(Part 2) Top products from r/VEDC

One thing real quick & I’ll try to come back later & post more;

Check to see exactly what tools you have in your car to change your spare tire and practice using them.

Chances are the tools are a joke & you’ll need something like this:
GTE Tools - LugStrong 26" Universal Compact Lug Wrench Set, Super-Strong Tire Iron & Lug Nut Remover - 2X More Torque!  Never Get Stuck on The Road Again! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015DJ8A40/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_tx6XBbD9WR603


I got one for mine & my wife’s cars. The “wrench” that’s included from the factory with both our cars is barely a foot long & you get zero leverage with it.

Strongly suggest you actually practice changing a tire so you can see what its like with the tools you have. I also decided to put full-bore tool kit in both our cars.

I got this for the wife’s car because I decided it was cheap enough that I won’t care if it gets lost, stolen or broken, but good enough to do the job in a pinch a few times in a lifetime:

AmazonBasics 115-Piece Home Repair Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GUDO2S6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_.z6XBb648N1M5


EDIT: Can’t believe I forgot to mention the whole backstory, but....

The impetus for this post is a while back I was stranded with a flat at 1am on a cold, dark, rainy night - how stereotypical.

Tried to change my tire myself, could NOT get enough leverage with the 12” POS lug wrench that’s included by my car manufacturer. Had to call AAA. If I had been able to change the tire myself, I would have saved about an hour or so sitting in my freezing car.

That incident is what made me resolve to assemble fully stocked car kits for both cars, including some nice tools, med supplies, and clothing - I was freezing cold & it wasn’t even THAT cold outside.

It was a very eye-opening experience as it instantly made me ponder what things would have been like;

• If I had been in the middle of nowhere (I was at a well-lit gas station in a decent part of town)
  
• If I had my pregnant wife or new daughter with me
  
• Etc.
  
  Very eye-opening....thank God it just took that small incident to make me stock up.

Yaaaaaassss. I hate the hockeystick wrenches so much. "They said we had to include a wrench that's theoretically capable of removing a lugnut. Here you go. Good luck." 🙄

I couldn't find my trusty 4-way recently, so I ended up buying one of these bad boys, but their photos suck so see the photos on this overpriced listing.

It's only a little better than a traditional 4-way, but the addition of the 1/2" square drive means you can include your own socket if you need a weird size, and I like the ergonomics slightly better too. Compact storage is just a bonus.

I've got a three inch lift and 33 inch tires on a 4Runner. I don't do very much off-roading, I'd be more interested in being able to change a tire. Can anyone recommend a bottle jack for me? This one on Amazon has the highest reviews. Would it be adequate?

And get a good clean agent one. Otherwise it leaves even more of a mess to clean up (I learned the hard way how a standard extinguisher gets powder EVERYWHERE). Get something like this one.

WeatherTech are really nice and durable. This would be the first thing I put in my truck. You might want to do a gift certificate if you don't know the model/year/etc.

​

Also a fire extinguisher - I have this one: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TPOU2W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Again, it's a bit pricey so you might want to just contribute to the truck fund and let him supply the rest of the $$$

Hi-lift jacks are very dangerous and should only be used when nothing else will do the job. I use mine only for getting unstuck, a bottle jack or small floor jack are much safer for things like tire changes.

To help reduce how high I have to lift the vehicle, I use a Lift-Mate. If you jack from the chassis, you have to lift the vehicle much higher due to the suspension droop, this allows you to lift from the tire and is more stable.

Another thing to consider is whether or not you have and lift points on your chassis, the tow hitch is a good spot for the back, but unless you have added a seriously tough front bumper and sliders, you may not be able to jack from anywhere - another reason for the Lift Mate.

Finally, think about the ground. You may need a base to keep the jack from sinking if you are on soft ground like sand or mud. I've used mine for my bottle jack too.

I suggest you watch this video about high lift jacks.

I used to use a duffel bag or backpack type tactical for my VEDC but found that it was difficult to find things when I needed them without dumping the whole bag out. I then went to a box-type trunk organizer which seemed to work better. Finally I found a Pelican case that works really well. I can access it in seconds and I know where everything is. It's the Pelican 1560.

