Pelican 1780 Protector Transport Hard Case

The Pelican 1780 Protector Transport Case is an XXL polypropylene hard case built to protect large, sensitive equipment in the most demanding environments. Rated watertight, crushproof, and dustproof, it measures 41.12 x 21.54 x 14.88 inches interior with 7.63 cubic feet of usable volume, and it is available in two configurations: With Foam or No Foam.

Built to Survive the Harshest Conditions

The 1780 is constructed from polypropylene with an open-cell core and solid-wall design that keeps weight down without sacrificing rigidity. A polymer O-ring seal runs the full perimeter of the lid, and an automatic pressure equalization valve with a 3-micron hydrophobic non-woven vent membrane balances interior pressure during altitude changes and temperature swings while actively blocking water intrusion. The case is rated for temperatures from -40°F to 190°F, covering arctic cold and desert heat alike.

A 50/50 Lid-to-Base Ratio That Makes Loading Practical

At nearly 45 inches long, a case this size becomes difficult to use if the lid is shallow and the base deep. The 1780 splits the 14.88-inch total depth evenly: 7.58 inches in the lid and 7.30 inches in the base. That balance means the lid can hold a full layer of gear on its own, and the completely detachable lid gives unobstructed access to the entire interior when you need to load or unload quickly. For the With Foam configuration, the 1.3 lb density polyurethane foam can be cut to fit equipment precisely.

Designed to Move

Four polyurethane wheels with stainless steel bearings let the 1780 roll across tarmac, cargo bays, and rough surfaces without the wheels seizing or cracking. Fold-down handles and over-molded rubber grip handles make it manageable for two people. Stainless steel padlock protectors with 0.31-inch padlock holes allow the case to be secured with standard locks. The stainless steel hardware and EXL double-throw latches resist corrosion and are designed to stay closed under pressure. The 1780 also has a buoyancy rating of 500 lb, meaning a fully loaded case will float rather than sink if it goes overboard.

Features

• Watertight, crushproof, dustproof: polymer O-ring lid seal and automatic pressure equalization valve with hydrophobic vent
• 50/50 lid-to-base ratio: 7.58-inch lid depth and 7.30-inch base depth for balanced loading; lid detaches completely
• Four polyurethane wheels: stainless steel bearings for rolling transport across varied surfaces
• EXL double-throw latches: easy-open design with stainless steel padlock protectors
• Temperature rated: -40°F to 190°F operating range
• Made in USA: covered by Pelican's Limited Lifetime Warranty

Specifications

Who This Is For and Isn't

The Pelican 1780 suits buyers who need to transport or store large, sensitive equipment (long firearms, camera rigs, drones, military or emergency gear, or expedition equipment) and require a case that is watertight, crushproof, and rated for extreme temperatures. The rolling wheel system and detachable lid make it practical for one or two people to load and move without additional equipment.

The 1780 is not a compact or carry-on case: at 44.9 inches long and up to 49 lb with foam, it requires cargo hold or vehicle transport. The No Foam configuration ships with a bare interior (no padding, no insert), and buyers who need custom foam cutouts must source or cut foam separately.

Common Questions

Is the Pelican 1780 watertight, and how does the pressure valve work?

The Pelican 1780 Protector Transport Case is rated watertight via a polymer O-ring seal that runs the full perimeter of the lid. The automatic pressure equalization valve uses a 3-micron hydrophobic non-woven vent membrane to let air pass while blocking water, so the case can be opened normally after altitude changes or temperature swings without fighting a pressure differential.

What is the difference between the With Foam and No Foam configurations?

The With Foam configuration of the Pelican 1780 includes 1.3 lb density polyurethane foam that can be cut to fit equipment and weighs 49 lb. The No Foam configuration ships with a bare interior (no padding, no insert) and weighs 38.4 lb, making it the right choice for buyers who plan to use their own custom foam, dividers, or soft goods inside the case.

Can the lid be removed completely, and does the case lock?

The lid of the Pelican 1780 detaches completely from the base, giving unobstructed access to the full interior for loading large or awkward items. The case does not include padlocks, but stainless steel padlock protectors with 0.31-inch padlock holes are built into the latch area, allowing standard padlocks to be added to secure the case.

How is the 1780 moved, and will it float if it goes overboard?

The Pelican 1780 rolls on four polyurethane wheels with stainless steel bearings and has both fold-down handles and over-molded rubber grip handles for two-person carry. The case has a buoyancy rating of 500 lb, meaning a loaded 1780 will float rather than sink if it enters water.

What temperature range is the Pelican 1780 rated for?

The Pelican 1780 Protector Transport Case is rated for operating temperatures from -40°F to 190°F (-40°C to 87°C), covering arctic cold and high-heat environments such as cargo holds, vehicle interiors in summer, or desert field conditions.