For truck edc

[scríbhneoir]

Well, as promised (this one's for you, OdBm), here is a review of the Duluth Trading Company's Mobile Desk, with pics.* A few weeks ago, I was looking for something to organize the front seat of my truck (see this thread] (http://edcforums.com/index.php?topic=1726.0). I thought about the console, but it was big and $100 and starving artist and all that rot.* konrad* :smitten: ordered the Mobile Desk (http://www.duluthtrading.com/search/searchresults/14559.aspx?feature=Product_1) for me.* I love this organizer.*

Unfortunately, I've not figured out how to combine a bazillion pics into a post yet, so I apologize that you will have to scroll down to read and see my review.* In many ways I am still technically challenged.* Just go on down a couple of posts.* The review will be waiting for you... :)

Karen

[wolf]

Looks like a good way to organize a whole LOT of stuff!

[ToolFool]

My truck desperately needs one of those! Thanks for the great idea and for the review, Scribbs!

[scríbhneoir]

Here are a couple of “before” pictures of the front seat of my truck (I’m so ashamed). I used a basket on the floor to hold cds, binos, extra lighters, electrical cords (!), iPod charger, and other assorted “stuff.” I placed another basket on the seat to handle paper, pens, cds, etc., which all disappeared under more papers, which seemed to multiply by themselves overnight and creep over to the passenger side, which is why konrad probably bought the thing in the first place (he was tired of having to rearrange stuff to make room to sit down, often giving up and sitting in the back with the girls). It was sad.

[scríbhneoir]

The Mobile Desk is tough and measures 14¼"L x 11"W x 6¼"H. I tightened the seatbelt that runs through a sleeve on the back of the desk so that the desk doesn’t budge. The clipboard top is sturdy enough to write on and sports a pocket sleeve with slots for pens and pencils. The reverse side of the top has another pocket, and the entire lid fits snugly and stays in place with Velcro® and an elastic cord that runs around three sides.

The roomy inside features two bands of Velcro loops that run along the top and bottom. One customizes the space by arranging a series of various-sized dividers with bands of loops on both sides and hooks on the edges that allow the user to section off the area to fit one’s needs. The outside of the desk has additional pockets: one along the left side (facing the open desk), two in front, two on the right side, as well as a zippered compartment.

[scríbhneoir]

Behold my new setup!

On the top, I have my notepad, pens, and a place to slip papers I need to remember. In the lid’s inside pocket I have stashed directions to a couple of places and an 8.5 x 11 notepad for rare moments of scintillating wit and brilliance. From the left, the outside pocket holds my NC/SC map and tin whistle. I keep my journal and a paperback book (at this particular time, Atonement by Ian McEwan) in the first section. The rear section trapezoid harbors my binos and a bike tube repair kit. The triangular section is still available for rent. I’m sure it won’t take long to fill it up. ;D

The middle section, from the left, has a space for pens, highlighter, and bank deposit slips (not used very often) and withdrawl slips (used far too frequently). The next spot holds tissues, adhesive bandages from New Graham knives, and a little travel roll of bathroom tissue. The third section has antibacterial gel, hand lotion, Badger lip balm, and pain reliever. The fourth is the smoking section, complete with a tin of cigars, lighter, matches, mints, bubblegum cigars, Spyderco PE Ladybug, SAK Classic, and Oust®.

The front two spaces, again from the left, provide a spot for my portable tin whistle book and stamps (I can never find them in my wallet, so now I keep them in both places) and a spot for my shopping coupons—can’t leave them in the kitchen in this way. The larger of the front outside pockets holds my APC converter to run electrical gadgets, like my computer, and the battery charger for my camera. My iPod charger rests in the other smaller pocket. The right-side long pocket is presently empty, as is the little zippered compartment (just give me a little time) behind the small pocket with yet another lighter and petite blue Dorcy LED light. It’s so organized, that I can’t stand myself. :laugh:

My only trifling complaint about the desk concerns the bottom, which is not stiff or hard and thus conforms to the slope of the seat, so one has to work a bit to fit the dividers far enough down to prevent things from migrating from one section to another and yet keep the Velcro hooks aligned with the loops. I found the mints trying to exit the smoking section to join the pain reliever, and some of the withdrawl slips tried to sneak into the tissue section (I’d be frightened, too, if I were them), so I had to work with the dividers a bit to minimize migration.

Overall, I am very pleased with this desk. It is well made, and I have contained my clutter for over a month now, even while on holiday for a week. I bought a larger cd case, so that either sits to the right of the desk or on the floor where the basket used to be. And konrad :smitten: sits in the front seat again. Much better!