1. OPT7 Aura 8pc bed light kit https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BZPAOU4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
2. Suaoki 600A Peak Portable Car Jump Starter / Jumper Pack 18000mAh with Air Compressor https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0185CYFE6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
3. Car Charger Adapter - Cigarette Lighter Adapter, 4 Port USB https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01J7KTBEE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
4. 1-1/2" x 15 ft Heavy Duty Ratchet Cargo Tie Down Straps 3000 lbs Dual J-Hooks https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N8LMJV6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
5. Work light https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LXZWDHB/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
6. VicTsing Bluetooth FM Transmitter https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DDPUQTS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
7. 2-Pack of 3/4" Black D-ring Shackle https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013FLW8J6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
8. 3", 30' Tow strap, Recovery Strap 30,000 LB capacity https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N4U4G5S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
9. Stanley 99 piece set https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LY5AKU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s04?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
10. Hand sanitizer
    
11. Bug spray
    
12. Headlamp
    
13. 2 75 pound sand bags
    
14. Jack
    
15. Blanket
    
16. Wool socks
    
17. Duct Tape
    
18. 3 pairs of goves
    
19. Two water bottles
    
20. 2 hats
    
21. zip ties
    
22. Tire plug kit
    
23. Ice scraper

I have this one and it works great.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZ5NC99/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000B8FW0Y?pc_redir=T1 I recommend you get one of these for your axe. It's small and since your axe is out in the open this would really help if you ever need to use it.

All of this is stored in the trunk of my Jeep strapped down in the black tote pictured. I didn't get all of these things at Amazon, but tried to find a link to purchase everything.

Not pictured is a rollbar mounted fire extinguisher

This isn't specifically for camping, just what I have on me at all times.

Starting at the top right:

• Three pack of road triangles
  
  
• Solar power bank
  
  
• Leatherman Super Tool 300 in black oxide
  
  
• Cyber Power inverter
  
  
• Bungee cords
  
  
  
• Ratchet and random sockets
  
  
  
• Ratchet strap
  
  
  
• Jumper cables
  
  
  
• 30,000 tow strap
  
  
  
• Target brand first aid kit
  
  
  
• Coast px20 with red beam
  
  
  
• Coghlans right angle flashlight
  
  
  
• Eton solar/ crank radio and light
  
  
  
• Tire pressure gauge
  
  
  
• Digital tire pressure gauge
  
  
  
• Military issue folding shovel
  
  
  
• 7 ton shackle permanently borrowed from my ship
  
  
  
• 75ft of paracord
  
  
• Harbor Freight wrench set
  
  
• Harbor Freight torque wrench
  
  
• 20'x20' blue tarp
  
  
  

Parts list by image

1:

• Ford Ranger, 2007 2.3L I4
  
  2/3:
  
  
• Voifo A119
  
  4:
  
  
• SOG PowerAssist Multi-Tool
  
  
• Gerber Remix Knife, Fine Edge
  
  
• 1Tac TC1200
  
  
• Franklin Sports Dual Action Inflating Pump
  
  5:
  
  
• adidas Sport Response by Monster Earbuds
  
  
  
• eyeglasses
  
  6:
  
  
• Justin Power 5,200 mAh Power Bank
  
  
• USB Cable : Lighting, USB mini and USB Micro
  
  
• 100 You suck at parking cards
  
  
• Claritin
  
  
• Safetec® Unscented BZK Antiseptic Wipes
  
  
• plastic forks
  
  
• Chopsticks
  
  
• 2fl oz. Sanitizer
  
  
• Charger and spare batter for 1tac Flashlight
  
  
• Steel Multitool, won from Marlboro (cant find similar for link)
  
  12
  
  
• Army surplus Individual First Aid Kit
  
  15
  
  
• Rubbermaid 14 Gal Tub
  
  
• Reliance Products Desert Patrol 6 Gallon Rigid Water Container
  
  
• Chair
  
  
• Bucket 3 gal
  
  
• non slip drawer inserts to prevent sliding in bed of truck
  
  16
  
  
• Collapsible Water dish (from local baseball team)
  
  
• 150 ft rope (white)
  
  
• 2 leashes, cloth, 6ft
  
  
• leash, retractable
  
  
• 2 bungies
  
  
• 10ft rope, red
  
  edit:
  
  18
  
  
• ammo can
  
  
• jumper cables
  
  
• alpine outfitters x- harness dog harness
  
  
• duffle
  
  
• tarp, 5 ft
  
  
• e tool
  
  
• mainstays outdoor blanket
  
  
• 3 outlet inverter
  
  
• hearing protection
  
  
• spare clothes (hoodie, shorts) in cloth bag
  
  
• black otterbox
  
  
• 2 pelican cases

Amazon links:

Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel with Cordura Sheath

Fiskars 9365 PowerTooth 10-Inch Sliding Saw (Discontinued but still in stock)

Benchmade 915S Triage, Stainless Blade, Combo Edge

Since you're not looking to strap down heavy loads, and you probably don't want to start popping rivet or screw holes in your car, or hot weld things, (what the hell, in a car trunk,) JB Weld has a large line of adhesives, one of which will do you just fine. If you have extreme temperatures where you live, they have ones meant to perform in extreme hot or cold conditions.

You'll be able to liquid weld whatever type of anchor point you want to the inside of the trunk. Another method, (if you're just trying to keep a gear box/bin from sliding around,) is to put anti-slip tape on the bottom of the bin.

