So while I have been using these toolbox saddlebags for quite some time now, it's a great idea to periodically check that your pipe clamps are in working order. I've had to replace them a few times because they could not bare the load of what I had inside the toolboxes.



To remedy this, I simply wrapped a bungee cord around the box or better yet, a strong length of string and secured it to the bike's frame. This way, much of the stress is shared between the hose clamps and the bungee/string and the toolbox does not have to bare the full weight of the cargo being loaded. This method has reduced (maybe even eliminated) the need to periodically replace worn out hose clamps with new ones.



I was thankful enough to discover a hidden benefit to having these toolbox saddlebags on my bike and I'd like to share it with my viewers. I've had the unfortunate experience of seeing my bike toppled over onto its side due to high winds while it was parked on it's side stand. My bike is not equipped with a center stand (which may have helped, but I don't know). Nonetheless, the structural damage done to my bike was significantly reduced thanks to the saddlebags. The toolboxes absorbed the impact (bare in mind it did damage the toolbox but not beyond repair) and prevented further damage to the motorcycle itself. I was able to unhook the hose clamps, bend the refrigerator racks back into shape and re-attach it to the bike again. I rode back home without any problems and was able to heat the toolboxes and shape them back to it's original design and it still works haha! I was too cheap to just buy a brand new $7 box but oh well, I guess I ended up with a savings of $7.



CHECK OUT THE REVISED VERSION: https://www.instructables.com/id/Revised-Toolbox-Saddlebags-for-under-20/