Pickup truck toolboxes... what do you recommend?

[dr_clyde]

I will be getting a truck shortly, and I want to put a toolbox in the back, the diamond plate aluminum kind. I've seen a lot of different styles and brands, and I don't really know what to get. I like the idea of a side mounted box, so i can reach everything, but at the same time, I like the ones that are behind the cab because they can hold more. I would prefer to not spend over $400.

I am concerned about three main things,

security

watertightness

durability


what do you guys recommend? what to avoid?

thanks!

 

[TK LP]

I will be getting a truck shortly, and I want to put a toolbox in the back, the diamond plate aluminum kind. I've seen a lot of different styles and brands, and I don't really know what to get. I like the idea of a side mounted box, so i can reach everything, but at the same time, I like the ones that are behind the cab because they can hold more. I would prefer to not spend over $400.

I am concerned about three main things,

security

watertightness

durability


what do you guys recommend? what to avoid?

thanks!

I've always gotten good service life from Weatherguard, haven't really used much else.

 

[bursty]

We have Deltas in some of our work trucks and they hold up great.

 

[supertooljunkie]

I like Betterbuilt. They are the same as Lowes Kobalt boxes. The are not quite as spendy as Delta or Weatherguard.

 

[mdbeck1]

All of the above brands are good. I'd suggest going to the local lock shop RIGHT after you buy it and replace the lock. The tool box companies tend to have three or four different locks. I replaced mine with one of the circular keys (think coke machine). Not too many people have those on their tool boxes.

BTW: I have checked my old key on several of my friend's toolboxes. It opens more than half of them.

 

[archirelic]

I have a husky full size in the bed of my chevrolet. Runs about 269 at home depot, for either the black or the plain aluminum. Has plenty of storage space and for the price, it is exceptionally sturdy. I've had several buddies sitting on it at once and there was no flex in the lid at all.

The sidewalls are also some of the strongest that I've run across, in the price range.

Of course, if I had big bucks, I'd definitely look into a Weatherguard.

 

[dr_clyde]

well, i would love a weatherguard, but I can't justify that much money. I also am on board with the replacing the stock lock. I like the deltas, and the price looks good. as long as they don't leak, im sold.

 

[thesilverone]

check craigslist. i see a lot for sale on there

 

[mrholeshot]

Weathergaurd. The absolute best truck toolbox's Ive ever owned. When I sold my shop truck I took my white steel Weathergaurd out of it first. Very heavy duty, GM automotive locks and never leaked. I tried a few of the cheaper models but when you buy one of these you will pull it before you trade trucks. It seals like a US Military ammo box.

 

[baucom]

I have a Kobalt from Lowes on my Titan and it's holding up really well. It won't completely keep out dust, but it absolutely doesn't leak a drop.

 

[dr_clyde]

ill check craigslist for a weatherguard, but chances are good they'll all be gone. craigslist in my area *****.

 

[I can fix anything]

Got mine at the salvage yard for $40

Its a tractor supply issue.

 

[csp]

My last one was the big Weatherguard. I had enough weight in it that the bottom deformed about 2" from being flat. Not needing one that big anymore, it was replaced with a Delta Pro box, which is a heavier gauge aluminum than the standard Delta boxes. So far (been on for about three years), I like it as much as the Weatherguard. It has the same lid, sealing, and locking system.

 

[sberry]

I usually put a custom block set up under these if carrying a lot of weight to keep the stress off of the bed rails.

 

[gReves]

UWS. Best truck box I've had

 

[CamarosRus]

In the Northwest part of the USA, PRO TECH is the best brand....spendy but the best!!!!

 

[jdw8320]

is there a thread about what anyone keeps in their truck boxes and pics of how their organized.

I have a john deere box

 

[mdbeck1]

is there a thread about what anyone keeps in their truck boxes and pics of how their organized.

I have a john deere box

Not that I've seen...

The boxes contain socket sets, ratchet straps, screws, nails, misc tools, propane soldering set, electrical tools and wire, .....

 

[speed bump]

I have a big *** Weatherguard on my truck and an RKI on my work truck. Both are good boxes the RKI has a spring system rather than a strut system which doesn't die like the struts and the Weathergaurd has a better lock and latch system.

I have a Knaack topper on my other truck and they make good stuff. Jobox also makes a pretty good box as well.

If you plan on carrying a lot in it or getting beat around get a steel box.

 

[dualsub2006]

I have Weather Guard on my work truck and a Delta Champion from Tractor Supply on my personal truck. I changed the lock and the wether stripping on my TSC box, but other than that I love it. Single lid design, black, aluminum. It was half the price of Weather Guard, made in the USA and has been great for the year that I have had it.

I had a beefier weather stip to put in it and I replaced the stock material after I noticed some dust getting in the box. It kept water out but had a real issue with dirt. The new stripping makes the seal much tighter.

 

[d33pt]

i had a delta on my tacoma that was really good. i'd try to get one that is low profile, so you can have a better view backing up. Some are really tall. it had weatherstripping on it and never leaked. the lock wasn't as secure as i'd like, but no one ever stole anything from there.

definitely get a one piece lid. the two piece lids are really annoying.

 

[Art From De Leon]

On the last two pickups I have had the UWS, and have had no problems with them.

