As I was trying to figure out what to write about today, I was cleaning up some miscellaneous stuff that I have drug out for various reasons. One was a tow strap that I loaned out a couple of weeks ago and the other was some ratchet straps that I was using to tighten the framing on my project. Both of those things belong in my vehicle kit which the contents were in a bit of disarray as a result.

Now, I should say that I used to carry this box around in my pick-up. When I moved to the Mustang, I took it out and never has it gone back permanently. It gets put back in for camping and hunting trips or if I have to grab and go to maybe help someone stuck. Truthfully, it is not much help if you don’t have it when you need it. But, I do make a point to carry some gear in each vehicle.

Vehicle preparedness gets some coverage, typically in the beginning of winter. Every couple of years, there seems to be a story about someone getting stuck with their vehicle for a couple of days. I really started considering the possibilities of being stuck with a vehicle about 15 years ago when a guy took a wrong turn and ended up freezing to death.

I did have one occasion where I did something kind of foolish and got my vehicle stuck in the woods. I left without saying where I was going and ended up getting my pickup stuck. My decision was to walk 12 miles out and eventually, I got some help. Mind you I was out of cell phone coverage, which is quite common when you get off of the paved roads here.

As with all topics in preparedness, it starts with what are we preparing for? In my case, I would say it is sort of a general preparedness. The categories I have made are getting stuck, mechanical problems, sheltering in place. I still do carry jumper cables and the like in the vehicle, but this box augments what I always carry. Lets take a deeper look at what is in here.

From the top, I see two wool blankets, a tarp, a fleece and a collapsible fishing pole (that is for fun mostly).

Things get a little more busy after the top layer. But from here there is a first aid kit, automotive tools, folding shovel, container with ratchet straps, tow strap, a spare jacket and then a bag containing who knows what. I think there are some matches, fire starter kit, cordage and other small things. I probably have a knife and multi-tool in there somewhere too.

I suppose the number one (and two) thing that is not in here is food and water. My original idea for that was to carry a separate bag, sometimes called a ‘get home’ bag where I would always have it with me. Because of temperature extremes and perishability, I wouldn’t want to leave that stuff in the car for an extended period of time.

One of the reasons that I haven’t put this back in my vehicle is that I realized having all of the tools in the world isn’t helpful if you also need parts. Sure, there are some field repairs that could be done but you have to have some knowledge about that stuff too. Other reasons include it is bulky and heavy and I don’t have a good way to secure it (to keep from being stolen). I needed my extra cab space for passengers at this point and it is too cumbersome to put in and take out all the time.

I will say that when I carried it, I probably got into it every month or so, mostly for tools. Despite not routinely carrying this box, items that are always in the car are a flashlight, a 110 voltage inverter, spare charge cords, small notebook with pens and tire gauge, flares, space blankets equal to the max number of passengers, fire extinguisher and a couple of tools.

Change Your Programming Routine: I have to say, it is not likely that this is going to back in the car full time. But the exercise is definitely valuable from a mental standpoint. I helps you visualize the possibilities and how you would adapt by what you have or not.