Toolbox+Bed Reinforcement Kit

[CooperJohn]

I have a Weatherguard Saddle Box installed on the rails of my bed and I just read a thread that talks about installing a toolbox reinforcement kit to prevent damage to the bed. Are they serious! I have had this box in previous trucks(Fords, sorry!) with no problems. Is this necessary or are they blowing smoke and trying to sell us something we don't need? Anyone know? Thanks!

 

[RWinzen]

I have not heard of any issues with Dodge. I do have experience with it on my friends '01 Duramax. The tool box is a Rawson over the rail. The flexing of the bed caused 10 inch cracks over the rails and down the side of the bed on each side. Chevy did cover it under warranty and installed reinforcement brackets on each corner under the tool box after the repairs. I have the same toolbox on my '95 CTD and then my '04 until now and have had no problem.

 

[bwall7116]

I have also seen this on a Chevrolet forest service truck with a Weatherguard tool box. It was a little scare to see and I started considering reinforcement for my over the rail Protech box. If I were to do anything I think I would use some long stand-offs made out of something like a urithane bushing and bolt the box to the bottom of the bed like posts so that not much off the weight was on the rails. I would like to hear if anyone has seen the cracking on a Dodge.

 

[CumminsBu]

Buddy's Ford Superduty split between the forward bulkhead and the side rails from over loading his tool box.

 

[CooperJohn]

Dodge's fix

The reinforcement kit that Dodge sells is a pair of L brackets that screw to the front top inside lip of the bed rails with brackets that transfer the weight of the toolbox to the lower vertical lip portion of the bed rails instead of the top of the bed rail. I suppose it ties the front corners together better to prevent splitting or damage to welds. I'm thinking a nice headache rack with a welded angle iron base would do the same thing and actually be useful. I'm a little disappointed that today's pickup trucks aren't even capable of sporting a toolbox without extra support. I wonder if Dodge would cover any damage if I didn't use the kit?

 

[Bob V]

I do remember reading this also, just cant remember where, I know that it was from dodge though

 

[Bob V]

Here it is

Dodge body builders guide ( Official Dodge Site - Body Builder's Guide ) and saw this under "Ram Cautionary Notes



When installing a toolbox to the front of your pickup bed,

you must use Mopar toolbox brackets available from your

dealer. Failure to install the additional support may lead to

significant bed damage. (The part number for the toolbox

brackets is 82205240. ) For more details please visit the

Mopar website (Mopar - Authentic Performance, Accessories, Service & Parts).

 

[Bob V]

Here

http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/2005sbbgl/docs/dr/rcn.pdf

 

[CooperJohn]

82205240

Thanks for the responses. I looked up the part number and it appears that they are trying to sell a Trac Rak system. Rails that allow you to mount a sliding toolbox or over head rack. I just want the reinforcement kit but only if needed. Maybe they changed the part number. I guess I'll resort to calling the dealer. UGH!

 

[GRoutzahn]

Well, I can say that my bed has split on both sides right where the bedsides meet the bulkhead. Haven't added any support brackets yet. They've been there for a couple of years and last time I checked they haven't gotten too much worse. Complete B. S.

 

[CooperJohn]

Does anyone know if this warning applies to only "over the rail" type boxes or if it applies to any toolbox mounted in the front of the bed? The cautionary notes aren't very specific. Common sense tells me the problem is caused by too much weight on the rails but maybe I'm missing something. Thanks!