Wrapping equipment

[Mombassa]

I'm trying to figure out what would work best for wrapping individual pieces of equipment for my trip. Going to be on the road for about 800 days. I know how to “stack” sockets ad tie them up with a tie strap, but I am experimenting with an old inner tube for the fragile stuff, putting a spare rotor inside and wrapping old pieces of tube around other things that will grind a hole through whatever they touch otherwise. Buble wrap takes up too much space... Anyone found some good tricks to wrap stuff and preventing it from getting damaged, eating through the packaging etc. on a long tour?

Also, how do I “glue” inner tube together? heath? I’d love to pack a diode board, relays and other electronics that I don’t plan to use in waterproof things to protect them.

Other ideas?


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Kevin

http://www.nohorizons.net

[Grant Johnson]

Kevin,

The inner tube is a good idea. I've used it before for lots of things, never bothered to try and glue it together though.

I pack my bits and pies in small 4 1/2 " x 8" x 2 1/2" plastic tupperware style boxes, and make sure everything is tightly packed, and delicate stuff separated by bits of rubber sheet much like inner tubing.

Trying to make each item perfectly packed is too much like work. I've never had any problem with the packing method above.

Electronics etc do well this way, I make a point of having a "delicate" box and a non-delicate box, and pack them appropriately in the panniers.

I don't put my spares in with the tools, preferring to have access to the tools separately and the tools packed forward because they're really heavy!

I don't pack sockets as you've described, just toss them into a heavy cordura nylon pouch loose. Easy to get at. Same cordura pouch went around the world, minor abrasion / possible holes developing, but the same pouch was already ten years old before we left... I also use a cordura tool roll for everything else, as well as the genuine BMW tool roll. Two separate tool rolls makes it easy - the common quick stuff for side of the road repairs, and the other if we're gonna get serious.

the tool rolls work great, highly recommended, no rattling, easy to find tools, someplace to put small parts, and both rolls are still in perfect condition.

Frequently needed and emergency type stuff / spares like tape, wire and fuses and patch kit are kept very accessible in the BMW's underseat tray.

Waterproofing should be adequate with the tupperware boxes so you don't have to worry about the electronics - besides, so long as they're dry before you use them it's not the end of them if they get wet along the way. You do want to keep them dry because of the risk of corrosion, but it's a minor worry, don't go to a lot of trouble past plastic boxes.

have fun sorting it out!

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Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

[fireboomer]

Grant,

I have been looking aruond for these toolrolls for months and I just can't find them. They don't seem to exist in Belgium.

I do have a contact that has proposed to make one based on my specifiactions. Do you have any idea what I should tell him? Or should I just drop off all my tools and ask to make two toolrolls were all the stuff fitts into?
What material should this thing be made out to last for a long time? (cordura?)
For fixation I would love straps because then I can tie the low to my crashbars in the front.
You wouldn't have any pictures that I can pass on to this guy who would be able to make them?

[Ian]

I use a cordura tool roll from Touratech:
www.touratech.de - heavy duty and with a built in magnet for holding the odds and ends during repairs.

[Grant Johnson]

The Touratech tool bag looks interesting, The magnet is a good idea, and big is good,
but I prefer the style I have. See a standard BMW tool roll.

The tools go into a slot or pocket that is about half the height of tool, so you see the top half only. More secure.

Also the second roll has a zippered pouch to hold the small bits. Nice.

Both mine are closed by a strap around it. The velcro version is better than the BMW buckle.

Probably a matter of personal preference.

You could easily make one out of cordura for a few dollars. Anyone with a sewing machine could make it easily to fit your tools, even including a pouch or two.

I WOULD NOT put it on the outside of the bike, begging to get it stolen.

Put it inside a piece of plastic plumbing pipe with end caps and attach that to the bike. Make sure the end caps are secure! Losing tools is a bummer - if you're energetic, there is a complete set of tools spread along Ruta 40 in South America... (not mine!)

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Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

[Bill Shockley]

Hi everybody,
Helen 2Wheels is a notable persona in the BMW world and a darn good seamstress who makes travel bags and tool rolls to name just a few. I think her address might be www.helen2wheels.com
Well anyway she makes a BMW replica tool roll out of cordura that is better than the vinyl original. Check it out on her website. Helen was just got crashed up and is hospitalized. A nice gesture that beats flowers would be to buy her tool roll now. It is $15 USD. I just ordered one for myself. Helen needs us. Bill.