Omar Khalid
Installing a Gibraltar plastic mailbox is a relatively quick and easy process. The Gibraltar Classic Mailbox & Post Combo is constructed from durable, rust-proof plastic and features a double-walled design for added strength. The product includes a mailbox, a mailbox post sleeve, and mounting hardware. Installation requires a few tools such as a Phillips screwdriver, a level, a shovel, a post-hole digger, a tape measure, and two support beams. The first step is to measure and mark the spot for installation, ensuring it adheres to USPS guidelines for height and distance from the road. A hole is then dug at the marked spot, and the mailbox post is placed inside, using support beams to hold it in place. The post's height is adjusted to meet the required 41-45 inches from the road surface to the bottom of the mailbox. If desired, concrete can be used to secure the post in place.
Characteristics and Values Table for Installing a Gibraltar Plastic Mailbox
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Rust-proof plastic, double-walled construction |
| Installation | Easily installs over a 4x4 wooden post |
| Safety | Rear door for safe mail retrieval, away from traffic |
| Accessories | Plastic outgoing mail flag |
| Assembly | Product assembly required, mounting and installation hardware included |
| Tools Required | Phillips screwdriver, level, shovel, post-hole digger, tape measure, support beams |
| Height | USPS guidelines: 41-45 inches from the road surface to the bottom of the mailbox |
| Distance from Road | USPS guidelines: face 6-8 inches away from the road |
| Concrete | Optional, prepared concrete poured into the hole around the post, not filled to the surface |
| Wobble Solution | 5/8” thick plywood, same width as the post, screwed to the back |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the ground and tools
Preparing the ground and gathering the right tools are crucial first steps in installing a Gibraltar plastic mailbox. Here's a detailed guide to help you get started:
Prepare the Ground
Mark the installation spot: Using a measuring tape, measure and mark a spot on the ground that is the appropriate distance from the road. USPS guidelines recommend installing the mailbox 41-45 inches from the road surface to the bottom of the mailbox, facing 6-8 inches away from the road.
Dig the hole: Using a post-hole digger, dig a hole at the marked spot. Ensure the hole is deep enough so that the height of your mailbox will be about 42 inches above the ground when installed. The hole should be wide enough to accommodate the mailbox post with some space for concrete (if using) and dirt to fill the gap and secure the post.
Gather the Tools
Phillips screwdriver: You will need a Phillips screwdriver to secure the screws during the installation process.
Level: A level will help you ensure that your mailbox post is straight, level, and parallel to the road during installation.
Shovel: A shovel is essential for digging the hole and filling it back in with dirt or concrete.
Support beams: Use two support beams to hold the mailbox post in place while you measure and adjust its position.
Post mount mailbox: Ensure you have the Gibraltar plastic mailbox ready for installation. The mailbox should include the necessary mounting hardware.
Mounting board and hardware: A mounting board may be necessary, depending on the mailbox model. Most new posts include the required mounting hardware.
Concrete (optional): If you prefer a more permanent installation, concrete can be used to secure the mailbox post. However, this is optional.
House numbers (optional): You may also add house numbers to your mailbox, which is entirely optional.
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Place the post in the hole
Now that you've dug a hole at the marked spot, it's time to place the post inside. Ensure that the post is held securely in place by using support beams. The next step is to measure the distance from the ground to the bottom of the mailbox. This should be approximately 42 inches. It's important to verify that the post is straight and parallel to the road using a level. If any adjustments are required, make them now.
If you're using concrete, refer to the manufacturer's instructions for preparing it correctly. Pour the prepared concrete into the hole, ensuring it doesn't reach the surface. However, if concrete is not your choice of material, use the shovel to carefully refill the hole with the dirt you dug out earlier. Pack the ground firmly around the post to enhance its stability.
While refilling the hole and packing the ground, it's crucial to maintain the post's straight and even position relative to the road. Utilize the level to guide you in making any necessary adjustments during this process. Remember to follow the product instructions provided by the mailbox post manufacturer for the best results.
To enhance the stability of your Gibraltar plastic mailbox, consider a modification suggested by some users. They recommend using a 5/8" thick piece of plywood that's the same width as the post and approximately 18" in length. Screw this piece of plywood to the back of the post, ensuring that the top edges of the plywood and the post are flush. By doing so, you'll add thickness to the upper portion of the post, reducing any wobbliness in the mailbox top.
