Trail Tool Boxes?

[BarrelRoll]

What do you use to store your tools on the trail. I've used a ton of different metal and plastic boxes and they usually don't have enough room, my tools get full of mud (i live in the midwest can't get away from it even though it sucks), and really disorganized. I've thought about tools bags though they seem like mud and water would just make them a mess. I'm thinking about this http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_SessionID=@@@@0521733181.1092261035@ @@@&BV_EngineID=ccjeadcmfeeffmdcehgcemgdffmdflf.0&vertical=TOOL&pid=00965628000 tool box from craftsman. I like that it's metal and has the drawers to seperate tools. I am woried about the drawers getting jammed and letting lots of water in though think i could probably build a cover for them. What do you use for your trail tools?

[hotwheelsYJ]

Ammo canisters work for me, just build a rack for em in the back to tie them down
FLYING TOOLBOXS HURT :eek: :eek:

[BigHG]

I bought a bag with a rubber bottom on it at Home Depot a while ago. It works great. I don't think I would go back to a hard box now. We don't really wheel in the mud that much so waterproofing isn't that big a deal. Although the few times I have been caught in some down pours the bag was dry. They don't make as much noise as a box, don't slide around, strap down easily and are lighter.

[HalfFastFord]

Use a bag here too. I like the ability to tie it down tight, no tool rattle on the trail.

[yager]

ya i switched to tool bags a few years ago. Have several for differnet tools/repairs. Put a strap through the handles and sinch em down, less rattle...

plus they dont slid off the rocks on the trail.

Can be used as a drain pan with a bag inside them, or even a hat when it rains....

Well ok ive never had to do the last one, but i would if i had to...

the ammo boxes are good for parts and things you need to jeep dry bags do get damp at times..

-mike

[Kaiser5]

I do the bags too. Work great for all the reasons listed. I like the way I can "mold" them to fit tight spaces in the Heep.

[socalchef]

i use a tuffy box and fill it full of tool bags and socket boxes and stuff. a rack for ammo cans would be pretty nice, and a cool fab project. could line the rails they sit on with foam rubber to keep the rattles down. i've got the large tuffy drawer for jeeps and it's PACKED. worried about overloading the rails actually, and trying to figure out what to do for more storage room for more spares. check out rubicon4x4.com, think that's the site name, they advertise up top...they've got real nice flip top aluminum boxes that i think are water tight. money, but nice. or just hit up harborfreight for some plastic tool boxes and foam rubber where the lid sits when it's closed to try to seal it up a bit better.

[randii]

I'm a big believer in bags... they squeeze better.

Here's an older article we ran on packing gear:
http://www.4x4wire.com/trail/technique/making_it_fit/

Randii

[D60]

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54802

and related to bags:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=106863

[Dangling_Dave]

I have thinking about new tool boxes/bags for some time now. My only question is what to do with the sockets? Mine are on rails and I would think that in a bag they would fall off and scatter in the bag. Does anyone have this problem or am I worrying too much.

dc

[HalfFastFord]

I put mine on rails that I shortened to fit in the bag. Put them on the bottom and the other tools keep them in place.

[BigHG]

I run bags within my bag :D HD sells a set of about 5 zippered bags for
$10-20. Get the light colored ones and label them with a sharpie

[sceep]

ammo boxes.

[heavytlc]

I have used ammo cans, bags, boxes, all with limitations. Right now I am using a large backback, I bought a S/K socket set that is 3/8 drive, I have a complete open end/ box end wrench set 8-24mm& 5/16-1 1/4. I have a one ton hub socket, and a toyota hub socket, a small bit set that has all the weird stuff, an electric bag, with wire, posi lock connectors, test light, fuses, a few screwdrivers, punch, chisel, BFHammer, pliers, ujoints, bolts, TRE's,hose clamps, duct tape,zip ties, sheet metal screws,jb weld, alum stop leak, 3/4heims, enough money in small bills to buy gas,beer,parts. On the outside I have my first aid kit, and a couple rescue carabiners, and a sure fire flashlight with extra batt's. This set up works good, I can take it in any of the trucks, from samurai, one-ton k5, landcruiser, to the girlfriends TJ. When I had just the landcruiser I could keep evrery thing in it, but I have a bunch of trucks now, and it works out cool. If I go on a trip, I always grab the bag.

