Tools, traveling and trailers

[Mr.N]

Tools, traveling, trailers and campers

I am building my crawler hauler for my trail only jeep and would like to bring more tools.

Figured there are a few of you here with great solutions to bring tools with on trips and hoping you'll share those ideas.

Challenges:
I was thinking of mainly HF or thrift store tools so if the trailer is broken into the lost would not be that costly to replace. Additionally I do carry insurance and can store in a safe place with minimal thefts.

How do you keep your tools/parts from moving around and just becoming a big pile?

What do you use to store the tools? (I was thinking of a tool chest with lots of magnetic holders.)
What about spare parts?
I was thinking of buying a small 100V stick welder. (Generator does two 30 amp's legs but that still is not enough for 220)

How do you keep the weather out?

How do you incentivize your friends to return the tools?

What else am I missing?


Thanks again for the help.

.​

 

[crewchief888]

Back in our short course off road racing days we mounted a mac double bank roller in the front of the trailer. Held most of the tools and smaller spare parts. Also had a 26" mid box for the commonly used tools and spares.
On top of that. Box we had radio chargers, radios and headsets.
We carried multiple 9" gear sets, radiator, spare trans, front I beams, 5gal fuel jugs, jacks, jack stands, mig welder, grinders, either strapped down or stuffed into the built in cabinets. Spare tires and wheels secured up top of the gooseneck.

We didn't keep "disposable" tools, couldn't take a chance on broken tools at most of the tracks we were at.

 

[Dave455]

I seem to carry a lot of tools around at the moment. Finding the perfect storage is difficult.

Some random thoughts : -

Firstly, the tools. I’d think twice about getting the really cheap tools. If you’re away from base, you need to fix something, and you only have one tool, you really need that to work. I changed a wheel bearing at the roadside once, and battled like hell to remove the brake disc screws with only one crappy Torx bit that I twisted straight away. Never again.

You don’t have to buy top end, and I definitely wouldn’t leave a load of Snap On in a vehicle, but can you get some good “mid range” stuff. Forget getting just one brand, but get your pliers from Channellock, hammers from Vaughan, wrenches from Wright, and so on. You’ll get top quality tools at a fraction of Snap On money.

Thrift store? Absolutely! Try and pick up the bigger stuff there. Bigger tools are expensive new, but wear less, so represent great value used.

Tool chest? To be honest, I can’t think of anything worse for mobile storage. I’ve tried using smaller tool boxes and everything still rattles around. One option I’m using at the moment is a Keter tool case (as shown below). Waterproof, sized about right, and tools are easily accessible. These are less than $50 where I am and work well.

Another good option are tool rolls. They protect the tools, don’t rattle, and when you open them up the accessibility is great. A good option if you can get decent ones. If you need to weatherproof them, store in a plastic box with a seal!

I would be tempted to store my best / most expensive tools in a small box or roll, and carry them with me, transferring them to the jeep as needed. Leave the inexpensive stuff in the trailer. Jacks and jack stands, spare parts, fluids, rags and all the other stuff you need, but doesn’t have much value! Maybe you can leave stuff like longer breaker bars and pry bars in the trailer too?

How do I incentivise friends to return tools? Easy, I don’t lend them in the first place! This may seem tough, especially if friends have got into the habit of borrowing, but they soon get used to it, and you don’t lose friends. If a good friend is in trouble, I will offer to assist, using my own tools, but I don’t lend tools.

 

[Mr.N]

Back in our short course off road racing days we mounted a mac double bank roller in the front of the trailer. Held most of the tools and smaller spare parts. Also had a 26" mid box for the commonly used tools and spares.
On top of that. Box we had radio chargers, radios and headsets.
We carried multiple 9" gear sets, radiator, spare trans, front I beams, 5gal fuel jugs, jacks, jack stands, mig welder, grinders, either strapped down or stuffed into the built in cabinets. Spare tires and wheels secured up top of the gooseneck.

We didn't keep "disposable" tools, couldn't take a chance on broken tools at most of the tracks we were at.

Thanks for the great reply CrewChief.

What are your thoughts on making a pocket below the vehicle to hold the spare vehicle tire or trailer tires and/or odd tools?

Great add about adding extra radios, chargers and what not. I was not thinking about those things.

Yeah, I wish my Generator could do 220 to bring a mig welder.

I am lucky, the gooseneck has 8,000 lbs. Dextor commercial oil bath axles, trailer GVW is 16K and (will be) running 17.5" rims and tires. So, my concern goes more towards my tow vehicle for adding weight.

 

[theoldwizard1]

This is the tool kit I put together for my travel trailer (no longer have the trailer so I passed them on to my daughters family who does have one).

View media item 74228
2 things to notice. Those are all Craftsman tools, most used, made in the USA. I bought them well before Sears sold Craftsman so they were cheap. Second, they all fit (very tightly) in that small hand box, because having a small box was a priority.

Also, you will see, there are NO 1/2" drive tools !

If you have an open trailer, I don't know how you could secure things to prevent thefts. "Out of sight, out of mind" is the crucial first defense from theft.

