Aluminess cargo box hinge/latch long term durability

[LenS]

I have always herd positive comments about Aluminess products and I know guys and gals on this site use them a lot. I just installed a deluxe (ie: big) cargo box on my Green TARDIS replacement RV. I was somewhat disappointed. The box was banged around during shipping (no damage the the SS box itself) and both door hinges were shattered. Note I did not not say bent, cracked, loss, I said shattered. Aluminess did send me new hinges overnight. When the OEM ones were unbolted they completely fell apart. They are made out of a plastic with a SS hinge pin. Aluminess using plastic really surprised me. They appear very good with aluminum but I,m not so sure about plastic. Now I am concerned about the quality of the box latch. I can just picture my equipment flying out of the box at 70mph.
So I am looking for comments about your long term experience with the Aluminess storage boxes. Durability. Staying latched shut. etc.

I think for awhile I will add a strap to the box to make sure it stays closed and I don't lose anything.

[boywonder]

Can you post a picture?

[LenS]

picture added to original post

[marret]

I'm surprised they are plastic. Looks like they sent the same replacements.

I have no experience with them, hopefully someone does and will share.

[LenS]

FYI: The latch is manufactured by "Industrilas" in Sweden. I think the hinges also come from that company based on common design features. That company lists 30% glass filled nylon 66 as the plastic they use for products. That plastic is considered to be decent material not sure though about 30% glass fill though. Industrilas is large company based on their web site and have a diverse product.....latches...hinges. Not a fly by night company.

[boywonder]

Glass filled nylon is much stronger than just nylon......the glass fibers increase tensile strength.

It's commonly used on things like windshield wiper blades etc. Left in the sun for many years the plastic degrades a bit and the fibers are more prominent. The plastic starts to look and feel slightly fuzzy.

This is interesting...I just went to Aluminess' site...It appears that they have gone to the plastic hinges and latch. I have an older box; it has an aluminum piano hinge and a chrome metal latch.

They point to the new latch and call it "upgraded".

[Twoxentrix]

Starting to like my older box better. Owl Vans make a box almost identical - wonder if they are now offering the same (if not mistaken the appearance was almost identical to Aluminess except the depth of the box - think Owl was a 1/2” less in depth).

[Oogs]

This is a real bummer and would make me question any future products from them. This is the kinda stuff that happens when small independent shops that make quality gear get bought out by larger (Bestop) corporations. I too have an older box with aluminum piano hinge. Good luck on the fix, I would question any plastic hinge especially from a theft perspective. Don't keep anything too valuable in there w those plastic hinges. I would consider retrofitting something stronger if you can like the older boxes. Wonder what other "upgrades" they've done.

[marret]

I forgot about them being bought out by Bestop. Oogs is exactly right.

[arctictraveller]

Wow! That really sucks. I’ve had zero issues with my original piano hinge but would seriously question plastic ones.