Vehicle Gear Organization
- Thread starter Aaron
- Start date
Aaron
Adventurist
I've wanted to go. But the drive and work tends to get into the way. Since I've moved north a bit, I might be able to make them now.
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LandCruiserPhil
Adventurist
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I don't have one set arrangement that covers all the bases. Having two totally different vehicles (Duramax w/ slide in camper, and an '05 Wrangler) that we switch back and forth from, I've essentially divided stuff into Rubbermaid tubs by category/event they are used for ie, a full complement of tools/fluids for a remote pit don't make the cut for a family camping trip, but the kitchen box does. While it's not a glamorous system, it works for us.
Xpedition Outfitters
Adventurist
This is a very good question. Right now we have most of my everyday gear in my decked drawers organized with their boxes. I have all my camping gear in 2 large containers.
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Kevin LaCroix
Adventurist
I have Plano marine cases. They have an o-ring seal.
Late to the party but...
The best way for yourself to figure out arrangement of gear is to see what you've got, figure out what's important and what's not, organize it accordingly, then begin laying out space storage. Take into consideration ease of access and prioritizing what goes where. For example: You'd probably want your recovery gear as easily accessible than your kitchen/sleeping gear for those "just in case" scenarios. So organizing the recovery gear above all your items, or putting it upfront for easy access should be priority. Don't forget to accommodate for passengers and their stuff, or just kick them out and tell em to go find their own ride if you don't want the extra weight.
Planning either a fixed drawer/cabinet unit has its pros/cons vs building a low deck where you'd still be able to utilize a large flat surface area to stack boxes but you'd still have to tie it down somehow. Everyone's either dialed in or is in-process of dialing in their setup so be aware of constantly changing storage organization. I went from open trunk, to two storage boxes (kitchen and recovery/tools), to a fixed drawer storage system that fits my needs on my adventures. Would I change anything now? Probably not as I've got mine pretty much dialed in.
Like was mentioned before, if you can, definitely come out to one of our events and check out all the different setups each rig is running. There are such a large variety of what people's needs are, so be ready to take plenty of notes/pictures for your setup. If you've figured it out, post some photos of what you've come up with!
The best way for yourself to figure out arrangement of gear is to see what you've got, figure out what's important and what's not, organize it accordingly, then begin laying out space storage. Take into consideration ease of access and prioritizing what goes where. For example: You'd probably want your recovery gear as easily accessible than your kitchen/sleeping gear for those "just in case" scenarios. So organizing the recovery gear above all your items, or putting it upfront for easy access should be priority. Don't forget to accommodate for passengers and their stuff, or just kick them out and tell em to go find their own ride if you don't want the extra weight.
Planning either a fixed drawer/cabinet unit has its pros/cons vs building a low deck where you'd still be able to utilize a large flat surface area to stack boxes but you'd still have to tie it down somehow. Everyone's either dialed in or is in-process of dialing in their setup so be aware of constantly changing storage organization. I went from open trunk, to two storage boxes (kitchen and recovery/tools), to a fixed drawer storage system that fits my needs on my adventures. Would I change anything now? Probably not as I've got mine pretty much dialed in.
Like was mentioned before, if you can, definitely come out to one of our events and check out all the different setups each rig is running. There are such a large variety of what people's needs are, so be ready to take plenty of notes/pictures for your setup. If you've figured it out, post some photos of what you've come up with!
My wife and I spend a lot of time on extebded camping trips but we haven't been too happy with how much space our gear takes up. Part of it is that we've been using plastic totes for everything and for us there's just a ton of wasted space. We're in the process of building a storage system so everything is more streamlined, but we're also scaling down and changing out for stuff that takes less room. Inflatable pillows instead of regular ones, military surplus wool blankets instead of ones from the house, stackable cookware, things like that. We want to invest in a fridge as well since they tend to take up less room than a cooler.
