Getting you organised so you can get out side

Molle Seat-Back Panel

May 16, 2012 / thatguy / No comments

Backseat drivers are a pain in the butt, but sometimes you just can’t avoid it. If you’re like me and have three kids, you’ve trained them pretty well to keep themselves occupied while you are navigating through complicated terrain.

“Don’t mind the 300ft drop outside your window, hunny. Yes, I know where I’m going. No, we’re not going to die. Please just keep reading your book.”

So now you have to keep your backseat drivers/riders occupied with fun things to do….and nowhere to put them. That’s where our world famous Molle Seat-Back Panel comes in. You hang this bad boy on the back of your seat and it serves as a sturdy anchor (and seat protector) for small, medium, and large MOLLE compatible bags that can hold all your little heart desires. Things like: chewing gum, duct tape, a game boy, a fire starter, noise makers, word search books, maps. All things that good kids love to play with. Now you can be prepared AND organized.

Goal Zero Solar part 1

April 26, 2012 / thatguy / No comments

I have working on a solar/lighting kit. and my Goal Zero stuff came in today.

Then I thought. I can break and anvle so I made this to start kitting my new stuff.

As soon as my charge controller gets here I will do a video on the kit and hooking it up to our back up battery.

You can find other things we have made at www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com

Jeep JKU Door pouch

April 23, 2012 / thatguy / No comments

You’re driving along on a back trail deep in the Georgia woods…

Spanish moss is everywhere. Birds are chirping.

The sun is shining. Life is good. Suddenly you see it….What….Is….THAT??? Bigfoot.

That’s what. But who’s going to believe you?

Better get your camera and take a picture as proof.

But wait. Where’s your camera? It could be anywhere in that mess of a Jeep.

You’re searching frantically, digging through protein

bar wrappers, throwing maps into the backseat. You finally see it in the far corner of the passenger footwell.

You take one last look at Bigfoot before you reach for it. He’s staring at you…and…is he smirking? You

reach for the camera, come back up, and he’s gone. Nobody is going to believe you.

Had you purchased our Jeep Door Pouch and organized your life a little bit, you probably would have known

to simply reach into the Velcro front pocket of our Door Pouch for your trusty digital camera. You would have

felt for the power button, turned it on, and slowly raised it to eye level and snapped a pic to prove you

weren’t crazy. CNN would have gotten word of your photography. Larry King would have interviewed you.

You would have had offers for product endorsements, party invitations, and influential gatherings. You

could’ve been a contender.

Don’t miss out on that kind of opportunity.

You can find the door pouch at blue ridge overland gear

Traveling Tool Bag

April 9, 2012 / thatguy / No comments

You’re a man (or woman). With tools. You’re handy. You don’t need The Man to coddle you, but your tools do need a bag to coddle them. This bag does that. Your tools will stay safe and organized in the internal pockets made of durable clear plastic and tough nylon. Your tools will be able to sleep well at night knowing their owner takes care of them.

Dutch Oven carrying bag

April 2, 2012 / thatguy / No comments

I got to looking at my dutch oven the other day. and thought it needs a bag. Next I went on line to look for one then to gander mountain to see it live in person. Then i made this sometimes it works like that for me.

Oil Bag

March 19, 2012 / thatguy / No comments

This is the Blue ridge overland Oil Fluids bag. We’ve built this bag to be able to carry motor oil, transmission fluid, gear oil, stuff like that.

On the front you’re going to see this paracord woven across the front back and forth. They’re woven through a piece of ITW hardware, so that it moves really smooth and you can expand it or contract with a cord lock. Giving you the ability to lash what you want to the front. We provide a 5’ x 6’ plastic tarp to lash down.

The next thing to look at is the tan hardware. This is an ITW Nexus GhillieTEX™ Quick Attach Surface Mount(QASM) buckle, most of the material on this bag is milspec, the webbing is a milspec, the hardware is milspec hardware, the outer shell is a 500D courda. and the Inner liner is PVC coated nylon. The thing I like about the GhillieTEX™ buckles is that they weave into the nylon, they’re not actually stitched in. They actually weave in, and they’re field maitenanceable.

