Magnetic crate attachment

[cyb3rbyte]

Decided that an unmountable crate would be a good idea if I wanted to wash the bike or go without it, and my previous crate setup was very "janky" to say the least.

Ordered a set of magnets with M6x1.00 studs on them and then picked up some fender washers from the hardware store. These magnets are VERY strong and I doubt they would come off at the speeds the bike is going. I'm gonna find some sort of rubber stopper setup for the bottom of the crate to keep it from smashing into the rear rack on bumps, but for now some felt furniture sliders will work.

 

[oldskool]

Interesting concept I think you would be wise to at least back this up with some stout zip ties at the four corners. They are cheap and easy to snip when you want to remove your crate.

 

[SneakyDingo]

I wouldn't put my faith in magnets used in this particular way, but I believe in the dream - I hope it works!

What I have done with magnets on mine is using a conventional bracket to secure things and the magnet to hold a locking pin in place that keeps everything from ejecting.

I'm gonna find some sort of rubber stopper setup for the bottom of the crate to keep it from smashing into the rear rack on bumps, but for now some felt furniture sliders will work.

One of those drying mats for a kitchen is what I used. This one, size XL

 

[m in sc]

id be more concerned with a heavy load and a quick braking. id also use a lot more magnets than just 4. id at least double it and put some at the corners. a small bungee at each corner would also be a good backup. .02

 

[cyb3rbyte]

For my purposes I am never overloaded / only carrying smaller items. I have yet to road test it but I have a feeling it will do better than expected based on how strong the neodymium magnets are (it's difficult to get the crate off as is).

 

[oldskool]

You might want to put something of little value in the crate, go to a safe place and do some braking, quick turns, and bounce testing. Maybe a gallon or two of water would be suitable for the tests. Hope it works out well....

 

[JPMcGraw]

I dig this idea and i hope you get to test and improve on it. I'm always trying to figure out a way to quickly and easily attach my crate for when i want to make a quick run. So far 1 inch velcro straps are the best solution i can find. A QD attachment like for gun slings would be perfect. Keep us updated

 

[SneakyDingo]

If it's light duty only, yeah, that should be good then. Those magnets are pretty strong. It's funny, now that I'm an adult nothing has changed from when I was 10 - I still like bikes and motorcycles, and I still dig creative projects using magnets.

 

[m in sc]

i like the idea, a lot actually. IF i build or get a shorter box i might go this route, but w more magnets as i stated. the collapsible crate does me well though.

 

[Shoot870p]

just my thoughts, but I’m not a fan of the magnets. Easy for you to remove is even easier for driving events to help with an unexpected get off. Sure hope this comment does not cause another member to leave. We must be easy on these subjects it seems.

 

[cyb3rbyte]

Appreciate the feedback, I'll let you know how the first few rides go!

 

[oldskool]

Appreciate the feedback, I'll let you know how the first few rides go!

Lets us know how it works out. Curious as to how easy it will be to remove with magnets strong enough to hold securely without anything else to help under shock loading

 

[SneakyDingo]

So the "how to remove" question is one I was thinking about when I first saw the post. Magnetic force is not linear to distance between the magnets, and I've had a huge amount of success with super strong magnets and a "twist off" or "slide off" approach, rather than trying to pull the two magnets apart. I can think of at least a handful of ways where it would be fine under shock loading, but "easily" pulled off by twisting the crate off, kinda like a fancy Quadlock or garmin mount style approach.

 

[Kritou]

So the "how to remove" question is one I was thinking about when I first saw the post. Magnetic force is not linear to distance between the magnets, and I've had a huge amount of success with super strong magnets and a "twist off" or "slide off" approach, rather than trying to pull the two magnets apart. I can think of at least a handful of ways where it would be fine under shock loading, but "easily" pulled off by twisting the crate off, kinda like a fancy Quadlock or garmin mount style approach.

Indeed. My experience with rare earth magnets is that they will resist a pull very well, but rather too easily slide across a metal surface. If however there is also a mechanical stop then you have the basis of a good retaining system. Just a couple more bolts protruding through the bottom of the crate to suitably engage with existing cutouts in the rack and you father’s brother is Robert …

 

[Little_Thumper_Boy]

Just don't carry your old 'puter hard drives, 8-track, or cassette tapes back there!
Seriously, cool idea. Hope it holds for what you do with it. I'd agree with some of the others here - use a redundant securing method (zips, straps....whatever) 'til you're sure it's solid and trustworthy.

 

[cyb3rbyte]

Took it on the first run today, worked great for what I would estimate to be 10-15lbs of groceries, felt VERY solid even with those. And yes, I did take the bumpy way back!

 

[cyb3rbyte]

Did another test, about 25lbs, holding up so far. Probably the most the crate will hold, so in real world cases the crate you use would be the determining factor in if it's gonna fall off versus the magnet strength; ex: bigger crate = heavier load ability.

 

[JPMcGraw]

Heck yeah that's like 3 gallons of milk so far!