I love my KKrate.  For those who may be new to the game, the KKrate is a version of the JKrate that was a standard accessory on the Kraken when it was first released.  The reason I love it is because of the volume.  I can fit four 3700 Plano boxes, two worm binders, and a blade binder in it.  The only issue I had was the lid.  The lid is attached with bungee cord and flops around when opened.  This modification, inspired by teammate Chris Funk, will address this issue for all the Krates out there.

 

Parts list: (use the search feature in the JK Store to find the SKUs listed)

 

1 – A Krate with an unruly lid (available from the JK Store, SKU #JLO101GRAY)

2 – Nylon Butt Hinges, 2″x2.5″ (available from the JK Store, SKU #1767)

8 – 1/4-20 x 3/4 stainless steel machine bolts (Lowe’s)

8 – 1/4-20 stainless steel nylon insert lock nuts (Lowe’s)

4 – 1/4 x 1 stainless steel fender washers (Lowe’s)

 

Step 1 – Using a small Phillips screwdriver or nail, remove the hinge pins from the hinges.  You will find the one side of the hinge has two holes.  Reinsert the pins so that the two halves of the hinges are offset.

 

Step 2 – Place the hinge against the Terminal End of the bungee.  Align the top of the hinge with the top of the rounded edge on the Krate lid.  Once the hinge is aligned, drill a 1/4″ hole and attach the bottom part of the hinge to the Krate with the a 1/4-20 bolt, lock nut, and fender washer.  Double check the alignment and drill the second hole.  Repeat steps for the other hinge.

 

Step 3 – With the lid in place and the bottom hinges secure, hold the upper hinges against the lid and drill 1/4″ holes through the lid and the Krate.  Remove the lid and you will see the four holes in the Krate.  Using these as pilot holes, drill  1/2″ holes in the Krate.  You will then need to cut out the top of the holes in order to make a U shaped open for the lid nuts to fit.

 

Step 5 – Attach the lid to the hinges using a 1/4-20 bolt and lock nut.

 

And there you have it, the lid is now attached and will open to a 90 degree angle.  Since we left all the original hardware in place, you can still secure the lid closed as before.  We would love to hear from you, so if you have any questions or have mods you have done to your Krate, post them up.

 

As a note to any new folks, the KKrate and the JKrate High have been discontinued.  The JKrate Low is now the only product available.

 

Tight lines,

Robert Brown