How to Add Gas Struts to a Pelican V730 Case

Install guide for the Pelican Vault V730 cargo cases. For more videos and guides check out www.blackcotaco.com
Parts List
- Pelican Vault V730
Amazon Link: amzn.to/3EpitiH
- 10 Lb/45N 16in Gass Struts (x2)
Amazon Link: amzn.to/3bZRVKP
- 10mm Ball-Stud Low Profile Gas Strut Angled Supports
Amazon Link: amzn.to/3EJfTED
- 10mm Ball-Stud Side Wall Mount
Amazon Link: amzn.to/3EqxhgV
- 3/16in Pop Rivets
Amazon Link: amzn.to/3gpb8b0
- Black Silicone
Amazon Link: amzn.to/3i0B9Oj
- 1/2in x 1/16in flat bar
Home Depot Link: www.homedepot....
Disclaimer: Any work you do on your cases are your actions alone. You are responsible for your work and this guide, while detailed, is considered for entertainment purposes and BlackCoTaco and associates working under this channel are not responsible for any damage you may cause to your cases.

[@deadfrogllc]

I just wanted to say thank you! I just outfitted my V800 with the same system (all dimensions worked great). I would not have attempted it without this video. I was frustrated with the fact that the case, mounted on a roof rack, flipped all the way open and it was a pain to close. I searched and found your video. I’m very happy with the case and mount now. Again, thank you! :)

[@blackcotaco]

Glad I could help! Thanks for the feedback!!

[@CraigG21]

Also thinking about the V800 - happy to hear the dimensions worked!

[@peckdeboard7579]

Amazing ! Just got a V800 myself was trying to sort out that the details, knowing that it works I can move forward with confidence. @blacktaco thanks for this video !

[@jlrecoder1]

Glad to hear it works with the same dimensions for the v800. This is a must

[@coconenn3]

ME with V800 same! Great vid definitely.

[@iindium49]

For a $200 dollars case it should come with this pre-installed. Excellent tutorial by the way!

[@unounv]

Thanks a lot for this really appreciate it! Every other video of people doing this is not even close to as good as yours!

[@blackcotaco]

Hey thanks for the comment, and appreciate that feedback!!

[@jc5112]

I’ve been looking to do something with my 2 pelicans. You gave me a great idea. This way I can put them on my side rack in my truck dude thank you. Peace.✌🏼

[@jimboslice7389]

Oh I’m doing this to my vault. Thanks for posting this.

[@linus1792]

You know... it's a wonder that Pelican doesn't already HAVE cases with struts either already installed... or as a "component" that COMES with certain (or all) large-model cases... or as an "option" before purchasing!!! At any rate, I really need these on my V800, so I guess I should get to work. Thank you for the tutorial!

[@blackcotaco]

Hey thanks for the comment. Yeah you would think for the price of those cases they would include them just like ROAM does. When I talked to the booth guys at last years Mtn Expo West they said they were working on a kit for it. Sometimes they just tend to over engineer and test their products which is not a bad thing, just wish they did more research/community outreach to see what the community really wants in a product before releasing it. Cheers!

[@linus1792]

@@blackcotaco I couldn't agree with you more! Maybe these companies can reach out to guys like YOURSELF, and either put you on the payroll in their R&D Dept., or send YOU their products in hopes that you might create a video (such as the one in question), and thereby make it "worth your while"...? Surely, that would help many prospective customers with their future purchases of some of the fine products out there that may be still sitting in the drafts...? Just a thought! 😄😅😆

[@stef2058]

So this is a great idea. For me when I place my case on a shooting bench its not wide enough for the case and the lid open so the lid hangs off the table. when I remove the rifle the case wants to fall off. Its a juggling task. So for me having the lid open and the weight still slightly over the bottom of the case will be fantastic. I'm not sure about the need for the flat bar. Its not a bad thing but I'm going to try without it. I can always remove the rivets and redo it with the flat bar. Good job. Thanks

[@caryhealy7862]

I followed this install except for the flat bar. I agree; it’s certainly not a bad thing and I get the perceived value, but it turned out just fine without it. The video was perfect otherwise

[@nicholdas]

Nicely done sir

[@daviddavis1322]

Dude this is really great stuff!