On the inside I’ve got 3 quarts of oil, some transmission fluid, some rear end grease, there’s normally some break fluid in there, and there’s break cleaner in an aerosol can. The bag will hold about six quarts of something across the bottom. The bag is 12 inches wide and 12 inches tall and about 5 inches deep

The inner liner is PVC coated nylon is similar to what they make truck tarp out of. This is a thinner version of that, so it doesn’t weigh as much, but the key to the PVC coated nylon is its resist to stains, oil and most everything else.

Across the top the bag there is piece of 1”x6” loop on the name tape there is hook. We use that to identify all our bags.

Now, the back of the bag is bar tacked the same way the side is so you can lash stuff clear up to where the flap goes across the top. I use little rubber bungee straps for that

Back up Battery Video 1

March 4, 2012 / thatguy / No comments

Finished but not installed here it is the battery box video.

Video on the Small Recovery Bag.

March 2, 2012 / thatguy / No comments

Ok so here it is live and in video

– The small recovery bag.

modular camera backpack

March 1, 2012 / thatguy / No comments

I have been working on a new camera bag. The goal was to create a modular trave system Because we like to pack up the family and go. Since my wife, one of best friend make there living with a camera and I Carrie video equipment a lot when I travel. I decided to make a camera bag. I was looking for a modular bag that could you can added on to. To Carrie things like an IPad and lop top on the out side to get throught the air port faster and have your tec stuff togather. I also want to be able to separate it in the car or hotel. So here is our first go.

You can unclip the bottom of the shoulder straps and use the compresston straps from the back to attach the bag. The shoulder straps are complete removable so you can use it as a backpack incert. (we will look at our back in another post). The hardware is field maintenancable this is key for me as I can break an anvil, wile the goal is to make it bomb proof it’s also nice to know I can fix it if I break if. The shoulder Straps are also adjustable So you can move the wight up or down you back to maximize comfort.

On the back there is a 4 inc pice of loop to atach hook organizer pouches and. Large section of MOLLR/PALS webbing to add pouched to that world be more permanent. I’ll do a video And go throught all the configurations we use it in.

TGG 10 One Wrap Velcro and the Bubba Chair

October 21, 2010 / thatguy / No comments

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Camping Chair

One Wrap Velcro, I don’t know how you have lived without it. Like duct tape, its something everyone should have in the Jeep. I use it to attach things to molle webbing, keep binder straps organized, and generally keep things tied down. Its a handy Jeep accessory. Take a minute to watch the video and check out the That Guy’s Bubba Chair and how we use One Wrap Velcro.

Camping chair

That guys Bubba Chair

Off road its a way of life.

December 1, 2010 / thatguy / No comments

Some great pics and an article by Shawn Polen. from long ears studio.

Family Fun – Images by shawn polen

Camping Chair

Hammock

May 25, 2011 / thatguy / No comments

This winter/spring work has gotten in the way of garage time. That is going to change and we will be back up and running shortly, but first I needed a rest. So I made a Hammock. I hate it when works gets in the way of a good rest.

TGG 15 Jeep JK Front Seat Cover part 1

June 13, 2011 / thatguy / No comments

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This is for a 2007-2010 wrangler front seats back. It’s not really a seat cover its removable upholstery. We made to slide on over your factory seat the it secures with side release buckles at the bottom. This enables it tobe removed if need. But fits and look like factory upholstery.
-1000D Courda nylon
-Removable
-All most water proof ( don’t take it swimming and you will be fine)
-Holds a lot of stuff
-Check out the video

you can find it at the Garage sale.

JKU Rock Sliders

July 4, 2011 / thatguy / No comments

It was way past time to add sliders to the JK and this weekend I got it done. well all most done I am going to add a 1.25″ tube rail to them later on. The kids think its a step for them but its really the beginning of me taking it over form my wife. Just don’t tell her.

