I know there have been similar threads but nothing I could find that addressed how to pack up all the crap you need for a trail ride day...

looking for for compact solutions

i always have the basics

American and metric...sockets, crescent wrenches and Allen wrenches

huge bottle of motor oil
bailing wire
zip ties from 4" up to 24"
spare fuses
electrical tools and tester

probably forgot a dozen small items

I just wish all the wrenches were in one compact organizer...the pelican like case I use is pretty big, I have half a dozen more, both larger and smaller

not sure if I should separate stuff into separate cases?

matthew

 

I have run the gamut on this. No drawer tool box, 3 and 4 drawer tool boxes, up to three roll-up sleeves. When you overland, and half your gear is cameras and such, space is critical. Access is also. I finally ended up with a drawer with all tools and recovery gear. In it is a very big Craftsman tool pouch--long enough for my Craftsman 1/2" flex head ratchet (breaker bar substitute). Sockets are on metal socket holders. Small tools and parts are in small Craftsman zipper bags. Then there is the one roll-up pouch for the most commonly used tools--solve 99% of trail work. It sits at the top of that big Craftsman bag. It isn't Craftsman--that was too small. Something I found on Amazon. Dinner is on the grill or I'd go shoot a pic. But, I have tools for that 99% repair in my hand in less than a minute.

 

I agree with Mark. I have found the soft sided tool bags to be a great way to store and carry gear, tools, parts, etc. I keep one bag for my tools and another smaller bag for my recovery gear.

Mine is a two door with very limited space and I find that the soft bags fit well between the back seat and the tail gate door.

 

Thank you for the quick and useful replies!

I've got a 2 door, I have a 45 qt yeti that is new for this season, for now I put it in the back right near the tailgate and strap it down to the fairly wimpy tie down loops there...

my fairly large Pelican like case has multiple kits/bags etc. inside of it, and the case itself is strapped down to the nice big heavy loops they give us for the back seats (I've never had back seats in any of my wranglers, take them out right away)

I'm not doing expeditions but I do have a bit of extra bulk for the GoPro camera's and now I have two of the big ARB bags and one of the small ARB bags to handle my onboard air and recovery needs.

Its just getting cramped trying to pack in all of that stuff in a way where its not going to go anywhere in a worst case scenario, but still be able to get to it...

I'm thinking I have to goto Sears or Lowes? and checkout the soft bags, I just come from both filmmaking and ISP operations, where even the "soft" bags were pretty rigid and their handles were made from the equivalent of birch broom handles and anything important was in a hard plastic case.

If anyone has time i'd love to see some photos...

matthew

 

I keep all my tools and stuff in tough fabric bags. They're great, especially when space is critical (I still have my backseat in my 2door). If the rain stops, I'll take a few pictures. I also built a mount for an ammo can that I use for random helpful things like a folding shovel (don't buy one, they suck), gloves, and some flashlights and a random assortment of bungees.

I've seen people build deeper storage trays for the rear, but that often requires removal of that ugly rock grabber of a muffler. One of those things I'd do, if I had the time or money.

 

Photos. All tools stored in large Craftsman bag ...


At top of bag is an Egodyne roll up pouch with tools I use most frequently ...


Contents of roll up pouch. Hidden from view are the wheel lug nut key, Torx wrench set and tire deflators ...


Back inside the big bag is an assortment of tools for heavier work. Includes sockets mounted on socket holders, as well as some smaller tools in small Craftsman pouches. Extra gloves and goggles are also in there. The bag is large enough to hold the Craftsman 1/2" drive flex-head ratchet, which doubles as a breaker bar ...

 

American and metric...sockets, crescent wrenches and Allen wrenches

huge bottle of motor oil
bailing wire
zip ties from 4" up to 24"
spare fuses
electrical tools and tester


NO DUCT TAPE?

 

I use a couple of bags as well. Easier to stuff into tight spots and is more quiet then hard cases.

 

I also use 2 to 3 soft bags. I also have 2 plastic containers with all of my fluids and tow straps and such. I usually seat belt the totes on the rear seat and have the tool bags on the floor behind the seat.

 

You can pick up stainless steel safety wire in a small roll, which is less messy (fm rust) than bailing wire. I also carry a small VOM. And most certainly duct tape. "If it doesn't move and should, WD-40. If it moves and shouldn't, duct tape." I didn't spend 27-1/2 years as USAF C-130 aircrew without picking up a few tricks from the crew chiefs.