Packing enough gear for us CJ/Zuki guys

[Binford]

Anyone have pictures/descriptions of some creative ways you packed enough gear in your smaller 4x4s for camping or hunting trips?

I'm in the planning stages for doing something with my CJ-5 to be able to fit and organize all the stuff I'd need for a few days camping in the woods. I'm thinking built-in drawers, etc., for the back.

Also, any suggestions for a quality rack for the back would be welcome too. (Something that mounts above the spare or has a mount for the spare and some fuel cans, etc.) What works? Any thoughts?

[gavman]

Have you seen the hitch baskets, although they are a bit limiting offroad when in the ditches...
If I were you with a CJ I would seriously consider a small light trailer with the same kind/size wheels as the truck.
A trailer would also free up a seat or two for extra passengers too.
Look up adventure trailers just to get some ideas flowing.

[francis]

I drive a tracker and picked up a hitch basket from princess auto for $50
20" x 53" , I'm now in the process of building a cargo box to sit inside of it use that for light trips. For longer trips I use a small utility trailer 4' x 4' with 8inch walls and a drop gate that I got off of craigslist for $130 both have served me well.

[Bronco Boy]

Here is how I keep my supply of winching gear, spare parts etc:

http://chrisb.users.superford.org/Bronco/Projects/Cargo_Area/Cargo_Area_02.JPG



I have a roof-top basket that I want to cut down to go between the 4 down tubes of the roll bar. One day.

Here is a shot of a 4-da trip. Cooler, totes and other junk sit on top of the above storage:

http://chrisb.users.superford.org/Bronco/Trip_Reports/2007/Canada_Day_Weekend_2007_41.JPG

[Moose good]

77 CJ ?.....sounds to me like you need to scare up one of the 1/4 ton (M100?) trailers...and it would look good behind the M715 !

Personally, I use plastic totes for everything. One for float tube/waders/flippers/etc, one for camp kitchen stuff, one for shelter (tent) stuff, etc...just make sure the ones on top have latching lids (I learned that one the hard way! :redneck)

Some metal footman clamps on the floor in the cargo area will give you secure tiedowns that are low-profile when you're not using them(unlike cleats and padeyes).

[The Survivalist]

I pack everything in large plastic totes. Stack 3 high. Bungee cord down so they dont fall over. Done deal. Roof rack is next for me.

All my guns and fishing stuff is kept secure under the back seat.

[Binford]

77 CJ ?.....sounds to me like you need to scare up one of the 1/4 ton (M100?) trailers...and it would look good behind the M715!

Such as the Canadian M101 trailers I've seen advertised at futurelogistics.ca?

http://www.futurelogistics.ca/Site02.data/SmartObjects/Nice_Jeep+Trailer+.jpg

Don't tempt me!

Might be a little too small for the M715, but they make bigger ones for that! ;)

I'd thought of a trailer too, but then I think about how many times I end up having to back up to take another shot at an obstacle and just don't want the fun of dealing with a trailer for that. If I were only on Forest Service roads and such, no sweat, but I'd like to get up to some nice, lonely fishing lakes.



Personally, I use plastic totes for everything. One for float tube/waders/flippers/etc, one for camp kitchen stuff, one for shelter (tent) stuff, etc...just make sure the ones on top have latching lids (I learned that one the hard way! :redneck)

Some metal footman clamps on the floor in the cargo area will give you secure tiedowns that are low-profile when you're not using them(unlike cleats and padeyes).

Good idea with the footman loops. I'd thought of putting small eye bolts, but yeah...they'd get in the way a lot more when not used.

I've got to take some measurements and check out what's available in the world of plastic totes these days. A lot of them just don't hold up to any sort of rugged use. And as you mentioned, you've got to make sure at least the top layer have latches, or are otherwise secured.

I pack everything in large plastic totes. Stack 3 high. Bungee cord down so they dont fall over. Done deal. Roof rack is next for me.

All my guns and fishing stuff is kept secure under the back seat.

You fit those in a CJ/YJ/TJ?

And what are the Canadian laws about carrying guns in vehicles? Rifles only, I assume. Just the same "unloaded; ammo separated from firearm; gun out of reach of passengers" kind of thing as we have down here?

[]) u ]{ e]

And what are the Canadian laws about carrying guns in vehicles? Rifles only, I assume. Just the same "unloaded; ammo separated from firearm; gun out of reach of passengers" kind of thing as we have down here?

I think that you also need trigger locks

[lars]

Tim, for our trip to the Rubicon, I welded up a cargo shelf that bolted into the back of my YJ. The shelf, or platform, covered the whole area of the rear tub. It worked great because I was able to access the cargo boxes below the shelf w/o removing the stuff on the top. The downside is that it was a quick and dirty job using metal I had at hand, so it was very heavy.

But if you want to use the back seat for passengers, then you'll have to start looking at a cargo rack with an external cage (not a safety cage, just something strong enough to support the rack) to carry your light but bulky gear on top of your Jeep.

