Xpedition XP/XP5 storage option

RSS1977

New member
Dec 3, 2023
18
16
Buckhannon, WV
Hello folks....just joined after reading several things I was interested in on this forum. I'm an XP5 owner and would like to share an option I found for storage. As we know...storage is a huge disappointment in these machines. After searching hours and hours for a bed toolbox (the factory option is too wide and doesn't leave room for coolers and such), I found that Tractor Supply has UTV boxes for $179. They are set up to use with a Polaris Ranger when you add the round pegs on the pre-drilled holes. I found that those holes line up perfect with the Rhino Rack system. You need to use a couple 5/16" x 2 1/2" flange head bolts, 5/16" rubber washer (this help hold the bolt head in the rail still while tightening the knobs down on top), a 3/8 stainless washer (need 3/8 to stay within the rail) and 5/16 fender washers to put on before the knob. Put the bolts on as pictured and then line up the 2 outer holes on the box with the bolts sticking up. Put the fender washers on the top followed by the 5/16" knobs (or nut, if you prefer. Knobs make it easy fro quick removal). On the bottom, use the smaller bumpers supplied with the boxes with a 6mm x 1/2" stainless flat head bolt. This levels the boxes out nice. 2 of these on an XP make an excellent set of coolers/tool/snack boxes. Link below for the knobs on Amazon.

POWERTEC QNB3003-P2 4-Point Thru Knobs - 5/16"-18 Thru Hole Insert, 10 PK Amazon.com
 

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Hello folks....just joined after reading several things I was interested in on this forum. I'm an XP5 owner and would like to share an option I found for storage. As we know...storage is a huge disappointment in these machines. After searching hours and hours for a bed toolbox (the factory option is too wide and doesn't leave room for coolers and such), I found that Tractor Supply has UTV boxes for $179. They are set up to use with a Polaris Ranger when you add the round pegs on the pre-drilled holes. I found that those holes line up perfect with the Rhino Rack system. You need to use a couple 5/16" x 2 1/2" flange head bolts, 5/16" rubber washer (this help hold the bolt head in the rail still while tightening the knobs down on top), a 3/8 stainless washer (need 3/8 to stay within the rail) and 5/16 fender washers to put on before the knob. Put the bolts on as pictured and then line up the 2 outer holes on the box with the bolts sticking up. Put the fender washers on the top followed by the 5/16" knobs (or nut, if you prefer. Knobs make it easy fro quick removal). On the bottom, use the smaller bumpers supplied with the boxes with a 6mm x 1/2" stainless flat head bolt. This levels the boxes out nice. 2 of these on an XP make an excellent set of coolers/tool/snack boxes. Link below for the knobs on Amazon.

POWERTEC QNB3003-P2 4-Point Thru Knobs - 5/16"-18 Thru Hole Insert, 10 PK Amazon.com
The only problem I have with a fully mounted storage solution in the bed, is you essentially need to unload the bed to change a belt on the XPs. The bed tilt ram has to be removed to get the clutch cover off and any weight in the bed can make that a real hassle. I made my own Milwaukee Packout solution since at the time no one had accessories for the Xpeditions, but now there’s several available. Being able to simply unclip the storage boxes is more useful to me.

I haven’t had to do a belt change yet but will come sooner or later 😂
 
The only problem I have with a fully mounted storage solution in the bed, is you essentially need to unload the bed to change a belt on the XPs. The bed tilt ram has to be removed to get the clutch cover off and any weight in the bed can make that a real hassle. I made my own Milwaukee Packout solution since at the time no one had accessories for the Xpeditions, but now there’s several available. Being able to simply unclip the storage boxes is more useful to me.

I haven’t had to do a belt change yet but will come sooner or later 😂
I have changed weights on my AA cruiser clutch several times and removing the Pack outs first makes it lots easier.. Plus I can remove the packout and use the bed for other carrying tasks. I just lay a piece of plywood over the packout mounts if carrying something like firewood that might damage them
 
I've been jumping up and down about this same issue since the day we brought our Xpedition home. Do you have more information on the boxes from Tractor Supply?
 
The only problem I have with a fully mounted storage solution in the bed, is you essentially need to unload the bed to change a belt on the XPs. The bed tilt ram has to be removed to get the clutch cover off and any weight in the bed can make that a real hassle. I made my own Milwaukee Packout solution since at the time no one had accessories for the Xpeditions, but now there’s several available. Being able to simply unclip the storage boxes is more useful to me.

I haven’t had to do a belt change yet but will come sooner or later 😂
I was able to finally load down both boxes....one full of tools and the other full of snacks. I also had a full cooler with a full gas jug in the back. Just for curiosity sake, I lifted the bed to see how bad it would be....it was heavy but not heavy enough to keep the bed from lifting. Also was able to unhook the bed tilt ram and it stayed lifted. I did notice that the tray under the tailgate keeps hitting my OEM rear bumper when lifted. Going to have to attach a thin rubber pad to stop the bumper from getting scratched.
 
I was able to finally load down both boxes....one full of tools and the other full of snacks. I also had a full cooler with a full gas jug in the back. Just for curiosity sake, I lifted the bed to see how bad it would be....it was heavy but not heavy enough to keep the bed from lifting. Also was able to unhook the bed tilt ram and it stayed lifted. I did notice that the tray under the tailgate keeps hitting my OEM rear bumper when lifted. Going to have to attach a thin rubber pad to stop the bumper from getting scratched.
Glad it’s working. I’m half tempted to just remove the bed ram entirely. Other than oil changes, I don’t really need to dump the bed. And then there’d be no reason to raise the bed for belt/clutch work.
 
I found the Uni-strut nuts work great in the side slides. (The Uni-struts have much more bearing on the underside of the slide mount). Then a short 3/8th bolt through what ever your tying down, length of the bolt is up to you, just don't let it bottom out. I pulled the rubber bumper for the tail gate and just slide the Uni-strut nuts in. I mounted Rotopax fuel tanks with this set up.
 

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