SUV bugout gear organizer! Any info, thoughts?

[VaughnT]

All that talk about the TruckVault system ( www.truckvault.com ) had me wanting one pretty bad. I just can't afford it, especially when I might be getting rid of my current ride in not too long.

When I saw this in the catalog, I thought it might be a serviceable solution to the problem of rear-section clutter, and could be used to store more emergency gear. With the dividers, you could section one area for your fluids and flexibles while leaving the rest of the space for weapons (maybe) and overnighting gear.

Anyone seen the Northern Tool model? A lot of the NT stuff is minimal in quality, but I'll be stopping by the local store on Saturday to see what they have, if anything.



http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/...&productId=200307065&langId=-1&search=349200g

 

[DragonRider]

I like the look, thanks for finding it. I am going to measure it out in the morning.

John

 

[VaughnT]

Keep in mind that they have several different sizes for different classes of SUV. There's even a two-drawer version called the King Size!

Just saw the same thing in the Cabelas 04 Master Guide.

I hope they have one in stock at Northern so I can see the quality.

 

[ClarkEMyers]

Uncle Mike's even has cruiser gear

There are lots of options out there but I guess I have to pay for security. Lots of in the cab cruiser and contractor gear too.

Anybody know of a truckbed mounted locking toolbox that is compatible with a cap?

All the bed mounted boxes I find sit high and the box top hits the cap and won't open.

 

[Highpower1]

This is what I have in my Expedition.

http://www.suvcargocaddy.com/

I have the large model (fits the Expedition nicely).

 

[VaughnT]

HP1, that's the exact same thing the catalogs are showing and they are selling it for $60 less!!

How stable is the unit w/ the drawer extended? Do the drawers extend fully? Is the carcass fastened to the truck bed in any fashion, other than gravity?

With this cheaper price, I'm seriously considering it. With my toolbox on top, I could store my shooting supplies out of sight, but secure and neatly organized, and maybe carry a truck carbine for those TEOTWAWKI situations that seem to pop up every now and then.

Thanks for that wonderful link. I'm going to share it around the other boards.

 

[Moparmike]

I am pretty sure I could build something like that out of wood for about $100 and have it support 200lbs with the drawers out. An extra $50 for finished wood and pretty exterior. I dont know much about metal working or metal prices though, someone who does might be able to give a detailed description and price.


But then I hang around with engineers, and tend to MacGuyver-ize stuff. Just dont tell any Mercedes enthusiasts that my exhaust is held up by zip-tie exhaust hangers...

 

[VaughnT]

Mike, if you've got the time and the tools, build it and let us know how it comes out. Maybe even post a detailed plan and cut list!

I'm thinking that building one might be better because you could design it specifically for what you want to hold. Maybe even put a top-opening cubby hole towards the rear seat so you could access some things from that direction. Neat stuff.

 

[Moparmike]

Well, I would, but there are a few snags:

A. I dont have an SUV.
B. I dont have $150.
C. Every SUV and van is different, and the boxes would have to be adapted to the mounting requirements of the vehicle.
D. Building it is one thing.
E. Making it pretty is another.



And to do it right, I would need a dovetail-maker, biscuit maker, and buscuit joiner (something like that), and not nails and screws.

Nonetheless, it could be done. Its all about how much time and effort you want to put into it.