What do you keep in your truck?

[10-Ring]

I've been without a truck for the past couple of years but I'm finally back in the game.  I was wanting to put together some supplies to keep in the truck for different types of emergencies.  Going into remote mountain locations on a daily basis makes me a likely candidate to getting stranded or having to take a very long way around due to adverse conditions.  (Trees coming down across the road is almost common and it is usually several hours before they are cleared, I've also seen water come over the road and even mudslides cover the road to the extent that it was not safe or even possible to pass.)  I don't want to mount a toolbox in the bed of the truck because I don't want to give up the bed space.  I'm thinking instead a large Rubbermaid tote that I can put everything in and stick in the back of the cab (quadcab truck) and can easily remove when using the truck for family duties when I need the space.  Also it's very common in a lot of the areas where I travel to not have cell service, I really can't imagine many instances where I would use this to save my life or anything, more or less it is intended to enable me to either get home without waiting for the assistance of others or hunker down comfortably until I can get home.  So far I've come up with the following...

 

- Large, quality bow saw.  I could clear a medium sized blown down tree.  Won't have to store a chainsaw in the cab of the truck, doesn't take up a ton of space.

- Work gloves

- Tow strap.

- Two ratchet straps.

- bungee cords

- 100 feet 550 cord.

- Tarp

- ENO hammock

- Sleeping bag

- Charcoal.  I always carry charcoal with me. I get the kind with lighter fluid in it already.  Great for starting fires, warming up, making a quick cooking fire, I've even successfully used this method several times to dry out firewood and have a decent fire with wet wood.

- Bic lighter

- Snacks, granola bars, maybe some vienna sausages or potted meat, couple of MREs.

- Gallon of water.

- jacket

- flashlight

 

Again this isn't a bugout kit or doomsday pack or anything like that.  Just some things that can either enable me to get home without waiting for hours for some government agency to show up to clear the road or allow me to build a camp, make some food and be comfortable, even in inclimate weather.  In addition to what's in the tote I always have a pistol on me and a good knife.  The chance that I will need these things is pretty high, though the chance that I am in any actual danger is low, it's about comfort and convenience more than anything.  What other items can you guys think of that might make it easier for me to get out of the woods or stay put in them?  I don't want to get too elaborate but I'm thinking that a little planning now could make an unexpected night in the sticks enjoyable instead of miserable.

 

 

 

[2.ooohhh]

Couple things I keep that don't see on your list are a pair of hiking boots, decent hiking socks, and a cheap HAM radio (if your so inclined). I also have a hefty first aid/trauma kit, but I keep one of those in EVERY vehicle not just the truck.

[Spiffy]

According to Nancy Grace, I keep a rape kit in my truck. Duct tape, zip ties and a box knife.

[npgunner]

+1 on the duct tape and zip ties.

 

Might be nice to have a few medicinal options with you.  
I take an old Rx bottle, remove the label, and put in 5-8 of each of the following:

advil, tylenol, aleve, benadryl, and immodium ad.

i make sure to mark on the bottle what color each pill is and the strength so i know what i have (for me, each of those pills is a different color)

if i took anything prescription i'd put a few of those in ... 

i do this for EDC and carry in my back pack, but it might be nice to have an extra set-up in a situation like you mention (for those backaches you get clearing the log in the middle of the road)

[10-Ring]

Couple things I keep that don't see on your list are a pair of hiking boots, decent hiking socks, and a cheap HAM radio (if your so inclined). I also have a hefty first aid/trauma kit, but I keep one of those in EVERY vehicle not just the truck.

Been thinking about doing the HAM thing for a while.  Initially the plan was for my wife and I to both get licensed so we could communicate.  Once she found out that getting a HAM license is harder than getting a carry permit (funny ain't it) she wasn't really interested anymore.  I would still like to do it. Good boots are already on my feet, an extra pair of socks and some dry boots won't kill me though.

Edited January 6, 2014 by 10-Ring

[vontar]

Gas and some tools.

