Fergie
Expedition Leader
Hey all,
I like the Action Packers for their combination of ruggedness, cost, and size. However, they are not waterproof, and on trips can get lots of moisture and dust in them.
I couldnt find any type of pre-made gasket that I could affix to the lid, so I used an old weather seal trick that I learned, modified for materials on hand.
Here are the APs. I started with the smaller one as it takes less material:
Here is the channel you'll be working with:
Take some 100 grit sandpaper, and roughen up the surface of the channel, making sure to get the sides, and the bottom very well. Spend some extra time in the radius areas. When you are finished, wipe the channel down with alcohol, or whatever, to clean all the debris out.
Next, take a tube of this:
And apply an even bead all through the channel. Go a bit on the heavy side. If you dont get an even bead, just spead it all out with your fingertip.
Next, place some plastic wrap, or wax paper, on the corresponding lip of the AP. I used plastic wrap is it was in the apt. Then set the lid on the AP, and clamp it down with the handles, and add some extra weight on top to get a good, positive seal. I added my Dutch Oven to the top.
Let the whole thing cure for several days. This process takes longer as the plastic wrap keeps the moisture in. Mine cured for 2 days, and the wrap peeled off easily.
This is your finished product:
I simulated a rain storm by hosing the AP down in my buddy's yard, and it came out completely dry inside. This size AP takes 1 tube of RTV, so make sure you have enough on hand if you are doing the larger styles.
Hope this works for you as well, and you now have an inexpensive alternative to high quality containers like Pelican.
I like the Action Packers for their combination of ruggedness, cost, and size. However, they are not waterproof, and on trips can get lots of moisture and dust in them.
I couldnt find any type of pre-made gasket that I could affix to the lid, so I used an old weather seal trick that I learned, modified for materials on hand.
Here are the APs. I started with the smaller one as it takes less material:
Here is the channel you'll be working with:
Take some 100 grit sandpaper, and roughen up the surface of the channel, making sure to get the sides, and the bottom very well. Spend some extra time in the radius areas. When you are finished, wipe the channel down with alcohol, or whatever, to clean all the debris out.
Next, take a tube of this:
And apply an even bead all through the channel. Go a bit on the heavy side. If you dont get an even bead, just spead it all out with your fingertip.
Next, place some plastic wrap, or wax paper, on the corresponding lip of the AP. I used plastic wrap is it was in the apt. Then set the lid on the AP, and clamp it down with the handles, and add some extra weight on top to get a good, positive seal. I added my Dutch Oven to the top.
Let the whole thing cure for several days. This process takes longer as the plastic wrap keeps the moisture in. Mine cured for 2 days, and the wrap peeled off easily.
This is your finished product:
I simulated a rain storm by hosing the AP down in my buddy's yard, and it came out completely dry inside. This size AP takes 1 tube of RTV, so make sure you have enough on hand if you are doing the larger styles.
Hope this works for you as well, and you now have an inexpensive alternative to high quality containers like Pelican.
