For You Velcro-Obsessed, ARB Drawer, 5.11 Tactical Fans...

[Dan Higgins]

I'm looking at you @Markuson! And since @codyaustin5 just told us that 5.11 Tactical will be an additional sponsor for the LCDC event...
I thought I would share an item that I picked up at the local 5.11 store about a month ago. 5.11 has gone to a system where you can use Velcro backed Molle-style attachments. The one in the pics below is a small, zippered pouch that fits snuggly into the upper-outside space of either ARB drawer using that Velcro system. And since it is zippered it is a bit more secure.

(Note, I use a zippered pouch from Blue Ridge Overland in the opposite upper corner of each drawer)

 

[RET2]

Velcro? @Markuson is already there waiting.

 

[Markuson]

I'm looking at you @Markuson! And since @codyaustin5 just told us that 5.11 Tactical will be an additional sponsor for the LCDC event...
I thought I would share an item that I picked up at the local 5.11 store about a month ago. 5.11 has gone to a system where you can use Velcro backed Molle-style attachments. The one in the pics below is a small, zippered pouch that fits snuggly into the upper-outside space of either ARB drawer using that Velcro system. And since it is zippered it is a bit more secure.

(Note, I use a zippered pouch from Blue Ridge Overland in the opposite upper corner of each drawer)

View attachment 1920806View attachment 1920807

Heehee...

Velcro just makes sense—especially now that 5.11 just happens to be releasing tons of hook-based items. Very helpful, as it is amazing how hard things were to find anywhere else.

In a truck with all sorts of irregular panel surfaces, unused “shelves” etc., but few storage interior quick-grab options...I have definitely taken full advantage of Velcro. That looks like a great little bag, @Dan Higgins .

 

[Markuson]

Velcro? @Markuson is already there waiting.

Hehe... Except I’ve already taken full advantage of their support got hooked based stuff. It would be far easier for someone to do this stuff compared to a few years ago.

5.11 makes the small piece of hook-backed panel I find most useful on drawers an my little charge station. It’s their $5.99 piece has a slot, and two elastic loops that can also be converted into one bigger loop. But suddenly, 5.11’s has released quite an assortment that open up many options.

About photos—Before you laugh at the vacuum in the photo—Do a week in sandy, windy Baja. I wished I had it then...
I recharge it from an inverter & it uses a wasted spot in the window sill.

Paper towel thing might seem odd, but it’s amazing how handy it is when using the tailgate for food, tinkering etc.

With no second row seats on most trips, this makes for a handy “shelf” for charging. The only Velcro is the strip just above the armrest.

ARB drawer coverings are nearly perfect mates to hook-based stuff.

These hook-based panels make my locked tailgate storage even more secure by making it look non-existent.

Any time I’m standing under my hatch...a ton of quick-grab items are at my fingertips.

 

[Itsky]

Looks very well organized and practical.

But, I wouldn’t consider due to forces involved during a crash. I believe many of those items would become projectiles.

 

[Markuson]

Looks very well organized and practical.

But, I wouldn’t consider due to forces involved during a crash. I believe many of those items would become projectiles.

The Velcro attachments are actually hard to even pull off...and the only items that can come loose from their attachments of any weight are on my rear drawer face...which sits against my closed tail-gate. So...if I’m an accident so bad...that my trapped tail-gate-facing items move up...around the tiny space there...upward part cargo...then into the front row? It could happen, but I figure I’m more likely to be smashed while holding a drink up to my face when the airbag goes off.

Attachment not less secure are made more so by strips of hook/loop combo rolls from harbor freight. These strips are literally SO STICKY that it is actually difficult to remove on purpose and requires serious muscle.

Highly recommend the rolls of two-sides hook/loop from harbor freight. Sooooo handy for securing all sorts of things even without loop material in the cab.

 

[DRCocaCola]

@Markuson but with velcro

 

[Markuson]

@Markuson but with velcro

Lol!
That’s funny.

I’m used to the kidding. My friend Ralph ( @RET2 ) is RELENTLESS! Haha...
But man if someone has an easier way to attach stuff, I’m all ears.

 

[TonyP]

I dig it.
I might try using an adhesive that can hold up to heat instead of fasteners for my project.
We shall see if it holds up.

 

[Markuson]

I dig it.
I might try using an adhesive that can hold up to heat instead of fasteners for my project.
We shall see if it holds up.

