Storage for Hitch Carrier

[williard86]

I'm looking for suggestions regarding a footlocker type case for my hitch carrier. I like these: http://www.ameripack.com/cases/Ameripack-cases/Wheel+Handle-Cases-case/prod-4948

But they are WAY too expensive as are the pelican cases (and probably. I liked the action packers but they seem like they'd let dust in being on the back of the jeep. They also seem a little expensive for what they are. I'd like something lockable and waterproof. The hitch carrier is 48"x 18". I also have to fit a gas can so 40" in length at most....oh and free (joking) Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

 

[JIMBO]

Lowes has "Task Force" containers with slideing handles and wheels--they will sit flat on the bottom, but as soon as you tilt the front, the wheels engage-

They're good size and I can get two in my jeep, if I wanna carry "MOST" of my tools/mobile winch/various hitchs-comealong-etc

I've heard a couple of unhappy stories about the wheels, but mine are fine

Good luck

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

 

[williard86]

I'm going to check one of those at. I also saw some products from deezee that looked nice but again i don't have any experience. I'm starting to think I'm over thinking it.
,

 

[SWITAWI]

Last year I ran across some plastic containers from IRIS that have foam gaskets in the perimeter of the lids that seem to make for a pretty good seal, and the lids have a slight indent for the feet of another to be stacked on top (another major criticism of the ActionPacker). However, their dimensions aren't a good fit for my setup at 16"Hx15.4"Wx30"L, and they're more expensive than the APs. Still, here's a link.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/1168933.uts?WT.tsrc=CRR&WT.mc_id=crrdtfd

 

[williard86]

while looking at the IRIS one I found this one: http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=735070&destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct.jsp%3FproductId%3D1168933%26type%3Dproduct%26WT.tsrc%3DCRR%26WT.mc_id%3Dcrrdtfd&WTz_l=YMAL%3BIK-580269

it's a bit cheaper, i just don't know how it will do with dusty roads.

 

[SWITAWI]

Plano vs IRIS...

I've seen both in person. My $0.2?..

Plano pros...

1. 4 latches and a hinge make for good all-around lid retention.
2. Plano has years of experience making outdoor-worthy containers for high-UV environments (fishing tackle boxes).

Plano cons...

1. Lid overlaps body well enough, but the lack of gasket means questionable dust-proofing.
2. More convoluted shaped means less interior volume when compared to how much space the container itself takes up in your vehicle.
3. Container was more flexible like the plastic was softer or something.

IRIS pros...

1. Foam gasket in lid groove gives better protection from the elements when carried outside the vehicle.
2. Less pronounced shape means the interior volume is closer to the actual outside dimensions... More efficient use of space.
3. Plastic seemed more hardy.

IRIS cons...

1. Lid has only two latches (at either end) leaving the middle section vulnerable to losing what seal there is.
2. Foam gasket is not high-quality, not glued in place, and could possibly be lost.
3. More hardy body might just prove to be more brittle in the long run.

Both of them will probably stay cleaner inside than an ActionPacker, but in the end I've never purchased either. I passed on buying the Plano after actually putting my hands on one, I passed on the IRIS because it didn't fit where I need it to go, and I passed on both because neither was enough of an improvement over my already-purchased ActionPackers to spend more money on them. I'd eventually rather have something more 'square' in profile than any of them, purposefully made to be stacked on each other, and less than 30" in length. Of course more square-shaped inside generally means thicker walls to maintain that shape, and thicker walls means heavier before you even start filling it, and all that pretty much equals more $$$, so I keep coming back to this darn thing :drool: - http://www.ecscase.com/loadmastertm-footlocker If Santa was nice he'd bring me two in 25Lx17W, one 12"H and one 16"H. Once again I'd like to say "Gee, thanks Corey!" for ruining my life with your gear reviews...

There's always a tradeoff, lol.

You know you spend too much time on ExPo when you start going on and on about 'cheap plastic storage bins', lol.

 

[williard86]

Thanks! The reviews of the plano weren't very favorable. And you're spot on, I have read more about dumb little containers than when I purchased my jeep...
Found another one today:
http://store.colemans.com/cart/medical-transport-chest-us-gi-aluminum-p-1279.html

its a sickness I tell you. I like this one if I can find it locally. Shipping is nearly as much as the case.

 

[SWITAWI]

^^Lol... I have one of those that my Dad gave me. It's great for carrying recovery gear (and any hard pointy things) on the hitch carrier and nigh-indestructible. From the days when aluminum was the lightweight material of choice, but things were still made to last! Not the lightest box by today's standards, but you'll be able to pass it on.

 

[williard86]

I was dragged to the mall last night by my girlfriend. I had to make it seem like it was her idea to go into "the container store." I got to put my hands on an Iris and I like it more than the action packer. It would have bought it but they only had clear ones. I think I'll be ordering a black one.