I got the DOM tubing added. the pics are in the gallery

JKU slider

Jeep JK Awning test.

July 26, 2011 / thatguy / No comments

here are some pics of our Awning in use. Some where in Colorado.

Jeep JK Awning

Jeep JKU Awning in use.

Horse Trailer Rebuild.

July 31, 2011 / thatguy / No comments

The horse trailer rebuild I have been working on is finally done. ( well the out side is finished) had to rebuild the ramp and patch holes in the fender but its all metal again. and ready for the road… well all but the tires and wheels, but that will be finished soon.

Go Pro Camera test

August 1, 2011 / thatguy / No comments

Trying out the Go Pro on our last trip to Colorado.

Jeep JK Door Pouch

August 2, 2011 / thatguy / No comments

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Jeep JK door pouch for the fount door.This is based on the military MOLLE system but will not work well attached to MOLLE. It is designed for the Jeep JK door handle. It fits 2 doors and the front door of the 4 doors. Its 10″ wide x 8″ tall x 2″ inches wide.

what we keep in it:

-Sun screen
-Bug Spray
-Tire gauge
-DVD on long trips for the kids
-First aid supplies
-snacks (Beef jerky)
-all most anything else you can think of.

Flat Pouch with quick clip MOLLE attachment.

August 11, 2011 / thatguy / No comments

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Click on the image to get the garage sale.

This is a 8″x6″ flat pouch with a #8 zipper at the top and our Quick clip MOLLE attachment. I have been using it on the fount seat of the jeep and a larger on 12″x6″ for tools on the back seat. Check out the Video for more ideas.

Jeep JKU Visor organizer

August 16, 2011 / thatguy / No comments

So i have wanted to rebuild my Jeep’s visor cover for a wile now. After using it for the last couple months I came up with a better way to attach it. Using 1 rap Velcro in instead of normal Velcro. it gives better contact to the pouches that get stuck to it and it looks cleaner. There is some more info at the Garages sale page.

Click on the image to get to the garage sale.

4″x6″ Flat Pouch

August 23, 2011 / thatguy / No comments

This works well on the Visor you can take it off and velcro it anywhere. For us it mostly stays on the Visor to keep the DVD remote ( you don’t want the kids to have too much power). and for turnpike tickets and money for the pesky turnpike booths, I always seem to for get about them till I’m there rustling around trying to get my wallet out to pay.. now its all in one place.

Clear 4"x6" Clear flat pouch Velcro attachment

4″x10″ Visor Pouch on a Jeep JK

August 30, 2011 / thatguy / No comments

I made this one to hold my registration and other info I might need at hand. It measures 4″x8″ with hook Velcro ( that’s the scratchy one) one the back and it attaches to our Velcro visor cover.

4″x6″x1″ Velcro pouch for the Visor.

September 5, 2011 / thatguy / No comments

6x4x1 velcro Pouch

I made this one to hold those things that are all ways rolling round on the floor in our Jeep. Like pens and the all important extra epie pen. I also leave my maintenance login there . I use a Rite in the rain note book for that because they hold up so well. link below for the Rite in the rain. and some of the other things I mentioned

Read Reviews

Alpine Loop CO in The Jeep JK

August 16, 2011 / thatguy / No comments

The 5 of us loaded in the Jeep and headed out to CO the Animas Forks area. We left from Roanoke VA here are some pic from along the way. We also stopped at the KY horse park.

5 Gal Portable Camping shower

September 12, 2011 / thatguy / No comments

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I saw this on the Expedition portal some where and thought it looked prety handy for washing and cleaning up so today I made one. I got an extra lid for a20L scepter water can that I picked up at a yard sale. added some fitting and a sprayer — put about 10lb of air to it from my portable c02 tank. now we have 5 gal of pressurized water. you can check out the Video for more info.

Read Reviews

JKU Map Pouch

September 18, 2011 / thatguy / No comments

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New Jeep JK map pouch for. for that 1″ between the passenger seat and the console.

