Pelican BX140R Cargo Case - Install Photos and 5 month Review

[gotmolo]

Been meaning to do this post for a while now. I installed a Pelican BX140R cargo case on the cross bars over my bed back in February to store some of the smaller tools I carry for work. I purchased both the case and the mounting kit from Amazon for $438 and $227, respectively. I specifically chose the BX140R because I wanted the largest case possible and still sit below the top of the cab. The BX140R seemed to check that box.

My plan was to mount it off to one side for a handful of reasons:

1. Maintain usability of my rear view mirror​

2. Provide easier access via gear tunnel door​

3. In the event of an accident and this thing becomes a missile, I don't get decapitated (sorry passengers!)​

During the install, I found it was not possible to easily mount it off to either side without modification. The mounting kit utilizes the t-slot in the cross bars. Unfortunately there is no slot in the middle section. Well, now that I'm looking at my photos, there is a slot, but it's not the same as the ones in the end pieces. At this point, I'm getting frustrated because I'm at my dad's house with my kids upstairs and I have a small window to get this install done. So I rifle through his stash of misc hardware and find a couple Simpson Strong-Tie HRS6 HD straps. They look to be about the right thickness and size. I drilled a couple holes and added a few bends using a BFH and his vice. Even got my hands on some sheets of foam. Painted/SS fasteners were no where to be found. I'll swap those out at some point.

Was pretty pleased with how it turned out.

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[gotmolo]

It's been about 5 months now. I'm still happy with the purchase and how the install turned out. But I do have a one complaint. The coating on the steel latches is becoming chalky from UV exposure. To the point where it's coming off on my hands when I open and close the box.

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I went back to the instruction manual and to my surprise, Pelican actually addresses this.​

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I guess this one is my fault for not catching this and periodically applying a UV protectant. Fine, I'll own that.​

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Other than that, it's been great to have the extra storage. I like to be able to keep the bed clear so I can easily utilize the bed, like I did today with a sheet of plywood. Here are a few overall photos.​

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[Red Shirt Wookie]

I've been using "Pool" uv protectant from Jack's Magic on my tonneau and tonneau tracks. Original Powered Tonneau at 40k. Works great!

 

[Yossarian]

Very nice! I'm ruminating on how to attach my Thule Force cargo box to the crossbars because of the location of the attach points in the box itself. I see now that it may be possible for me to do something similar to what you did with those Simpson Strong Ties. Thanks for sharing.

 

[SwampNut]

I guess this one is my fault for not catching this and periodically applying a UV protectant. Fine, I'll own that.

The same ceramic coating that protects paint is super effective on plastics. Those metal latches are plastic coated (powder coat is just plastic beads). I put the ceramic on everything, on every vehicle.

 

[Mandarin]

I made my own. Hidden mounting from inside the box. 2 boxes were $500 as I may remember and the mounting I made was only about $30. It holds very well and I drop my 3-ton pro eagle jack there usually when going on the trip and other things I need to access easily and quickly.

 

[gotmolo]

I made my own. Hidden mounting from inside the box. 2 boxes were $500 as I may remember and the mounting I made was only about $30. It holds very well and I drop my 3-ton pro eagle jack there usually when going on the trip and other things I need to access easily and quickly.

Looks great! I'll definitely go this route if I do another. Can you share a picture of how you mounted it?

 

[Mandarin]

Looks great! I'll definitely go this route if I do another. Can you share a picture of how you mounted it?

Sure.
You need T-slot bolts, I used this: https://a.co/d/322nkBp

Then you need rubber grommets to prevent water to get inside: https://a.co/d/8ltIQQ3

I also used wingnuts to fasten it inside.

Also 1 flat aluminum bar from hardware store

water is not getting inside at all.

it is definitely not cleanest setup and I was planning to redone it later, but it works and I was not able to find time to do it differently )))

 

[Yossarian]

Thanks for the helpful info @Mandarin. As my earlier post indicates, I'm looking for a way to attach a Thule cargo box, and what you've done with your boxes looks like it may work for me.

 

[sizotty]

I made some similar with a Pelican Vault case however I added solar to the top of it so I can charge my power bank to power my fridge and camp stove etc.

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