It seems that every time I go four wheeling, I seem to be bringing more and more stuff with me and the ol' YJ just doesn't seem to have as much cargo room as it used to have. This is especially true on overnight trips. So, when I was contemplating how I was going to mount a shovel on or in my Jeep, I came upon the MAX Multipurpose Tool. This is actually 7 tools in one including a Hudson Bay style axe, a shovel, a rake, a hoe, a mattock, a broad pick and a standard pick.

The tool is based around the axe, but there is a socket at the top of the axe head. You simply slide one of the tools into the tapered socket and use one of the six supplied safety locking pins to secure the tool to the axe head.

Here is a picture of the axe in the supplied sheath. I'd definitely recommend putting the sheath on the axe head when using the other tools...

With the tools put away in the Cordura case, the MAX is very easy to pack into a vehicle.

Here's what it looks like with one of the tools attached. The locking pin holds the tool securely in place.

In the case of the rake/hoe, there is a special locking bar that is used to secure the tool to the axe head. You simply tighten the thumb screw after putting the bar through the socket.

This is a very nice product. The one I got has a 36" composite polyglass handle but a hickory version is available. The tools are all made from tempered carbon steel and everything except the sheath and Cordura case have a limited lifetime warranty.

This tool is used by all sorts of agencies since it is so versatile and has such a great reputation for dependability. It makes a great addition to anyone's four wheeling or camping gear!!!

Mounting The MAX...

I definitely wanted to bolt down The MAX when it was in my YJ, so I decided to mount it next to my Hi-Lift. If you don't know the details on how I mounted my Hi-Lift, read that article first. (Mounting a Hi-Lift in a Wrangler).

To mount The MAX, I simply used a longer bolt on one side of my Hi-Lift bracket and put the bolt through the hole on the end of The MAX and through the Hi-Lift.

Although this holds The Max securely, I also used a bungee cord to pin the handle of The MAX to the Hi-Lift.

For me, this was a great, secure way to mount my Max Axe without taking up much additional room.