[plunkinberry]

I really like the bucket boss brand stuff - made by duluth trading company http://www.duluthtrading.com/

their stuff is really heavy duty! I have a bunch of junk and miscellaneous travel tools that depending on where I'm going and what I'm doing, I throw into different bins or boxes. I have metal, plastic, leather, canvas and wooden toolboxes. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks...

I plan on buying more and more canvas caddys in the future and getting rid of the rest as they outlive their usefulness.

[LazyDog]

I have a "Contico SUV Tuff Bin Box" bolted in the back.

http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/images/334284_lg.jpg

Measurements: 35in. L x 14in. H x 13in. W

it only cost $29, it fits well with room for other stuff and it holds everything I carry.

BTW, bags are great unless it rains. Out east you need something that's waterproof.

[braxton357]

I have a "Contico SUV Tuff Bin Box" bolted in the back.

http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/images/334284_lg.jpg

Measurements: 35in. L x 14in. H x 13in. W

it only cost $29, it fits well with room for other stuff and it holds everything I carry.

BTW, bags are great unless it rains. Out east you need something that's waterproof.


Same here, its locked and bolted so that ya cain't steal er. Also have a smaller old wooden army ammo box with fluids and smaller spare parts/clamps/zipties. I think I'm gonna stop bringing the tools though, I get tired of being the only asshat out of all of my friends that thinks to bring anything. :rolleyes:

[Rocktoyo]

Same here, its locked and bolted so that ya cain't steal er. Also have a smaller old wooden army ammo box with fluids and smaller spare parts/clamps/zipties. I think I'm gonna stop bringing the tools though, I get tired of being the only asshat out of all of my friends that thinks to bring anything. :rolleyes:


Quit wheeling a Ford and you wont worry as much about breaking. :flipoff2: :flipoff2:

[swampdog]

tool bag is the only way compact and fits anywhere. I got one from sears that has a rubber bottom the goes up the side about 2 inches. you can set it in the mud and your tools dont even get wet.

[DUG]

tool bags and ammo cans. If you carry top much crap for that condense it into a Rubbermaid "Action Packer" for easy of stopreage.

The secret to trail tools is to know your rig well enough to bring only what you need. I reached a point where I bought a setof CHEAP parts store tools for a trail tool kit. That way if I loose them I don;t care na dI never have to worry about forgetting the tool I need.

If the bag gets to disorganized get canvas pouches (sold at Home Depot) to help organize. String wrenches together on hooks or carbieners.

I used ot travel all over as a mechanic and bags are THE way to flyu.

[Junk Driver]

I used a storage box as you can get for pickups, the diamond plate ones to put EVERYTHING in, bolted to the floor, I wanted it as to never have to worry about anything flying around, gas, oil, fluids, then all my spare parts on the bottom, I try to wrap stuff in blankets to keep the rattle down. Next up is the big blanket for night runs, never know when you need them, a backpack with extra clothes, nice thing to remember is keep it to stuff that girls wont whine about wearing, cause they really do appreciate it when you give them the dry clothes to change into. As well as emergency stuff ie. Firestarters, and camping stuff you may need. Next up is food, and water on one side then trail stuff like straps etc on the other.

ON the top no matter what is the first aid kit and tool box jammed packed full of trail fix tools.

Cooler has a bracket bolted to the top for tieing it down to.

[meangreen]

I built a set of drawers in my jeep, two small one on top of each other for wrenches and tow straps and a big one on the other side for fluids and such, and then made a hard cover over the back, I have not had a problem with the mud, the cover keeps everything in the truck and not flying around and also keeps the mud out, I mainly do mud since there is not a lot of rock up here (new york)but I will hit them when I can find them. meangreen

[Orionn]

I use two bags, one for tools, and one for recovery gear.
I run a LARGE, flat, sealed military first aid box tied down for the spare parts (you dont want those flying around in a roll)

[Csnyder]

I have a "Contico SUV Tuff Bin Box" bolted in the back.

http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/images/334284_lg.jpg

I've got the same one bolted down in the back of my Jeep, w/ five separate tool bags inside. :D I keep a ratched strap cinched around the middle, and two padlocks to keep the thieves out. Works great.

