack. Simple attachment that keeps things securely in place and also allows strapping more to the top. The rigid structure of the box allows you to strap mushy things on top and protect fragile items inside.

It's the stuff.

^^^^ They look to be about the size I'm looking for. Thanks.

jbabic, you beat me to it!

I was just going to recommend the same thing. We have been in similar threads before where these larger sizes were recommended to make the side panniers:
http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/images/26172_med.gif
(Here are the threads where they are mentioned:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=7335936&highlight=#post7335936 and
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=450489&highlight=drybox )

These smaller size utility boxes could be used on top of the rack and match the side panniers. If your panniers extend above the rack than this smaller one would probably not fit between the panniers however but would partially ride on top of them.

These smaller size utility boxes could be used on top of the rack and match the side panniers. If your panniers extend above the rack than this smaller one would probably not fit between the panniers however but would partially ride on top of them.

Now, if you ran with Tubus Logo (http://www.tubus.com/gehezu.html?id=43) or Cosmo (http://www.tubus.com/gehezu.html?id=47) racks, you could.

Do tell is a bit more about you Mil Cruiser.. :love::D

1950 Schwinn frame.
Felt fenders and chainguard
26x 3" tire in the front.
24x 3" tire in the rear.
Rear rack from some Huffy.

It was built for a buildoff on Ratrodbikes.com. The Military build was fun. The bike rides great. First big ride was a bomb run from 6200 feet to 2600 feet over 16 miles.
http://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=9292&p=100767&hilit=bogus#p100767