Truck toolbox...

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TMM

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Alright, folks, first, i DID do a search, but not much came up. lots of threads about BOB's, but not what I'm looking for.
I've recently gotten my first truck, and I'm putting together a toolbox to put in the rear of the cab [it's an extended cab pickup]. what sort of tools and other items should be in there? so far I've got:
SAE open and box end wrenches
SAE and Metric socket wrench set, 3/8" and 1/4" drive
screwdrivers
utility knife
red rags
pen, pencil
extra 10W-30
Case sheath knife
miscellaneous pieces of rope and bungee cords
wool blanket [which i got for $2!]
claw hammer
SAK
umbrellas
car jack
jumper cables
tire chock
disposable camera

i will eventually add:

notepad
lighters and matches
billy club["tire knocker"]
money and change
pliers
wire/boltcutters
ibuprofen or...? something better? any ideas? ibuprofen has never done much for me...
bandages
tape[suggest anything in particular?]

anything else you guys can think of? i'm not looking for a real BOB kit here, since i'm not bugging out. just something to get my way through any rough spots during driving. oh, and no guns or ammunition, i'm only 17.

stay safe
~tmm
 
Okay, I'm not sure what exactly you need since I haven't HAD a truck in years although someday I want something called a Sportsmobile in 4x4.

http://www.sportsmobile.com/ultimate.html

However I DO have a pretty comprehensive long term survival list and from it you can pick and choose. Weapons are of course optional dependent on law (as in your case) or the skill of the individual. Check THIS out:

Being Prepared to Survive on Your Own

With the threat of catastrophic terror attacks on US soil, and with the help of other Threat Matrix FReepers, the below is a list of actions to take and supplies to have on hand to help us survive the next hit.

Pre Event Actions:

1. Learn about the natural disasters that could occur in your community from your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter. Learn whether hazardous materials are produced, stored or transported near your area. Learn about possible consequences of deliberate acts of terror. Ask how to prepare for each potential emergency and how to respond.

2. Talk with employers and school officials about their emergency response plans.

3. Talk with your household about potential emergencies and how to respond to each. Talk about what you would need to do in an evacuation. If someone in the family has a critical job, expect them to be gone.

4. Plan how your household would stay in contact if you were separated. Identify two meeting places: the first should be near your home—in case of fire, perhaps a tree or a telephone pole; the second should be away from your neighborhood in case you cannot return home.

5. Pick a friend or relative who lives out of the area for household members to call to say they are okay.

6. Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark two escape routes from each room.

7. Post emergency telephone numbers by telephones. Teach children how and when to call 911.

8. Make sure everyone in your household knows how and when to shut off water, gas, and electricity at the main switches. Consult with your local utilities if you have questions.

9. Take a first aid and CPR class. Local American Red Cross chapters can provide information. Official certification by the American Red Cross provides “good Samaritan” law protection for those giving first aid.

10. Reduce the economic impact of disaster on your property and your household’s health and financial well-being:

Review property insurance policies before disaster strikes – make sure policies are current and be certain they meet your needs (type of coverage, amount of coverage, and hazards covered – flood, earthquake, etc.)

Protect your household’s financial well-being before a disaster strikes— review life insurance policies and consider saving money in an “emergency” savings account that could be used in any crisis. It is advisable to keep a small amount of cash or traveler’s checks at home in a safe place where you can quickly gain access to it in case of an evacuation.

Be certain that health insurance policies are current and meet the needs of your household.

11. Consider ways to help neighbors who may need special assistance, such as the elderly or the disabled.

12. Make arrangements for pets. Pets are not allowed in public shelters. Service animals for those who depend on them are allowed.

13. Ensure all immunizations are up-to-date. If we are hit with true mass causality event, the bodies may lie around for days or weeks. Rotting corpses will cause disease outbreaks.

14. If you have a disability or special need, you may have to take additional steps to protect yourself and your household in an emergency. If you know of friends or neighbors with special needs, help them with these extra precautions. Hearing impaired may need to make special arrangements to receive warning. Mobility impaired may need assistance in getting to a shelter. Households with a single working parent may need help from others both in planning for disasters and during an emergency. People without vehicles may need to make arrangements for transportation. People with special dietary needs should have an adequate emergency food supply. Find out about special assistance that may be available in your community. Register with the office of emergency services or fire department for assistance, so needed help can be provided quickly in an emergency.

15. Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends and co-workers to aid you in an emergency. Discuss your needs and make sure they know how to operate necessary equipment.

16. If you are mobility impaired and live or work in a high-rise building, have an escape chair. If you live in an apartment building, ask the management to mark accessible exits clearly and to make arrangements to help you evacuate the building. Keep extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, catheters, medication, food for guide or hearing-ear dogs, or other items you might need. Also, keep a list of the type and serial numbers of medical devices you need.

17. Those who are not disabled should learn who in their neighborhood or building is disabled so that they may assist them during emergencies. If you are a care-giver for a person with special needs, make sure you have a plan to communicate if an emergency occurs.

Preparedness Overview:

You may need to survive on your own for three days or more. This means having your own water, food and emergency supplies. Try using backpacks or duffel bags to keep the supplies together. Assembling the supplies you might need following a disaster is an important part of your disaster plan. You should prepare emergency supplies for the following situations:

A disaster supply kit with essential food, water, and supplies for at least three days—this kit should be kept in a designated place and be ready to “grab and go” in case you have to leave your home quickly because of a disaster, such as a flash flood or major chemical emergency. Make sure all household members know where the kit is kept.

Consider having additional supplies for sheltering or home confinement for up to four weeks.

You should also have a disaster supply kit at work. This should be in one container, ready to "grab and go" in case you have to evacuate the building. Remember to have a comfortable pair of shoes in case you need to walk long distances.

A car kit of emergency supplies, including food and water, to keep stored in your car at all times. This kit would also include flares, jumper cables, and seasonal supplies.

Stockpiling Water Safely

Stocking water reserves should be a top priority. Drinking water in emergency situations should not be rationed. Therefore, it is critical to store adequate amounts of water for your household. Individual needs vary, depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet, and climate. A normally active person needs at least two quarts of water daily just for drinking. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people need more. Very hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed. Because you will also need water for sanitary purposes and, possibly, for cooking, you should store at least one gallon of water per person per day.

Store water in thoroughly washed plastic, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal containers. Don't use containers that can break, such as glass bottles. Never use a container that has held toxic substances. Sound plastic containers, such as soft drink bottles, are best. You can also purchase food grade plastic buckets or drums. Containers for water should be rinsed with a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to ten parts water) before use. Previously used bottles or other containers may be contaminated with microbes or chemicals. Do not rely on untested devices for decontaminating water.

If your water is treated commercially by a water utility, you do not need to treat water before storing it. Additional treatments of treated public water will not increase storage life. If you have a well or public water that has not been treated, follow the treatment instructions provided by your public health service or water provider. If you suspect that your well may be contaminated, contact your local or state health department or agriculture extension agent for specific advice.

Seal your water containers tightly, label them and store them in a cool, dark place. It is important to change stored water every six months.

Food:

If activity is reduced, healthy people can survive on half their usual food intake for an extended period or without any food for many days. Food, unlike water, may be rationed safely, except for children and pregnant women.

You don’t need to go out and buy unfamiliar foods to prepare an emergency food supply. You can use the canned foods, dry mixes and other staples on your cupboard shelves. Canned foods do not require cooking, water or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener.

Keep canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is fairly cool. To protect boxed foods from pests and to extend their shelf life, store the food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.

Replace items in your food supply every six months. Throw out any canned good that becomes swollen, dented, or corroded. Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with fresh supplies. Date each food item with a marker. Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in front.

Food items that you might consider including in your disaster supply kit include: ready-to-eat meats, fruits, and vegetables; canned or boxed juices, milk, and soup; high-energy foods like peanut butter, jelly, low-sodium crackers, granola bars, and trail mix; vitamins; foods for infants or persons on special diets; cookies, hard candy; instant coffee, cereals, and powdered milk.

Buy a box of MRE entrée’s – 72 packages of main course MRE meals and keep them at home. They will fee a familty of four for about a week. It’s no frills eating.

You may need to survive on your own after a disaster. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it may take days. Basic services, such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones, may be cut off for days, even a week or longer. Or you may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you.

You probably won’t have the opportunity to shop or search for the supplies you’ll need. Your household will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes.

