Mail box mounting bracket

[djw2112]

I got my mail box in today, its kinda funny, a mailbox arrived in the mail LOL

But now i need the mounting bracket and NO WAY I am paying another $17 for a stupid bracket. 

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Gibraltar-Mailboxes-Black-Mailbox-Mounting-Bracket/1000526071

I am looking for an alternative to the bracket. 

Idea 1:

I was thinking a 2x6 would fit perfectly in that slot (in picture) then I could use a 4x4 bracket (like you use for setting 4x4 on concrete) to secure my 4x4 to the 2x6. 

Idea 2: 

Since I have to buy a full length mailbox anyway, maybe I might as well do the "7" style mount and with the 4x4 cuttings making up the "7" and then screwing the 2x6 to the 4x4 shelf. 

Also concrete or no concrete when setting post? 

Concrete will rot the post as there is no drainage unless you put gravel in the hole first.  Some say to use a special packing sand instead of concrete which will stop it from rotting and also for easy replacement one day if needed.,

I am up for ideas as well,  least expensive is best

Here is the pic

 

[HappyWanderer]

Get the bracket - the metal one, not plastic. I used to fool around with home-brew methods to mount the box; it's just not worth the time and effort. I just replaced my mailbox last week, it took all of 10 minutes re-using the bracket.

My mailbox post has been in place for about 25 years now. I used concrete in the hole, then left the entire post in the ground. I asked the mail carrier how tall she wanted the box - she stuck her arm out the window and drew a line on the post; that's where I cut it off.

 

[Rene T]

she stuck her arm out the window and drew a line on the post; that's where I cut it off.

What, her arm is now cut off?  : ??? :-[ :-\

 

[HappyWanderer]

What, her arm is now cut off?  : ??? :-[ :-\

We now call her lefty.

 

[djw2112]

LMAO very funny.