[0dBm]

"...he was tired of having to rearrange stuff to make room to sit down, often giving up and sitting in the back with the girls)."*
I otherwise do not object to this since it gives me more quality time with my 10-year old.* I can empathize with konrad. ;D :P

Very nice setup!* I like the velcro on the dividers.

Excellent review; informative, witty, and replete with photos. O0

Duluth Trading, are ya'll reading this? :-X

You should consider writing for a living. :P :-X

Thanks; been waiting for this one. ;D

PM me your addy.* As I promised, I'll send you something that you just might find useful. ;D

[Goldtanker]

Great Review! I have always been satisfied with the things I got from Duluth Trading. Strange catalog and website pictures, but great stuff. And if you call them, a person answers the phone and knows the products.

[scríbhneoir]

"...he was tired of having to rearrange stuff to make room to sit down, often giving up and sitting in the back with the girls)."*
I otherwise do not object to this since it gives me more quality time with my 10-year old.* I can empathize with konrad. ;D :P
Very nice setup!* I like the velcro on the dividers.
Excellent review; informative, witty, and replete with photos. O0
Duluth Trading, are ya'll reading this? :-X
You should consider writing for a living. :P :-X
Thanks; been waiting for this one. ;D
PM me your addy.* As I promised, I'll send you something that you just might find useful. ;D


Well, thank you! Sorry it took so long.

I really like this thing; konrad's eyeing one, too. I've thought about putting a simple pencil holder in the fenced-off sections where stuff may migrate below the border to solve that small problem--or even some small organizer boxes one can find at Big Lots! or Tuesday Morning. It is very versatile, and I can change and rearrange everything to fit my needs and/or moods. ;D I have absolutely no problem finding anything now, and it "gently forces" me to put things back where they belong.

And I still have more room for more stuff!
Karen

[scríbhneoir]

Great Review!* *I have always been satisfied with the things I got from Duluth Trading.* Strange catalog and website pictures, but great stuff.* And if you call them, a person answers the phone and knows the products.


Thanks, they do carry great stuff. And I like their dog, Scout. ;D Their customer service is great! konrad was looking for some more of a tee shirt that he had bought on special. He ordered a few, loved them, but then couldn't find them a week or so later on the Website. He called them up, asked a REAL LIVE PERSON if they had anymore, and sure enough, they did and sent them right on.

Karen

[greenLED]

How do you keep it from sliding sideways (or forward) in case of an abrupt stop?

[scríbhneoir]

How do you keep it from sliding sideways (or forward) in case of an abrupt stop?


"I tightened the seatbelt that runs through a sleeve on the back of the desk so that the desk doesn’t budge."

It doesn't move. :)
Karen

[0dBm]

I ordered one this morning. ;D

[scríbhneoir]

I ordered one this morning. ;D


Just one? :laugh:

[0dBm]

Just one? :laugh:


Yep. I told you about the Macy's bags, right?

Well, we started out with just one. The number grew to 3, then 4. No problem, except that I'm the one having to transport them from one vehicle to another by myself. >:(

[Goldtanker]

One word - layering. ;D

[0dBm]

:boing: :funnypost:

[charlie fox]

Excelletn! I had one of the hard plastic types and never really liked it. This looks like just what I need! O0

[plblark]

Could you put a piece of lexan or plexiglass on the bottom with a washcloth rolled up and under it in the back. Then put in the dividers? That should give you a level hard bottom. Heckl, you could try the lexan below it too. The towel roll is how we level out our child safety seats.

[scríbhneoir]

Could you put a piece of lexan or plexiglass on the bottom with a washcloth rolled up and under it in the back. Then put in the dividers? That should give you a level hard bottom. Heckl, you could try the lexan below it too. The towel roll is how we level out our child safety seats.


Ah, yes, the long-past days of towels and car seats.

That is a great idea about the lexan. We have some in the house in the workroom. Don't think I'll need the towel as things don't seem to move back and under the little escape hatches so much as sideways. I think the lexan would fix it as I could get the dividers down nice and tight.

O0 for the suggestion.

[plblark]

BTW, Duluth Trading is running a 20% off sale

20% off orders of $50 or more


Offer expires April 17th, 2007. Click on any link in this email to start shopping. If you would like to place an order over the phone, please call us at 1-800-505-8888. Just mention catalog code "T27WE15P."

[scríbhneoir]

Could you put a piece of lexan or plexiglass on the bottom with a washcloth rolled up and under it in the back. Then put in the dividers? That should give you a level hard bottom. Heckl, you could try the lexan below it too. The towel roll is how we level out our child safety seats.


UPDATE! As suggested by plblark, I recently bought a piece of 1/8 inch plexiglass at Lowe's and cut it to fit the bottom of the case. Works like a charm! All of the dividers are snug up against it, and stuff is staying put! O0 for the idea!