what is helpful in a pickup/van for 'surveyors equipment ?

Derek:

I bought a "Silver Shield" organizer for my pickup and I would say that it was money very well spent. I know a lot of guys use homemade boxes which is fine if you have the time and want to go that way. The metal organizer is not too bulky and probably lighter than a wooden system would be. I have a cover for the back and once it is opened I have access to everything I need.

T. Wilson

I worked for a guy that had a silver shield, and I liked it, no splinters.

You do have to make sure that it is latched before driving off, or the top can, with help from the wind, lift itself into the up position. At least that was my experience in the mid 90's, they may have a new design now.

It is my humble opinion that because hardly any of us agree on much of anything, then you will get the same results from your line of questions. To that end, I've picked up a few nuggets from those on this board and we build our own taylor made for each crew truck. None are alike. They are set up by the chief for what is most important to him.

We have plywood boxes to pvc pipes for iron rods. One of our trucks has a roll away bed cover and the entire bed is the tool box. Works very well for a smaller truck and puts needed weight over the axles to "find bottom" in the mud.

As always, it depends. For us, a simple divider system for tripods in a wooden box and dividers for laths, and pvc pipe for rods works very well. I stole some of our ideas from John Francis' van when he posted pictures 5 years ago on the old board. Too bad we can't see all of those again. While it was MESSY, that man had EVERYTHING in there.

If you can afford it. try these guys:

http://www.shop.badasstruckstuff.com/Surveyor-Pack_c28.htm

I agree with this sentiment; it depends.

Right now I'm designing a custom box for my subaru outback - it won't fill the entire rear since I'd like to leave one couch open for a back seat.

I'm also not going to field a "full set of gear." I'm only going to bring 2 sets of legs, 1 glass and tribrach setup, with the second set of glass on the rod with a bipod for backsights. IMHO, it's the best setup for robotic work on the small surveys we do around here.

I've always been in favor of custom made boxes that can easily be removed if needed. It's handy when moving, vacations, etc. I prefer plywood with vertical 1x8 for the slots for legs, rods, shovels, tools, etc. Then a custom box placed transversly near the front for all the little supplies. I use coffee cans for most things and they fit into that. My matching fiberglass caps have side opening doors. My robot and/or GPS goes in the back seat.

If I need my truck for a regular truck, I can have it emptied in about 15 minutes. Reloading provides the benefit of instant re-organization.

I've worked with Silver Shield and will say that they are terrific. But they are more for fleet vehicles and not suitable for someone using their every day truck to work from.

Thank you all for your valued experiences.

Cheers

Derek

Derek , contact Shelby H. Griggs as he has a great vehicle

RADU

Derek and others,

I just finished up what I plan to be my last organizer. It's a combination of a Weatherguard drawer unit, a self-made wooden organizer and some salvaged Adrian steel shelving from my last work vehicle (a cargo van).

As seen in the pics below, all three are bolted together and fastened to the base plywood. The steel shelving was shortened and "sandwiched" together back to back. Access from the side topper doors is excellent. No dead space. The paint on the shelves was good, as was the drawer unit. All the wood received two primer coats and a top coat of mildew-resistant porch paint.

I have built (quite) a few over the years and have made little modifications along the way, getting to what works for me. Will easily transfer into any truck with an 8-foot bed.

Also went with a bedrug to protect the new truck. Adds some protection to the gear and keeps the bed like new. My brother is a dealer and his cost was around $300.

Good luck,

Matt

>

Very cool, great job, very professional looking.

My only complaint is the blocking of the rear view from the mirror, you should get a backup camera that would be cool.

Again awesome job!

> If you can afford it. try these guys:
>
>> http://www.shop.badasstruckstuff.com/Surveyor-Pack_c28.htmbr >
wow!! $8,000 for a truck box, sign me up for two

Boundary Lines,

Yes, that is a bit of an issue. I am looking into backup cameras now. Does anyone have a good unit they suggest?

Thanks,

Matt

Yes. Get a good set of truck type mirrors, place a 4" spot mirror on the lower outside of the right hand mirror. Should provide all the view you will need if you just use them, many drive down the road and never looking in their mirrors. Never understood the need of a camera, even for hooking up to a trailer. Good mirrors have worked well for years on rigs much bigger and harder to see to the rear than yours.
jud

Jud beat me to it. Good mirrors with a 4" fish eye lens on the passenger side is the way to go. I even have a 1" one on the drivers side. Helps with lane changes too. A camera just seems like another thing to break.

Several years back I worked out of a van with no rear windows. Got used to mirrors real quick. I still use my side ones more often than the rear view.

BTW, great looking tool box.