How Can I Store and Transport My Guns Safely, and What’s A Seat Back Bag?

Why Use A Backseat Gun Bag?
Hunting season will be here before you know it! Here’s a few reasons why you should get a backseat gun bag:

• Safety – instead of being stowed in the back of the vehicle, storing guns in a backseat bag will ensure guns stay clean and secured in place.

• Convenience – backseat gun bags feature full zippers making it easy to retrieve. You can access from the top or either side of the vehicle.

• Concealment – choose a color that matches your vehicle’s interior and it will be unnoticeable when viewed from the outside.

If low-cost, convenient storage is what you’re looking for, then this product is your best choice. Do, however, take your guns out of the sleeves/pouches every other day or so to allow any condensation to be wisked away…airtight storage for an extended period of time can allow condensation to settle in and possibly cause some rust.

**A quick note about legal concerns of transporting long guns in SUVs or Pickups

Gun transport laws vary by state (“may-issue” vs. “shall-issue” is an oft-confused matter), but in general, Concealed Carry applies only to a firearm kept on your body – glove-box carry is perfectly legal (wherever you can legally possess a firearm, basically school and public university/college parking lots are illegal). Is your gun in a purse or in a gun case? That’s legal too. It’s not concealed until you start carrying it outside the vehicle.

As long as the gun is not physically on your body, it is not considered an illegally concealed weapon. A purse, backpack, or gun case on the seat or floor would be perfectly legal. The same goes for a weapon in the glove box or a utility compartment.

Just to be clear, carrying that purse, backpack, or gun case with a gun in it (loaded or unloaded) is still technically illegal without a CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) permit. Of course, some interpretations of that, such as taking a cased gun into a gun range, would be such an absurdly narrow construction of the law that even if one were arrested for such a violation, it would likely be tossed out of court.

Yes, you can open carry in a car. It’s both legal and possible.

Here are some of the questions that come up with regards to gun transport:

• Can I have a round in the chamber of my gun? Yes.
• Does my gun have to be visible from the outside of the car? No, your gun doesn’t have to be visible from three side or even visible to the officer, as long as it would be open carried if you were outside the car.

• Can I bring a gun in my car without a CCW permit? A gun out of sight in the glove box, under the seat, or in the center console is perfectly legal even without a CCW permit.

• Is it legal to conceal my gun while in my car? Yes, your gun can legally be in a box, a bag, a purse, or a case as long as it is in your car.

• What’s a violation of the Concealed Carry law? Carrying a gun in a backpack or case OUTSIDE of a vehicle does become legally ‘concealed.’

Small handguns can be stored in a glove compartment or in small purse. In the case of long guns, it is safer to transport these with a gun bag/case.

A backseat gun case safely stores up to three shotguns or rifles on the back of an SUV or pickup truck seat. The gun rack’s design stops guns from slipping and falling, preventing scratching or damage, and it can be set up in seconds. Owners find this product quite useful, especially in vehicles with a second row of seats. Storing shotguns and rifles on the back of seats prevents passengers from stepping on them, making transport more convenient and preventing damage.

This product is perfect for gun owners who want to safely and conveniently transport their firearms in a pickup truck or SUV. Its range of color options can match the interior of just about any vehicle. By keeping guns off the floor, owners can prevent damage to their valuable weapons.

Features of Greybull’s Seat Back Gun Bag:

• Keeps valuable guns out of sight

• Hangs quickly and easily from the back seat in SUVs or pickups
• Holds up to 3 rifles or shotguns
• Non-scratch pocket interiors
• Rugged water-resistant fabric
• Folds up for storage
• No tools needed
• 1 year warranty
• Bag comes in four colors, including plain tan and black along with Hardwoods and Max-4 HD Camo.

Specs:

– Dimensions: 50”L x 1.88”D x 22.5”H / 47”L x 8”H pockets

– Material: 600D polyester with PVC coating

– Weight: 1.1 lb/pc

Contact us at Greybull Gear for more information, if needed, before purchasing.

Which ATV Cargo Bag or Box Should I Choose?

ATV Cargo Bags - Considerations for selection
Looking for a storage solution for your ATV? Here are several points to consider before deciding:

• Cargo type – delicate or sturdy? Choose a hard plastic case for delicate items, or one with a soft textile case if your gear is sturdy and can withstand some light pressures on the bag

• Protection — Water-resistant or waterproof? Most bags are water resistant but for extreme weather conditions, you’ll need to err on the side of caution and go with a hard case.

