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How-to: Locking Gear Basket (Roof Bin)

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82K views 95 replies 54 participants last post by  emtmark  
#1 ·
The Xterra's Gear Basket (the 'bin' between the roof rack rails) does latch, but doesn't lock. Here is my version of how to change that.

The first thing to do is to read the Locking Roof Bin thread in the Exterior forum.

Instead of the Southco 92-41-511 L handle I used the Southco 92-21-531 T handle. Any of these series of Southco handles will work, but the ones that have a larger grip range than the 92-41-511 may have to have their shaft trimmed in order to fit properly.

I tried a number of sources in Canada to get Southco products, from local locksmiths to national distributors, with no luck, until I contacted Steeves Agencies in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I spoke with Greg, who gave me a quote for the Southco 92-41-511 L handle, as well as for the 92-21-531 T handle. Because he had the T handle in stock, it meant that I could get it quicker, and it was less expensive as well.

I started by removing the gear basket from the truck. It attaches with four screws, which can be removed using the screwdriver that comes with the Xterra(next to the jack).

Here is the stock handle:
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Here is what you get when you order a 92-21-531 handle:
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The shaft of the 92-21-531 is about 1 inch longer than the stock handle:
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I cut off about 3/4 of an inch of the shaft of the 92-21-531, and used the hardware that came with the stock handle:
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And here it is installed:
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R
#6 ·
excellent upgrade.

may I ask what you guys put in your roof bin? this summer I would have liked to put in some mud covered motocross body armor, but it didn't fit. neither did a muddy pair of 3/4 boots. aside from muddy (you get the theme) clothes which I can just put in a plastic bag anyway, I haven't found much use for that storage bin yet.
 
#9 ·
rob said:
may I ask what you guys put in your roof bin?
Click to expand...
Clean, moist, Pacific air :)

In other words, I live in Vancouver, but I haven't yet made any use of the "gear basket". However, I do plan to put 'whatever fits' up there in terms of recovery gear. Nothing heavy, but likely things like my folding shovel(had this for years - before I could drive, back in the Boy Scouts days), recovery strap, remote control for winch, rope, etc.

I plan to use my Cargo Area storage shelf (Lobo mod) for light things such as gloves, rain poncho, rope, flashlight, etc., as well as a 'temporary' space for things I will use when on camping trips, as I sleep in the back of my truck.

That will leave the storage area under the cargo area floor for things that don't fit in the gear basket or on the shelf, or are too heavy for those places(e.g. grade 8 chain with hooks).
 
#10 ·
may I ask what you guys put in your roof bin?
Click to expand...
about the same as the other guys; tie-down straps, a couple bungees...
One mistake I made... i bought a cheap come-along and kept it up there; i hadn't used it in a couple months and the time came when i was running some fence on some of our land... i go get it and the handle almost fell off... turns out, from shaking around up there one of the nuts had worked loose, i was still able to use it because the bolt would stay on place if i held it face down... then, i was about halfway done and i go to release the tension and the whole damn thing blows up in my hand. Turns out again not just the handle nut had worked loose but about 3 others were gone too and it was just pure luck that it held together as long as it did.
Moral of the story don't buy cheap come-alongs... or store them where they're not subject to that much vibration/shock.
Oh yeah, and then I had to take apart the fairing thing on theroof rack to get all the nuts outta there!
 
#19 · (Edited)
#20 ·
I think I'd lock the bin and use the lock sextera? posted for the nuts. For that price and a integrated ballast, that's just too cool. You got to think replacement cost though and use the arsenal to protect the investment.
Get a picture of that for the X mas list of the man that has everything! LOL Whoooooo! I thought $200 for my Hellas was pushing it!
The light them babies put off may change the time the sun rises!
MC
 
M
#21 ·
#22 · (Edited)
Lol MC... Yeah, all I know is that as soon as these are on my roof, the lights will be the most secure things on my whole vehicle. I guess they put out twice as much light than their 130w/8" lights, and draw 60% fewer amps. 220,000 candela... and very little heat... jeeze...

Muzik, I can always ask, but I think the only reason I scored these was because they had just pulled them off their race truck to change them out for some that were custom painted or something. I'm still trying to get a feel for how much of a risk my buddy is taking to get me such great prices...
________
Fix ps3
 
J
#23 ·
do all models of the Xterra come with this box on top?
 
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J
#24 ·
oh and props to the 531 T handle instead....i think its nicer/cooler..

- j
 
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#25 ·
I store a tow strape, good brush machete in sheath, That fancy tool bag the X comes with ( contains tools, jumpers, reflector triangle, terminal scrubby thingy. Wrapped up in a plastic bag.

its holding up perfect.. nice & dry.. Danger with the beers, they tend to POP and Ooze out on the roof... smells good.. :)

will have to look into the locking end of it.. Will a Canopy Lock handle work??.
 
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