Why?
I`m not trying to be a wizeazz here, but who`s using these things? I mean, I see them everywhere, but I can`t figger what trade or trades are accomodated with this storage system?
I`m looking at several options for my pickup and if they`ve got legitimate purposes I don`t want to write them off due to ignorance.
I can`t imagine fitting too many of my tools inside. Hand tools perhaps…..power tools without their cases?
A pic to be sure you know what type of boxes I`m talking about:
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
“DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE”
Replies
Jay, I have Weatherguard 291-3 hi side boxes on my truck, and it's a great setup. They sit up on the rails of the bed, one on each side of the truck. Tons of stuff fits in them and there's still a full 4x8 bed available. I carry a lot of lumber around, and other stuff like cabinets, appliances, stationary tools going to and from jobs, etc., and I need the bed open.
Two trucks ago I had a cross-bed box like your pic. Horrible. You have to climb in the bed to get anything and it stops you from putting much lumber in the bed. It's also hard to avoid stacking stuff on top of other stuff in those boxes. It didn't work for me.
I also have top siders. They hold everything I need and thensome. I am still looking for a better way to keep handtools in there and still have them accessible. I have one of the square sparky bags with them in there but have to pull it out to get to the back. Any suggestions will help.
Got one on my Ranger. I work out of it. Of course an electrician can often get by with fewer power tools.
The only power tool I keep in there is a Bosch hammer drill, corded, in its case. The case is stuffed with various bits so it justifies the extra room. It will run off the truck battery with the inverter I carry.
Other power tools, benders, and bulky materials I don't tote around normally and just throw them in the bed, cab if I stop, when I expect to need them.
Actually, barring power tools, it is amazing what I have in my box or behind the seat. Complete socket set, numerous hand tools(enough for both myself and a helper), a couple of tool belts, pry bars, hand saws (24" bow, hack, short wood, two drywall), power cords (2-25',12/3), rope in various lengths and sizes, safety glasses and gloves, four 11 by 12' small parts trays with all the fasteners and stuff an electrician needs for repair work, machete, folding shovel.
An assortment of switches, receptacles, plates and boxes. A few clamps. Wire lube (gel and wax), WD-40, silicon spray, oil, talcum powder, bug juice, a first-aid kit, spare clothes, comfort kit, hole saw kit in case.
A can of mosquito fogger for working in the swamps, PVC cement and primer, Scotchcoat, duct tape, duct seal, foil tape, two types of caulk in toothpaste sized tubes, sports tape, three types of electrical tape (expensive, cheap and extra-thick) a couple rolls of each, phasing tape in four colors, tape measures (50', 35', 16' x2), three flashlights, three more in the cab, and a florescent trouble light.
A good Ammeter, two VOM meters, a wire tracker set in a case. Spare sets of batteries for everything. A collection of select scrap and spare cable and wire.
Etc, etc, etc...
It all fits and I can get to everything quickly without having to dump the box. Be sure to get the box, if you have the option, with a single lid as this really allows access. The gull wing versions are a PITA.
Avoid the slimline models. Get one that is as deep as you can get and stands as tall as will fit under the rear window.
The key I found is the small parts trays, boxes sized to take devices and numerous Klein bags and similar clearly marked as to what they contain. Organization and consistency in putting thing away is important. As is using every spare inch of space.
You might be surprised what you can stuff into a cross-bed box. Even one that fits on a small truck.
Thanks for the input. It appears my assumption was correct....more of a trade specific or specialized trade accessory. On the majority of the jobs I do, the tools required take up the better part of my truck bed. Ya do have me thinkin` though....perhaps for those everyday tools...but that would require reorginizing how I currently contain them...worth considering though.
Thanks again.J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
"DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"
van.
Buck Construction
Artistry in Carpentry
Pgh, PA
I know you`re right...spent the better part of the past year and a half looking at vans....sizes, options...considered setups. What it finally came down to is the odd fact that I`m just not a "van guy". Funny.....never considered myself a "pickup guy" either....hell, I`ve never given a rats tail what I was driving, so long as it got me from point "a" to point "b". The family vehicle is a minivan.....need I say more?
Truth be told, what I need is a step van....a shop on wheels. Without renting some parking for it though, that option is ruled out.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
"DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"
10 ft step.
I have absolutely no parking here .... my van lives half in the street and half on the sidewalk so the garbage truck can fit thru once a week ... right in front of my house ... with just enough room to walk down and get thru the gate ...
But ... a 10 ft step van will fit the same space.