First aid:
Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
Assorted sizes of safety pins
Isopropyl alcohol
Hydrogen peroxide
Antibiotic ointment
Latex gloves (2 pairs)
Petroleum jelly
2-inch and 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6 each size)
Triangular bandages(3)
2-inch and 3-inch sterile rolled bandages (3 rolls each)
Cotton balls
Scissors
Tweezers
Needle
Moistened towelettes
Antiseptic
Thermometer
Tongue depressor blades (2)
Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Sunscreen
Aspirin
Anti-diarrhea medication
Antacid
Tagamet
Decongestant
Cough Suppressant
Space Blanket
Mole Skin & Foam
Epi-pin
Snake Bite Kit

Tools:
A portable, battery-powered radio and extra batteries
Flashlight(3), extra bulbs(6) & batteries(12)
Oil Lamps (Hurricane)
Signal flare(6)
Candles
Matches
Lighters
Waterproof Matches
Magnesium Fire Starter
Paraffin
Leather-man Tool(2)
All Purpose Knife(2)
Duct tape
Scissors
Plastic sheeting
Whistle
Small canister, A-B-C-type fire extinguisher(2)
Compass(2)
Work gloves (2)
Paper, pens, and pencils
Needles and thread (2)
Wrist Watch
Honing Stone & Oil
Hatchet
Shovel

Kitchen items:
Manual can opener
Mess kit
Fork & Spoon
Knife
Frying Pan
Pots
Plastic Forks, Spoons, Knives
Heavy Duty Paper Plates
PUR Drinking Water System
Extra filters for PUR Water Filter
Water Bottles
Propane Stove
Propane Grill
Extra Case(s) Propane
Heavy Duty Tin Foil
Trioxane Stove
Trioxane Fuel
Sterno Fuel
ZipLoc bags (Lg & Sm)
Cooler

Food:
Vitamins
Summer Sausage
Beef Jerky
Slim Jim
Peanut Butter
Hard Candy
Freeze Dried Dinners
Canned Veggies
Canned Meats
Canned Soups & Stews
Bulk Flour
Bulk Grains (Wheat, etc.)
Coffee
Tea
Sugar
Salt & Pepper

Water:
(1 gal. per person per day)

Sanitation and hygiene items:
Washcloth and towel
Towelettes
Soap
Hand sanitizer
Liquid detergent
Tooth paste and toothbrushes
Shampoo
Deodorant
Feminine Supplies
Razor
Shaving cream
Lip balm
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Heavy-duty plastic garbage bags (to go potty in)
Toilet paper
Medium-sized plastic bucket with tight lid
Disinfectant
Chlorine bleach
Shovel (for a latrine)

Documents:
Personal identification
Cash
Emergency phone numbers
Maps of the area

Misc:
Extra pair of prescription glasses
Candles
Extra set of car & house keys
Reading material, books, etc.
Games for the kids

Clothing (no cotton):
Heavy, Waterproof Boots
Wool Socks
Rain gear
Hat w/ visor
Gloves
Sunglasses
Capelin Pants (4)
Wind pants
Polypro Shirt (2)(short sleeve)
Polortek Shirt (2)(Long sleeve)
Polartek Pants (2)
Polypro Boxers(5)
Gortex/Thinsulate Parka
Gortex/Thinsulate Bibs

Shelter:
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Tent
Small Tarps
Large Tarp
Folding Chair
Nylon Cord
 
Bailing wire, water, and coolent. More than once I have seen extra hoses & belts come in handy as well.
 
Congrats on the truck. Hope it's big enough to accommodate all the good suggestions. Most folks I know get by with just a cell phone, road map, and credit card. :)
 
A blanket or light sleeping bag will come in handy, and even though I hardly ever use it, I have a CB radio for emergencies where I can't get a cellphone signal. You'd be surprised how many people you might find standing by on a silent CB channel...
 
Perhaps...

Sorry for any duplication from other responses... Bully for thinking ahead for the possibilities of lifes twists and turns.

-flashlight
-small shovel of some sort (folding?)
-small saw (folding?)
-lugwrench that actually fits your lugnuts, perhaps a spare nut or two too
-8'x8' or so tarp makes a great quickie lean to or cover a broken window (very cheap at harbor salvage)
-duct tape
-550 para cord
-a bit of safety wire & zip ties
-drinking water
-a few pair of surgical gloves
-personal hygeine kit as appropriate (tooth brush & paste, soap, etc...)
-some sort of sleeping bag is great to toss over ones self to snore if you are tired on a trip or stuck somewhere.
-small or medium channel lock, crescent wrench and vise grip pliers
-container of barrs leaks for radiator and coolant (1 or 2 quarts)
-some nails to go with your hammer
-roll of toilet paper
-change of clothes (jeans, undies, socks, t shirt)
-fleece pullover and maybe a waterproof shell
-small kit of munchies (can of tuna and crackers, gorp, jerky...)