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Check the post is straight
Now that you've placed the post inside the hole, it's time to check that it's straight. This is an important step to ensure your mailbox is sturdy and secure.
First, use your level to check that the post is straight and parallel to the road. Place the level on the sides of the post to check for straightness and adjust the post as needed until the bubble on the level is centred. You can also use the level to check that the post is even with the road.
Next, you'll want to make sure the post is stable. Use your support beams to hold the post in place and measure to ensure the length from the ground to the bottom of the mailbox is about 42 inches. This is the standard height recommended by USPS guidelines for post-mount mailboxes.
Take your time with these steps and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your mailbox post is straight and secure. Once you're satisfied with the post's placement and stability, you can move on to the next steps of the installation process.
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Secure the mailbox
To secure your Gibraltar plastic mailbox, start by placing the post inside the hole. Use support beams to hold the post in place and measure to ensure that the length from the ground to the bottom of the mailbox is about 42 inches. This measurement is important to comply with USPS guidelines, which state that post-mount mailboxes should be installed at a height of 41-45 inches from the road surface to the bottom of the mailbox.
Next, check that the post is straight and parallel to the road using a level. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the post is sturdy and even with the road. If you are using concrete, follow the manufacturer's instructions to prepare it properly. Pour the prepared concrete into the hole around the post, ensuring that you do not fill it all the way to the surface.
If you are not using concrete, use a shovel to carefully fill the hole back in with dirt. Pack the ground around the post to ensure stability. Continue to use the level to check that the post remains straight and even during this process, making adjustments as needed.
To address any wobbling, a piece of 5/8" plywood cut to the same width as the post and about 18" in length can be screwed to the back of the post. This will add thickness to the top of the post and reduce any wobbling. Ensure that the plywood's top edge is flush with the post's top edge.
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Finalise installation
Now that you have assembled your Gibraltar plastic mailbox, it's time to finalise the installation. Here are the steps to follow:
First, place the assembled mailbox post into the hole you have dug. Use the support beams to hold the post in place and adjust the depth of the hole if needed so that the length from the ground to the bottom of the mailbox is about 42 inches. This ensures compliance with USPS guidelines for mailbox height.
Next, check that the post is straight and parallel to the road using a level. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the post is sturdy and even. If you are using concrete, follow the manufacturer's instructions to prepare it properly. Pour the prepared concrete into the hole around the post, ensuring it doesn't fill up to the surface.
If you are not using concrete, carefully fill the hole back in with the dirt you dug out earlier. Pack the ground firmly around the post to stabilise it. Use the level again to ensure the post remains straight and even during this process, making any necessary adjustments.
Finally, attach any optional features you desire, such as house numbers, and your Gibraltar plastic mailbox installation is complete! Remember to refer to the manufacturer's instructions for any additional steps or considerations specific to your mailbox model.
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Frequently asked questions
The Gibraltar plastic mailbox easily installs over a 4x4 wooden post. The mounting and installation hardware is included, but the wooden post is sold separately. First, use a measuring tape to mark a spot that is 41-45 inches from the road surface to the bottom of the mailbox and 6-8 inches away from the road. Dig a hole at the marked spot deep enough so that the height of your mailbox is about 42 inches above the surface. Place the post inside the hole and use support beams to hold it in place. Check that the length from the ground to the bottom of the mailbox is about 42 inches and that the post is straight and parallel to the road. If using concrete, follow the manufacturer's instructions to prepare and pour it into the hole around the post. If you’re not using concrete, use the shovel to carefully fill the hole back in with dirt and pack the ground around the post.
You will need a Phillips screwdriver, a level, a shovel, a post-hole digger, a tape measure, two support beams, and a post. Concrete and house numbers are optional.
Some customers have reported that their Gibraltar plastic mailbox was wobbly at the top after installation. One customer, Charles F. Caldwell, found a solution by using a piece of 5/8” plywood cut to the same width as the post (in his case, 3-9/16” x 18”) and screwing it to the back of the post. He then slid the mailbox and sheath back over the post and screwed the sheath back to the post.