I use an 8 gal. Rubbermaid ActionPacker, (which holds a shit-ton of gear, probably 30 lbs.,) in the back of my Honda Pilot. I have one strip of that tape on the bottom of it, and it doesn't move an inch. And the more weight you have in it, the better it will work. I have a load blanket spread out to protect my carpet, anyway, and it sits on that just fine.

I really think this is all you need

Amazon has the trekpow G39 jump starters for 54.99, seems like a decent price, I ordered two and charged them up, but haven't had to use one yet...any way link https://www.amazon.com/B07W11QDNF/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_Z.J4DbM4N7KHB

I just searched water container on Amazon and found one for $25.

Reliance Products Desert Patrol 6 Gallon Rigid Water Container https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002IW6IY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_uKYRzb6NZ0CXW

I use this. https://www.amazon.com/Military-Original-Issue-Entrenching-Shovel/dp/B004SOPJG4/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1540064650&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=military+shovel&dpPl=1&dpID=418pyw8uw1L&ref=plSrch

I just purchased a Gorilla Automotive 1721 Telescoping Power Wrench after seeing it in another post/forum.

UV-5R, small axe, 3/8 socket set, random pipe, water bottles, tow strap, mosquito repellant, hi-lift jack with liftmate, moving blanket, tarp, paracord, aerokroil

if I had to pick three things it would be the UV5R, blanket, socket set, paracord. see what I did there?

I picked up one of these, Pelican Case 1510, several years ago. Plenty of room, keeps everything quiet, and sturdy so there's no issue with large/heavy items sitting on it when needed.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZ5NC99/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
u/bbqthrowaway

It's this one here. Larger one doesn't look like it would fit. Kidde FA110 Multi Purpose Fire Extinguisher 1A10BC, 1 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002ND64/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_sQTnzbXZHSZA1

I have a short bed F350 which is a little bit larger than the 150 bed and I have never needed more than the four, 15ft straps I carry, and I've carried some obnoxiously large furniture before.
The 4 pack cost me 30 bucks and each are rated for 3000 pounds, which is like 2500 pounds more than I think I will ever put on them.

Just a warning. It's pricey. https://www.amazon.com/Street-Guardian-SG9665GC-microSD-Supercapacitor/dp/B00U0OJMYG

I have been putting together these two Go Bags over the last month or so to store in each of my two cars.

The bags I used are Red Rock Outdoor Gear Rover Sling Pack (Coyote and Olive Drab)


They are probably about half finished at the moment, so this is the first tier update on the kits!

---

Bag 1 Contents:

• CZ 75 Compact PCR 9mm Pistol and My Youtube Review
  
• ~100 Rounds Winchester 9mm
  
• Baofeng UV-5R w/ Charger
  
• Leatherman Wave Multitool
  
• Opinel No. 8 - Beechwood
  
• Energizer Headlamp
  
• Lifestraw Personal Water Filter
  
• Rockbirds Single AA LED Flashlight
  
• Israeli Bandage
  
• Standard Bic Lighter
  
• Standard Sharpie
  
• Harbor Freight Magnesium Fire Starter
  
• Durable AIM Dental Floss
  
• Light My Fire Tritan Spork - Not Recommended!
  
• Original ChapStick
  
• Walmart Sewing Kit
  
• Equate Antibiotic Ointment
  
• 10 Regular Sized Band Aids
  
• 25 Ft. 1100 Lb Paracord
  
• 18 Ft. 550 Lb Paracord
  
• Signal Mirror - Homemade from old mirror
  
  ---
  
  Bag 2 Contents:
  
  
• Armscor Rock Island Armory M206 and My Youtube Review
  
• ~100 Rounds of Freedom Munitions .38 Special
  
• Old Timer Tixed Blade Skinning Knife
  
• Leatherman Skeletool Multitool
  
• Lifestraw Personal Water Filter
  
• Rockbirds Single AA LED Flashlight
  
• Israeli Bandage
  
• Standard Bic Lighter
  
• Standard Sharpie
  
• Light My Fire Tritan Spork - Not Recommended!
  
• Original ChapStick
  
• Walmart Sewing Kit
  
• Equate Antibiotic Ointment
  
• 10 Regular Sized Band Aids
  
• 25 Ft. 1100 Lb Paracord
  
• 18 Ft. 550 Lb Paracord
  
  Let me know what you think!
  
  Please check out our new subreddits /r/gobags and /r/bugoutbags!

Mine is: Don't die.

What could kill me in minutes?

• Fire/drowning: LifeHammer to get out of the car
  
• Blood loss: Israeli Bandage
  
  In a few hours?
  
  
• Emergency blankets
  
• Regular blankets
  
• Hand warmers
  
  Other general tools
  
  
• Headlamp - ever change a tire in the dark?
  
• Folding saw - small fallen trees