• Luggage Style — Sample styles are trunk, rack bag, tank bag, fender bag, handlebar bag. Pick one that suits your needs.

Your activities while on your ATV will dictate which type of cargo bag you should get. The items above should serve as guide to help you in your purchase.

Which type of material should I choose for storing my ATV cargo?

Well..if you’re a weekend warrior, then a soft-shell cargo bag will usually get the job done. If you liking pushing the limits in extreme environments, or want your gear to last 10 years, go with a hardshell ATV box.

Figure out what your typical mix of tag-along accessories and foodstuffs will be, lay them out in a tight grouping on the floor, and check the basic ‘bounding box’ dimensions. Compare this with the overall interior dimensions of Greybull Gear’s ATV Cargo Bag (27″W x12″D x10″H, with each of the two detachable bags measuring 8″Wx6″Hx 6″D) and you can get a quick feel for what to expect in opting for this bag.

You have 3 spacious compartments for food, clothing, water, tools, or anything else that you might need on that ride. Its waterproof material will also help to keep everything that you packed dry in case you run into some bad weather conditions.

The multi-compartment ATV gear storage bag comes with an integrated topside bungee tie-down system that makes it easier to secure and attach to most ATVs.

Here’s the complete feature list of Greybull’s Cargo Bag:

• Six tie-down straps secure the gear bag to an ATV cargo rack made from durable Velcro strap tie downs that easily secure to most ATV’s.

• Universal fit on all standard tubular ATV racks
• Black 600 Denier water resistant fabric with reinforced corners for high weather resistance

• Rigid polyethylene walls help the Cargo Bag keep its shape and stay durable
• Half-inch foam flooring for maximum protection of fragile items
• Multiple hold-down loops on top of Bag allow you to attach various extras

• 1280D Ballistic Poly, Tarpaulin, 600D Poly construction.
• Rigid aero construction holds shape when empty.

• Zipper-less main compartment opening for ease of access.

• Convenient, quick access buckles.

• Multiple internal compartment storage with collapsible divider partition.

• “Dust Gasket” seal protects inside contents from rain, dust, mud and snow.

• Quick access molded top pocket with weatherproof zipper.

• Adjustable/removable cinch strap system for extra gear storage.

• Oversized bungee “Lid Lockers” keep bag closed at highway speeds.

• Multiple D-rings for added tie down attachments.

• Reinforced carry handle.
• Internal zippered water resistant mesh pocket.
• Backed by a standard 1-year Warranty against manufacturer’s defect. Non-transferable, and does not cover normal wear and tear or damage from improper use of its compartments and straps.

Dimensions:

• Overall size: 27.5″W x12.6″D x11″H Each of the two detachable bags measure 8″Wx6″Hx 6″D
• Weight: 5.5lb

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Contact us at Greybull Gear for more information, if needed, before purchasing.

Why Use a Grille Guard?

A grille guard installed on trucks and SUVs may seem more of an accessory serving aesthetic purposes, but grille guards are not only meant for vehicles to look good. If the grille guard is chosen correctly, properly built, and properly mounted, it can provide front-end protection too.

Advantages of using a grille guard

• Grille guards protect the radiator, grill, and fender thereby increasing the durability of the car front-end. In the case of a full front-end coverage, it can protect the headlights too. These vehicle components are expensive so it will be good to protect the existing rather than replace.
• It absorbs minor impact in low-speed environments such as bumping into trees, stones, and small animals when off-roading. Grille guards can shield your vehicle from debris while on the road.
• Use the grille guard to mount auxiliary lighting (fog/driving lights, light bar) or winch.
• It can also achieve the purpose of low-speed pushing to assist other vehicles.
• Aesthetics – put them on your vehicle to get that tough look

Take note though that while grille guards offer a certain extent of front-end protection in low-speed situations, it cannot guarantee vehicle protection in a crash.