[hipower]

I see a lot of real good items there, and don't know that this is a "must" but, I'd think a change of socks and underwear or 2, a lightweight thermal blanket, fire tarter or waterproof matches(preferably both), a good flashlight and spare batteries(doesn't have to be a monster output light, just a good waterproof light),a knife or hatchet don't go cheapy here, and maybe a truck gun and a box of ammo.

Yeah, I just added weight and bulk, but this I would think can more than reasonably fit in a shoebox size space.

[Spots]

Id add in jumper cables or even better, a boost box. A decent tool kit with wrenches, ratchet and sockets etc. I keep a head lamp and a good flashlight in the truck. I also keep spare socks, boots and rain gear. Tapatalk ate my spelling.

[nightrunner]

Not saying you need all of this just some suggestions.

An extra pistol with spare mags and ammo
Spare prepaid phone
Good fixed blade knife
Flashlight
Poncho
Handwarmers
Lighter/waterproof matches
First aid kit, pack everything you can make use of according to skill level but not stuff you dont know how to use
Some paracord
20oz bottles of water
Duct tape
Superglue
Zip ties
Bandana has many uses
Some spare cash
Emergency cell phone charger. Self contained unit, energizer makes one, possibly others
Waterproof notepad
Pencil
Laminated street and topographical maps of your area
A complete change of durable clothes
Towel
Blankets
Fox whistle
Working gloves
Folding shovel
Leatherman
Jerky or protein bars
Jumper cables
Ac/dc power inverter
Small air compressor
Automotive battery jump starter
Fire extinguisher
Lug wrench
Jack
Fix a flat or tire plug kit
Tow straps or chains
Come a long winch or vehicle mounted winch
Flares
Automotive fuses
Tool kit- common handheld tools and wrenches, sockets, ratchets
Electrical tape
Gasoline
2 quarts oil
Gallon of water
Crowbar
If its cold weather, keep some insulated coveralls in there.

Some of this was mentioned before i got it posted but repetition never hurt. Edited January 6, 2014 by nightrunner

[10-Ring]

Id add in jumper cables or even better, a boost box. A decent tool kit with wrenches, ratchet and sockets etc. I keep a head lamp and a good flashlight in the truck. I also keep spare socks, boots and rain gear. Tapatalk ate my spelling.

Good idea on the boost box, I carry jumper cables but I've been stranded before because there was not another vehicle around.  I plan to pick one up when funds allow.  I too keep a good flashlight in the truck and I do carry rain gear in my backpack.

[Dustbuster]

I keep one thing in my trunk besides what I have in my work bag someone stole this idea from me but never the less it's a lifesaver. Watch rescue 1 and 2:

http://youtu.be/l8oPVVGYQ40



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2 of course it ate my spelling.

[Dane]

How do you all transport bodies with all that junk in the trunk? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Troutburger]

Cap to keep your head warm.

[Guest RebelCowboySnB]

I keep life jackets in mine. Not for going swimming but I may. They have hundreds of uses. KED, place to sit, splint a fracture, tourniquets, pressure dressing, carry bags, back pack, padding, way to drag someone, traction splint, stuff under a tire when stuck, hang on chains or cables when pulling so if they break they wont go flying, an on an on....

[tnguy]

Been thinking about doing the HAM thing for a while.  Initially the plan was for my wife and I to both get licensed so we could communicate.  Once she found out that getting a HAM license is harder than getting a carry permit (funny ain't it) she wasn't really interested anymore.  I would still like to do it. Good boots are already on my feet, an extra pair of socks and some dry boots won't kill me though.

 

It's not really that hard. There's a great study guide out there that runs through all the possible questions. I went through it twice with my wife and she passed first go. (I did too but I have a background in about 2/3 of the relevant stuff)

Edited January 7, 2014 by tnguy

[2.ooohhh]

Been thinking about doing the HAM thing for a while.  Initially the plan was for my wife and I to both get licensed so we could communicate.  Once she found out that getting a HAM license is harder than getting a carry permit (funny ain't it) she wasn't really interested anymore.  I would still like to do it. Good boots are already on my feet, an extra pair of socks and some dry boots won't kill me though.

