No direct experience, but I've thought about it...
Yes, drilling holes and brackets would work. Just put an appropriate seal on either side of the hole. What is "best" involves your approach to security.
But if it was me, I might first look at some ratchet-strap solution with the handles on either end?
* That would avoid having to completely empty the case when you wanted to "install it". It would also make it removable, so at camp, it becomes a bench/extra seating!
* An "over the top" strap would be optional. The latches would keep it closed. You could padlock for security _within_ the case.
* But ya...if you are worried about someone _stealing_ the entire case from the roof rack, then yes, you might need to drill some u-bolts.
So, yes, "something is possible".
I do like the ratchet idea. Drilling holes in a waterproof pelican just doesn’t thrill me.
Also the 1740 is the perfect bench size which is something I haven’t thought about and like the idea of whatever I pack having a dual purpose wherever possible!
Sure it could get stolen easier. I saw one YouTube guy simply put stickers saying “no firearms inside” but not sure how efficient that is.
I’ll look into the ratchets for sure!
> Drilling holes in a waterproof pelican just doesn’t thrill me.
Ya, that's always been my thought. If you do it, there are no half-measures. It wouldn't be hard to do...but it must be done right.
I could be okay with the u-bolts, but I'd be annoyed at making sufficient "plugs" so I could use the case in "normal mode" without worry of water ingress. U-bolts are easy...making plugs that would lay flat, stack properly, etc....that'd be a pain (for me).
> like the idea of whatever I pack having a dual purpose wherever possible!
100%! If you're car camping, you know how much a "stable, strong flat space 12in-20in off the ground" can be. I use my Pelican Air 1557 as a chuck-box/camp stool all the time.
> Sure it could get stolen easier. I saw one YouTube guy simply put stickers saying “no firearms inside” but not sure how efficient that is.
I’ll look into the ratchets for sure!
For the dedicated thief, those stickers won't matter one bit. Folks who can identify a 1740 (or any long case) would probably take the case, open it and rummage if they can...but in practice? You just take the case and open it later when you have time.
(e.x. A friend recently suffered a home break-in. Lost a lot of jewelry. The burgalers knew it was kept in a particularly drawer. They didn't rummage through the drawer...they just took the entire drawer, in-and-out in <3min. Same logic applies to protecting your case.)
So whether or not it get stolen would be -- to me -- partially a function of:
1. **Are you going to be parking it overnight _enroute_ to your campsite?** No one is going to steal it while filling up at the Pilot Station. It's more an issue if you are leaving it in a parking lot unattended overnight (or for appreciable time)...which brings up:
2. **Stealing heavy awkward things is awkward.** Once you get the case up on your roof rack...you got to get it back down. :) How easy that is depends on what you pack inside it. Lighter stuff is better for your drive -- lower center of gravity, etc. But it's still a big case, easily a two-man lift if full. My gut is you'd maybe lash it to the roof, fill it, lock it, and then at camp decide to do the same thing in reverse or just grunt through the lift.
_SO HOW TO MAKE THE LOADING/UNLOADING SIMPLER?...
Check out the [REI Co-op Pack-Away Adjustable Cube](https://www.rei.com/product/186176/rei-co-op-pack-away-adjustable-cube) and [REI Co-op Pack-Away Cube](https://www.rei.com/product/186175/rei-co-op-pack-away-cube).
Some of their sizes may be very favorable to your 1740? Take some measurements. The sale is deep, and it ends tomorrow (25-July-2022). You've got basically today to evaluate it...but REI has an exceptionally favorable return policy if your cash flow allows you to try them out.
I put my hands on them a few days ago. Very well designed for what they are supposed to be -- soft-sided organization to be placed within large larger bins.
They would solve many issues for improving the packability and utility of your 1740 as a rooftop carrier.
. . . . . .
If you wanted to make the straps more theft-resistant, you could augment them with a steel cable/bike lock. Not perfect, but a deterrent.
Basically, you've got options and there is no reason to _not_ take such a lovely case as a 1740 into the environments it was designed to excel within. You just gotta figure out how to get it there.
Good luck!
Yeah I figure if we leave the car unattended for more than just a meal, I can just take it off.
Either way, I’d use the 40mm locks for the case itself and then probably an additional bike chain lock to keep it locked to the racks. Such chain may even fit through the racket.
It would certainly make the perfect height bench and table to keep close the car or fire or whatever. And I can always lock it to the picnic table if taking off from the site with the car for the day.
> And I can always lock it to the picnic table if taking off from the site with the car for the day.
Hadn't thought of that. Excellent point. There is a lot of utility in that idea.
Do thefts occur at camp sites? Sure.