Provides front-end protection and functions as a light mount

Things to consider when choosing a grille guard

Different styles of grille guards are available in the market. Think of the criteria that will suit your needs. Checking automotive forums and asking opinion of other members is also a good idea. Below are a few things to consider:

• How much front end coverage do you require?  If you’re looking for entire front-end protection including the headlights, get the full grille guards. Center grilled guards protect the front-end but excluding the headlights.
• What finish do you prefer? Grille guards come in 3 types of finishes: black powder coated, chrome plated, and stainless steel.  Stainless steel, although more costly than the other two, provide the most rigid material and is highly corrosion-resistant.
• Are there any auxiliary systems that you want to install? Check the grille guard if it comes with light or winch/tow hooks mounts.
• Will it fit your vehicle? Grille guards are made to fit several vehicle makes/models. Consult your dealer.
• Is it easy to install? Grille guards should be installed directly on your vehicles steel frame. Most grille guard installations need no drilling and will take less than an hour to complete. You will need to locate the pre-existing holes in your vehicle and connect the guard bolts.

In summary, grille guards are not only used for its ability to make your truck look tough but if chosen properly, it actually does provide protection for your vehicle. It depends on you to decide if you want a looks-only grille guard or go for the one that is intended for impact protection.

How Does Each One Compare: LED vs. HID vs. Halogen Lights

Choosing and deliberating on an automotive lighting system requires the same amount of diligence you would put when deciding on a new car purchase. Factors such as safety, efficiency, aesthetics, and function are some of the things that need to be considered. With several options available in the market, how does each one compare?

Can your vehicle's light shine through snow?

Halogen Lights
 

The most commonly used and widely available type is halogen light. It is composed of a tungsten filament combined with halogen gas and produces a bright, white light and can last up to 1000 hours. They are easy to replace and less expensive than several other options, hence  its widespread use. The bright light that it produces can also be dimmed depending on the need.

However, the use of halogen lamps is declining due to its inefficient nature. Since these lamps rely on heat, approximately 55W in a typical fixture is consumed with most power converted to heat instead of light. These lamps also require careful handling; even the slightest amount of reaction from other substances (eg. sweat, moisture) can lead to a degraded performance.
 

HID Lights

The next lighting option is the HID (High-Intensity discharge) light also known as Xenon lights. The xenon gas in the lamp produces a slightly bluish light. Xenon light uses lesser power (around 35W) and has a lifespan double that of the Halogen lights (up to 2000 hours).
 

Compared to the halogen light, HID lights have a brighter output and produce a clearer sight for the driver. This however translates to a glaring, blinding light for the incoming traffic.  The slightly bluish HID light also poses a problem during poor weather conditions. In cases of rain, fog, or snow, HID light hits the particles and reflects back causing a white out effect where the driver cannot see through the weather conditions well.
 

LED Lights

The latest types used in the automotive industry are LED (Light-Emitting Diodes) lights. Compared to its predecessors, LED lights consume very low power (approximately 3W per cell) with most energy converted to light. Arrays of LED have been used in an Intel study for headlights that allow drivers to see through rain and snow. Since LED lights are small, these can be easily formed into different designs.
 

Although LED lights produce very little heat, rearward heat dissipation has been a concern as it causes high temperature in the emitter and could possibly affect the adjacent wires and parts. LEDs are also more expensive compared to HID and halogen lights but the prices are on a downward trend and falling fast as more and more manufacturers are finding ways to produce low-cost LED lights.
 

***
Here's a summary:

In conclusion, all three types of lights used for vehicles have their own advantages and disadvantages; your choice of lighting system depends on how you will use it. Most automobiles have a combination of lights such as HID headlights with halogen fog lights. When it comes to light bars, use of LED light bars is the top choice of fleet management groups especially for police cars because of its efficiency, lower heat dissipation, and long lifespan.

Tips for Purchasing and Installing LED Lights on Your Vehicle

Getting off-road lights for your vehicle?

There plenty of options out in the market and if you're new to this, it can get quite confusing.  Put in a good amount of time for research and you will find the one that works for you. Aside from reading various company websites and product specifications, it's best to add the following pointers on your preparation list too:

• Read forums and online reviews and compare specifications to choose the right light bar for your vehicle. 
• The use of off-road lighting is governed by local regulatory bodies. Make sure you understand and comply with the rules and regulations regarding the use of LED lights on your vehicle.

Now that you’ve decided, it’s time to install your newly purchased lights. 

Ready to install your new lights?

