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The construction of a metal detector carry box started like all good ideas; from a need. Not long ago there was that very discussion on the Arizona Outback metal detecting forum www.arizonaoutback.com. How to safely transport expensive metal detectors while riding an ATV from one site to another. On short trips, some folks put their detector across their lap held in place with a bungee cord fastened around their waist. Others have created some pretty elaborate wood framed platforms mounted on the existing racks of their ATV. We discussed the $80.00 Rubbermaid XL plastic box, Kolpin's ATV box, and several other ideas, but none struck me as the solution I needed.
I wanted a box that would carry my Minelab GPX detector, battery back pack, extra shafts and search coils, assorted tools, spare parts, first aid kit, and lunch and I wanted the box to be secure, with a locking lid. And finally; I wanted a solution that looked good on the back of the ATV.
I had actually put the idea on back burner until I visited the Sportsman's show in Portland, Oregon where I happened to see an old friend Bruce Koffler. Bruce was there with his company, displaying his custom crafted; McKenzie River Drift Boats, Jet Sleds, ocean cruisers, dry goods boxes, fire pans and camp kitchens. When I noticed one of the larger dry goods boxes, the idea of the metal detector box came back and I was on a mission to have one made.
The box is welded from one hundred thousand (.100) thick aluminum just like a heavy duty river runner's dry goods box and finished inside and out with durable Zolotone marine paint.
The outside measurements are 41 inches wide, 15 inches tall and 17 inches front to back. The box top; called a shoebox design; has a full length hinge and two pad-lockable twist latches.
I made a plywood platform that fits inside the box to attach the brackets that secure the detector in transit. With this false bottom I was able to cover all fasteners keeping sharp edges from causing damage to sensitive electronics.
The light green color padding in the photos is a cut to fit, piece of Coleman brand closed cell foam sleeping pad.
The "L" brackets bolted onto the wood sub-floor, holding the detector were made for me by a local sheet metals shop months before I thought of Koffler. If I did it over; to make it easy, I'd have Koffler supply those as well.
The project was very straight forward and quite easy. The most difficult part being the care needed to secure the box on the tubular ATV rack, without drilling un-necessary holes for the U-bolts.
To store the detector requires a quick slide of the lower shaft into the upper shaft, then put the detector in the brackets and attach the mounting bands to keep the detector in place on rough roads. When I get to a destination, it is very easy to get started and I know the equipment has been secure while in transit.
The cost involved creating the detector box, wood floor, padding and brackets, was comparable to the price of a new search coil for my Minelab GPX. All in all, I'm pleased with the outcome. So much so that I asked the Kofflers to make the matching color front box as seen in the photos.
If you are interested in a protective transport box for your metal detector, you may be able to have one fabricated by a metals company near your home. Or; contact the Kofflers for an up to the minute quote; they routinely ship UPS, have kept my box dimensions on file and you are free to duplicate them. Be sure to measure your detector, to be certain the overall fit will be what you want; If you need a custom size just provide your measurements for the quote. You can reach Koffler Boats of Eugene, Oregon on their website www.KofflerBoats.com or call (541) 688-6093
I wanted a box that would carry my Minelab GPX detector, battery back pack, extra shafts and search coils, assorted tools, spare parts, first aid kit, and lunch and I wanted the box to be secure, with a locking lid. And finally; I wanted a solution that looked good on the back of the ATV.
I had actually put the idea on back burner until I visited the Sportsman's show in Portland, Oregon where I happened to see an old friend Bruce Koffler. Bruce was there with his company, displaying his custom crafted; McKenzie River Drift Boats, Jet Sleds, ocean cruisers, dry goods boxes, fire pans and camp kitchens. When I noticed one of the larger dry goods boxes, the idea of the metal detector box came back and I was on a mission to have one made.
The box is welded from one hundred thousand (.100) thick aluminum just like a heavy duty river runner's dry goods box and finished inside and out with durable Zolotone marine paint.
The outside measurements are 41 inches wide, 15 inches tall and 17 inches front to back. The box top; called a shoebox design; has a full length hinge and two pad-lockable twist latches.
I made a plywood platform that fits inside the box to attach the brackets that secure the detector in transit. With this false bottom I was able to cover all fasteners keeping sharp edges from causing damage to sensitive electronics.
The light green color padding in the photos is a cut to fit, piece of Coleman brand closed cell foam sleeping pad.
The "L" brackets bolted onto the wood sub-floor, holding the detector were made for me by a local sheet metals shop months before I thought of Koffler. If I did it over; to make it easy, I'd have Koffler supply those as well.
The project was very straight forward and quite easy. The most difficult part being the care needed to secure the box on the tubular ATV rack, without drilling un-necessary holes for the U-bolts.
To store the detector requires a quick slide of the lower shaft into the upper shaft, then put the detector in the brackets and attach the mounting bands to keep the detector in place on rough roads. When I get to a destination, it is very easy to get started and I know the equipment has been secure while in transit.
The cost involved creating the detector box, wood floor, padding and brackets, was comparable to the price of a new search coil for my Minelab GPX. All in all, I'm pleased with the outcome. So much so that I asked the Kofflers to make the matching color front box as seen in the photos.
If you are interested in a protective transport box for your metal detector, you may be able to have one fabricated by a metals company near your home. Or; contact the Kofflers for an up to the minute quote; they routinely ship UPS, have kept my box dimensions on file and you are free to duplicate them. Be sure to measure your detector, to be certain the overall fit will be what you want; If you need a custom size just provide your measurements for the quote. You can reach Koffler Boats of Eugene, Oregon on their website www.KofflerBoats.com or call (541) 688-6093
2010 Honda 250 Recon (gas mizer), new detector box, new search coils
This is the cleanest this package will ever be.
I'll add a few photos later after I get some dirt on the tires
This is the cleanest this package will ever be.
I'll add a few photos later after I get some dirt on the tires