And ... looks to hold about twice as much as what I have.
Right now ... there are lotsa them for sale used. The Post Office is changing over to something new ... maybe the Freighliner/Sprinter? ... and they're selling off all their old stock so they just have to work on one type of truck.
I've been looking at pretty nice used for around 5 to 7K.
2 ton, dually .... diesel .... auto .... some with A/C ... some with a pass seat ...
waiting for just the right one.
Stopped a guy with one a coupla weeks ago at the lumberyard ....
man, did he have that layed out and set up.
One downside ... no more flying down the PA turnpike at 80 miles an hour.
I've heard they pick up and handle like a dog ... but still better than the new Sprinter ... for about 30K less.
Not a van guy .... Van's are cool, dude!
Chevy 350 .... nicely tuned .... good suspension ... good tires ...
Old van drives like a dream.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry in Carpentry
Pgh, PA
Jeff
here's what you really need.... the benefits of a pickup and the convience of a van and all of that with 17 to 18 mpg. Man I love this truck!!! Fun to drive too...... 110 inch wheelbase .... I can park it anywhere and spin U turns in thirty feet. Just got it two months ago. See what you think.
I guess pics would help LOL
Resized
Jon Blakemore
What a beast! Its got great potential though.
Get some graphics on it.
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
first .. get the #### and painted ...
second ... you're right! That is what I need.
I've looked at the Mitsu version of the 10 ft box van ... something I'll consider used if the price is right. Never saw it hooked up to a Utility Box ...
did I ever tell ya I had the nickname "professor" follow me around for a while ... worked with a buddy that loved to connect the dots and tell stories ... started when I'd mentioned that I actually went to college ... so over lunch one day he concocts a whole story about me being a college Prof on sabatical .... then proceeds to tell the home owners they should be proud to have the best educated carpenter of all times working on their kitchen ... he gave me all sorta degrees and credentials ...
Poor people ... fell for it hook, line and sinker ...
I had to start making stuff up about the physic's classes I'd taught ...
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry in Carpentry
Pgh, PA
Jeff,
I am going to get it painted in the early spring and have some new aluminum doors made to replace the steel ones. The bed itself is in great shape with the exeption of a little surface rust. It is eleven feet long so I can get all kinds of crap in it. The best part about it is that you can access most of your stuff without having to climb in the back like a normal van or box truck.
I have only had it just over two months so I haven't had the time or money to paint it or put signs on it. I have all the work I want so I really don't put much priority on the signs.
The amazing thing about it is how much fun it is to drive..... the closest thing I can relate it to is driving one of the older VW vans except this has heat!! It is not a dog although it certainly won't set any speed records but it sure is a lot of fun to tool around in. And of course 18 mpg is nice too. The worst I have gotten is 16.8 and that was towing an excavator (small one) and another trip towing a bobcat.
Like I said...... I LOVE THIS TRUCK!!!!
Paid 5750.00 plus tax and it is a 98. I'm laughing all the way to the bank.
BTW enjoyed your little story about faking a college professor.
Jaybird,
If you are not a "van guy" but would like lots of storage you should consider a contractor body ( utility body ), i keep mine chock full of things i use on a daily basis, and if the cases for tools are of a reasonable size they will stack nicely for easy access through the side boxes.
what i run
royal utility box, with a heafty lumber rack.
what is in there? well i will list some of the stuff i rember
2 skill saws
extra blades for saws ( masonary and wood )
2 impact drivers ( in their case with sundries in the case)
2 cordless drills ( in case with sundries)
1 rotohammer in case with sundries
1 indexed drill bit kit ( the big one )
1 milwaukee self feeding drill bit kit ( 1" - 2 3/8" )
3 framing squares
2 rafter squares
1 bag misc trim tools ( trim bag ) containing about 6 planes, 2 coping saws, 2 full sets of chisels ( good and great ) , assortment of files and rasps, deviders, veneer calipers, compass set, miter clamp set, wood glue,vix bits, screwdrivers, adez ( small ) , and a bunch of other have to have trim stuff.
1 bag plumbing hand tools containing .... torch, mapp and propane bottle, fitting brushes, assortment of different pipe cutters, flux, solder,recto seal, pipe wrenches ( 18" straight alloy handle) tee wrench, plumbers putty, spanners, basin spanners, etc
assortment of clamps , c, bar and spring all organized well
2 sawsalls
1 3/4 horse router kit ( dual base ) and a box of assorted bits
1 door hinge template
1 door lock jig
2 sets of folding sawhorses
a gang of cords ( about 5 25' )
mudpans, knives, dw tape,sanding blocks, sanding sponges, sponge,
3 caulking guns and about 25 different tubes of caulk
hilti self leveling laser
fein multimaster
hole hawg and assorted ship auger type bits ( probably about 25)
box of trash bags
roll of disposable rags
bucket of klein hand cleaner rags
assorted hole saws ( the bigger sizes)
tape of all kinds
various adheasives
first aide kit
extra safty glasses
traffic cones
misc electrical sundries
misc plumbing sundries
all kinds of fastiners
paslode impulse framer and finisher
the list goes on and on, i dont even really have the thing packed fully.... there is still room to put in stuff that i may need just for that day etc. I do remodeling so if i need anything big or air powered it goes in the bed for transit ( and odds are i will know i am going to need it) .
I try to keep enough on the rig to get me started on anything or to easily complete a service call. keeping the rig stocked is nice because it makes room in the shop for more stationary stuff or stuff that is not used regurlary
james
Hey, I won one of those diamond plate crossover boxes at Blowes last year at a contractors lunch....it sits in the garage, it's the kids outside toybox. Looks like a casket to me.
I have the Weatherguard Hi-side boxes also.....easier than climbing in the bed of a higher 4x4.
Jay, I'm using one.
I gave serious thought to the side boxes and I know they probably would be better, but I prefer the look of the one pictured. My box has a split top. That means I can open it standing on the ground from one side. That is critical..I usually can reach almost anything from either side. I small stool of concrete block height would get me everywhere in there.
I like the boxes for several reasons. They keep the entire bottom open. I can slide about ten ply in there....more if I block up the tool box (I've done that on one occasion). The boxes themselve carry more than enough stuff. Since I'm strictly framing, these boxes are plenty big, considering that everyone takes home their own guns, saws, hoses and cords and the nails are kept onsite in a job box.
If I was remodeling, I'd probably think more in terms like Jeff. The van is wonderful then because you can shelve it and stock the 1000 items that remodelers need. As a framer, I only need about twenty items, and the occasional specialty tool that I toss into the bed for the day.
Our apprentice has one, Frank just loads a jobox into the bed, and Ben uses a cap with a storage bin.
blue
Warning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
I work out of one of those boxes, I have it on a Chevy S-10, I can reach pretty much anything from one side and certaintly don't need to get in the truck to reach. I had no problem getting to stuff in my F150 with big tires when I had that as well. I don't use the cases with any of my powertools so I find I can pack it pretty well. Here's what's in there off the top of my head:
Grinder, Extra discs and saw blades, sawzall, circular saw, corded drill, 2 jorgensen clamps, 2bar clamps,quick clamps, wooden hand toolbox I made for all carpentry hand tools, 4 or 5 different hand saws, 1 electrician's toolbag loaded with electrical tools, my cordless impact driver, my tool belt goes in when the day is over, a sledgehammer, pry bars, random drill bits, a tackle box of fasteners, sandpaper, a sheet sander, router, framing square, rip fence, flashlights, miter box, and a bunch of things I'm forgetting
-Ray
Thanks Ray.....but power tools without their cases would be sacrilege with me...I`m anal about having my tools back in their cases when not in use. I am thinking about the hand tools though.J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
"DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"
I got one,
A Weatherguard 351 Cross box for my Tacoma. Not too deep so I can get some stuff under it too.
Here's what in mine: Skill77, Max Framer, Sawzall, Cordless drill, 4 1/2" grinder, hammer drill, jig saw, tool bags. asst. hammers and several boxes of nails in the tray, plus little nooks with saftey goggles, gun oil, band-aids etc.. Most tools in cases. take 'em out and get more
I like it. I especially like the idea that it keeps me from putting more than 2 sheets of plywood in the truck or too many studs. I'm a finish carpenter but the boss forgets sometimes and wants me hauling all his junk. I just point to a fully loaded truck and get to work<G>
BTW get the aluminum diamond plate if you think you'll keep it at all. Mines just 1 1/2 years old and showing signs of rust which all the steel ones do. It'll be fine for a few more years but continue to degrade.
W
I've got one. One thing I learned was dont buy a cheap one, they dont last. the first one I bought the bottom dropped out after a couple of years.
