Chevy & GMC Vans

I really shouldn't be posting this right now; my company truck is outside running as I just stopped in to grab something real quick...but its been on my mind and the "Impact Gun" thread made me realize that i have a Mikita cordless impact that I can carry (that realization was a true "WOW" moment for me!, thanks)

And of course I'll trust the powers that be to pluck this post into an existing thread if there is one, and/or proper forum. I started here, among other reasons, because I guess I want my on board tool box to somewhat streamlined and be Astro specific, with a slant toward the off road (suspension, wheels, tires, other issues most likely to come up when off roading)

Even starting with the basics on up to the trick items. What to absolutely have on board, what is wasting space and adding unecessary weight, Even a few smaller parts that may be key and easy enough to carry.

I've got a good start on my On Board Tool Box. But its sort of a hodge podge between a generic set of tools, off road recovery gear, folding military shovel, Dodge Dakota specific tools, Prowler camper trailer specific tools, duct tape, baling wire, zip ties, a couple Power Bars, a million candle power spot light , WD40, etc.

At the risk of just buying a fully loaded 4x4 Snap-On truck and lifting it, please throw all suggestions into the mix, here. As they say, the further away from the traihead you go, the more you need to depend on your gear.

Thanks, and please, indulge yourselves. I want to hear it all.

A good 4 ton Come-a-long,recovery strap,roll of Gorilla tape,and I always have a 'like new' pruning saw.

A High-lift jack can be very handy and it doubles as a come-along as well,they are fairly heavy and can be dangerous if used incorrectly (but what can't,lol ) do to the nature of the lifting jaw they won't just securely grab any o'le part of the van so a lifting strap or bumpers with lifting points would be best,but (for the price,around $60 CAN ) nothing else will really do as good a job in an off-road situation.

Sand ladders are also helpful for soft sand or getting across small washouts/ditches, and a quality winch is also a handy item to have.

Dean has probably the most extensive tool box i've seen carried in an Astro,I'm sure he'll have some suggestions,so far tho it sounds like you have a good start.

you know i was thinking about posting a similar thread since right now i carry most of my tools in my truck i want to take them out and just keep the emergency stuff in there this'll help compile my list don't hold any ideas back folks

As far as a tool box goes. Darren made up a pretty slick box from the step area of his slider. In other words boxed it in with sheetmetal and installed a hinged top I believe.
Isn't that what you did Darren ? been so long ago I can't remember the details.

astrozam wrote:A High-lift jack can be very handy and it doubles as a come-along as well,they are fairly heavy and can be dangerous if used incorrectly (but what can't,lol ) do to the nature of the lifting jaw they won't just securely grab any o'le part of the van so a lifting strap or bumpers with lifting points would be best,but (for the price,around $60 CAN ) nothing else will really do as good a job in an off-road situation.

Sand ladders are also helpful for soft sand or getting across small washouts/ditches, and a quality winch is also a handy item to have.

Dean has probably the most extensive tool box i've seen carried in an Astro,I'm sure he'll have some suggestions,so far tho it sounds like you have a good start.

Dean did a thread on the other site about his sliding drawer tool box.Maybe he still has a copy of the thread.I have seen it and it is sooooo nice.

Here we go...wooohoooo...

In my Astro I had a cabinet/tool box built by a friend of mine so I could organize and keep all the assorted stuff we need for serious wheeling.

Here is a partial run-down of what I carry...
In the right hand compartments... 2.25 ton hydraulic floor jack, air impact gun with sockets, tire airing up and down tools, tarp, air hose, C-clamps, vise-grips, pliers, wrenches etc, 9,000# Milemarker hydraulic winch and receiver hitch with shackle.

In the left side rear compartment I carry... full compliment of oils (tranny, on-board air compressor, engine, power steering and gear), spray lubes, brake-cleen, brake fluid, funnel, rags, different epoxies, JB Weld, RTV sealant and hand cleaner.

In the left hand middle compartment are the spare parts... full tune-up kit (plugs, wires, cap, rotor, coil), many different u-joints, U-joint strap kits, more rags, FIRST AID KIT (most important), serpentine belt, tensioner and idler for converting back to stock (from hydraulic setup).

In the left hand front compartment are all the winching/recovery supplies...30' tow strap with NO metal ends, various slings, tree saver, snatch block, shackles, winch weight bag and ratchet straps.

I also carry a full-sized spare and a 48" Hi-Lift jack with accessories.

Old setup...



New setup...

More...

Box is anchored down...





Now for the meat...

Holy $h!t. I'm gonna have one clean garage!



Thanks. Its gonna take a moment for me to really go over that. I'll be reading it again and again for a while.

That is one nice set up

Hey Darren,,post a pic of your built-in tool box in your slider step.

fascinating

That's an awesome tool box! I was thinking of doing something similar but making it a lower profile and using the full length x width of the passenger compartment in the rear. That way I could sleep on the top when campimg and use the lower section for storing camp gear, tools, etc. To be able to access the rear of the box (area towards the front of the van) I'd make a sliding drawer that comes out of the sliding door. What do you guys think? I've been thinking of doing this for awhile now every since I owned my Ford E350. Just never had the time and money at the same time to do it! Ha!

Hey Jim,
This is a simple set up I did a few years back. Just a couple of cement tubs ($11.00ea. @HD) 48x36x11
This keeps my basic tools of the trade with me,yet I can empty the van in a few seconds when I need to.
The cement tubs come in handy as ice bins too...
Just one more idea for you.



also noted in the pic for those interested are my embedded back up lights.
Relatively safe in the confines of the bumper

9dawgs wrote:That's an awesome tool box! I was thinking of doing something similar but making it a lower profile and using the full length x width of the passenger compartment in the rear. That way I could sleep on the top when campimg and use the lower section for storing camp gear, tools, etc. To be able to access the rear of the box (area towards the front of the van) I'd make a sliding drawer that comes out of the sliding door. What do you guys think? I've been thinking of doing this for awhile now every since I owned my Ford E350. Just never had the time and money at the same time to do it! Ha!

I was also thinking along these same lines. Maybe 2 small sliders or 1 big one at the side slider,and 2 long sliders from the back.I like to camp with just my van,but it gets to cluttered in a hurry with 2 people.But,like yourself.Time & money,plus a bit farther down on the to do list!
BTW,nice van!
Hope to have my lift in by late spring!