Collapsible Milk Crate or Luggage Tail Box?

[BergyPatty37]

Hi Everyone,

Debating on which route I would like to go on my Trail for rear storage. I am considering doing a 45L collapsible crate, or a 55L luggage box.

The collapsible crate I am looking at is $45 for a 3-pack, and the lid is also part of the assembly and collapsis with the crate. I like that it would be easy to put up or down depending on needs. I think the biggest drawback is durability and how much weight it can hold, as well as not being waterproof. Here is an image of the crate:


The second option would be a solid, waterproof tailbox 55L. Its around $107. What I like is that it would be waterproof and durable, and also you can mount an included backrest support on it. It is a little bit larger, which Im not sure how well it would fit on the trail overhanging on the back or sides. It also is removable so when not in use you can unmount it. The downside to that being that if you thought you didn't need it and left it at home, you wouldn't have it. Whereas the collapsible crate you could just pop open in 2 seconds.
Here is an image of the tailbox I am looking at:



My question is, if you have either of these, do you like it? If you had both, which did you prefer? If you don't have either, what would you go with?
I'm leaning towards the hard storage because of the waterproof and ruggedness, but I do like the simplicity and ease of the collapsible crate.

Thanks in advance!

 

[dmonkey]

My luggage setup has evolved from a milk crate, to collapsible crate (Greenmade Instacrate), to a Givi 58L top box, to a plastic Expedition 134 box. Your personal preferences and use case will determine what's the best fit. For me I wanted something large enough to carry a camping load-out or more than a basket of groceries, locking storage, weatherproof, and light weight.

Between those two options, I would personally go with the top box as it checks the boxes for how I use my bike and the cargo I carry. Reasons I preferred the plastic box instead are that it's lighter, more usable shape and dimensions, and I didn't find myself wanting/needing to regularly remove the storage. Even when I'm not hauling stuff I will put my helmet and riding gear in the box and out of sight when I park somewhere.

 

[Oldfatguy]

My luggage setup has evolved from a milk crate, to collapsible crate (Greenmade Instacrate), to a Givi 58L top box, to a plastic Expedition 134 box. Your personal preferences and use case will determine what's the best fit. For me I wanted something large enough to carry a camping load-out or more than a basket of groceries, locking storage, weatherproof, and light weight.

Between those two options, I would personally go with the top box as it checks the boxes for how I use my bike and the cargo I carry. Reasons I preferred the plastic box instead are that it's lighter, more usable shape and dimensions, and I didn't find myself wanting/needing to regularly remove the storage. Even when I'm not hauling stuff I will put my helmet and riding gear in the box and out of sight when I park somewhere.

View attachment 12437
View attachment 12438

View attachment 12440
View attachment 12435

I have a Givi Monolock top box. Fits my helmet & gloves or a couple of bags of groceries. Waterproof, lockable, and easy to remove.

OFG

 

[BergyPatty37]

Thanks both of you for your inputs. DMonkey it looks like the storage box would suit me best too. I do plan on doing weekend camping trips with it so having waterproof storage and lockable is nice. Oldfatguym I think the one you have is a little taller than what I was looking for. It looks like you can fit a bunch in that one though! Appreciate both of your opinions and advice!
-Tyler

 

[squeaks]

I have the smaller top box, I think it's the 45L and I love it, however the removable brackets weigh more than the box.
I ended up removing it and just drilling and bolting it with the four 6 mm screws.
It's still easily removable.

 

[BergyPatty37]

I have the smaller top box, I think it's the 45L and I love it, however the removable brackets weigh more than the box.
I ended up removing it and just drilling and bolting it with the four 6 mm screws.
It's still easily removable.View attachment 12443

Sounds good. Not super worried about the weight of the base unless its an astronomical amount. Do you think with the 45 there would be room for the 55L or would you say the 45 fits good?