I tow a trailor so I really dont need it for most of my tools. I just use it to keep the cab clean and a couple of nail guns, my jack, a chest of mechanics tools and road emergency stuff
I also had an aluminum diamond plate tonneau cover made that butts up to the tool box. the nice thing about a locking tailgate (ford) is you cannot get inside without the key and its weather tight. No more shoveling snow out of the bed
I have them on my pickup truck and they're great. You'll be surprised what you can put in them. I did a job down at the jersey shore last summer about 70 miles from my house so I bought them instead of driving my box truck down there I drove the pickup and framed a 5000 s/f house with all the tools I need fit right in. click on the picture to the right.
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=29141.42
This one is a better shot of the boxes.
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=29141.43
Joe Carola
Edited 11/20/2004 6:21 pm ET by Framer
I too am from North Jersey. I bought System One racks with Jobox topsiders at American Van. I found that to be the best set I ever had. I had a crossover box, and the lowsiders but this is the easiest access.I do remodeling and maintaince work.I carry repair items plus the tools to do the job. Where abouts in North Jersey are you.
I'm from Caldwell. How about you?For a pickup for me the set up I have you can't beat. The system One Racks you can't beat they're way better then the Track Rack and the Track Rack is more money. The rachet setup nobody can touch you put whatever you want up there and crank the rachet and your done in 2 seconds. I haven't seen a set of racks that come close to them. The boxes I've never had a drop of water either.Pickups you have to set up the way you want. For me I never wanted a cap to much restriction. I fit everything I need in those boxes my compressor stays in the bed with a tarp with my hoses and cables, step ladders, plate level etc........extension ladders and picks go on the racks. Did you deal with Carl at American Van?Joe Carola
Edited 11/21/2004 2:19 am ET by Framer
I'm from Hackensack. I know Carl from when he was a manager at Connections bar in Clifton, which is where I grew up. I agree about a pick up. I'll post pictures of my rig later. With the topsiders I even can fit the quad in the back for hunting trips to Sussex. Best of both worlds,win win situation.
Jeremy
Edited 11/21/2004 8:38 am ET by Jemcon
I bought a grill last summer from sears and they put it together so when I went to pick it up it was higher then the back rail so I just took it off in about a minute and put the grill in and was on my way. You definitely can't beat these racks. I grew up in Bloomfield so we were neighbors and I used to go to Rick's and Ashleys back in the old days causing trouble as I'm sure you did...........;-)Joe Carola
Boxes left outside will condensate when the humidity and temperature are right. They can also leak at highway speed in the rain. That means rust. They are fine for chains, sledgehammers, crow bars but I wouldn't leave anything in there that I don't want rusted.
The cross style boxes are hard to reach unless you are tall. Climbing in and out of the bed isn't for me. They are great for locking up loose tools when you have to go into HD or can't guard things from the thieves. The cross boxes also reduce the useable space in the bed. I have a side mount box, much easier to access.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
"Boxes left outside will condensate when the humidity and temperature are right. They can also leak at highway speed in the rain. That means rust"I've never had one drop of water in any of my boxes. Mine are Patriot boxes and I bought them from American Van which I also bought the System One Racks which are the best racks in my eyes. I don't know what boxes you have that leak but I've never heard of anyone complain about that. The only boxes that I see rust are the white Wheather Guard Boxes. Most of the trucks I see with them they're rusted. Your better off with the diamond plate boxes.Joe Carola
I've got diamond plate aluminum boxes and snow gets into my boxes....the gasket isn't that good. I don't mind the little bit of water and humidity though...all my stuff gets wet on a regular basis while I'm working anyways.
Water won't hurt good quality tools. One time I had a pu with a cap. I had a broken window and I had boogered it but it leaked into the bed. I had a bucket with several power tools in it (belt sander, drill, router, etc). It filled with water and FROZE SOLID! I thought for sure something would be broke, but when they thawed out, they ran better! They were clean inside and out!
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
Blue,I just framed an addition for a GC who put a cap on his truck and also installed one of those sliding platforms. When he opened his tailgate I think it slid out to about 6 or 7' and all his tools were on top. For him that's what he wanted and it worked out fine. Have you ever seen a truck with one?Joe Carola
Yeah, I've seen the sliding beds. I don't carry much stuff anymore and those simple boxes are plenty enough for me. I havn't opened my tailgate this summer yet!
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
Blue,Can you at least fit your SPEEDSQUARE in the box...I couldn't resist..;-)P.S. I have a new way to mark the angle for when the shed roof dies into the main roof with the Speedsquare if your interested if not I still Love Ya........Joe Carola
Joe...I'm totally interested!