$25.95

12V Doul Power Connector

October 8, 2011 / thatguy / No comments

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Dual Power Cable Connector for high amp draw. I have started using these on my jeeps and trailers. I often find my self needing (may be its a want) a second battery, I have one hard wired in my XJ and up until that is where it has lived. So I started wiring the Doul Power connectors on the on the JK. So far I have added one the the front for jumper cables and my wench. and will be adding one for a portable second batter. the great thing about the connectors is they are color coded so only red will work with red ,yellow will work with yellow and so on. Making it easy to identify the purpose of the connector. for more information check out the video.

Tie down mod for our Kayak.

October 23, 2011 / thatguy / No comments

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This week I made some mods to a motorcycle tie down to use with our Kayaks. Maybe this will make my life easier.

FJ Cruiser Door Pouch

October 31, 2011 / thatguy / No comments

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This is 7″x5″x2″ designed to go around the FJ cruiser door handle. or used with a MOLLE covers. we add an extra set of snaps on the back of the pouch so it works with something round. you can find it at www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com

FJ cruiser door pouch

Padded flat pouch

November 11, 2011 / thatguy / No comments

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This simple little pouch is as handy as it is simpple. It is 1/8″ padding with a draw string and a 1″ loop for a grim lock (that is included)
I use it for my video camera, I can clip it to my seat cover and then grab it and hook it to my back pack. This can be found at www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com

Receiver hitch rack.

November 10, 2011 / thatguy / No comments

I have been working on a Receiver rack and here is what i have so far i will add to this post as i finish this up.

Chest Pouch

December 12, 2011 / thatguy / No comments

Chest Pouch 9″x8″x3″

made in the USA

I made this chest pouch to be as versatile as possible. I started out wanting something to clip to my PFD, or back pack to hold small items such as a video camera, Fly fishing gear, head light, note book other little things that I like to keep handy when going on an outing. After trying it out, I can believe How handy this pouch is, I use it all the time. Here are some details,

It has velcro on one side and a pocket on the other side
2 D rings so you can attach things to it
There is a 550 cord that controles how much the pouch opens so you can unzip it and ude it as a shelf
2 Grip locks that are used to attach it to you name it; back pack, plane seat, PFD, Laptop case, Jeep Seat covers
MOLLE webbing so it can be used as a normal MOLLE Pouch

In the Picture the Pouch contains the Following items

Small fist Aid kit (in a 4″x4″x1″ clear Pouch
Back up battery & Cords for my Cell Phone (in a 4x4x1 clear pouch)
Small Video Camera
Two 3″x5″ Rite in the Rain note books ( you never know when the next life changeing idea will come)
Hat
Gloves
Tape measure ( really small one)
lighter ( you never know when an eveing walk will turn in to a 3 day tour)
Bug spray

Modular IPad case

December 12, 2011 / thatguy / No comments

Today I was thinking about Santa and Christmas So I took my first try at a Tactical Case for an IPad (ok may be Tacticool more than Tactical). Note I said an IPad not My IPad. well maybe Santa will be good to me this year and Bring me something to put in it.

Here is what I have so far:

It has 3 rows of MOLLE on the Back side so you can attach it using Blackhawk STRIKE MOLLE speed clips or any other of the MOLLE compatible clip out there.
At the end of the MOLLE is a loop so you can add a Grim lock or the clip of you choice
On the front it has 4″ of Loop across the bottom to attach a cord pouch. or any other Pouch that will attach with hook and loop.
The barrow lock closure to ensure it stays closed.

If you have any other ideas you would like to suggest, make a comment and I will see what happens on GEN 2.

Tactical IPad case

Check is out on Facebook at That guys garage and Blue Ridge Overland Gear

or on Twitter @thatguysgarage

Portable back up battery step 1

December 27, 2011 / thatguy / No comments

Portable battery box for our adventure travel.

Goal:

1. Second battery that can be moved from jeep to trailer or to truck.

2. Power inverter (400w-1000w)

3. 12 v outlets for charging stuff or running DVD players

4. Power portable air compressor

5. Jumper box

6. Anything else I have forgotten

Back up battery box

Modular Ipad case take 2

January 31, 2012 / thatguy / No comments

So Santa forgot my Ipad, but I got one for my birthday so I took another run at an Ipad case.

So here is what I have.

500D nylon padded
MOLLE webbing
A toggle closure
4″ Velcro accost the front.

Check is out on Facebook at That guys garage and Blue Ridge Overland Gear

or on Twitter @thatguysgarage

Back up battery part 2

February 4, 2012 / thatguy / No comments

I have been assembling/reaching parts for this project for about 4 month now. And here is what I have come with.

1.In coming power uses Anderson power connectors 175 amp yellow ( you can only connect the same colors so all the main power from the vehicle will be the same color connector)

2. 200 amp battery separator for in coming power mounted in the box so it will always be there no matter what vehicle I have it pluged in to. The battery separator keep both battery’s at the same voltage but prioritizes the main battery if the backup drops in voltage, but will allow the back up battery to flow to the main battery if it needs a boost. There is a switch for this.

3. 1 main power out, going throught a 140amp breaker to a red 175amp Anderson power connector so I can attach jumper cables or other height draw tools ( all out bound power go’s throught the breaker first). All our vehicle have a breaker on the outbound power to things like wenches jumper cables and what not.

4. 2 50 amp Anderson power connectors. 1 for an inverter to be mounted to the top of the box. 1 for an air compression or other medium draw tools.

5. All the lower draw outlets are on 30 or 40 amp relays that go to a portable switch box connected with cata5 cable (they just operate the relays) so I can run the cable in the vehicle and just plug in the switch box and the battery box and leave the cable when I move it. That I can control of the out lets no matter where the box is mounted.

6. 2 12 v outlet’s for charging stuff and plugging in DVD players — gota keep the kid happy.

Back up battery part 3

February 15, 2012 / thatguy / No comments

Wire choice: so I am using AWG wire. Mostly because it’s about 10% bigger than SAE and that is what I have , so that is what i’m going to use. The list below is for AGM wire you can reduce by 10% for SAE . Now the only thing I really know about electricity is there is smoke running through the wire and in to something (like your fuse box or light) and back out to the ground . The key to thing Remember when doing wiring is you don’t want to let the smoke out, bad things happen when the smoke gets out. You know like fire.

Wire chart for AGM

Wire size. OD. Max Amp
18——–7/64″——10
16——–1/8″——-12
14——–9/16″——17
12——–5/32″——22
10——–7/32″——30
8———5/16″——40
6——–11/32″—–60
4——–13/32″—–80
2——–15/32″—–105
1——–17/32″—–122
Chart modified form
Wiring Jeep Lights – Randy’s Electrical Corner
Wire for Lights
From the February, 2009 issue of Jp
By Randy

For the Main power I am using 2 gage wire in to the battery separator( recommended size from the battery separator company) I am using an Anderson power connector to plug in to the vehicle.

The separator is what is what enables me to use different batters if you don’t use a separator your battery’s need to be the same and same age. For my purpose I want to move this from vehicle to vehicle or stand alone, and the separator is what allows us to do that.

For the fuse box positive and ground 6 gage wire. The fuse box feed 5 relays 4 are for power outlets 2 50amp Anderson connectors , 2 are for 12v out lets (lighter outlets) and one go’s to the battery separator’s override.

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There is 2 gage wire that go to a 175 amp Anderson power connector for things like jumper cables,wench or other high draw appliances.

The wire harnesses for the relays have 16 gage wire I run that in to a cat5 outlet so I can put a remote switch box in the front of the vehicle.

Small Recovery Bag

February 20, 2012 / thatguy / No comments

I been working on recovery bags the last couple weeks and here is the small one i came up with. It holds 1 snatch, 1 tree savor, 2 clevis, 1 wench controller in its own MOLLE pouch on the front, gloves in there own Velcro pouch on the front, and a pulley on the back.