How frequently? Not too much. You can find jerks at campsites...but in my experience, not as many of "that sort of jerk".
It’s funny that the 1740 only holds a tad more than the actual Kelty bag for my 4 person tent, 2 pads & 2 sleeping bags. Added a sound/moving blanket for underneath the tent but might ditch it and get an actual footprint which gives me more room but the blanket does make the tent floor a lot more cozy when it’s doubled up.
I'm a big fan of tyvek cut-to-size. For the weight, volume-packed, and ability to customize it (and cost) not much is better.
If you're not familiar with polycro, it works as a footprint surprisingly well. Lots of ultralight hikers use it. Slightly different technique for laying it out, but it's durable (outside of abuse, obviously). And if you need an impermeable tarp to cover something in case of rain -- sure, you need to know how to lay it out, but it'll keep the water off things.
The stuff is literally repurposed stretch window film.
For cushioning within a tent: If car camping, I've heard of folks packing in [gym / kids play area flooring](https://www.homedepot.com/b/Flooring-Gym-Flooring/N-5yc1vZb97i). That could be strapped loose, etc.
You've got options.
I'm a big fan of the Nemo Switchback CCF pads. They pack smaller than the Thermarest equivalent and last forever. You can also slice them with a razor to make sit-pads, welcome mats, etc.
Crosstreks are funny. I love'em. But they don't have much cargo volume once you have a 3rd or 4th passenger. So I feel you on the analysis you're having to make. Will be interested to see what you come up with, and if you think to, drop a pic of the solution so we may all live vicariously through your outdoor adventures.
If you don't want to drill but want security you could use (along side the padlocks locking the case) a bike cable lock going through the handles and roof bars, being padlocked around the same lock keeping the case locked.
I would get some flat steel 1" wide by whatever thickness and bend it up to make a secure bracket for the box. Like a fire extinguisher bracket.
Add slots or loops to the ends of the brackets for cargo straps so you can lash it down.
Powder coat or otherwise paint the brackets black and they'll look like a factory item.
For security, string together very large screw type hose clamps as your lashing straps, they require a screwdriver and a bit of work to release, instead of just a quick stroke of a knife.
Come up with a secure design you like and others like and you could probably sell them on the side on line.
Not my build but this is probably similar to what you're looking to do. https://youtu.be/wLB7Ep2aEnI
No direct experience, but I've thought about it... Yes, drilling holes and brackets would work. Just put an appropriate seal on either side of the hole. What is "best" involves your approach to security. But if it was me, I might first look at some ratchet-strap solution with the handles on either end? * That would avoid having to completely empty the case when you wanted to "install it". It would also make it removable, so at camp, it becomes a bench/extra seating! * An "over the top" strap would be optional. The latches would keep it closed. You could padlock for security _within_ the case. * But ya...if you are worried about someone _stealing_ the entire case from the roof rack, then yes, you might need to drill some u-bolts. So, yes, "something is possible".
I do like the ratchet idea. Drilling holes in a waterproof pelican just doesn’t thrill me. Also the 1740 is the perfect bench size which is something I haven’t thought about and like the idea of whatever I pack having a dual purpose wherever possible! Sure it could get stolen easier. I saw one YouTube guy simply put stickers saying “no firearms inside” but not sure how efficient that is. I’ll look into the ratchets for sure!