[@gaveintothedarkness]

great tutorial!

[@GuacIsExtra99]

This is genius

[@nathanyang4528]

Great video!

[@UncleSamsDeplorable]

I guess ill try that to make the desperado guitar gun case

[@dattran6372]

Have you thought about doing it reverse where the strut attaches to the top closer to the front and the bottom closer to the hinge side? Roam cases come with struts and they actually updated to attach the struts like in the way i mentioned. Must have beenfor a good reason.

[@blackcotaco]

Hi, thanks for the question. So I did consider that when I was looking how other manufacturers installed struts on cases. You likely could do it the way ROAM has them on the case but when I was testing this out with some VHB Tape the lid felt way to hard to close and I was a little more concerned with the stress on the lid to close over time. The bottom of the case is a bit more rigid compared to the lid, so I figured if that was where the stress point would be strongest it would be best to have it there with the more flush mounted ball mount. But if that is more ideal for a mounting point I would say go for it, would love to see if it would work and I was over thinking things. Thanks for the comment and I appreciate the view! Cheers!

[@dattran6372]

@@blackcotaco I suppose you could use struts that weren't as strong in that case to take some of that difficulty closing away.

[@feustond]

Amazing!

[@nicolasluke3901]

What would be the measurements to put it in a Pelikan 16 50? And what type of Struts do you recommend, I have to install a monitor that takes up almost all the space on the lid, it weighs approximately 15 pounds

[@ctocpo1279]

Great video and awesome DIY project. Actually have the case and all the components in the mail headed my way. One question though, why did you put the lid ball stud plate facing towards the outside of the case vice inside? Did it affect the opening and closing due to alignment? Seems like you’d have to tear apart the mounts if you had one fail, vice just popping off the old and popping on the new, if it was the other way. Thanks in advance…

[@blackcotaco]

Hey Great question. You got it, the ball stud put the shock on a bit more of an angle to close. You likely could do it where the ball stud faces the inside of the case and make it work, I just felt at the time of building it was better to push it as close to the lid as possible to keep the linier action as straight as possible. If you ever needed to remove the socket you could leave the top ball stud mounted, unmount the shock on the lower part of the case and unscrew the shock from that top ball stud mount. Hope this helps, and thanks for the watch!

[@unounv]

I know they are 3/16 inch rivits but what size grip length ? Kinda important and the Amazon listing just says 3/16 ?

[@blackcotaco]

Hey, thanks for the comment. Those rivets listed should be 0.251 to 0.375 in of grip length, hope this helps!

[@bretchristy5153]

That's a great idea. Why is the lid ball bracket not a side mount like the bottom ? I would like to follow your plan. But I'm wondering why you used the flat mount on the lid ?

[@blackcotaco]

Its the way that the case is made and space to do a mount in that spot. You might be able to do it there but when I was trying to figure it out this was the best way that I could see it to work. The other main reason was that the lid in that spot is much thicker. I would say that if you wanted to take a shot at it to go for it. This again was just the best way I could see it working when I built this. Appreciate the question and the view. Cheers!

[@negacades4736]

Apply what now?

[@JKUadventures]

In your parts list, what's the "10mm Ball-Stud Low Profile Gas Strut Angled Supports" used for? Seems the "10mm Ball-Stud Side Wall Mount" were enough.

[@caryhealy7862]

I have the same question. Not sure why they were both listed

[@guarddogfoaminserts777]

Really Impressive case, let us know if you would like to do a collab!

[@Robcos427]

Does it open at a 90° angle??

[@blackcotaco]

Hey thanks for the comment. I would say its closer to 80 to 75 degrees when fully open. Hope thos helps.

