Yeah the XT is born with a big hairy wart on its ass. Sadly, some of it is hard welded into the frame, it isn't super easy to eliminate. Most of us just live with it. The only up-side I can give is that at least it's strong enough you can tie big shit to it. My 2015 XT250 is identical to this save the Yamaha blue. I have the small Rubbermaid Action Packer tied to the lift handles, and around the hard steel pipe that hides inside that rubber cover bridging from the frame to the tail light. The box is tied down with very strong string (think like starter pull cord but a bit thinner), and it's an indestructible mount. Seriously could never break off. Normally you need to buy a rack to get that strength. The ugly tail light assembly is that strong.
I don’t own that gimbal, but I work primarily on features & television production and the typically approach for transporting a camera after having completed the build is to use what we call a “camera coffin”.
It’s essentially a big tub that we fill with foam padding or sound blankets and the built camera comes off it’s support and lives in the coffin for the duration of the project.
This doesn’t need to be fancy - usually an appropriately sized Rubbermaid tub from a big box home store will get it done.
I really like the Action Packer series in particular for being extremely rugged and having well designed lids that latch securely. The action packers are a bit more expensive, but certainly cheaper than a pelican case sized for the same idea.
Just need to take some measurements and figure out the size you need to leave everything built and then get creative with padding so it won’t flip around during transit.
Another approach - leave a storage container - like the type that you might store yard tools in - on your porch
and include an open combination or padlock lock - ask the UPS driver to put the package in the container - and simply close the lock, locking the container with the package inside.
They ARE expensive!!!
My dog is a roughly 45 pound mixed mutt. I solved the issue buy buying a Rubbermade Action Packer for the car. I put a bath mat (which was used in training as her "place") with a non-skid back on top of it, and brace it against the car with my foot and she hops up onto it and then into the back seat. Added bonus, when we're traveling it's not taking up "extra" space, because much of her stuff goes in it for easy carting in and out.
This probably wouldn't be a safe setup for the dog to use alone on the couch unless you had it weighted with something, so an actual dog step of some sort would probably be better, not to mention look better in your home.
JUST found this same pic and was about to post it. haha
To any interested I found them on Amazon: (not an AF link)
https://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-ActionPacker-Lockable-Storage-1949040/dp/B00002N9F9
Take your rear seats out (really easy if you don't know how. Pull them up, flip the red tabs, then they can just be removed).
Get yourself one of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002N9F9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_CbvqCbB9N831G
Push one of the front seats forward and then put it on the floor. It will sit flush with the rear seats down and essentially give you extra floor space
Then get one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00W67PJ4M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_FdvqCb1MAFTQN
And with a little wiggling, it should fit in the back across the action packer like so:
Rubbermaid ActionPacker boxes are quality
I also like the basic see-through plastic boxes
The NRS box may be valuable, but I feel that the Pelican boxes would be too bulky. Maybe get 1 of the nicer boxes for your special/important equipment - then the basic boxes like above for the other equipment.
I like the see-through one for kitchen equipment, because there is typically a bunch of small items in there and what I need is always on the very bottom.
The dark/durable one is okay for general gear like lamps, fire stuff, TP, first aid, knives, etc.
My stove, water jug, chairs, and table are not typically in boxes.
My coolers and dry food are on their own too. Although I have been considering a better way to transport my dry food stuffs, other than the paper bags from the grocery store.
I like duffel bags for my soft goods. I have one XL TNF base camp duffel for all my sleeping items. Then medium/large ones for clothes.
I normally don't fly with a lot of beer, but I want things to be secure. Here's my setup.
I have one of these that has pre-cut bubble wrap and tape inside: http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-1170-ActionPacker-Storage-8-Gallon/dp/B00002N9F9#
And I put it inside one of these: http://www.rei.com/product/879669/rei-wheely-beast-wheeled-duffel-28-special-buy
At this point, you're fighting weight, so pack light when you go, and put as much into your carry on when you come back. I've shipped the rubbermaid case by itself before, but I prefer to shove it in the bag if possible.