Christopher Wright
Adventurist
I'm in the same boat. Trying to brain storm and bounce ideas off Bob whenever i get the opportunity. We have a 1991 YJ with a second row. Stowage is a big issue. I have made a list of things I know I need ie; recovery gear, jack, spare fluids, spare parts for the jeep. then i have a list for the camping gear (solo, paired and family). I think my next investment will be to go over head with a roof rack. I have a bunch of Pelican cases and tool bags left over from my military days. That will have to work for now till i start dialing it in more.
Tom Williams
Adventurist
This is my camping set up for two. On top of my 2007 FJ Cruiser, I replaced the rack with a Baja Utility Rack to support the Autohome Maggiolina Air Top Tent. The rear seats were removed and I built a permanent platform to hold a 42"x 60" slider built by Hinton International. Plywood was inserted onto the slider. The slider holds my ARB Fridge, Ark Pak (battery supply), six storage container tubs. Side racks hold chairs, portable shower and water containers.
treefireguy
Adventurist
I am rather jealous of those more organized than myself. I try. I do. But it just isn't in the stars for me. [emoji12]
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Scott
Adventurist
I utilize my leitner designs rack with 4 gear pods (getting 2 more of these soon) The gear pods hold all my fluids, spare parts and recovery gear. I have two black and yellow bins from costco that hold my camping gear, and a stanley fatmax tool box that holds all my kitchen gear.
Leitner rack with rtt and gear pods
Kitchen box look like this:
Costco bins for camping gear:
Scott
Leitner rack with rtt and gear pods
Kitchen box look like this:
Costco bins for camping gear:
Scott
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100acre
Adventurist
I used to use military aluminum Hartigg Cases but now I use utilize the same yellow lidded cases. Being that I drive an F-150 with a FWC, I've always been concerned about weight so I stow most of my extra gear in my M416. Like my kayaks, bicycle, extra fuel, recovery, mining, Dutch oven, kayaking & fishing gear. I also utilize the tongue box for my on demand hot water shower, my gray water Jerry can, bottle jack, straps etc.
btroutfitters
Adventurist
This company is not a site sponsor. Caveat Emptor.
When organizing your vehicle for outdoor adventures, having the right setup is crucial for efficiency and accessibility. Many outdoor enthusiasts turn to specialized resources to streamline their gear arrangement, especially when preparing for truck camping. These accessories, ranging from storage solutions to multi-functional gear, can transform your vehicle into a well-organized mobile base.
For a curated selection of high-quality options, check out BTROutfitters.com. Their collection caters to outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from modular storage systems to versatile accessories designed for rugged conditions. Whether you're new to vehicle-based camping or refining your setup, tapping into trusted resources like this can save you time and improve your experience.
Maximize your vehicle’s potential by investing in thoughtfully designed gear that keeps your essentials accessible and adventure-ready.
For a curated selection of high-quality options, check out BTROutfitters.com. Their collection caters to outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from modular storage systems to versatile accessories designed for rugged conditions. Whether you're new to vehicle-based camping or refining your setup, tapping into trusted resources like this can save you time and improve your experience.
Maximize your vehicle’s potential by investing in thoughtfully designed gear that keeps your essentials accessible and adventure-ready.
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ArkansasDon
Adventurist
I can only share what has worked for me since I pull a offroad trailer on our adventures. I'm big into organization storage nylon zippered bags, I use & have a lot of Overland Gear Guy's bags that house shower gear, maps Altas Gazetteer, & other gear. Most of my recovery gear housed under the rear seat, most if not all of my camping gear is housed in our offroad camper, the only items that are in the bed of the truck is my Engel Fridge, dry goods box, Camp Chef Mesa Aluminum Folding Camp Table, 100 watt Renogy Folding Panel, 20lb propane bottle, 6ft. telescopic folding ladder so I can get into the explorers truck on the trailer, my portable Proplex H2000 propane heater (late fall winter camping), chainsaw, & set of recovery boards.