Your LED light bar package will come with an Installation Manual.  Here are a few preparation tips that you can use to avoid mistakes and to ensure an easy installation:

1. Once you have your LED light bar package ready, check the contents and make sure that you have everything you need before starting. Before starting with the installation, check that the LED light bar is working by connecting it to a bench tester.
2. Make sure to disconnect the vehicle’s battery before starting with the installation. 
3. Find a solid spot on your vehicle to install your light bar on. Note the additional stress that acceleration and braking can induce. Installing it on the roll bar is ideal but if the roll bar is not where you need your lights on, plan for the placement because drilling will be involved. Do you want to mount it on the bumper, windshield, or roof? Forums are a great resource in finding out which one will best suit your needs as well as best adapt to the structure of your vehicle.
4. Make sure that you know what you are doing before drilling holes through your vehicle. Drilling can weaken the structure of your vehicle as well as chip the paint where you don’t intend to.
5. For easier mounting, get rid of dirt and clean the area of the vehicle where you will be installing the light bar.
6. Review the wiring diagram included in the kit and check if it is compatible with your vehicle. Here’s a good article discussing the different wiring diagrams.
7. Double check the wiring of the light bar; red wire with goes to the positive (+) terminal and black wire to the negative (–) terminal. Incorrect wiring can lead to a short circuit which can damage your vehicle’s electrical system.
8. Once done, clean up and secure the wires in a zip-tie to avoid clutter. 

If you have questions about how to do it, it’s best to ask for advice from individuals who have experience with such installations or you can take your vehicle to a professional sales shop.

Things to Consider When Choosing An LED Light For Your Vehicle

Getting a LED light system? Here's a checklist that you can follow when selecting a LED light product:

First off, consider the purpose of the LED light and the expected usage in the following contexts: environment, duration and frequency.

• Will these be installed on a vehicle that you use often? If so, how many hours per week might they be needed?
• Will the terrain be mostly paved, rocky, muddy, wet, loose gravel, or sand?

Know the purpose

Factors of the usage should be carefully considered when deciding how much money to budget for your light purchase – simple usage like on a golf cart or farm-use ATV means you might be fine with a lower-quality model with a lower price tag. More demanding applications like for off-road 4x4 racing, dirt bikes, and the likes will require a better investment in quality and a longer warranty.

Secondly, consider the most common specifications reported by sellers, such as:

• Reflector design – LED lighting comes in two types: 'spot' type lighting (30º spread) for longer-but-narrow distance illumination or 'flood' type (60º spread) for shorter-but-broad illumination. Decide which one suits your needs or go with a combination of both.
• Ingress Protection rating – The higher the rating, the better protection from water, dust, and other elements the light is stated to have. Generally, most manufacturers meet IP67 rating at minimum. An excellent reference table describing the various grades can be found here.
• Lifespan rating – Consider how long and often you expect to use the lights over a long timeframe and get a LED light that suits your needs. LED lights, as long as properly taken cared of, can last up to 50,000 hours of use and proves to be a more cost-effective choice than traditional lighting equipment.
• Light output and color temperature – How many lumens does each model report? What is the color temperature (reported in Kelvin [K])? Lower lumens and/or lower color temps means that the contrast between ambient lighting and the LEDs will not be as prominent, making it harder to identify objects while the vehicle is in motion. You need all the help you can get when driving 60 mph or more in low-light conditions. 5000K or lower color temperature gets into a bluish tint and your eyes will not benefit greatly from this at night. A color temp of 6000K should be the minimum rating for general night lighting use.
• LED brand – Check the LED manufacturer. Are the LEDs cheap Taiwan-made Epistar, CREE from the USA, or is it from the German brand Osram (Oslon)? Keep in mind that cheap lighting solutions can last several years and may work just fine for your needs if you don't plan to do heavy off-roading. Check for imitations since these are sold widely in the market; it’s best to inspect the LED and ensure that you are getting your money’s worth.
• Lens material – Do they use cheap lenses like low-grade glass or polycarbonate instead of GE Lexan lenses? If you will be driving on loose gravel or even on a normal paved road, a piece of gravel that impacts the lens can cause a fracture and subsequently lead to water intrusion, which could short-circuit the lights and ruin the light bar entirely.
• Accessories – Is a wiring harness, relay, and/or fuse module included?

There are several options to choose from in the market but make sure that you're comparing 'apples to apples' as best you can when shopping online. In addition to the price, look for warranty and construction specifications and compare amongst several brands in order to achieve better odds of a value-based investment in your equipment.