Storing tools and spares

Hello to all,
I am thinking about storage for tools, spares, fluids and all the bits one needs when planning an expedition.

I have a large and heavy steel "Buffalo Box", in the rear of my 110.

This currently holds all of my tools and spares and general stuff. In an attempt to keep the weight down, but have everything easily found if needed, I am thinking does one need a large steel box, would several large tool bags, do the job just as easily, minus the weight and size of the metal box. :shock:

I would love to know what other people do storage wise.

Ed

Weight is all-important when overlanding, both on and off-road. On road for the additional fuel and possible body roll - it all adds up don't forget - and obviously off-road to lessen the chances of getting bogged down in sand or mud.

Whenever possible I would go for aluminimum boxes. Okay, they will cost a fortune new, but I've seen ex-army versions going for a song at Land Rover shows. Check out the military surplus companies on the net, you could strike lucky. Plastic is also good, but strong, good quality plastic can sometimes end up as heavy as steel ammo boxes. Alloy is the way to go.

Also, if possible seek out several boxes. That way you can a compartment for eveything - tools, spares, clothes, food, etc. Shallow boxes are good for keeping the centre of gravity low, especially for any heavy essentials whilst touring in remote areas - water pump, alternator, wheel bearings, UJ's, ball joints or whatever. Obviously lighter items such as clothes can then live nearer the top of the stack.

A sliding drawer is also very nice as you don't have to empty the rear just to get at some obscure item, but this is a luxury rather than a necessity, whereas boxes are ESSENTIALS rather then "tool bags". Bad idea bags, whereas with a box for tools you can fill it with a layer of foam and cut out slots for all your tools. A cheap way to stop your tools from rattling, plus an empty slot means you've left a screwdriver in the engine bay by mistake. Along those lines a tool roll is also useful for the everyday items such as screwdrivers, pliers, Stanley knife, small hammer (BIG lump hammer lives in the tool box).

Basically, whether in a tool box or a tool roll, a space for every item is highly useful, that way you won't leave anything behind ... not that you would anyway as you would of course take a strong, lightweight sheet/tarp of some type to put down as a base before working on the vehicle. Again, you don't lose circlips, nuts, bolts, screws or tools when working on a tarp (plus it's better for kneeling/lying on rather than damp/wet ground). Tarps fold up small, they are easily transportable and have a mulitude of uses - I'm with Ray Mears on this one. Best advice I could give anyone is take a tarp, and of course ... ditch the Buffalo Box!

Hi,
Thank you for the detailed reply. I have spent hundreds of pounds over the years, on tools.

I take great care of them, but to be honest, I have hardly touched a spanner since buying the V8. !. (although I am about to tackle the headlining and solar panel). :shock:

You have me thinking about the box, I want to keep the main tools together and was thinking about a couple of large heavy duty bags. I agree that the weight needs to be kept down, and this seems a good solution.

There are lots of bits I don't have yet, trolley jack, and any important spares.

Eventually I will work it out, I think the Buffalo may appear on eBay soon.

Ed

Don't know if you have the same bottle jack in a Defender as in the Range Rover Classic, if not get yourself one. They are excellent and a lot lighter to carry than a trolley jack. With a Hi-Lift a bit on the large side at times, their size is also handy for straightening all sorts should you bend something en route - the drag link for instance where if you're lucky it can be straightened in position.



They can also be cheap BTW. It's possible to pick one up at a Land Rover autojumble for only £10 - £15, fleaby more like £30 - 35.

I carry spares in my Defender in three places.
I have two alli boxes that fit on each side of my Defender, these are sized to let the Wolff boxes have the maximum room. I have a low lid Wolff box with some other spares in. OIl I find is the biggest problem. I have three 5litre jerry cans but I'm not happy with the storage of them.

Tools. I wrap those in cloths. The sockets, ratchets,torque wrenches and tyre levers sit in the side of the Mobile Storage Systems drawer. Spanners, pliers and screwdrivers are wrapped and put wherever there's space.
My Defender is well modified at the rear. There are lockers each side as the Series vehicles. One carries spares as well as the transmission fluids and grease gun.

Wheel changing equipment is carried in the Mobile Storage Systems drawer. I too use a Discovery/ Range Rover and later Defender hydraulic jack. As Land Rover are good enought st supply a jack base with all Defenders and Series vehicles. Two in the case of the Defender. I use the inbuilt ones.

