Ultimate DIY Milk Crate Storage System Upgrade 2.0?

[Stoneyrun]

Hello folks. I just ordered my step thru XP so I guess I'm in for a wait. I'd really like to work on some kind of DIY rear rack storage option in the meantime but I'm having trouble finding the exact dimensions of the rear rack. So far, I'm kicking around the idea of some type of plastic ammo can panniers possibly magnetically mounted or dampened with those long magnets you can get to hang your tools from like this maybe: https://www.harborfreight.com/18-in-magnetic-tool-holder-60433.html. Thinking of mounting those magnets inside thin plastic containers and maybe adding a strap across for added mounting strength. Was testing the strength of the magnets and they require a bunch of force to separate from a metal surface. The magnets are 1.5 pounds though so I'd likely cut them down to reduce weight if I go this route. I'd probably paint them with plasti-dip as well. Can anyone provide rear rack dimensions or any other DIY rear rack solutions? Thanks.

 

[john peck]

You might want to get creative. I got this used rack from a LBS for $15. Didn´t begin to fit my bike,
but a little thing like that never stops me. A bit of bending, a hacksaw, & $5 worth of cheap hardware,
& voila. I mounted it up high to avoid heel strike from my size 14 feet with a plywood platform
underneath to carry a 2nd battery Those silvery bits at the base were a trailer
hitch, now removed for a better option.

 

[Stoneyrun]

Nice DIY Mr. Peck. Your mentioning heal strike has me thinking of doing something higher also. Thanks for your response.

 

[Johny Rocket]

Hello folks. I just ordered my step thru XP so I guess I'm in for a wait. I'd really like to work on some kind of DIY rear rack storage option in the meantime but I'm having trouble finding the exact dimensions of the rear rack. So far, I'm kicking around the idea of some type of plastic ammo can panniers possibly magnetically mounted or dampened with those long magnets you can get to hang your tools from like this maybe: https://www.harborfreight.com/18-in-magnetic-tool-holder-60433.html. Thinking of mounting those magnets inside thin plastic containers and maybe adding a strap across for added mounting strength. Was testing the strength of the magnets and they require a bunch of force to separate from a metal surface. The magnets are 1.5 pounds though so I'd likely cut them down to reduce weight if I go this route. I'd probably paint them with plasti-dip as well. Can anyone provide rear rack dimensions or any other DIY rear rack solutions? Thanks.

 

[Johny Rocket]

Picture worth a thousand words...

 

[Stoneyrun]

Outstanding Johny Rocket. Thank you so much for taking the time to post those pics. 15 x 7 1/8th x 10.

 

[Johny Rocket]

https://www.harborfreight.com/15-in-tool-bag-with-14-pockets-61469.html. Since you like harbor freight

 

[Johny Rocket]

Outstanding Johnny Rocket. Thank you so much for taking the time to post those pics. 15 x 7 1/8th x 10.

My favorite cargo straps are hook and loop straps with a metal buckle 24" and 36" length. I found that using bungee straps allowed for too much jiggling around and eventually things slipping out Get more than enough here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W97K7N1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_CA2HTK6XYCFXG1YB8BP6?psc=1

 

[Stoneyrun]

Cool. I'm wondering if just dropping a couple of those magnet tool holders inside the "floor" of the bag would sufficiently hold it on without any additional strapping.

 

[Johny Rocket]

Depends on what you are carrying. Anything electronic especially with a display can be damaged with strong magnets. Metal objects can be magnetized or de-magnetized (tools) with unintended results.
I also doubt it would be secure enough crossing gutters, speed bumps, curbs, driveways etc. The fat tires help with small anomalies in the road surface but the small 20" tires don't do so good on bigger bumps.

 

[Stoneyrun]

Yeah, I'd only carry clothing items and non-electronic things in there. But possibly would cut a piece of reflective or foam insulation to lay over the magnets just in case. Those things are used in RVs for holding large knives and utensils vertically wall mounted without separation. 9.4 pound load strength. Folks rave about the strength of them so I'll probably give it a try sometime in June if the delivery shows up. The option of just a forceful yank upward to remove, or just lay it on the rack to install is appealing to me. Thanks again for the info and suggestions.

 

[Stoneyrun]

Here's what I have so far. Milk Crate Rear Rack Cargo Carrier

 

[soyabean]

A customized rear pannier rack can be an idea if you had tig/mig welding skills and needed something that did not exist out there on the market (like a custom battery pack), but if it's just for sake of hauling around sundries and beer, they are very inexpensive new and practically free for just a few dollars used.

If the load is light, they will all work.

There are indeed differences between different types of racks, far too many for me to explain quickly. The only way you will know your needs is to try a first one, then a second one, and so on.

A plastic milk crate zip tied to a rack is perhaps the most popular because it works.

 

[Stoneyrun]

Doubt I'll use zipties to attach to bike. Prolly go with the same bungee ball locks on the bottom.

 

[contraktor]

Here's what I have so far. Milk Crate Rear Rack Cargo Carrier

Sick!

 

[Stoneyrun]

Picked up a couple packs of Reusable Polymer ties at wally world. Reusable Heavy duty ties.

 

[soyabean]

Doubt I'll use zipties to attach to bike. Prolly go with the same bungee ball locks on the bottom.

No and never.

I meant:

The rear pannier rack is attached to the bike with hardware fasteners.

The milk crate is attached to the rear pannier rack with zip ties.

 

[Stoneyrun]

No and never.

I meant:

The rear pannier rack is attached to the bike with hardware fasteners.

The milk crate is attached to the rear pannier rack with zip ties.

I'm trying to figure out some kinda quick release or I'd probably use regular fat zip ties. Those in the link above might work. I won't know til I get my XP at the end of this month...ish... hopefully.

 

[Cyklefanatic]

Hello folks. I just ordered my step thru XP so I guess I'm in for a wait. I'd really like to work on some kind of DIY rear rack storage option in the meantime but I'm having trouble finding the exact dimensions of the rear rack. So far, I'm kicking around the idea of some type of plastic ammo can panniers possibly magnetically mounted or dampened with those long magnets you can get to hang your tools from like this maybe: https://www.harborfreight.com/18-in-magnetic-tool-holder-60433.html. Thinking of mounting those magnets inside thin plastic containers and maybe adding a strap across for added mounting strength. Was testing the strength of the magnets and they require a bunch of force to separate from a metal surface. The magnets are 1.5 pounds though so I'd likely cut them down to reduce weight if I go this route. I'd probably paint them with plasti-dip as well. Can anyone provide rear rack dimensions or any other DIY rear rack solutions? Thanks.

I had two small pieces of 2x4 lying around so I slit the down to 1/4” thick and made this box. It is held down by bungee cords. It’s a real conversation starter when riding I get all sorts of comments and thumbs up. People always remember me as the flag guy.

 

[Stoneyrun]

I had two small pieces of 2x4 lying around so I slit the down to 1/4” thick and made this box. It is held down by bungee cords. It’s a real conversation starter when riding I get all sorts of comments and thumbs up. People always remember me as the flag guy.

Wow! Cool DIY build.