I'm thinking more and more about building a small trailer. Unlike you, I never have to back up to try a different line. ;-)

Hmm...this gives me an idea for a super small trailer. I'll think about it and post a sketch later.


...lars

[Steeliestalker]

) u ]{ e;830986']I think that you also need trigger locks

not true. as long as the guns are non-restricted (you can't take restricteds in the bush anyways) are not left unattended, all you have
to do is unload them.

From the Canadian Firearms Center website:
http://www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/factsheets/storagetransport_e.asp

Transporting Firearms Safely

Non-restricted firearms

Unload your firearms

Muzzleloaders can be kept loaded when being transported between hunting sites but the firing cap or flint must be removed.


Restricted and prohibited firearms:

* Unload the firearms; and
* Attach a secure locking device to the firearms; and
* Lock the firearms in a sturdy, non-transparent container; and
* Remove the bolt or bolt carrier from any automatic firearms (if removable).
* Obtain an Authorization to Transport (call 1 800 731-4000).


Leaving Any Class of Firearm in an Unattended Vehicle

* Lock non-restricted firearms and locked containers carrying restricted or prohibited firearms in the trunk or in a similar lockable compartment.

* If the vehicle does not have a trunk or lockable compartment, put firearms and firearm containers out of sight inside the vehicle and lock the vehicle.

* If you are in a remote wilderness area and cannot lock your non-restricted firearms inside your vehicle, unload them and put them out of sight. Attach a secure locking device unless they are needed for predator control.

[PhantomEB]

In regards to those hitch baskets.... fab up a riser to use with them, possibly double decker?

[msquared]

I have a basket and just getting to the point now of changing the center square tube to raise it up about a foot to regain my departure angle. Likely will need to stabilize it side to side.

Something of note, the serious metal fab rear bumpers for TJ's (at least mine anyway) don't have any gusseting or ribbing inside. My basket on what they call a receiver mount (wrong size tube, wrong material, etc) would flex the whole bumper with me just grabbing the basket and pulling up and pushing down lightly.

My bumper has to come off, i'm going to remove the original receiver, install proper receiver and throw a few gussets in there too to handle 100lbs or so.

[shakey84cj]

Such as the Canadian M101 trailers I've seen advertised at futurelogistics.ca?

http://www.futurelogistics.ca/Site02.data/SmartObjects/Nice_Jeep+Trailer+.jpg


Does anyone know where to still get an M101 trailer? The guy on this site says he hasn't sold them in 5 years! I'd really like one though.

[Zuk Rider]

I bought a large ATV bag ($20 at princess auto) and it keeps the tent/thermarests etc all in place. Chairs bungeed to the back of driver's seat and everything else is like a jenga puzzle held down with bungees. I've fit 2 people, camping gear, and a large rotti/sheapheard in the back of a samurai...... but if i could I'd tow a trailer.

[HEAVY METAL]

yeah.. all my buddies with thier jeeps throw all their junk in my fullsize..

[jeeper]

yeah.. all my buddies with thier jeeps throw all their junk in my fullsize..


A full size has to be good for something Dean :redneck


Bruce

[shakey84cj]

A full size has to be good for something Dean :redneck


Bruce

Ah ha hah ha ha! Good one!

[Burnabyburnout]

Well i've been thinking of going JEEP or Zuki Too I've seen Pics I Like that Have Roof top Racks Little Basket type Also Rack style tents for the Jeep Pitch tent up there forget the soggy ground also Receiver hitch type baskets plug into your tow hitch

[R031Kona]

Those Jeep trailers are SOOOO fun to back up, breathe and it is going the wrong way.

[Kinslayer]

Space issues in a samurai? phht you guys are just packing like you're going to europe for a month. Me and my girlfriend packed her sammy for a two night weekend with the hound in the back, two flats of beer and room to spare!*




































*By room to spare I mean we didn't HAVE to have the windows open to breathe..

[TCZuki]

you packed 2 FLATS of beer for a 2 day weekend?? did you bring any back. and you sleep in a hammock during the summer months how much room can that take up, im planning a small deck for the back of my sammi, where the back seat would be, u plan to mount the tire to the floor and build a deck over top with a few cubbys for recovery gear and stuff!

[Kinslayer]

you packed 2 FLATS of beer for a 2 day weekend?? did you bring any back. and you sleep in a hammock during the summer months how much room can that take up, im planning a small deck for the back of my sammi, where the back seat would be, u plan to mount the tire to the floor and build a deck over top with a few cubbys for recovery gear and stuff!

Hammock takes up about as much room as a tent really, you need a tarp, ropes and the hammock itself. WAY nicer cleanup though!

[yj78]

I think a small trailer is the way to go.If you build it yourself use the same wheels and tires as the vehicle,same bolt pattern to ie 5on4.5 this way you will have 2 extra spares when things get ugly