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:
![Image]()
![Image]()
Here is what you get when you order a 92-21-531 handle:
![Image]()
The shaft of the 92-21-531 is about 1 inch longer than the stock handle:
![Image]()
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:
![Image]()
![Image]()
And here it is installed:
![Image]()
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:
Here is what you get when you order a 92-21-531 handle:
The shaft of the 92-21-531 is about 1 inch longer than the stock handle:
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:
And here it is installed:
ccasion5:
