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Pickup truck toolboxes... what do you recommend?

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gipraw

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Joined
Apr 25, 2013
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1,033
Location
Cypress, TX
Just googled "Bolt key learning lock" and came up with http://www.boltlock.com/

That's pretty cool. I could end up short some cash on this deal.

I love mine. I have the hitch pin lock, a couple cable locks for when I have ladders in the truck, and a couple of the padlocks just in case. Amazon sells them also. The guy at the tool box/truck accessory store suggested them.
 

mtwaterguy

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Nov 16, 2007
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3,518
I have a pro tech in my Dodge. Seals well and has a sliding drawer for a little more storage.
 

Syntax_Error

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Sep 18, 2013
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214
Location
Des Moines, IA
http://m.northerntool.com/products/shop~tools~product_200620955_200620955

I have two of these boxes on my truck they are the one door 72" flavor though. They are all aluminum verylight and they keep the water out. I got t rid of my rusty weather guard steel boxes to put tthese on and would not switch back. Top mount side box is the way to go it leaves your bed open for the rest of your tools. They fit nicely under my ladder rack and to be honest I think the reason I never get traffic tickets or ever get looked at by the cops is because the work setup on my truck.
 
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firemanmike69

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Nov 3, 2013
Messages
15
I've got a tractor supply box I've had for about 5 years not bad for what I paid for it it pretty tight after I replaced the weatherstripping. Also I turned mine sideways
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1421122584.643520.jpg
 
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dr_clyde

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Jan 7, 2009
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Location
Holland, MI
I ended up with a used Kobalt I bought off a buddy for $25. If I come across a bangin deal on a Weatherguard or the like, I'll probably upgrade, but for now the Kobalt works fine. Especially for the money.
 

Dirtydan69

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Nov 8, 2015
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847
Location
San Tan Valley, AZ
I've had the full wing box broken into pretty easily. My weather guard never. Then again I quit leaving tools in it overnight. In Chicago.
 

bas157

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Oct 17, 2006
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711
Location
Near Philly
I've got Weatherguard and recommend them. Had the smaller version (not as deep from front to back) but found the bigger one at a flea market. Put the smaller one one Craigslist and it sold in just a day or two. There were the black colored ones...look nicer on my truck. Now I'm usually running a Diamondback tonneau cover on the truck.
 
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Al Borland

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Jan 20, 2016
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I've got a couple, one of the usual truck box that sits on the rails, probably 16 years old, outlived 3 trucks. I also have a box that sits in the bed, below the rails. This one fits under the cap, probably 6 years old. No problems with either, but the older box weatherstrip is shot and only one keyhole still works.derIf you are worried about crooks with crowbars, Yeah, these can be pried open, but locks only keep the honest people out.
 
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Tenex

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May 11, 2015
Messages
455
I had a BetterBuilt on my Ford Ranger and the latch mechanism was junk. It was supposed to be able to open just by pulling on one latch and it never worked so I always had to climb into the bed of the truck whenever I needed something. The amount of stuff I was able to keep in it for those "just in case" moments made it invaluable.
 

Ign

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Jul 7, 2006
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12,769
Location
Butte Peak ND
I had a BetterBuilt on my Ford Ranger and the latch mechanism was junk. It was supposed to be able to open just by pulling on one latch and it never worked so I always had to climb into the bed of the truck whenever I needed something. The amount of stuff I was able to keep in it for those "just in case" moments made it invaluable.

Yep I finally disconnected the passenger side latch altogether on the Kobalt/BetterBuilt in my Ranger.

Funny this thread was revived as just a few hours ago in the Home Depot parking lot I had a new tool box and my bike in the bed. Went to open the box to get a bungee and once again, the f'n rearward facing latches are blocked by the load. So damn annoying. Who designs **** like this and thinks it's a good idea???
 

ahrold

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Feb 9, 2017
Messages
3
Man this is tough. So, looks like WeatherGuard or UWS are good options, and stay away from Betterbuilt? Weather guard really worth the money?
 

Jazz1

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Jan 3, 2016
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Location
Thunder Bay On.
I have always built mine. Not that difficult to build a locking box. This one parts salvaged from a S10 I had stripped

 

Ign

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Location
Butte Peak ND
Man this is tough. So, looks like WeatherGuard or UWS are good options, and stay away from Betterbuilt? Weather guard really worth the money?

If you're ok w steel some of the TSC options are surprisingly nice. In my F350 I run a TSC single lid, hinges at the front, single strut centered inside to lift the lid, buttons on the side. It opens and closes positively, is nice and rigid, and roomy. I think I paid ~$160 on sale. It's no Weathgard or UWS but I didn't need industrial level.
 

Al Borland

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Jan 20, 2016
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1,598
My first box was steel, one of those white ones, 20 years ago. Rusted out in 2 years.
 

PJNJ

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Sep 20, 2013
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1,047
Location
Iowa
Another vote for UWS - got one used off Craigslist about 10 years ago for $75.
Had to change the lock as there was no key - got a cheap lock set from Home Depot for about $10 and it has been fine ever since.

It has an insulated lid and the gauge of the metal is heavier than the auto or home store brands. It has never leaked even during Hurricane Sandy when it passed through Jersey.

:beer:
 

uscarry45

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Oct 21, 2012
Messages
295
Pro-tech is the snap on of tool boxes but out of your price range -- but I would really recommend them

Weatherguard is what I would go with

Betterbuilt I have seen and they flex a lot so the lid doesn't close correctly after awhile

UWS is another brand that I see on the phone company trucks around here
 

hyper

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Joined
Jul 14, 2017
Messages
5
I am using a Better built toolbox model 67011386 . your concerns are about security, waterproofness, durability. Good thinking. But you must keep some other features to your mind like size, the material of the tool box, style of the tool box, your budget etc.
A few months ago while I was searching for best truck tool boxes, damntools blog helps me to get out of all confusions. I am happy with my tool box now.
 
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