I have found that a vehicle kit of the sort you have put together is a work in progress... From just having a few items that make things more enjoyable to getting through a scrape of some sort I have benefitted from having some sort of small travelling "comfort kit" for most of my life. Whether it is a dedicated small backpack as now or as in the past, a few things jammed in the nooks and crannies of my vehicles.

We have been making exactly what you are talking about for our 17 year old for an xmas gift for this year. It will be in a backpack we found a local sporting goods store when they had a yearly sale (we bought 3!) and includes the following:

fire kit - 4 methods of fire (strike anywhere matches in waterproof container with strip of sandpaper for striking, fire steel and magnesium stick, bic lighter, magnifying lens & shoelace for fire bow) tinder (dryer lint mixed with scrap old gunpowder granules mixed in), a couple small squares of waxed paper, steel wool (lights brilliantly), sandpaper for matches, candles in a 2"x3"x4" plastic container (nestles quick powder container, seals good, was on hand here and free)

RX kit- various bandages, anti bacterial ointment, ibuprophen, immodium, 4x4 gauze and steri tape (duct tape works too), any personally required meds in a sara lee lunchmeat plastic container (sturdy, good sealing, free, reusable)

tarp 8x8

550 para cord, 50-100'

mini mag light with led conversion and spare set of batteries

leathermanesque tool

razor knife with several spare blades

small fishing kit- hooks, line, split shot sinkers, fake fishing worms & a medium size treble hook for snagging fish all in a altoids can

lexan water bottle with water purification drops

TP

personal hygeine kit as appropriate

couple mt zip loc bags

paper and pen in zip lock bag

duct tape wrapped around the fire kit

spare glasses if you wear glasses

cash in small bills & a few quarters

comfort munchies

food and ultralight stove (MSR pocket rocket is tiny, light and pretty cheap, I used mine to weld/solder new battery cables for my F250 truck!) and metal pot/cup with lid, wendys plastic utensils (free and tough)

pocket knife

change of clothes, fleece, rain jacket and pants

sleeping bag - lighter duty fiberfill

sleeping mat

small to medium sized backpack/rucksack with waist belt

and more I forgot right now...

The idea isn't so much of a BOB but a comfort kit if he has a breakdown and also pretty much the whole thing can go recreational camping while taking up little space (<10" thick x 16" l x 12"w, not including the sleep mat) and weight (about 10# to 15 # depending on food and if drinking water is included in pack) in any vehicle he gets, just add some more food and a fishing pole or firearm (when he gets a couple years older) or other outdoor related gear to suit your needs. Total cost here is less than $150 and only that high as we bought a higher quality pack @ $50.00

I didn't mention a tool kit as I believe that that goes with any car anyway and is vehicle specific.

It is easy to put together a smart, very inexpensive, lightweight "comfort kit", lots of the items are already in your house. As winter approaching it can well save your life.

Ideas from others always help, I have discovered literally hundreds of cool ideas or nifty items from folks as I go through life. As winter approaching it can well save your life. Have fun with it!

Be safe
Patty
 
As a long time truck user, I'd say you need jumper cables & tow rope as well as a 1/2 drive socket set. I also carry a "handy-man" jack and a shovel. This is what I've needed & used mostly in 30+ years.
 
Back in the bad old days, if you owned a Chrysler corporation vehicle, you always carried a spare ballast resistor in the glove box, because they would occasionally fail without warning.
 
You can (and should) pretty much cram enough crap into a truck to survive indefinitely in the post-apocalyptic world, especially if you add a big truck bed toolbox.

