Tool Boxes

[DeanP]

Hi everyone,

There are so many brand names of tool boxes out there. Can I here some recommendations? I'm looking for a very solid and must be weather-proof tool box that will last a very long time.

 

[testraub]

The only "toolbox" that may be "weatherproof would be something like a "Gangbox" They are used jobsite to jobsite but usually kept indoors or lifted up on a crane. They are VERY secure, but quite pricey. Home Despot sells a box I have kept outdoors for several years to keep bird food and such away from squirrels and racoons. It's held up very well. I did paint it and do a "repaint" each year. Heres a link to Knaak Knaack Gang Boxes who make some of the best.

 

[magothy1]

I've had two Rawson steel boxes, full length lid, couldn't be happier with them, I put Rhino Liner on the one I have now, it does good. Heavy material, good locks, this one withstood a break-in attempt. I'd buy another one for sure.

 

[Mikey-KE7LBB]

Delta Pro is the same as a Snapon from what I can tell and it's about half the price. It looks really nice and keeps my stuff dry.

 

[DeanP]

Thanks for the inputs so far. Any comments regarding the WeatherGuard boxes? They advertise as being weatherproof, but not sure if it's true...

 

[Mikey-KE7LBB]

The WeatherGuard is a fine box, but is expensive. Any box can be made to be "weather proof" by putting in thicker weather stripping. The Delta boxes are a lot better quality now than they were in the past and that is what I was looking for when I got the Pro.

You need to look at welds, hinges, locks, and thickness of the material used. Sometimes quality of manufacture doesn't always justify price.

If you have a feed store or farm supply near you, they usually have the best prices and carry all different brands of boxes and tanks and you can compare side by side like I did.

 

[DeanP]

What are the pluses and minuses between the aluminum versus the steel boxes, aside from the aluminum weighing less? Would the steel ones be more durable than the aluminums?

 

[Mikey-KE7LBB]

I personally like the looks of the aluminum box and another plus is it will never rust out. The only weak point on the aluminum is the bottom. If you have anything real heavy like tow chains, jacks, tools etc. . I would put a sheet of plywood in the bottom to keep it from sagging or bending by distributing the weight evenly. I keep everything organized in the heavy plastic milk crates and it makes fishing for what I need a lot easier.

If you plan on a fuel tank that goes under it then the added support isn't needed.

I plan on getting another 105 gal tank and Delta Pro box for the 09 when finances permit since I need a new shiny for the new truck!:-laf

 

[dresslered]

I have the WeatherGuard and have never had a problem with rain or dust entering the box. I carry a lot of tools, tie downs, etc. full-time. The only thing I dislike about the aluminum box is that it creates an aluminum 'black' dust inside from the items sliding back and forth. This is easily rectified with a mat or keeping items in cardboard boxes.

 

[BarryG]

I have been using a DeeZee box for over 8 years now cant remember which line it is though. It has held up very well and has been 100% weatherproof. I like the alum vs the steel for the rust factor as well as the weight savings. Delta makes several lines of boxes and I almost bought the Pro but they were out of them and it was going to be several weeks before they got some in and they were somewhat pricey. Some of the lines are not as good as others.

Delta PRO Crossover Truck Boxes

Delta CHAMPION Crossover Truck Boxes

Delta Crossover Truck Boxes



Delta also has makes the JOBOX line which are really nice but I couldnt justify the cost at all.

JOBOX Crossover Truck Boxes



Same with the DeeZee brand they make several lines and some are cheaper than others.

Dee Zee Truck Accessories - Online Catalog



Weatherguard makes some really nice boxes as well but again too much money at least for me to justify.



After looking at the above links and the prices I am now thinking I got steal on mine at the time granted it was quite a while back and those links may not be the place to buy one from but wow they seem to have gotten expensive.



Aside from the general box construction and the weatherstripping make sure and take a look at the lock mechanisms some lines are cheap, some are not bad and some a very good.

 

[ILIANBG]

What about Highway Products? Their website shows some amazing boxes.

 

[mrtrombley]

Try American Tank & Toolbox, he makes them all by hand at his shop in Frisco, TX. If you were near there you could go see his setup and have one installed.



www.auxtank.com

 

[Grizzly]

Can't beat a WeatherGuard. May cost a little more but they're worth it.

 

[dresslered]

Can't beat a WeatherGuard.

One other thing about the WeatherGuard is that I routingly stand on top of it (250-lbs. ) to wash the top of the truck without damage to the tool box.

 

[MVenditti]

Hi everyone,

There are so many brand names of tool boxes out there. Can I here some recommendations? I'm looking for a very solid and must be weather-proof tool box that will last a very long time.

TAKE A LOOK -Truck tool boxes for pickups thru semi trucks, Pickup Headache Racks, cargo slides, truck flatbeds, RV Truck Tow bodies, RV Hauler, RV Toter, Trailer and Flatbed underbody toolbox manufacturer since 1980.

 

[CThomsen]

Have Weatherguard in both our trucks. No problems with either one. Would highly recommend.

 

[Grizzly]

What are the pluses and minuses between the aluminum versus the steel boxes, aside from the aluminum weighing less? Would the steel ones be more durable than the aluminums?

A big plus for an aluminum tool box over a steel is that you won't burn your hands when the box has been out in the sun. You will with a steel box.

 

[EGroeneveld]

What about Highway Products? Their website shows some amazing boxes.

I have a Highway Products toolbox on my 2005 and it has held up great for almost 5 years now. No leaks.

 

[Blakers]

I'm putting my truck to work for well tending and I'm looking at options for tool boxes. I don't really like the side-mounted boxes, and the front-of-the-bed boxes are too hard to get things into and out of without climbing up in the bed each time. (I'm not too tall).

I'm thinking of the tool boxes that go inside the bed, behind the fenders. Some call these porkchop boxes. Does anyone have any opinions or suggestions on these? Any other ideas?

Thanks,
Blake

 

[Mikey-KE7LBB]

I'm thinking of the tool boxes that go inside the bed, behind the fenders. Some call these porkchop boxes. Does anyone have any opinions or suggestions on these? Any other ideas?

Most of the oil/gas operators here in Wyoming use Pack Rats made by Weather Guard. I had one in my pickup for a time until I bought a truck to haul produced water. I liked how they are made and how much they can hold. Pork Chop boxes are kind of small for the amount of tools and fittings that I had to carry.

WEATHER GUARD PACK RAT Rollout Truck Drawer Units