[@DrHumorous]

You have put them upside down. Other than that, pretty good work.

[@MrDannyboy808]

What’s that bit and size attachment called to drill only a little into the side for the ball stud to rest into? I didn’t see that in your descriptions I think.

[@blackcotaco]

Hi, thanks for the comment. It is a 3/8" forstner bit. You should be able to pick one up at any big box store or amazon. Cheers.

[@chunwlee]

Do you think this set up would work on the harbor freight gun case?

[@blackcotaco]

Hey thanks for watching! Yes I do think it would be possible. You will have to play around with the location you mount the ball mount on the lower part of the case. Specifically on the wheel side (I'm looking at the 9800 Apache). But what i did to get the measurements right with the pelicans is use 3M VHB tape to try the mounting locations that made sense before I found a location that worked. Good luck, happy to answer any other questions you have.

[@miker258]

Great idea I just can’t see drilling holes in mine lol

[@darrenearl2434]

Would this work for the v800 case as well?

[@blackcotaco]

Yeah it should actually be pretty close for the measurements. I cant say for sure since I don't have one to measure but the width of the 730 and 800 are identical the only difference that I can see is the length of the cases but in theory should work. Appreciate the comment and the view. Good luck!

[@darrenearl2434]

@BlackCOTaco thanks for responding, last question I have: how do you like the v730? I am thinking of getting that over other cases like apache or whoever.

[@blackcotaco]

@@darrenearl2434 I like them a lot. I prefer pelican or Nanuk cases. To be fair I have not used the others. I actually went from the pelican cargo cases to these and I am very happy with them. Really just depends on your preference and needs.

[@DraegerV1]

Why rivets over screws? With time I can see the rivets coming lose and you wont be able to tighten them like a conventional bolt/nut. Thank you!!

[@blackcotaco]

That's a good question. Rivets are actually known to be substantially stronger and can withstand vibration much better than a bolt (in comparison to similar sizes). If you look at the aero space industry all planes and rockets are manufactured using rivets for assembly. Rivets also tend to be more water tight as they expand in the hole they are used in vs a bolt that has empty space around the thread that could leak. Considering the setup here is likely to be used offroad where vibration is a constant and rivets are better suited for this application. The bolt would likely shake loose over time and unless they are checked every time before going offroad you could risk water leaking into the case. Thanks for the question. Cheers!

[@irishkennypotts]

I have to disagree with the idea of bolts being inferior. You can install without need of special tools and you can use caulk or rubber grommets to make it completely water tight. As for the bolts becoming loose you can use blue Loctite and you’ll be set. You’d want to avoid red Loctite as it requires heat to remove. Other than that I love the idea of the install.

[@DraegerV1]

@@blackcotaco Thanks!!

[@edwardwink8801]

What size of gas strut?

[@blackcotaco]

Hey thanks for the question, the parts list can be found in the description of the video, but these are 10 Lb/45N 16in Gass Struts (x2) Amazon Link: amzn.to/3bZRVKP Thanks!

[@HM-vu9zw]

How many packages of the ball stud wall mounts? There are 4 pieces in each package but they’re not the same.

[@blackcotaco]

I couldn't find any smaller package amount for the ball studs to do 1 case you need 2 of the L shaped brackets and 2 of the triangle shaped brackets for 4 total for each case. Lmk if that helps.

[@HM-vu9zw]

Yeah, I was talking about the package for the triangle bracket. It comes with two triangles and two L-shaped brackets. So I will buy two of those. I found a package of the other brackets that has four instead of 10.

[@HM-vu9zw]

Anything I can substitute for the flat bar? I don’t have a way to cut it.

[@blackcotaco]

You could try it without it. It might work as well. I preferred the flat bar just as some added strength for the lid. A hacksaw would cut through the aluminum pretty easily

[@HM-vu9zw]

I ended up not using a flat bar

[@TheGoob20]

@@HM-vu9zw is it holding up alright?