Dump Box Side Tie Downs

[olivecrossbones]

Hippo Box Side Tie Downs pictures by olivecrossbones - Photobucket
We cover our dump box on trips to keep rain and dust out of the various packs and boxes we use. We use a weather proof tarp/cover and attempted to bungee it in place. We did not have the tie down loops in the bottom of the box that the Hippo came with as 2 of them were removed to put in the Honda tool box which was permenantly mounted on the box bed. The bungee system with nothing to hook them to was problematic. I removed the top 2 bolts on both sides of the dump box and hoped to replace them with simple eyebolts. Nothing ever comes simple.The bolts were 6mm and searches in McMaster Carr, Fastenal, and local hardware stores revealed that eyebolts that were available in 6mm were forged (rust), had loops that were too small and shafts that were too short. After burning several hundred brain cells, finally came up with forged oblong loops that had a female end. I found a bushing that fit inside the female end and allowed the 6mm bolt to pass through. I addressed the rust issue by dipping the loops in plastic dip as used for plier/tool grips. The oblong loop allowed for a longer bolt to be used.
They work great and look OEM (and should have been in my opinion).
I do not have a welder so that option, which many of you have, was not available to me. I am sure there are other solutions to this but this is what finally worked for me.

[sfrankland]

I noticed them in your mirror pictures. I really like the Honda tool box. I have a Heavy Duty Rubber-made tub in the back of mine. I have been looking for a steal box that can mount to the front of the bed but I want to be able to take it out when I want the full bed.

[olivecrossbones]

Depending upon what you would consider a hassle, I believe the box could be rather easily removed as it is only attached by four bolts that are accessible underneath the box floor when tilted up. I like the tool box because it is lockable and I have already had things stolen during the single time I FORGOT to lock it while staying at a motel during a weekend trail ride. Lost some mechnics gloves and binoculars because of my forgetfulness.

[sfrankland]

I keep the bike locked in the garage but have never had a need to lock stuff up when out on the trails. Still people around here are not to bad but it does happen.