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I just purchased a new pick-up truck and would like to add a tool box to it. I’ve noticed a lot brands out there. Do you folks have a favorite? Are some easier to install than others?
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For myself, the Delta aluminum diamond plate box has worked well. I have the cargo box designed to sit on the floor, not the fenders. I used treated 6x6's to support it on the ends so that there was still room for sheets of plywood to slip under it. I never liked the kind that set on the fenders because of the rust and damage to the paint. I have had this setup for several years with no problems.
Lefty
*Hi Chip, I bought a Rawson-Koenig all metal double lock box "second hand like new" from an ol' boy who bought it as a part of a package deal from Chevrolet, I don't know anymore of the details from Chev. The box is built double tough but I added a few extras to round out what I need it for. First off: weather stripping on the inside sealing edges to keep ol' man winter out. Second: a paint on bed liner from Herculiner, yes I put it on top of the box because I have lately found myself up there making adjustments on garage doors, a few doorway weather overhangs and the like. Third: tie down points on the underside, I mount my boxes up on the bed rails.I have had the plastic boxes too and I have had no trouble with them, brand names I have forgotten. This is my second all metal box and I spose that I like the metal better, but aside from the box having been convenient as a purchase, from my neighbor, I can't say which is really better. I've never had much trouble with rust, just have to hoe it out occasionally and do some rust proofing.Did your truck come with a bed liner or not? I have had the liners in the past, no liners and then just a pad for the bed itself and I like this paint on bed liner stuff from "Herculiner" the best. There are many brands out there, NAPA, some of the smaller hardware chains have it too. I put it on along the rails, the edge of the tailgate where so often you find yourself pushing that door closed and on the trailer hitch step. At my age I am less worried about whether my tools and lumber slide out as I am worried about slipping. Remember, cunning and age will win out over speed and youth everytime. It is also recommended for under the bed use too as a shield against any glop and rust development. If you don't mind me asking, what did you buy for a new truck and its round about price? Good luck with your truck, happy holidays.
*Chip, check out Weatherguard.com for their selection of tool boxes, I'm almost sure you will find something there that fills your need. They have been in business a long time, we have a 20-year old set of boxes riding around on its' second pickup. They have the pickup tool box thing down pretty well.
*i've got the black plastic Contego, rides on the rails... about 6 " under it... this is it's 2d truck.. since '85
*I've had a couple of Deltas (steel) ....... didn't like the single lid one (think it was called the E Z Loader) I had on my '87 Ford .......the bed would flex and the lid would pop open ....... underwater storage isn't good for my tools.
*Thank you all for the feedback on my question. Marshall, I saw Weatherguard tool boxes on the pick-up of a friend who recommended them and just received their catalog in the mail. They come in painted steel and aluminum. A price list was not included but I'm assuming the aluminum will be more expensive. Which metal would you go with? I was surprised by the shipping weight of both (175 lbs for steel and 110 lbs for aluminum).I've been told that the tops on plastic boxes tend to warp over time and that the lids then become impossible to close. However, it doesn't sound like Bill or Mike have had that problem.I'll probably get the type which rest on the rails of the truck. I frequently carry long lumber and want to be able to push it under the box. I do have a bed-liner. Have any of you had a problem with side clearance for the box because of the bed-liner? The liner does not extend up to the rails but I was thinking of putting some rubber or plastic under the box to protect the paint on the rails. Also, do you folks have a preference for one lid or dual lids?Bill, I bought a 2002 Chevy Silverado...the basic work truck with a standard transmission. The only extra on it was air. I read the owner's manual to discover all of the things my truck does not have. But, that's ok. That's what I wanted. I paid about $2,000 under MSRP.
*mine is double lid.. side-opening..and it sets on rubber glass setting blocks... the only problem with it is that i never clean it out... there is stuff in there from '85....
*I have the Weatherguard(aluminum) Super Side boxes #391 that sit on the side rails and open from from the top and rest on steel cable. I have had the crossover boxes, but I hate climbing into the bed to get stuff out and I have always had 4x4 one ton trucks so they are high enough that getting stuff from the sides are a huge reach. My boxes allow me to get a full 8' of bed length(2 motorcycles or an ATV, or 3 wheelbarrels, mud boards, scaffold blah, blah, blah,) without making my longbed into a shortbed with a toolbox. Weatherguard are the top of the line, and you pay for it.
