utilizing unused space.

[Buliwyf]

Something to think about... When you've buried the truck, how do you retrieve the shovel and bridging ladders from underneath to dig it out? That's something that I try to think about when I'm stashing stuff: Under what conditions will I need to access this, and how does that change my ability to access? I've seen a few "stucks" that prevented a rear swing-out from being opened far enough to get the rear hatch opened... if you have your recovery gear stowed inside the cargo area (especially in a drawer system, and/or with a cargo barrier blocking access from the passenger area), how will you get to the gear that you need in order to get un-stuck?

Two is one, one is none.

Don't tell me you only have one shovel. My smaller shovel is on the side rail of my truck, my work van has it's shovel, chains, and Hilift hanging from the cargo areas ceiling. So I can use the shovel to dig a hole to the underside of the truck.

I don't get THAT stuck though.

 

[sniderexciderr]

and when you dig out the 2nd shovel your friend can help with the rest!

 

[HillbillyfromAL]

If you haven't already bought a compressor take a look at the ARB hi output. It's small with very good output and you could mount it pretty much anywhere. I used copper tube with flare fittings and have 4 ports to get air from on my Discovery. I just removed the plastic from the rear interior and mounted the compressor there. I had thought of an air tank before but I found I didn't really need one. Setting a bead with either works well
As far as recovery gear under the truck leave that for the mall crawlers. Anyone who's been stuck off road knows that stuff under the truck is usually more of a pain than anything, but hey then those guys get to use someone else's equipment to get out.

 

[HillbillyfromAL]

Also if you do mount an air tank under there just make sure it's connected to an easier to access port, and make some kind of skid plate for it.

 

[sniderexciderr]

well it sounds like there are better options then a compressor and tank setup. and i've been stuck to the point where accessing recovery gear from the belly would have not been an option. i did however have a thoughts of making a charcoal grill out of a factory steel wheel and mount it there. but the grill is at the bottom of the "to-do" list.

 

[sniderexciderr]

p.s. storing coolant in bull bars is a great idea.

 

[HillbillyfromAL]

Yeah there are all kinds of options out there. Powertanks CO2 stuff is awesome if you use air tools,but it gets expensive quick unless you find a cheap place to fill it. I wouldn't ever consider one for a long trip far from home though. Good luck in your search

 

[Dog_Wagon]

one of my buddys had and XJ w/a York that he plumbed to a tank under the rig with hoses run to front and back bumpers so you could easly attach a hose and power tools or air up ect. also like said above little odd ball containers are great for storage in small places. look at garage sales or where ever. my boss was tossing 2 old metal drill indexes the other day, remove the deviders and now they will be homes for random stuff under the hood of my 60