Chris

This is what I have in a sealed rubbermaid tub I mounted in the bed:

Tow rope w/ shackles
Rescue rope w/ shackles
10k lb chain w/ hooks
Portable air compressor which runs on 12v with air lines
Good gloves (a must)
Extra serpentine belt
Gallon of coolant
2 quarts of trans fluid
Bottle of steering fluid
Bottle of brake fluid
Bungee cords
First aid kit
Rope
Knife
Flashlight
D ring

Next to the rubbermaid tub, I have a small toolbox with everything I need to get 90% of roadside problems done properly. Sockets, voltmeter, wiring and connectors, wrenches, grips, pliers, tape measure, magnet, mirror, tire pressure gauge, complete allen wrench set in metric and standard (including socket versions), torch, hose clamps, fuses, etc, etc, etc, etc.

This is a general list of items I carry on a daily basis, and I know I am leaving a bunch of stuff out. My wife and I used to go on long trips through the desert and sand dunes when we lived in SoCal. Ran into a few issues in the past, and being prepared help us get out quickly. We were often in places where there was no cell reception and extreme temperatures. We don't do that sort of thing as often now that we're in Michigan, but being stranded in the winter here isn't something I really want to consider an option. When going on road trips I also bring an electric impact wrench with an extra battery.

I know it may sound like overkill, but having this stuff easily available also helps a lot in day to day projects, especially when helping a friend out.

F150_NAMED_CLIFFORD

its not over kill, this is some of the stuff i need to have in my truck too i need tow ropes and chains, i do have a spot light and some ropes and first aid kit,and a some-a-long but i could definetly use more stuff

65comet

They didn't work out so well when my son broke down in a snowstorm. Said they were too busy and it might be 12 or more hours before they could get to him. He called me and I blasted the 4 Wheel Drive through 2 foot deep snow and 4 foot drifts in my Ford to be there is 20 minutes. How could he have made it 12 hours at -20 degrees Fahrenheit in a car that wasn't running? Hooked on the tow rope and pulled him all the way back home. No cops on the road to yell at me for using a tow rope for that distance.

Tackle

Ya, he might not have made it if he stayed in the car until they came but he used common sense. Apparently you raised someone that can think outside the box! He had a phone and used it instead of using tools he may have had in the vehicle.

CDIESEL

This is a perfect setup. I worked at an auto parts store for a little while and got parts at cost so I stocked up on quite a few things before I left ncluding pads rotors belts etc. I would love to have a toolbox in my bed however I invested in my tonneau cover already. So I keep everything under the rear seat for now. May end up with a box, who knows..

Jackedup00

my truck has everything just tossed into it. It usually has a 12 gauge pump with a few rounds of birdshot,buckshot or slugs,or has a 22 rifle and a box of ammo. I also keep a tool kit with ratchets,wrenches,adjustable wrenches,etc in it. Also have knives,water,whatever bottle of alcohol I left in it etc. Not very organized,but I have enough to get me by if I got stranded somewhere. I also have chains,I don't have any auto fluids which I should probably keep handy. I took this question as more of a survival type kit rather than a break down situation.

Jackedup00

Oh yeah,lighters. I always keep a couple lighters in the truck.

Andy Nelsen

Chris, I am interested in how you mounted your Rubbermaid container. I go on a lot of camping trips with wife +2 kids and I always find myself shuffling jumper cables, tools, and other bits around when the cab is full of people.

I have a shell on the truck (a must in Oregon) and often wish I had a sturdy tool box mounted in the bed, but most of the boxes out there are made for open beds.

Do you have any pics or info about what you did to "mount" the bin?

Anybody else have any cool permanent tool/cargo solutions for shelled beds?

cardinexile

Maybe look at the boxes that are made to mount over the wheel arches...they do'nt take up much bed room and can be opened from the tailgate...JAT.

nhbillybill

i like that idea