I realize that Givi has a quick release system, but that requires buying their expensive luggage. And I know that there are other systems out there that work with specific luggage. Any quick release adapters for generic boxes on the rear rack? Lets say I wanted to mount this box to my rear rack securely, but would like to be able to take it off quickly, preferably with no tools required (or unloading the box). http://www.wayfair.com/BandW-Type-55-Black-Outdoor-Case-1.4630-B-X-BWH1012.html I know that some of you hang out on adv quite a bit, and those folks like to research/experiment/design... I am sure there must have been a discussion?
If the width of your rack matches the width of the box, two Jeep hood latches will secure it. I did this a couple years ago and it worked great. The long part of the latch was bolted to the box, the small part was mounted to the plate on my rear rack. Two latches were more than adequate. However, I decided that I just really didn't like top boxes and sold the setup to a friend.
I don't know if it's "quick" enough for you, but I have my Pelican case attached to a plate (that attaches to the rack) with studs on it and wingnuts on the inside bottom of the case. No tools required and I can install or uninstall in about 1 minute. This was doable from my home garage with a piece of scrap alumnium I bought for a couple bucks and loctited some bolts as studs. While this isn't the exact plate...imagine studs sticking up from the 4 empty holes going through the case and wingnuts with fender washers on the inside of the case. I did research and one could go one step further and use quick release fasteners like this instead of studs and wingnuts.
Well it requuires a bit of fabrication but you can make just about any rack a quick release by using these. http://www.dzusfasteners.net/
Use these and you can get super-quick-release http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrotechnic_fastener But really, I like the idea of the Jeep hood latches. That could be very strong, but given the premium they charge for anything Jeep related, it might not be cost effective, unless you have them laying around.
Premium? Jeep parts are cheap. It's the aftermarket parts that are pricey. Ask me how I know. Normally those latches run for about $10-$15 a piece new. Used are perfect for this application though, and can be had as freebies from a fellow Jeep enthusiast, or for a couple bucks on eBay. This is for the part that mounts on the fender of the Jeep, or in this case, your top box. You could purchase the hood catch to mount on your tail rack, but any "catch" will do. In my case I just had a set laying around. You could just as easily weld a small catch onto the tail rack and it would work. All this, of course, assuming you had a metal tail rack.
I don't know, it was $60 for a door latch from Jeep for my 95 Wrangler, I wouldn't exactly call that cheap...unless you mean the cast pot metal construction of the lever inside. Never had to replace a hood latch on there, so hadn't really looked at the prices on them. I supposed the TJ and JKs would be cheaper as they are just plastic and rubber.
I see what you mean. Internals definitely suffer from Detroit Pricing Syndrome. However, anything external or suspension related tends to be relatively cheap, as they get trashed and replaced often. The shift boot on my '07 Rubicon costs more than some aftermarket bumpers cost, and it is an awful design.
Thanks RD for the idea on latches. I may not use "Jeep" latches, but hood latch's are a design I can live with for strength and quick release from the outside. Now if I can find locking latches I would be set. I was wondering what the best way to mount my Seahorse Case to the rack I am going to build, and this is a perfect solution. I'm picking up the tubing tomorrow to start fabbing.
I bought 2 of these southco K5 locking latches, now I just need to knuckle down and make the rack. The K4 might work better, being a bit smaller.
