Aluminess cargo box hinge/latch long term durability

[LenS]

That is interesting. My plan is if I have issues with the new hinges to replace them with a piano hinge. Anyone have any idea when they switched designs?



I agree nylon 66 is normally a good choice for components. The percent glass though is inversely related to BRITTLENESS. Harder, stronger, dimensional control, less creep, etc BUT Brittleness does increase as the percent glass increases. There was no give in the failed hinges.


And yes, I saw similar (if not identical) hinges on OWL web page.



Looks like a styling designer got involved and replaced the rugged piano hinge design with the sleek stylish plastic hinge design. Very Sad

[LenS]

Based on what I have herd so far about Aluminess design changes I will add a safety strap (black with black buckle) around my Auminess storage box as a backup to their latch.

[Glenn P.]

Like Arctictraveler stated, our old Aluminess boxes with the piano hinge and solid steel latch mechanism are bomb proof and I have beat the crap out of mine off-roading here, there and everywhere in the Pacific Southwest. I am bummed to hear of the design change to what has been a rock solid piece of gear on my truck. What will it take to get them to go back to what had been working perfectly?

[Charliesmom]

SMB West installed our deluxe box in 2020 prior to the buyout. Piano hinge, also.