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- Опубліковано 7 вер 2024
- The Trxstle Fly Rod roof box for securing and transporting fly fishing rods has a "secure" lockable door hatch, ... that WONT stay closed.
I recently purchased a Trxstle roof top rod box. After letting the purchase sit in my garage for 2 months, I waited until the Friday evening before a week long fishing trip to the Smokies to install the rod box. I discovered the door hatch would not stay closed, the latch being defective. To avoid clouding the issue and possibly void the lifetime warranty, I decided NOT to repair the item myself.
I left messages with the fly shop, Dodson Fishing Company in Travelers Rest SC, and also Trestle in Montana, closed until Monday.
Andrew at Dodson got right back with me to organize the box swap out. I had to drive over 170 miles to do the swap, but strangely that's only about 70 miles put of the way from where I was going on vacation in the Smokies.
The shop owner/manager (?) Andrew stayed over into a family dinner to make sure I was taken care of.
Trestle called from Montana on Monday afternoon EST to provide follow up assistance. They affirmed they would support Andrew during the Warranty Return.
Rod Box Review
Large box, but only accommodates two rod butts & reels. The tubes are narrowed, intended to only allow one rod per tube. Justified by Trestle owing to the function of extending / retraction space clearances, this could be mitigated by using a funnel shaped tube in the entry point of the box, allowing two poles in the existing tube diameter. Include, or sell aftermarket rod sleeves to prevent tangle, or simultaneously remove both rods, then separate the rods. In any case, the current tube design seems like an unreasonable waste of real estate (storage capacity).
Door Security:
My rod box door arrived defective, closing 1 out of 20 times, popping open like a Jack In The Box.
The door is a spring loaded, molded plastic hatch. The lock latches to an interior metal flange plate mounted with screws into a molded plastic arm piece extending from the molded plastic door cowl. This design could easily be opened with a pocket knife. Just Pop, and Gone in 10 seconds.
Suggestion: Instead of metal and plastic, use one long piece of metal running into the box, integrating the locking flange plate with the metal arm, directly securing the arm to the metal rod box. No plastic in the system.
Sections:
The extendable sections are rugged, but difficult to extend without an assistant, work bench clamps, or garage floor yoga.
The also need air flow for extremely hot, humid environments. Cleaning with require a McGuyver style plan.
Suggestion: Experiment with some long lasting dry lubricants, bearings, or both to ease extension/retraction of the 4 sections. While roof mounted, User 'should' be able to easily adjust the unfixed sections.
The 4 'buttons' governing extension/retraction also need to a redesign. Unwieldy, cumbersome, might even get locked into a dysfunctional position preventing normal function & use. No, I don't have any solution in mind for that one.
Mounts:
Rack mount points are along the box centerline, enabling for wobble/vibration. While not a driving comfort l/noise issue, yet, a centerline mount point will eventually cause failure in the plastic mounts.
Suggestion: redesign to include two parallel mount tracks to strengthen stability, enhance longevity of the mounts, use metal wickets with Turn Nuts and screws like Yakima/Thule.
Security: Magic Tool/Star nuts:
Easily lost, misplaced, thankfully The 'Magic Tool' is superfluous, designed for use with the 'secure star nuts'. During the box swap out, I had misplaced the tool. I unpacked the entire vehicle searching for it in 95° shaded heat parking lot. I left it 170 miles away. While waiting for the fly shop owner to return, open the shop, grab another Magic Tool, and proceed with the swap out, I pulled out my trusty 5 gallon tool bucket, experimented with various channel locks, pliers, etc.. the vice-grips removed the 'security' nuts in
With 2 molded plastics pieces, you may have align the 2 so that it helps close the door.
I've had that same model for over 3yrs and have had zero issues. I currently have the V2 and it's amazing.
Trxstle goes above and beyond to test their products and every manufacturer out, has slight issues. I can tell you without a doubt this is not systematic problem on Trxstle part.
I'm very happy you have had such an exemplary experience with your product, and also appreciate your weighing in to provide advice.
ShortVersion: That said, the shop confirmed the defective door latch, and swapped out the box. Trestle called Monday to confirm they would work with the shop on any details concerning the swap out.