What tools are you carrying and how?

Hey everyone. I’m still fairly new to the platform. I’ve only had a Tacoma and F150 prior to this so I would always keep tools in the bed under a diamondback cover. I’m looking for a more secure or discreet way to carry stuff in my 4Runner.

What “just in case” tools are you carrying day to day and how are you carrying them?

I usually carry the basics (combination wrench set, basic sockets, torque wrench, hammer, zip ties, torx bits, Allen wrenches, etc.)

I have everything condensed into this Bosch bag right now that works fairly well. I’m just very paranoid about getting a window busted over it. I have a roof rack so hard mounting some sort of case might be a possibility. Anyway, I’m curious to see how y’all are doing things.

 

Get some Molle Panels and put your tools in bags that can velcro to the panels. That's what I do! It has jumper cables, wrenches, hammer, zip ties, tow straps, gloves, flash light, road side sign, poncho, fuses screw driver with various tips a few sockets, batteries, fire extinguisher, etc....

 

Get a cheap dark-colored duffel bag or backpack. Like, Walmart-cheap. Put your tools in it.
Organize them within zippered canvas pouches like this if you'd like.
Go down to the surplus store and get a wool blanket (dark gray, olive drab, etc). Fold it in neat quarters.
Put your duffel up against the back of the rear seats, casually toss the blanket over it. Done.

It won't prevent a window getting broken, but it'll look like a blanket, instead of looking like a Bosch bag. And when the blanket inevitably shifts, it'll just look like a simple duffle. Heck, you could even drop the duffle into a large grocery bag or a black trash bag for concealment. A big trash bag and a wool blanket are good things to have in your truck anyway.

A suitable sized, cheap, beat-up plastic cooler is another option. ;^)

 

Got a bag from Harbor freight with as much as i could pack in there. All the major tools sockets, wrenches...

 

I built a leveling platform with storage underneath.

 

That’s amazing

 

That is super cool. Do you have a material list when you built that?

 

2x2 lumber
3/4" plywood for strength
Automotive carpet for the frame
Waterproof carpet for the lids
S.S. Piano hinges
Waterproof adhesive to glue down the carpet

Purchased roll tool bag so I can put my tools in (pouches can be removed from the bag),

$65 Rhino USA Tool Bag Roll - Heavy Duty Canvas Organizer Pouch for Tools - Ultimate Travel Tool Storage Kit for UTV, Car, Truck, 4x4 Offroad - Upgraded with Labeled & Removable Pouches - Secured for Life

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08V398W68?th=1

 

This is true for every off road 4wd I’ve owned. I carry the basic tools, so metric wrenches and sockets, some adjustables, a dead blow and 4lb mallet, Allen and torx bits, zip ties, various tapes, some penetrating oil, and some other misc small items. Then I have a list of the tools I’ve used to either work on the truck or add mods too then I add those to the list. I have them in a tool roll bag with pockets and the larger items go in just a larger tool bag.

 

I do exactly what you do. Soft bag. Throw in wrenches, sockets, ratchets etc etc etc. Different bag for recovery gear.

If it's long routes then gas up top.

If the wife comes then more black gases with stuff up top.

If I'm going to forest areas I also take electric chain saw, battery power hedger.

always take a folding hand saw.

 

Window tint also helps keep prying eyes away.

 

I used to carry tools in a bag and towstrap in cargo area. I built a drawer box and everything fits in it.

 

Haven't done it personally, but you might like this idea: https://trail4runner.com/2022/01/11/diy-2nd-row-seat-hidden-molle-panel-install/

 

That’s a neat idea too. Unfortunately for me(edited: tool storage wise… I love my kids lol) I have 2 kids’ car seats back there so that area is pretty inaccessible during this stage of life.

 

That is amazing

 

That's pretty cool. But i already have stuff stashed under there without the molly. Seat holds it all in place pretty good.

ECWCS rain jacket
Large Breaker bar and socket for lugs
Extra Ham antennas and batteries
gloves

 

I keep everything in a a bag like your Bosch bag. I pulled one of the wheel well trays up so I could fasten straps under the tray to hold the bag. It keeps the bag in place and off the floor, and is not too obvious since the black side is out.

 

How does that tray come up/out?

 

After reviewing this thread, I feel so inadequate.

 

You can pull it either by brute force or by unscrewing the attachment screws underneath the lid. The unscrewing method isn't too hard, but it requires a little patience and hand contortion by partially lifting the lid.
It’s described in this thread, starting at post #45:

 

I don’t carry specific tools unless I’m on a trip. But the most useful tool I’ve had is a tire plug kit and on board or battery operated air compressor.

 

I have a fab rats tool roll. Added a socket for the front axle nut, some Allen wrenches and zip ties. It’s so convenient I honestly just use that most the time I’m working on the rig…

It’d be more cost effective to buy the tool roll by itself then build out a tool kit, but it has everything I need and I wanted to help support that channel. They’re good people.

 

Same here! DIY leveling platform + storage. It holds all sorts of tools: ratchet set, hammer, screw drivers, tin snips, trailer hitch accessories, adjustable wrenches, jumper cables, umbrella, ESEE-6 knife, bungee cords, travel pillow, spare hat, and more.

 

I have a fat tool roll that I carry in my Volkswagen Thing (52 years old) but as my daily driver ‘22 ORP is on many lists as one of the most reliable cars in the world, the list of tools I carry all the time is comparatively small:

• $85 Viair 88P - 00088 Tire Inflator Portable On/Offroad Air Compressor for Car, Truck, SUV & RV | 12V Heavy Duty Pump 120 PSI, Alligator Clip, Twist Chuck
  Viair 88P compressor.
• Noco Boost X GBX75 jump starter.
• Safety Seal puncture repair kit
• Element fire extinguisher
• Leatherman multi tool
• Tire pressure gauge

All of that fits in the rear storage area, concealed by a Solidifi3d rear storage cover.

 

Tools go in that case on the roof. Metric sockets and ratchet, allen keys, breaker bar,

$85 viair 88p - 00088 tire inflator portable on/offroad air compressor for car, truck, SUV & RV | 12V heavy duty pump 120 PSI, alligator clip, twist chuck

viair 88p, cargo straps, folding saw, tire change stuff, jumpstart cables, other small tools I am forgetting about...

 

I think I’m going to try to go this route. I like the drawer option but don’t want to sacrifice too much open storage. This looks like a good compromise between full drawers and the leveling platform ideas

https://trail4runner.com/2020/07/29/diy-low-profile-drawer-storage-5th-gen-4runner/

 

@Connor MacLeod That looks super nice! Do you happen to have plans or a material list for this build?