Topeak bike rack mounting system

thingiverse

NOTE - the latch bit has failed to print properly as intended. I'm going to attempt printing it on its side, which should significantly boost its durability. A small amount of additional support and touch-up work with a file will be required on the round surface. The sled designed for the Topeak system features a spring-loaded latch that securely holds items in place. I already possess a Topeak rack and bag, but I've been considering using a plastic ammo box instead. It offers waterproof protection, ample space, and allows me to bolt a large taillight directly onto it without sagging or losing its aim. Additionally, Topeak bags typically cost between $50 to $100, while ammo boxes can be found for as little as $5. Other online sled designs were not ideal, mainly because they lacked the small ramp that makes loading items onto the slide easier. Furthermore, I couldn't find any examples of a latch system similar to this one. I'm extremely pleased with how this project turned out. Post-Printing Instructions Print all the components. You might not need the backing if you're bolting directly into something sturdy, but I wanted to ensure that even with washers, they wouldn't pull through the $5 ammo box I have on hand. The latch spring requires a compression spring that fits snugly onto a 6mm shaft. After researching, I found an expansion spring in the Harbor Freight spring kit #93323, stretched it out to convert it into a compression spring, and then cut it to the desired length. To assemble the latch, place the spring over the shaft, compress it slightly, then fit the second half of the latch holder, securing it with #6 x 1/2" sheet metal screws. Attaching the sleds to your chosen mounting point will depend on what you're working with. To attach the latch, simply slide the item onto the rack, snap the latch over the end bar, then mark where the holes should be drilled into the object. The latch is secured to the object using #8 screws of whatever length necessary, accompanied by #8 fender washers and #8 nylock nuts.