HTH

mike

Giant Ex- MOD Ammo Boxes.
I picked up one that previously carried some form of RPG/Missile Launcher.
I ripped out the foamy inners and I have 1x full up of tools and bits and bobs. Can even fit a Jack and a hi lift jack in it.

Took abit of explaining to the police when they searched my vehicle on claims that the Terracan was seen speeding. "Officer there are no Missile Launchers in this vehicle and officer just try to hit 100mpg in the Terracan.......

JAS

Hi, Thank you for the replies to my posting.
I have put the "Buffalo Box" on eBay, if anyone fancies it. :shock:

I have yet to crack this nut, I have had ammo boxes, tool boxes/bags galore.

I am no mechanic or electrician, the Series 2.25ltr petrol engine was straight forward for me to look at and to my credit, there were few jobs I did not tackle, however the V8 for me at the moment is very alien.

I will stick with tool bags for the moment, as my spanners/socket set/screwdrivers and other tools fit inside one large tool bag. I have no spares, at the moment, but to be honest I don't plan on driving for a while, as I continue working on my projects.

Finally, I plan to buy a new jack. I have never used a bottle jack, both my previous ones, have been the Halfords trolly jobs. Good items, but large and heavy. I would not trust myself with a Hi-Lift, as I can see myself doing something really creative !.

So, back to the Bottle jack..who makes the best ones, that will happily lift the front wheels of my 110 etc.

Advice appreciated.

Ed

You've not been paying attention Ed - the standard Disco/RR/Defender bottle jack as in my photo previously. Cheap and very effective, it's a great piece of kit.

Tom Mc wrote:

You've not been paying attention Ed - the standard Disco/RR/Defender bottle jack as in my photo previously. Cheap and very effective, it's a great piece of kit.

I think he must have missed my comments about the jack as well.

Ok, I got the message, will try to pay more attention.

I am looking for a new bottle job, genuine Land Rover one would be nice !.

Ed

edwillcox wrote:

Ok, I got the message, will try to pay more attention.

I am looking for a new bottle job, genuine Land Rover one would be nice !.

Ed

Go to one of the plenty Land Rover or 4X4 shows. You should find one for a tenner or less. Don't even think of asking the dealer for a price. I'd hate to see you on the floor in a panic.

I was in the process of searching the usual site for a new LR bottle jack.
Famous four have this one, but will it work on my 1989. V8. 110

I thought the bottle jack was a standard thing, shape and design.

What does this mean ?, all advice appreciated, before I make an expensive mistake !.

------------------------------

90/110 and Defender
MA951318 onwards - Original Type - Handle NOT included

This item is only suitable for a specific range of VIN/Chassis numbers. Please verify application before ordering.

---------------------------------

Ed

ed i still have your trolly jack,,,,if you want it back,,,,,come and get it,,,,,

get a good bottle jack,,,i had mine from a TK bedford 15 years ago and its still as good as new,,,,

paddocks are doing flatdog stoage boxes,,,,23 quid each,,,check out there web site they stack nice,,,,

http://www.paddockspares.com/flatdog-wolf-type-storage-box-out-of-stock.html

Hello to all,
On Amazon, I found a nice looking 4t. Draper bottle jack, and 2t draper Axle stands.

These boxes look rather good, I think may have to get one !.

Ed

4 ton? My you have a heavy Landy there. I would think twice if the Draper 4 tonner is big and heavy, the secret of overlanding is to go as light as possible. A little saved here and there soon adds up. The axle stands are obviously for use at home.

I agree about the boxes BTW, they do look rather good.

edwillcox wrote:

Hello to all,
On Amazon, I found a nice looking 4t. Draper bottle jack, and 2t draper Axle stands.

These boxes look rather good, I think may have to get one !.

Ed

CAREFUL Has the Draper jack got the saddle so that it locates under the axle ? That's why the Discovery jack wins IMO.

Tom Mc wrote:

4 ton? My you have a heavy Landy there. I would think twice if the Draper 4 tonner is big and heavy, the secret of overlanding is to go as light as possible. A little saved here and there soon adds up. The axle stands are obviously for use at home.

I agree about the boxes BTW, they do look rather good.

The boxes are good. We have the high lid version. Very expensive over here though.

By the way its not WOLF it's a persons name but I can't remember if the correct spelling is Wollf or Wolff. They're only ammo boces, You can buy smaller Cub boxes. Four fit in. They were the motar boxes. The cub boxes also fit under the middle row seats in a Defender.

ed go on e bay and get a good second hand one,,,,draper are expensive,,,in my opinion,,,,,