If the dealer installs it, they will use the cheapest sheet metal screws that they can find, and eventually, they will pull out. The solution is 1/4" bolts, fender washers, and nylon locking nuts, if you can pull it down tight, it cannot move, therefore it cannot crack the aluminium, or the top of the bed. Although the plastic tray looks cheap, I have not had one crack, and I prefer the 2-door style.

 

[dr_clyde]

Thanks all for the responses. I'll keep my eyes peeled for a weatherguard, and if all else fails, get a delta. Thanks again for the advice.

 

[Milliarium]

I realize this post is dated but I did have a follow up question. How secure are the locking systems on these boxes? I've heard someone can pop these open pretty easy with a crowbar.

Thanks

 

[m.b.0331]

I have the TSC box and it would surely be pretty easy to break into. I keep it locked but don't keep anything really valuable in there. If someone wants to break in, they'll find a couple old shovels, ratchet straps and rope, blankets, and other stuff like that. My more valuable tools are kept inside the cab and go in the garage at night.

I'm sure someone here has taken permanent steps to make their box less easy to break into and I'm curious to what they did.

 

[Ign]

Here's my opinions:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4002911&postcount=11

I still maintain that gullwings are kinda cool (no additional clearance necessary in front of the box if you put it behind a headache rack), and I still HATE my Kobalt/BetterBuilt POS.

Aluminum diamond plate was brought around to appeal to the "ooh shiny" crowd but steel is where it's at UNLESS serious rust is a legitimate concern.

God I hate my Kobalt box.....

and the engineer who put latches facing the bed should be shot. In the face.

 

[m.b.0331]

Yeah, the standard two rear-facing latch system does ****, big time. I have to climb into the bed to open mine but I would have to get up there anyway to get stuff out of it. I've accepted it as a fact of life.

 

[sberry]

I realize this post is dated but I did have a follow up question. How secure are the locking systems on these boxes? I've heard someone can pop these open pretty easy with a crowbar.

Thanks

Probably with a screwdriver. I am truck shopping now. If I had to travel with tools and need security it would be a van. With modern doors they are about as easy to work out of. A service body is good but looks very commercial and are heavy.

 

[Farmall 1066]

Bought the last 2 Weatherguard boxes off C/L for $150, each.
Love them, except can't see the 5th wheel ball over it.

 

[Ruger_556]

Pro Tech and Weatherguard are the nicest and most expensive boxes on the market IMO...

 

[mdbeck1]

Bought the last 2 Weatherguard boxes off C/L for $150, each.
Love them, except can't see the 5th wheel ball over it.

Of all the things to fix the FIRST one is to replace the lock. Most of the factory locks have the same key so just about anyone can walk up to your truck and unlock your box and take your stuff. Go to a lock shop (one that changes the locks on your houses and stuff) and tell them that you want a "better" lock. For $20-30 you can get one that has a circular key that is much harder to defeat.

 

[Tejaas]

Weatherguard owners, a cool little tip:

Pull your weatherstripping off the lid and run some of that thick black surgical tubing thru the channel, then reinstall the whole thing.

Thought that it was good before? This -really- puts it over the top!

~Tejaas~

 

[CJM8515]

Have a delta pro on my pick up, its a gullwing. I hate the gullwing design as there is an unusable space between the doors and you gotta open the doors individually.

However the metal is very sturdy and I have it set to look the doors so it has no give and it would take time to pry them. I also used 1/4 bolts and nylocknuts to reinforce the hinges.

 

[rockinacummins]

If it was just for hand tools I would definitely go with a Montezuma triangle shaped box. However for larger stuff I would just find one on craigslist that was pretty well built for a good price

 

[tomshep]

I am on my third truck for my Rawson Koenig box. It is aluminum and a single full-length door. It is also a saddle design so I can still put lumber under the box. I have had it for 20 years now. It has been WELL worth the money I paid.

Only hassle was aluminum dust inside. On my second truck I had the inside of the box Line-Xed along with the bed. Best money every spent!

Tom

 

[rpenterics]

Adrian steel, made here in Michigan about 15 miles from me
http://www.adriansteel.com/item/1001/1700/

 

[TheToolBoxGuy]

Adrian steel, made here in Michigan about 15 miles from me
http://www.adriansteel.com/item/1001/1700/

Hi rpenterics , whats your opinion about adriansteel toolboxes? the quality is similar to weatherguard?

any advice on brands to better stay away?

theres a lot of brands out there, and they look so similar.

Thanks!




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[yost69]

I have a deezee cross over on my silverado. It is a nice box.

 

[gipraw]

I am very happy with my UWS box. Single lid. I also changed the lock out to a Bolt key learning lock, so now my truck ignition key also unlocks the box.

 

[cheechi]

I'm sure someone here has taken permanent steps to make their box less easy to break into and I'm curious to what they did.

Window stickers with Browning, SW, Glock, and NRA logos.

It has always bothered me that Ridgid makes a hell of a jobsite box but HD chose to make theirs say Husky instead of making a big & bad Ridgid truck box. If I was going to get one for my 98 Frontier I would not get a big heavy one, of the 'cheap' ones I like TSC better than Husky or Kobalt, but if I had the money I'd get a Delta.