Also get a bigger generator, one that can run a 240V MIG welder. If you are rock crawling and something breaks a little 120V welder will not have enough power to weld it back.

 

[Mr.N]

I seem to carry a lot of tools around at the moment. Finding the perfect storage is difficult.

Some random thoughts : -

Firstly, the tools. I’d think twice about getting the really cheap tools.

Tool chest? To be honest, I can’t think of anything worse for mobile storage. I’ve tried using smaller tool boxes and everything still rattles around. One option I’m using at the moment is a Keter tool case (as shown below).

Thanks Dave for the long post and insights!
Yeah, I been able to pickup a lot of used craftsman over the years.
I will look into Keter tool cases. One on Amazon for $40.

 

[Dave455]

Thanks Dave for the long post and insights!
Yeah, I been able to pickup a lot of used craftsman over the years.
I will look into Keter tool cases. One on Amazon for $40.

The older U.S. made Craftsman is decent stuff, not flashy but solid - exactly right for a road box!

I must admit, I find it hard to find the perfect mobile storage.

I’ve been using that Keter box in my main vehicle. It’s pretty good, well thought out and seals up tight. It carries everything I want in that vehicle, but I’d need more for off road.

This is my current “mobile” set up. Contains both tools and some spares / consumables, and packs into two ex army ammo boxes. The boxes are durable, but too deep - to get something out of the bottom you have to take everything else out!

 

[Roschili]

I have to agree with a previous poster about not lending tools. Most people will understand, and you don't want to hang out with the ones who don't anyways.

Pictures of the trailer and jeep may be helpful as people recommend tool and storage options.

 

[toyotadriver]

With the right battery set up, this might be useful.

http://readywelder.com/

 

[MarvinBerry]

I don't have a Jeep anymore but when I did, someone told me to make the travel box my primary box.

As a few have said, when something breaks and you really need to rely on it you don't want cheap tools. Failure should not be an option.

Another point, if your working out of the travel box you'll know exactly what you need to fix your rig. You'll never end up in a situation thinking, **** I'd trade my kingdom for ____ because it'll be in the box not back at home.

Side effect is you may also end up carrying way less then you'd think you'd need.

Last thing I'll say is whatever storage you come up with, make sure it's secure. In the event of an accident or rollover having a few hundred pounds of loose shrapnel flying around is only going to make a bad situation worse.

 

[unslow1]

After a friend of mine got his trailer broken into and the insurance company refused to pay I changed what was in mine. I took out all the tool truck tools and went to a simple 26' mounted on the bench. Then added a Lowes Kobalt cube for $99 like the one in the Hot Deals section currently. It also substantially lightened the trailer.

 

[Mr.N]

This is the tool kit I put together for my travel trailer (no longer have the trailer so I passed them on to my daughters family who does have one).

Also, you will see, there are NO 1/2" drive tools !

Also get a bigger generator, one that can run a 240V MIG welder. If you are rock crawling and something breaks a little 120V welder will not have enough power to weld it back.

Thank OW,

thanks for sharing your tool kit. So why no 1/2", mainly to save space?

Have a suggestion on a Generator? My Onan 5,500 is too hard to swap to 220, if it is even possible.

 

[Mr.N]

I must admit, I find it hard to find the perfect mobile storage.

I’ve been using that Keter box in my main vehicle. It’s pretty good, well thought out and seals up tight. It carries everything I want in that vehicle, but I’d need more for off road.

Hopefully with the collective whole we can share a few solutions and why they work for you and thus help everyone.

 

[Mr.N]

I have to agree with a previous poster about not lending tools. Most people will understand, and you don't want to hang out with the ones who don't anyways.

Pictures of the trailer and jeep may be helpful as people recommend tool and storage options.

I hear you, but feel I will be sharing tools. Looking at painting them White and telling them they have to have the tool within 20' of the trailer.

Yeah, it's a big trailer with living quarters upfront. It's actually a light trailer, as I removed a lot of horse stuff and the LQs are very sparse. I am looking at taking off the sides in back to fit wider axles and larger tires. To be clear I am in the process of getting it ready for this summer, I have not yet used it to haul the jeep and camp in. I figured I have 22" for a bench, tool and part storage.

Here is a pic of the Jeep. This is a close picture, it look pristine from about 20' away.

 

[Mr.N]

With the right battery set up, this might be useful.

http://readywelder.com/

Thanks Toyota Driver,

I have welded with three batteries and a 6010 rod. (I think it was 6010)
Although I might have to look into the new 110V shoebox welders.

 

[Mr.N]

Last thing I'll say is whatever storage you come up with, make sure it's secure. In the event of an accident or rollover having a few hundred pounds of loose shrapnel flying around is only going to make a bad situation worse.

Good call Marvin, totally agree and why I am looking for ideas!

I am going to have some kind of physical lock more to hold stuff in place than to keep the crooks out.

 

[Mr.N]

After a friend of mine got his trailer broken into and the insurance company refused to pay I changed what was in mine. I took out all the tool truck tools and went to a simple 26' mounted on the bench. Then added a Lowes Kobalt cube for $99 like the one in the Hot Deals section currently. It also substantially lightened the trailer.