Once I learn to TIG I plan on making a replacement out of aluminum, same dimensions, w/ a real latch.

- Chris

[JohnnyJ]

I've got one of those contico boxes in the back of my jeep, too. I throw a cheapy tool set from costco in it (the cresent one with sockets, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, etc.), a small box with some specialty tools, and then any spare parts I might need. Plus rain gear, a back pack with all sorts of hiking-type crap, and my tow strap, d-rings, tree saver, winch controller, and snatch block. I usually try and have a spare change of clothes in there, too.

It's all locked down so it won't smack me in the noggin if I roll, and keep all my junk in the box rather than having a clearance sale when I roll.

[Dangling_Dave]

I broke down and went to harbor freight last weekend to check out their tool bags. I ended up buying two of their 15" bags, one for metric sockets, and one for standard sockets. Then I got home and started sorting my tools, then another trip to HF. Now I have a ton of bags and all of my tools are put away. One bag for 1/4" sockets, one for 3/8" sockets, 1/2" sockets, wrenches, pliers/screwdrivers etc... Nice thing is they are all small and light and I can stuff them under the seats. Just more "piece of mind" when living in a condo-village.

dc

[Highvoltage]

I use a bag for my tools,it goes behind my pass. seat and molds its self in place,it has hand straps (and a shoulder strap,i sling it on at the wrecking yard when i go to get parts,works killer)

[jekbrown]

i have a couple of big ol ammo cans (20mm?) bolted to the bed of my K5. They work pretty well. There is the occassional rattle/bang noise but I know for a fact that if I roll my tool boxes / tools aren't going to go flying and hitting people.

j

[Mustard Dog]

This is what I had in one of my Cruisers, kind of a tool/camp box.

[Mustard Dog]

Another pic.

[lsloth]

Mustarddog, did you make that or buy it? I have been wanting to make one but I can not find a source for long enough and strong enough rollers.

[Mustard Dog]

I made that one, Sloan has it now.

The slides are 36' full extention, 300# capacity, made by Accuride;)

[Csnyder]

The slides are 36' full extention, 300# capacity, made by Accuride;)

Server rack sliders I'm assuming? ;) I have a pair at home, can't remember what model number and weight rating, but they are NICE. Accuride makes quality stuff.

EDIT: I think I have these ones: http://www.accuride.com/products/industrial/details.php?p=3507&c=heavyduty_ie .

- Chris

[jopes]

http://www.1ton4x4.com/misc/storage.jpg


left to right.

tools, spare parts, room for 100 qt cooler, camping gear, spare fluids.

all are securely fastened to the bed of the bronco.

[moveaside]

I bought a bag with a rubber bottom on it at Home Depot a while ago. It works great. I don't think I would go back to a hard box now. We don't really wheel in the mud that much so waterproofing isn't that big a deal. Although the few times I have been caught in some down pours the bag was dry. They don't make as much noise as a box, don't slide around, strap down easily and are lighter.Same here I got myself down to 4 half filled bags just like that. #1 Wrenches and sockets #2 Specialty drivetrain tools and etc. #3 Specialty electrical style tools #4 Air Tools
I love how it smashes down nicely and I can get to them easy enough. I always have something on top of them ratchet strapped down to keep them from getting airborne. Axle shafts go in rifle bags/cases and of course the plastic divider box thingy full of little lifesavers like valve cores, elec. connectors, fuses, o-rings, etc. Spraying the bags with water repellant will help but I don't see enough mud or water to care really.

[bron86co]

the best ones are free !!

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=274488&highlight=freebie

[Sully]

I have a "Contico SUV Tuff Bin Box" bolted in the back.

http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/images/334284_lg.jpg

Measurements: 35in. L x 14in. H x 13in. W

it only cost $29, it fits well with room for other stuff and it holds everything I carry.

BTW, bags are great unless it rains. Out east you need something that's waterproof.


I've got a generic rig that's close to that.

Only reason I prefer it to bags, is that my rig is my daily driver, and with no roof, people tend to check out what you have worth steeling. The box can be locked, and bolted down to prevent my tools/spare parts from vanishing while I'm buying milk at the grocery store.