Pro Tech vs weather guard

[GilmoreRanch]

Will be buying a new truck cross tool box for my pickup and wondering which is better? Pro tech or weather guard? Or a brand I’m not thinking of? Maybe this has already been posted somewhere in here but any input would help! Thanks.


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[gdocktor3]

I currently own Kobalt, Husky and Weatherguard boxes. Realistically they all do the same thing. The Weatherguard is definitely better made, but the Kobalt looks the best and has been on my truck 5 years, plus I bought it used. I keep so much weight in the Kobalt box that when I switched it over to a different truck, I discovered I had broke 3 of the 4 mounting brackets. They were Grip Rite brackets and usually 2 of them do the trick. Weatherguard boxes tend to fade quickly in my experiences and I clean/polish them every so often. I'm not telling you to go out and buy a Kobalt box, but you don't need to spend big bucks either.

 

[LXCam]

Weather guard fan boy here. I've owned or currently own damn near every style of box they've ever made. With out a doubt the best out there and will last you for many years without fail.

 

[GilmoreRanch]

Ok thanks again, my budget isn’t a factor since my work will purchase it so just wanted to see what’s best


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[gregpack]

I've got two weatherguard side boxes in black. They are twelve years old and still holding up quite nicely.

 

[speed bump]

I have a weathergaurd and it has been a great tool box. I haven't ever used a protech but see them hung on semis all the time and they seem to hold up well.

The biggest pro for the Weathergaurd is the locking system but otherwise I would bet they are similar in quality.

 

[bobcatdan]

I'm happy with my UWS box. Well build and does as it should. I got it as it's size worked best with a tonneau cover. Closest thing to a good picture of the box.

 

[GilmoreRanch]

Ya I’ve heard the pro techs bottoms break out because there just seam welded an not folded over an welded like the weatherguard...and I’ve never seen a UWS box up close bobcatdan, thanks for sharing!


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[Mr. Wonderful]

Will be buying a new truck cross tool box for my pickup and wondering which is better? Pro tech or weather guard? Or a brand I’m not thinking of? Maybe this has already been posted somewhere in here but any input would help! Thanks.


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Are you looking for the steel or aluminum type? I picked up one of the white steel weather guard boxes used. I really like it. I sanded the scratches and sprayed it with canned bedliner. It came out great and if it gets scratched a quick swipe with some 120 grit and a touch up spray and you cant see it at all. I never had the steel type before but I am a huge fan now. I can see no way anyone could ever break into it without a cutting wheel or torch. I'm not sure how important that aspect of the box is to you. There is a significant weight increase as well. I am 200lbs and I could easily stand in the middle of the lid with no deformation. Also the weather guard comes in a wider 27" model I don't believe protech makes. Maybe not for you if you have a short bed truck or something less than a full size.

 

[GilmoreRanch]

Are you looking for the steel or aluminum type? I picked up one of the white steel weather guard boxes used. I really like it. I sanded the scratches and sprayed it with canned bedliner. It came out great and if it gets scratched a quick swipe with some 120 grit and a touch up spray and you cant see it at all. I never had the steel type before but I am a huge fan now. I can see no way anyone could ever break into it without a cutting wheel or torch. I'm not sure how important that aspect of the box is to you. There is a significant weight increase as well. I am 200lbs and I could easily stand in the middle of the lid with no deformation. Also the weather guard comes in a wider 27" model I don't believe protech makes. Maybe not for you if you have a short bed truck or something less than a full size.

Well now that I’m leaning towards Weatherguard I guess that’s my next question steel or aluminum? My truck will be a full-size long bed that will have a custom made bed box that will carry 90% of my tools, so my cross box will have more of my important things and also lighter stuff as I can lock it up so durability wise is steel better? Color always thru me off with the steel but I see they make a black steel one


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[Mr. Wonderful]

I originally bought the 27" bright aluminum box through home depot. When it arrived the back of the lid was bent so I returned it. Going with a used steel box seemed like a good gamble as it only cost me $100 vs $800 for the aluminum. If you are buying new I would consider the climate you live in. If you are in a coastal area or anywhere they salt icy roads, a scratch in the paint will of course rust the steel box. In my area there is no road salt so I think it would be fine but it is something to consider. I believe the weather guard aluminum box is pretty damn stout as far as theft protection as well.

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

I do think the new boxes are powder coated vs paint like mine so that would probably eliminate the rust problem.

 

[LXCam]

I've had both styles and if security is the upmost concern then I'd suggest steel. Personally I prefer and have stuck with the diamond plate for the last 25yrs. Also I'm not sure what you are considering for the bed, but once again I'd go with a bedrat model or the pull out drawers for that as well.

 

[yamaha0343]

I've always found UWS to be a good middle ground between Weatherguard and the cheaper boxes. But if someone else is paying for it, go Weatherguard or RKI.

 

[inyoyote]

I have a McWelco that has been on 3 of my trucks and I bought it used. It has the best locking system I've ever seen. They are very nice boxes and are built tough. They make really nice fuel and tool box combos that I will probably buy with my next truck. They aren't cheap but mine is at least 20 years old and I've only ever replaced struts which are a wear item. They also make gun safes, so they have some experience with secure locking.

http://mcwelco.com/

 

[VWTim]

You can't go wrong with either. That said, I have black Weatherguards on both of my pickups and buy them for all our Foremen when they get new pickups.

My oldest box is right at 10 years old and is still carwash tight.

 

[warrens]

I own a UWS single lid box and I'm very pleased with it.

 

[eddieK]

Will be buying a new truck cross tool box for my pickup and wondering which is better? Pro tech or weather guard? Or a brand I’m not thinking of? Maybe this has already been posted somewhere in here but any input would help! Thanks.


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Weather Guard. Not even close, worth every penny.