Ya, the mass Mounts of screws were not originally planned. But it became clear that adhesive can fail without help. Had I known how many screws I’d be attaching mostly by feel (vision screwy), I might have gone another route. But now that it’s done, it’s just a helpful thing. Plus, my rear plastics looked like crap anyway. Scuffed up and such...so win-win.

 

[Itsky]

Man, you are far more likely to be knocked out by the full, metal water bottles you were insisting we all use as—it flies out of your cup holder in an accident and batters you.

But anyway. that assumption isn’t actually a thing in my case. The Velcro attachments are actually hard to even pull off...and the only items that can come loose from their attachments of any weight are on my rear drawer face...which sits against my closed tail-gate. So...if I’m an accident so bad...that my trapped tail-gate-facing items move up...around the tiny space there...upward part cargo...then into the front row? I’m dead anyway.

By the way... any attachments not 100% secure are made so by strips of hook/loop combo rolls from harbor freight. These strips are literally SO STUCK that it is actually difficult to remove on purpose and requires serious muscle.

Highly recommend the rolls of two-sides hook/loop from harbor freight. Sooooo handy for securing all sorts of this to industrial Velcro.

Now about those deadly metal water bottles...I assume you have ratchet-strapped all of those down in your cupholders so they don’t kill u in an accident...riiiiight?

You’re way to defensive man!

You just wrote three paragraphs about how securing things to the walls using velcro is safe

Is that a speaker at approximately head level above the rear window Velcrod on? Please explain to me what would happen to that if you were rear ended or involved in any crash at highway speed. Where would it end up?

 

[Markuson]

You’re way to defensive man!

You just wrote three paragraphs about how securing things to the walls using velcro is safe

Is that a speaker at approximately head level above the rear window Velcrod on? Please explain to me what would happen to that if you were rear ended or involved in any crash at highway speed. Where would it end up?

If you tried to pull those speakers off, you would dinner pull the full hatch panel. They are strapped, and quite difficult to remove. If they were just stuck on, I would agree. But they are seriously bolstered by straps at angles I literally cannot remove with forward pulling.

Not so much defensive as just remembering the tone of the goofy water bottle lectures...LOL.

It’s worth mentioning that several revisions have taken the flying-object thing into consideration. I agree that just hap-hazardly sticking stuff all over would be a bad idea. But that wasn’t done here.

The base of loop isn’t just stuck on either. I secured it to the interior with screws that are 1 inch apart along every seam. Roughly 1400 screws in all.

 

[RET2]

Isn't it time for a tire pressure question?

 

[Itsky]

Not so much defensive as just considering the source… LOL.

Come to LCDC and try to pull those rear hatch attachments off.

They are almost humorously difficult to remove.

And the Velcro...is secured to the interior by metal screws that are 1 inch apart around every seam.
Roughly -400 screws in all.

Carry on...

You’re right, they’re safe. 100,000 posts proves your an expert

 

[RET2]

@TonyP if you want to be period correct for the troopy you would have to use Duct tape and baling wire? Just kidding ya bud.

 

[Markuson]

Here’s a quick example of how useful having a roll of harbor freight two sided Velcro is…. This little piece keeps my top most platform from rattling against my Jerry cans.

 

[TonyP]

@TonyP if you want to be period correct for the troopy you would have to use Duct tape and baling wire? Just kidding ya bud.

Only if they're bought from the local Tractor Supply. None of that fancy Wal-Mart duct tape for the 4wd breadvan.

I wish it was that low-rent. This damn Troopy is going to cost waaaayyy more than the 200.

 

[M1911]

Only if they're bought from the local Tractor Supply. None of that fancy Wal-Mart duct tape for the 4wd breadvan.

I wish it was that low-rent. This damn Troopy is going to cost waaaayyy more than the 200.

But think of all the extra refinement you’ll be getting for that money.

 

[Markuson]

You’re right, they’re safe. 100,000 posts proves your an expert

Ugh... In my gozillion posts (?)...I’ve never claimed expertise in anything. Ever.

But thank you for your concern for my personal safety. Safety is always a worthy consideration.

 

[RET2]

Only if they're bought from the local Tractor Supply. None of that fancy Wal-Mart duct tape for the 4wd breadvan.

I wish it was that low-rent. This damn Troopy is going to cost waaaayyy more than the 200.

I wish I had the moxey to do what you're doing, alas I don't. You sir serve as my alter ego. Party on Garth