My nearly worn out boots say in the truck since one day when I was "just going to the lake so sandals should be fine". . .  and well you can probably guess the rest. As for the HAM thing my wife thought I was nuts until straight line winds hit bad up by her folks' place and she tried for four hours to call and see if they were ok to no avail, but inside 30 mins on the radio I had a local HAM down the road kind enough to go check on them for us on his four wheeler. turns out they weren't home when the winds hit but the HAM assessed the property pretty quick and gave me a head's up. I could have walked on water and the FIL would have been less amazed then when I showed up that same night in the truck with two extra guys, 5 chainsaws, two 5 gallon cans of gas, a half dozen coleman lanterns, and cooler full of ice and provisions to cook for them and the volunteers. By the time he woke up in the morning the driveway that the night before had 7 trees down across it was clear.  :cool:

 

[tnguy]

Space blanket, heavy waterproof coat/poncho, tire inflater, jumper cables, water, hiking boots, flashlight, cash, lighter. Think I might throw my sleeping bag in while the weather's like this. Also plan to add a decent knife to the bag and a bunch of other stuff and find a place to secure a cheap pistol in the car (glove box doesn't cut it as I found out)..

[JWC]

In my tool box I have:
Chainsaw
Brush axe (some people call it a kaiser blade some call it a slingblade, some call it a brush axe)
Chain
Ratchet Straps
Tool box
Jumper Cables
Wool Blanket
Box cutter
Duct tape, Electrical tape
Tie wire
Bolt cutters (some dumbass locked the 2nd lock onto the chain instead of the other lock at my hunting property one time)
Extra treestand harness
Oil
Rubber boots
Come A Long
Targets and a stapler
Rope
Couple of square yard sticks. (Not sure how they ended up in there but we use em for kindling and for staking pepper plants and marking rows in the garden. I figure they don't hurt much in there)

And random other crap i've thrown in there over time. Usually take the saw out in the summer because I don't really go places where I'll need it.

[Dustbuster]

A must have trunk item:
Better to eat it than wear it!!!
A ruler, finishing nail, and tuna can lid make. Perfect:



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2 of course it ate my spelling.

[10-Ring]

It's not really that hard. There's a great study guide out there that runs through all the possible questions. I went through it twice with my wife and she passed first go. (I did too but I have a background in about 2/3 of the relevant stuff)

Any chance that you could direct me to this guide?

[tnguy]

It is this one. Everything bolded is the answer to a question

 

http://www.kb6nu.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/2010_Tech_Study_Guide.pdf

[Wyldk2]

Not saying you need all of this just some suggestions.

An extra pistol with spare mags and ammo
Spare prepaid phone
Good fixed blade knife
Flashlight
Poncho
Handwarmers
Lighter/waterproof matches
First aid kit, pack everything you can make use of according to skill level but not stuff you dont know how to use
Some paracord
20oz bottles of water
Duct tape
Superglue
Zip ties
Bandana has many uses
Some spare cash
Emergency cell phone charger. Self contained unit, energizer makes one, possibly others
Waterproof notepad
Pencil
Laminated street and topographical maps of your area
A complete change of durable clothes
Towel
Blankets
Fox whistle
Working gloves
Folding shovel
Leatherman
Jerky or protein bars
Jumper cables
Ac/dc power inverter
Small air compressor
Automotive battery jump starter
Fire extinguisher
Lug wrench
Jack
Fix a flat or tire plug kit
Tow straps or chains
Come a long winch or vehicle mounted winch
Flares
Automotive fuses
Tool kit- common handheld tools and wrenches, sockets, ratchets
Electrical tape
Gasoline
2 quarts oil
Gallon of water
Crowbar
If its cold weather, keep some insulated coveralls in there.

Some of this was mentioned before i got it posted but repetition never hurt.