I'm almost ready to drive up north and get my speed square (someone left one on my job, and I kept it to study it. ) and try out the new techniques that you're teaching me.
Seriously, I like all the roof and angle stuff you're throwing at me.
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
Blue,I did this on Wednesday and it worked out perfect the drawing I'm posting will be with the same 5/12 Dormer Pitch with the 10/12 Main Pitch like I showed with the Framing Square all you have to do is for a 5/12 Dormer Pitch Intersecting to a 10/12 Main Roof pitch just pivot the Speedsquare until it hits 5 pitch mark at the top of the rafter and mark the top of the pivot point and then mark the 10 pitch mark and scribe the red line straight through and that's your angle.Notice the color of the Speedsquare I drew for you Blue....;-)Joe Carola
Edited 11/21/2004 6:15 pm ET by Framer
Joe....I think you just broke the old fart rool! you're confusing the hell our of me because I could swear I already answered this exact post.
I'm sorry...I'm gonna have to turn you in to the dual post police. Err...maybe I'll just tell Luka.
LUKA!!!!!! JOES MAKING DUAL POSTS!
BlueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
>>>" I havn't opened my tailgate this summer yet!"Why don't you get a station wagon or a hatchback then? Would 2wd be a problem?
Jon Blakemore
I'd need 4wd, but I'm considering getting a real small pu just to save gas. I'm kinda sick of $65 fillups twice a week working part time.
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
I have one Delta magnum side mount, aluminum plate. The amount of water that actually leaks in wouldn't fill an eye dropper, gasket is getting old. The condensation is different. It just goes right for metal surfaces. I would not leave my planes, chisels, hand saws or anything else in there for extended periods. I keep my portable power tools in Contico plastic boxes that don't leak. I bought a Contico look alike, PM, for my old sawzall. I put this box back in the shop after a hard rain. Never checked it. Water leaked in around the rivet holes on the handle. My blades sat in a bath for quite awhile unknown to me. The sawzall seized and the blades welded together. I figure I lost over three hundred dollars worth of stuff. The Milwaukee was 25 yrs. old. Don't use one often but I'd like to have the quick change and orbital action. Guess I have the opportunity now. If I leave things like coping blades or utility knife blades in the Delta, they will rust. Aluminum items will get some white effervescence on them. Condensation can't be good for commutators and bearings. Good tools will last a lifetime unless mistreated. Getting them wet falls under the mistreatment category for me. You can't help bad weather on the job but I try not to put them to bed wet. Sure would be nice to have a van or cube truck but they don't plow snow very well and I can't fit some of the stuff I need to haul in them.Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
I guess it all depends on the box you buy. Mine are only about 1-1/2 years so who knows maybe in the future mine might start leaking or watch my luck tomorrow morning I'll have a leak and it will be your fault..;-)Joe Carola
I had an extended van with shelves inside,worked fine for keeping things dry,and staying in the job flow...
Next,I had a truck with inner side boxes for about 10 years and thought I should go to a capper and bed drawer system,but I keep worrying about the bed depth while I haul any thing bulky and tall,I think I will go back to side boxes...
Scribe once, cut once!
I've got a Delta on my personel truck. I learned that you have to be an order freak if your going to get the most out of them. I have the larger size and it hauls all the everday stuff. And keeps it dry. I've also got another box that fits in the bed that helps organize all my smaller items. I'll take pics tommorrow.
Who Dares Wins.
JB,
I did new const. finish punch for quite a few years...the crossover box and a side one held everything I needed on a daily basis. Bigger stuff, if needed, had to be loaded/unloaded each day from my open PU.
I do mostly remodeling and repair nowdays, so I use a van. I need to have much more on hand to prevent the costly little trips to the store. Plus, I don't have to unload and load everything like a million times a day!
Most jobs, I leave my compressor in the van, and just string hoses. Sorry, I'm offpoint, so I'll leave now! My 2 cents.
Peace
Ran a three man framing operation out of one of the deep, single lid models for almost a year. Later on I learned to fit everything but my Mitre Saw and compressor in one when I was a stair rail installer.
I hate vans and I hate truck caps even more. wasn't in the position to buy a utility body.
O.K. Here's my two boxes. The Delta is a large model the small ones don't seem practical to me. Like I stated before in my behind the cab box I keep essential hand, and power tools. If you keep everything organized it's a good deal. If you use it as a catch all then it's not very good. The one in the bed is down right handy for organizing your consumables. I don't have a lot in it right now because I don't work out of this truck alot. Side jobs mostly.
Who Dares Wins.