Lock Box Storage and Tools
Andy packing the driver rear lockbox
This blog is only for those who want a deep dive into our tool setup. We strive to be as self-reliant as possible since our goal is to drive remote rough roads and wild camp miles away from anyone else.
The irony is that we are actually writing this from an apartment building in Lagos, Nigeria as we are momentarily held up waiting for our Cameroon visas. (We unfortunately arrived in town when the consul was gone for a week so we spent four unexpected days in an Airbnb). To keep ourselves amused and hopefully inform some interested readers, we are writing this.
In preparation for installation of our camper, we had the pickup bed removed and replaced it with a Norweld flatbed built in Australia which has four locking exterior boxes attached underneath the flatbed. These have been invaluable for storing most of our tools. They are mostly waterproof (Andy has had to tighten the seals a couple of times) and convenient to access.
As we write this we are right in the middle of the most populated city in Africa in the most populated country in Africa, Lagos, Nigeria. You can see the lock boxes on either side of the rear wheel.
Close up of the passenter front box. Each box uses the same key.
Contents of front passenger box
Itemized List of Lockbox #1 (much is self evident):
Wrench kit - mostly for tightening bolts
Misc parts pouch - super glue, electrical wire fittings, OBD tool reader
Hammer, cheater bar and wood and metal saws - Initially didn’t want to bring a hammer due to the weight but eventually needed one
Socket set plus - see photo below for details
Electrical crimper
Tent stakes - for the awning
Nails - just a random selection
Screwdriver and long needlenose pliers
Battery charger - Despite its small size it has enough power to jumpstart our truck and stays charged for six months - amazing technology. Now don’t have to carry jumper cables. (so far we only used it to help others)
Andy’s oil clothes - since Andy usually only has one pair of pants and sometimes he has to look decent (asking for visas at embassies for example), we quickly relegated an old pair to his work set
Voltage meter - super important for finding electrical shorts. This is the tool that determined that our solar panels have failed, again and again…
Quite a bit has to do with electrics and these tools are mostly for the camper and solar system.
Everything’s from the tool bag in the above photo - including the most essential - more glue. We carry drill bits but no drill as we have found it can be relatively easy to borrow the heavier drill, but having your own drill bits is useful.
Upper right corner is a collection of plumbing fittings for the camper as we’ve broken fittings during a cold snap -19ºF/-28ºC.
Lower right is a motley collection of wire cutters, two allen wrench sets, two door panel removal tools.
Lower left is socket wrench and extensions, nut/bolt marker pen, and 1/2” to 3/8” drive convenrters, and more screw drivers
Close up of second lockbox with door open, note some dust on the inside of the door - means we need to tighten up the door before we drive into the monsoon - we have had a puddle in the bottom of this one before
Contents of passenger side rear lockbox
Itemized list of Lockbox #2
Empty oil containers for collecting dirty oil from next oil change. Often we are also carrying the new oil for the next change too as it can be difficult to find.
Replacement differential oil
Grease gun - one of Andy’s most used tools (see Repairs and Maintenance Part 2 blog for more on the ongoing saga of creaks and groans)
Fishing equipment - not technically a truck tool, but you never know when the opportunity will come up to break out the gear (both fly and spinning rods are stored under our bed with Andy’s clothes but the rest is here)
Torque wrench - for tightening nuts
Our awesome security guys from the parking area came to check out our blog prep photoshoot. We are getting used to having a curious audience in Africa.
Driver’s side front and rear lockboxes, open
Contents of driver’s side front lockbox
Itemized List of Lockbox #3
Hi lift jack strap - the large black part slips onto the the hi lift jack and the hooks go into the holes on the wheel that’s buried
Goof off - mostly for when we make mistakes drawing our route on our hood map
Work gloves
Hi lift jack bases - the black one is the normal base and the red one is designed to be used in mud or sand - prevents the jack from just sinking down
Tire pressure gauge - invaluable for airing up and down for sandy roads
Fuel filter funnel - This is designed not only to catch dirt but to prevent water from entering the trucks tank
Engine oil filter
Air compressor hose
Shovel
Spark plugs - In case Andy mistakingly puts diesel in again - don’t ask…
Oil filter removal tool
Replacement end link for anti-sway bar - spare part in case another one breaks
Contents of rear driver’s side lockbox
Itemized List of Lockbox #4
Machete - just a generally good thing to have in the woods
Tire repair kit - haven’t used it yet
Suction cups - bracket to attach to outside window to attach outside shower curtain
Shower curtain - for internal or external use
Extension cord - Used if we need to charge the camper battery from shore power
Anti-mold paint - used to re-paint internal strips on ceiling where mold formed
Shower head - for internal or external shower
Hose nozzle
Water hose - used to fill our water tank
European extension cord
Camper electrical cord (to plug camper into shore power, have only used once in Europe when solar panels were failing)
Well that is our lockbox tour for you. We are happy to say that so far we have not been missing a critical tool at a critical moment. (Missing in these photos is the all-purpose duct tape which is stored behind Andy’s seat. That has been a lifesaver several times.) We suffer a lot the few things we lack and we enjoy too little the many things we have.
Luckily we have our Cameroon visas in hand now so will be continuing on our way through Nigeria, looking forward to getting out into the countryside. Safe adventures and thank you for reading!