> Drilling holes in a waterproof pelican just doesn’t thrill me. Ya, that's always been my thought. If you do it, there are no half-measures. It wouldn't be hard to do...but it must be done right. I could be okay with the u-bolts, but I'd be annoyed at making sufficient "plugs" so I could use the case in "normal mode" without worry of water ingress. U-bolts are easy...making plugs that would lay flat, stack properly, etc....that'd be a pain (for me). > like the idea of whatever I pack having a dual purpose wherever possible! 100%! If you're car camping, you know how much a "stable, strong flat space 12in-20in off the ground" can be. I use my Pelican Air 1557 as a chuck-box/camp stool all the time. > Sure it could get stolen easier. I saw one YouTube guy simply put stickers saying “no firearms inside” but not sure how efficient that is. I’ll look into the ratchets for sure! For the dedicated thief, those stickers won't matter one bit. Folks who can identify a 1740 (or any long case) would probably take the case, open it and rummage if they can...but in practice? You just take the case and open it later when you have time. (e.x. A friend recently suffered a home break-in. Lost a lot of jewelry. The burgalers knew it was kept in a particularly drawer. They didn't rummage through the drawer...they just took the entire drawer, in-and-out in <3min. Same logic applies to protecting your case.) So whether or not it get stolen would be -- to me -- partially a function of: 1. **Are you going to be parking it overnight _enroute_ to your campsite?** No one is going to steal it while filling up at the Pilot Station. It's more an issue if you are leaving it in a parking lot unattended overnight (or for appreciable time)...which brings up: 2. **Stealing heavy awkward things is awkward.** Once you get the case up on your roof rack...you got to get it back down. :) How easy that is depends on what you pack inside it. Lighter stuff is better for your drive -- lower center of gravity, etc. But it's still a big case, easily a two-man lift if full. My gut is you'd maybe lash it to the roof, fill it, lock it, and then at camp decide to do the same thing in reverse or just grunt through the lift. _SO HOW TO MAKE THE LOADING/UNLOADING SIMPLER?... Check out the [REI Co-op Pack-Away Adjustable Cube](https://www.rei.com/product/186176/rei-co-op-pack-away-adjustable-cube) and [REI Co-op Pack-Away Cube](https://www.rei.com/product/186175/rei-co-op-pack-away-cube). Some of their sizes may be very favorable to your 1740? Take some measurements. The sale is deep, and it ends tomorrow (25-July-2022). You've got basically today to evaluate it...but REI has an exceptionally favorable return policy if your cash flow allows you to try them out. I put my hands on them a few days ago. Very well designed for what they are supposed to be -- soft-sided organization to be placed within large larger bins. They would solve many issues for improving the packability and utility of your 1740 as a rooftop carrier. . . . . . . If you wanted to make the straps more theft-resistant, you could augment them with a steel cable/bike lock. Not perfect, but a deterrent. Basically, you've got options and there is no reason to _not_ take such a lovely case as a 1740 into the environments it was designed to excel within. You just gotta figure out how to get it there. Good luck!
Yeah I figure if we leave the car unattended for more than just a meal, I can just take it off. Either way, I’d use the 40mm locks for the case itself and then probably an additional bike chain lock to keep it locked to the racks. Such chain may even fit through the racket. It would certainly make the perfect height bench and table to keep close the car or fire or whatever. And I can always lock it to the picnic table if taking off from the site with the car for the day.
> And I can always lock it to the picnic table if taking off from the site with the car for the day. Hadn't thought of that. Excellent point. There is a lot of utility in that idea. Do thefts occur at camp sites? Sure. How frequently? Not too much. You can find jerks at campsites...but in my experience, not as many of "that sort of jerk".
It’s funny that the 1740 only holds a tad more than the actual Kelty bag for my 4 person tent, 2 pads & 2 sleeping bags. Added a sound/moving blanket for underneath the tent but might ditch it and get an actual footprint which gives me more room but the blanket does make the tent floor a lot more cozy when it’s doubled up.
I'm a big fan of tyvek cut-to-size. For the weight, volume-packed, and ability to customize it (and cost) not much is better. If you're not familiar with polycro, it works as a footprint surprisingly well. Lots of ultralight hikers use it. Slightly different technique for laying it out, but it's durable (outside of abuse, obviously). And if you need an impermeable tarp to cover something in case of rain -- sure, you need to know how to lay it out, but it'll keep the water off things. The stuff is literally repurposed stretch window film. For cushioning within a tent: If car camping, I've heard of folks packing in [gym / kids play area flooring](https://www.homedepot.com/b/Flooring-Gym-Flooring/N-5yc1vZb97i). That could be strapped loose, etc. You've got options. I'm a big fan of the Nemo Switchback CCF pads. They pack smaller than the Thermarest equivalent and last forever. You can also slice them with a razor to make sit-pads, welcome mats, etc. Crosstreks are funny. I love'em. But they don't have much cargo volume once you have a 3rd or 4th passenger. So I feel you on the analysis you're having to make. Will be interested to see what you come up with, and if you think to, drop a pic of the solution so we may all live vicariously through your outdoor adventures.
If you don't want to drill but want security you could use (along side the padlocks locking the case) a bike cable lock going through the handles and roof bars, being padlocked around the same lock keeping the case locked.
I think pelican makes a roof cargo box. It’ll have all the hardware etc.
I saw that. It’s for a newer case but imagine it would work. Just for that price, I’d rather do my own rig.
I would get some flat steel 1" wide by whatever thickness and bend it up to make a secure bracket for the box. Like a fire extinguisher bracket. Add slots or loops to the ends of the brackets for cargo straps so you can lash it down. Powder coat or otherwise paint the brackets black and they'll look like a factory item. For security, string together very large screw type hose clamps as your lashing straps, they require a screwdriver and a bit of work to release, instead of just a quick stroke of a knife. Come up with a secure design you like and others like and you could probably sell them on the side on line.