Thanks for posting unslow,

I will make sure to call the insurance company and get them copies of what is in the trailer. That an a Wyze camera to record the action when I am not there.

Good point, only have in it what I am willing to lose.

 

[crewchief888]

Thanks for the great reply CrewChief.

What are your thoughts on making a pocket below the vehicle to hold the spare vehicle tire or trailer tires and/or odd tools?

Great add about adding extra radios, chargers and what not. I was not thinking about those things.

Yeah, I wish my Generator could do 220 to bring a mig welder.

I am lucky, the gooseneck has 8,000 lbs. Dextor commercial oil bath axles, trailer GVW is 16K and (will be) running 17.5" rims and tires. So, my concern goes more towards my tow vehicle for adding weight.

every trackside repair we had to make was done with a 110V 135A mig.

in later years when i was doing a lot of off roading, we welded everything with a 135/140 110V mig.
frames, spring perches, body mounts, even welded ball joints back in a 3/4T steering knuckle to get a broken rig back on 4 wheels and got it off the trail, and back onto a trailer.
for my s-10 blazer trail rig i carried spare ujoints, spare radiator, misc small parts, hardware, some spare fuel hose, clamps, ect. fuel pump & filter, a generator, spare coil and plug wires, 110V mig, couple angle grinders, some scrap flat plate, and extra fluids.

 

[hefnerconstructionlc]

Just to be clear are you trying to take a few tools on the trail in the jeep. Or just outfitting the trailer. It might help us find you a better setup.

 

[MarvinBerry]

Thanks for posting unslow,

I will make sure to call the insurance company and get them copies of what is in the trailer. That an a Wyze camera to record the action when I am not there.

Good point, only have in it what I am willing to lose.

In my world of music production trailer theft is all too common.

To combat it some companies are outfitting trucks & trailers with GPS tracking systems. If the rig disappears flip on tracking & call the authorities. Chances of recovery go way up. More likely that someone would grab the whole trailer vs breaking in and picking through.

The thing with securing the box is based on personal experience. Had a buddy who flipped in a field and sent a metal rally box through the window. Thankfully didn't hit his skull.

Few years later I wrapped a Mazda around a telephone poll and the impact shattered my plastic box into 3 or 4 pieces. Was picking loose tools out the trunk.

Some production trailers have roller boxes bolted down and ratchet straps around the drawers so they don't pop open and dump the contents.

 

[Mr.N]

every trackside repair we had to make was done with a 110V 135A mig.

in later years when i was doing a lot of off roading, we welded everything with a 135/140 110V mig.
frames, spring perches, body mounts, even welded ball joints back in a 3/4T steering knuckle to get a broken rig back on 4 wheels and got it off the trail, and back onto a trailer.
for my s-10 blazer trail rig i carried spare ujoints, spare radiator, misc small parts, hardware, some spare fuel hose, clamps, ect. fuel pump & filter, a generator, spare coil and plug wires, 110V mig, couple angle grinders, some scrap flat plate, and extra fluids.

I have never brought with a spare radiator... that is awesome!

Thanks for the info, I'll look into 110 Migs or maybe bringing the Miller 211

 

[Mr.N]

Just to be clear are you trying to take a few tools on the trail in the jeep. Or just outfitting the trailer. It might help us find you a better setup.

Good call on clarification. This is for the Trailer.

Jeep I have what I need, I even stop carrying a spare tire and leave that at the trailer, when within 5 miles of the trailer.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Mine are in an aluminum box,. The box is locked to the bed of the p/u . I have one of the 40000 piece tool kits for $99 from Canadian Tire supplemented by flea market and Princess Auto.

 

[Mr.N]

In my world of music production trailer theft is all too common.

To combat it some companies are outfitting trucks & trailers with GPS tracking systems. If the rig disappears flip on tracking & call the authorities. Chances of recovery go way up. More likely that someone would grab the whole trailer vs breaking in and picking through.

The thing with securing the box is based on personal experience. Had a buddy who flipped in a field and sent a metal rally box through the window. Thankfully didn't hit his skull.

Few years later I wrapped a Mazda around a telephone poll and the impact shattered my plastic box into 3 or 4 pieces. Was picking loose tools out the trunk.

Some production trailers have roller boxes bolted down and ratchet straps around the drawers so they don't pop open and dump the contents.

Sorry to here your world, but I have heard that before.

Great idea with the GPS!

Yeah, securing is key! I have seen a few Jeeps/buggies roll that didn't tie the cargo down and it goes everywhere in a roll over, let alone a crash.

Yeah, I plan to bold the tool box down and other storage, or have it removable form a cabinet that is bolted down.

 

[Mr.N]

Mine are in an aluminum box,. The box is locked to the bed of the p/u . I have one of the 40000 piece tool kits for $99 from Canadian Tire supplemented by flea market and Princess Auto.

Great idea and most likely works for 99% of people.

My good friend Pat has a Truck box on the front of his trailer and I am always amazed what he can fit into it!

Have a link to the 40,000 piece tool kits for $99?

 

[Mr.N]

So I watched many YouTube video's on toy haulers, crawler haulers and self built trailer to haul their toys.

None of them talk about tool or part storage, like not a one!