*Weatherguard makes top notch tool boxes but DON'T buy the steel ones with the powder coat paint job . They will start rusting before your eyes and in a few years you can junk them. The aluminum ones will last forever!
*Chip,If you are self employed, when I bought my last Chevy in '97 they had truck outfitting packages for business buyers. I ended up getting a single lid aluminum saddle box and a really nice ladder rack (both built by Adrian steel). I recommend aluminum for the no rust aspect and single lid for the ease of removing items from the box. I, like Mike, have items in the box from when the box was new (2 trucks ago) and it is nice to be able to climb up in the bed of the truck and rummage around for stuff on the bottom.Weatherguard is a premium toolbox with a premium price. I couldn't bring myself to pay their prices, but I know a lot of guys that do and swear by them.John
*Chip, on my latest truck I have two Weatherguard Super-Lo side boxes Model No. 166-3. These are powder coated white from the factory and on my 20-year old set I will admit to some minor rust but after two decades of work and abuse I don't consider it to be a problem. Recently, both the new and old boxes have been re painted dark charcoal gray with a clear coat and look great on the two black trucks. The aluminum boxes are more money and in my case did not have the cubic foot volume I wanted. The new boxes mount on top of the bed rails with a J-hook arrangement that makes them easy to install. I also had the sides that face into the bed shot with the same Line-X coating that is on my bed. This coating in shot on over my bed rails and tailgate. The slide in bedliners are a pain with almost any box in my opinion. It may seem a little over the top but after a lifetime of working out of a truck you get picky about how you want it to be. Including sales tax the price for both boxes was $750.00. Weatherguard is pricey but worth it to me.
*Thanks for the additional input. It seems clear that Weatherguard produces some excellent units. I'll have to decide if the cost is justified. As a cabinetmaker, I work mainly in my shop and am only occasionally on the job site. My wife and I have just purchased a summer cottage in Canada which will require a lot of work. The cottage is several days drive from our home and one of the reasons I wanted the box was to transport tools and other items back and forth. Perhaps a less costly box will do for this purpose. I'll post a message when I decide.
*...don't forget to check out Chevy commercial outfitters program....FREE STUFF
*Chip, You are right, I never had trouble with the double lid plastic box that I had, but I only had it for two years and then sold the truck anyhow. Couldn't really say whether they'll sag or not, with or without support? For me its been, metal=2, plastic=1. My first was a Delta and it survived for three years, sold later with the truck. The Rawson-Koenig that I have now is a keeper. If & when I have to move it, it must be emptied and then you still need a second pair of hands to handle it. If you are looking for something inexpensive, keep your eyes open at: a. salvage yards, b. rental firms and, c. going out of business garages or shops, for large metal boxes with multiple hinges and locking points. I have picked up a "Stanley" box that held something large, and a number of other large all steel boxes from a plumbing firm. I haul all of my less often used and larger tools in them, the cost amounted to a please and thank you type of exchange. Oh, O.K. I did have a cup of coffee, you get the idea, and good luck. Happy Christmas.
*I have had alot of truck boxes and after buying a couple of cheap one I finally dished the real monet for a good one. I baught a wheather gaurd brand and I finally knew what quility was. It was worth the 450.00 and peice of mind that it wasnt a peice of junk some one could break into by cutting a hole in the top with a knife. Your tools are the way you make your money so dont spare the extra to ensure they'll be there tomorrow.
*I have the Aluminum Weatherguard single lid cross box and both side boxes. I ripped some vinyl decking to set my boxes on, sepperates the box from the rails. It's nice to have enough room to carry all the tools that different jobs call for.
*My setup?Weatherguard. Single lid. Also a RK louvered cab protector. All on a Silverado 1500.Ed.
*You might want to consider McWelco. I have their lumber rack and have seen their boxes on other trucks. From the looks of them they appear to be much more substantial and secure than the Weatherguards.
*Had aluminum and steel side opening boxes. Not enough depth or space. Bought a big green Greenlee box from home depot. Sits very nicely behind the cab in my old beater. Very high security, very easy to work out of. And I don't worry about the stuff in it when I have to park the truck and leave it. I notice that a lot of the tradesmen in town here are doing the same. Lot of box, not too much money. Lot of peace of mind.Scott
*When I started, everybody built their own box. You did your best work and tried to get something slick looking. Nowadays I guess everybody would think you were a hillbilly.
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I just purchased a new pick-up truck and would like to add a tool box to it. I've noticed a lot brands out there. Do you folks have a favorite? Are some easier to install than others?