 

 

In my tool box I have:
Chainsaw
Brush axe (some people call it a kaiser blade some call it a slingblade, some call it a brush axe)
Chain
Ratchet Straps
Tool box
Jumper Cables
Wool Blanket
Box cutter
Duct tape, Electrical tape
Tie wire
Bolt cutters (some dumbass locked the 2nd lock onto the chain instead of the other lock at my hunting property one time)
Extra treestand harness
Oil
Rubber boots
Come A Long
Targets and a stapler
Rope
Couple of square yard sticks. (Not sure how they ended up in there but we use em for kindling and for staking pepper plants and marking rows in the garden. I figure they don't hurt much in there)

And random other crap i've thrown in there over time. Usually take the saw out in the summer because I don't really go places where I'll need it.

That's a lot of stuff to carry. I used to carry a lot of the same stuff when I was living way out in the county. Since moving, i do carry some stuff, just reduced the unnecessary items i probably won't need on aregular basis.

 

However in my "kit" I have

 

Machete

bow saw

Bottled water

Energy bars

Rechargable flashlight ( handcrank/solar charged)

Thermal blanket

First aid kit

Firestarter

Matches/lighter

 

( all this in a camelbak if i have to hoof it)

 

In my vehicle i carry jumpercables

Extra fluids ( oil/AT fluid/Anti-freeze)

Funnel

Paper towels

Zip ties/duct tape

Socket sets in metric and SAE

30,000 lb tow strap

Bungee cords, ratchet straps

Heatpacks

 

As for a weapon, i usually carry extra mags in my backpack and keep a pistol locked in a lockbox. Just in case.

 

I may never need all this stuff but you never know.

 

When I go on extended trips i usually carry more stuff. Usually overplan for the worst and yet it never happens....

[runco]

These are my staples:

25' logging chain

Various tow straps

Tie downs, small and 18 wheeler worthy

Slim Jim unlocking cars for others

Gloves, lots of gloves

Cheap set of tools

Jumper cables

First Aide Kit

Tarp

Fire Extinguisher

Booster Seats (kids)

GPS

Frost scraper

De-Icer fluid

Flashlight

Self Defense items

[whitewolf001]

My BOB, which contains all that I would need to survive if stranded including a survival blanket which I recommend everyone having. Anything from my BOB can be ditched if I need to bail out. All the water in the world won't do you any good if you die from freezing to death. Remember the survival three's, humans can survive; three hours without shelter, three days without water, and three weeks without food. Mind you this is just a generalization and there are people who have done it longer, keep in mind that the will to survive is a HUGE factor in those incredible scenarios.

 

BOB

100oz of water

3 days worth of food

survival blanket

change of clothes

three different methods of starting a fire(magnesium striker, lighter, matches)

bag of dryer lint coated in Vaseline for said igniters

Katadyn water filter

compact fishing system

first aid kit

small energizer led lights for signal system

hatchet

machete

mess kit

Peroxide

Glycerin

Blackhawk! water bladder

Leather work gloves rated to -10 degrees

Swiss Army poncho

Chem Lights

 

Loosely in my truck

Case of water

2 quarts of 5w20 oil(which can be used to lube your weapon if need be)

tools

emergency roadside kit

fire extinguisher 

brake cleaner 

custom made knife

Maglite D cell LED light

 

Didn't mean to make this a BOB post or anything. :P

Edited January 7, 2014 by whitewolf001

[Handsome Rob]

In the cab & toolbox right now.....

8x6 tarp
wool blanket
machete
towing strap
2 ratchet straps
2 cans condensed milk*
single shot, compact .22 rifle & 20rds
ibuprofen
wool hat & gloves
5 gallons of water
12v compressor & tire plugs
jumper cables
rope
Eno hammock*
towel
flashlight
3 cigarette lighters
short handled shovel

* Not carried on purpose, just never taken out & it seemed like a good idea to leave 'em!

Most of these things have been used to get me out of a self-inflicted 'scrape' at some point or other.