 

[squeaks]

I choose the smaller one because I have a longer seat. So I guess you should check the measurements before you buy. I can tell you they're nice and water tight though. Or I guess I should say mine is.

 

[BergyPatty37]

I choose the smaller one because I have a longer seat. So I guess you should check the measurements before you buy. I can tell you they're nice and water tight though. Or I guess I should say mine is.

Good to know. I know Gas Works ISO had that exact one on his in a video but always tough to tell sizing on videos compared to actually having the product. Definitely good to know they are water tight too! Im going to be going that route and get the solid case instead. Just makes more sense for what I plan on using it for. I saw too that they have bars on the side that you could strap something on top of it to, that was the final selling point lol! Thanks Squeaks for the help!

 

[squeaks]

No problem.
Just so you know, there's a lot of different brands and builds .
Some are more plastic, and the bars on top are very useful, but very light duty.
They are about 1/4" and made of aluminum. I put a dry bag on top sometimes. I'm using battery tie down straps.
Cheap at Walmart.

 

[BergyPatty37]

No problem.
Just so you know, there's a lot of different brands and builds .
Some are more plastic, and the bars on top are very useful, but very light duty.
They are about 1/4" and made of aluminum. I put a dry bag on top sometimes. I'm using battery tie down straps.
Cheap at Walmart.

I just found this one, that I am really interested in. It is a lot more money though, about $180 compared to $80 for the other one listed above. Its smaller, 45L vs 55L, but has side molle panels that would be really useful. The side 2 molle panels also fold up so you could use them as a bench if working on something out in the woods. Even though its smaller, you could fit a lot more with the panels on it.
But is it worth almost $100 more is the question.

 

[squeaks]

I think it's worth whatever you think it is.
It looks very nice.
That's coming from someone who has spent more money on things for the bike than it's worth.
At least to the rest of the world...

 

[BergyPatty37]

I think it's worth whatever you think it is.
It looks very nice.
That's coming from someone who has spent more money on things for the bike than it's worth.
At least to the rest of the world...

Its definitely a spiral haha.

 

[bradatlarge]

I had fantasies of using my Bumot top case from my 1250GSA on my CT instead of the cheap-o box that the previous owner had on there. I bought a "generic" base plate for the Bumot box thinking I could adapt it to the CT. The top case fixing mechanism is a lever below the trailing edge of the box that clips onto a bar (again on the trailing edge) and even with some mechanical gymnastics, I can't figure out a way to cantilever that plate off the back without some other rack situation.
So, cheap Aliexpress top box or folding costco crate are the way I roll now.

 

[BergyPatty37]

Update all:
Decided to purchase this 45L topbox off eBay. It has the Molle but unlike the one I listed above, the sides do not fold up. However, it was only $70 total, compared to $170 for the wolfline moto above. I will create a new forum once I get it with review and pictures, as well as any mounting advice.

Here is the link:

Pardon Our Interruption...

nk

 

[Dia1Up]

I like my my $20 CAD collapsible. It's really really nice for around town.

Not sure it's a nessesity that it folds, but I feel it's nice. I did meet someone who has a collapsing one that he puts a seat on for his wife which is neat

 

[BergyPatty37]

Hi all, will post another thread soon once I get the tail box mounted. The one I ordered (link below) states it is made of Aluminium Alloy both in the title and description, however it is not. The exterior of the box is plastic. I am ok with this as it reduces the weight, but just wanted to update. Furthermore, the molle panels aren't super thick or strong, and hard to weave the molle into. They work and will work for what I intend to use them for, however you may be better off purchasing the Wolf Line product I had above as it seems to be better quality (albeit $100 more).
Here is the link to the product : https://www.ebay.com/itm/316491841076

 

[BergyPatty37]

Having a hard time telling if it is plastic or just thin aluminum alloy. Either way Im ok with it for the price. It will do for now, and if it breaks or doesn't stand up I will report back.
Just finished painting the mount flat black, now removing the handles that are chrome (they are removable thankfully) to paint those.