Suitcase (Hard Shell) Sledge X2
by thephatmaster in Outside > Snow
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Suitcase (Hard Shell) Sledge X2
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A quick and easy instructable for turning discarded luggage into sledges.
It is easy to see the potential for snowfun with a discarded suitcase, especially as ones with sledge-like vertical indentations are a common design.
Materials required:
- One discarded hard shell suitcase (large enough for your sledge rider to sit in);
- 4x Bolts (depending on design);
- Rope / cord (optional); and
- Cushion (optional).
Tools required:
- Screwdriver;
- Scissors; and
- Drill.
You will also need snow (obviously).
Get a Suitcase
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In my area, there are often discarded suitcases next to rubbish bins outside local buildings. Luckily for our purposes, the most common reason for discarding is broken wheels, handles or zips.
A fully hard-shell suitcase will become two sledges, there is no need for wheels or zips on snow!
Tips for picking a suitcase are:
- Size - get a suitcase your rider can comfortably sit in.
- Strength - pick the sturdiest suitcase you can, some are made of thin plastic which will not last more than a few runs.
- Shape - flat based suitcases are more stable, and ones with vertical grooves will go straighter down the hill.
Remove the Handles and Wheels
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Get your scissors and cut small holes in the lining (in this example it is a black fabric) behind the handles and wheels. This will uncover the fixings that hold on the handles / wheels.
Usually you can use a simple screwdriver to unscrew each item, sometimes a drill may be required to drill out small rivets.
Cut the Zip to Separate the Case Into Two Sledges
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Cut the zip and anything else holding together the two sides (on this case there was a small rubber strip).
You now have your two sledges. But no way to hold on / drag your sledges up the slope / steer.
Add a Handle for Transport / Steering
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In this example I re-used the suitcase handles, alongside some old bike tyre to make simple handles. I have measured them to reach the riders hands when sat in the case.
My tyre-handles are screwed together using the fixings which used to hold the handles onto the case. I did consider using excess flat cord from a rachet strap.
Mounting the handle:
If using something flat like a tyre or strap, drill a small hole in the corner of the case, and use a bolt to fasten it on. Washers / threadlock will help spread the load and prevent the bolt getting loose.
If using a rope, drill holes large enough for your rope and either:
- Knot each end on after passing it through the holes; or
- Loop the rope through and tie it together in the middle.
Go Rock the Hill!**
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You are now ready to (carefully) try out your new sledges . Go easy at first to get the the hand of how your design slides and steers.
For extra rider comfort, add a cushion to sit on.
Enjoy!
**I have not done this yet, as the snow has stayed away so far this winter - pics / vids to follow.