You have a pretty good list, but I'd add:

an axe
a machete
a couple of good fixed-blade knives
a maglite or 3 with extra batteries
a complete change of clothes; maybe a few extra pairs of socks
DUCT TAPE!!!
lantern
lantern fuel (very handy with aforementioned lantern)
shotgun
ammo for defensive guns stored in surplus ammo cans
gas mask (you never know)
some kind of amusing bobble head on the dashboard
fishing tackle
a good first aid kit
extra oil, antifreeze, break fluid, etc.
tow rope
heavy duty block and tackle (saved my a** a few times when I get stuck in the mud and there's nobody around to pull me out)
logging chain
a spotlight that plugs into the lighter
the Zombie Survival Guide
road flares
shovel
hatchet
maybe a flare gun...why not?
anything else you can think of which you can imagine potentially having a use for in any hypothetical situation.
 
flares! both road flares and a flare gun ... its amazing how useful a flare gun can be... also, a small amount of black powder, it can be used to cauterize a wound in a pinch...(hurts like a sob, but it works well)
 
thanks for the help guys! i definately appreciate it. i must bookmark this and print out the replies...
good point on the tow rope, but i just realized i'd need a ballhitch too! i've got a few, but the threaded portion is not long enough to go all the way through the bumper.

i could easily fill my entire truck with BOB crap and all, but my challenge is to conserve space! i like having some room to throw miscellaneous crap...

thanks
~tmm
 
my theory is unless you are going out in the boonies, all that crap will just be in the way.

i keep a small toolkit, jumper cables, etc. small air compressor, and a can of fix-a-flat.

also a duffle bag with a wool blanket and clean underwear and socks, in the winter a warm jacket.

maps

small first aid kit

boots

leather gloves
 
you have a very valid point, ilbob. that's the exact mentality i'm trying to have. i'm trying to keep it to say a toolbox and a bag and that's it, unless i'm going somewhere special...
 
TMM, Your truck isn't big enough. Skip most of the other stuff and get a 100 gal fuel tank in the bed. You can then get home where you have all this other stuff mentioned. The biggest part of being prepared is make sure you have good tires, truck in good operating condition. If you have coroded battery terminals, change them now. If you have cracked or worn fan belt, change it now. Your truck is the most important tool you have, if it quits how are you going to carry all that other stuff?

This is what I carry and have used, food, case of water, (stored in the bed by my 100 gal fuel tank) sleeping bag, flashlight, big knife, extra shoes & socks, foldable shovel, tow strap and jumper cables and a empty coffee can with a few candles in it, cell phone and a empty back pack incase I have to abandon my truck.

I should mention my Glock 35 and 2 20 rd mags.
 
I have a few

Zip ties (wire ties) in assorted sizes. These and duct tape can fix 99% of problems 99% or the time untill you can make it to civilization.

A first aid kit. A basic kit is good, a better kit is better, but don't go over board unless you are an emt, but include rubber gloves and a mouth to mouth shield. Something called "vet wrap" is also good. it's a bandage, it's a tourniquet, it will fix a hole in your radiator... and it's cheap.

A pack of quick clot. A buddy that i have says that a fellow snowmobiler saved his life with a packet of this stuff. He may be right, he may be wrong, but it can't hurt. I keep one in my Jeep and the hydration pack that I wear mountain biking.

A prybar is always good to have on hand.

something to make fire goes with me every where.

just a few ideas....
 
No Gunz?

Oh, darn.

Well, what can you carry in the truck that will fire a projectile, should the need arise?

Small crossbow? Small recurved bow? Blowgun? Slingshot? Wrist rocket? Airgun of some kind?

But remember, if you're going to carry it, practice with it.

Goes for your other gear as well. Kind of embarrassing to break out your fire-making gear and discover you can't make it work. Not that I would know . . .

Know how to use everything you pack. Know how to tie knots. Ever had to tie a tow rope? Know which knot to use? Know where to tie one so it doesn't do damage?

Equipment, on its own, won't save you. You gotta know how to make it do its thing.

Ever used a tow rope to tie off a vehicle so it can drive around an obstacle without going over the edge? That's a cool trick.

Can you navigate with a map and compass?

Start a fire with a battery and steel wool? Magnifying glass?

Know how to cook outdoors? Safely?

Know how to make moccasins out of canvas and cord?

Know how to set snares? Fish with just the basics? Stalk birds and critters?

You can carry a bunch of hardware.

It will only be worth something if your software is up to date.

Make yer gear useful.

Get skillz.
 
tow rope

If you got a truck you need a tow rope.
You also need to write on all the Saturdays of your calendar
"helping _______ move"):rolleyes:
 
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