Truck Toolboxes, looking for a sturdy one

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I've been hitting the web sites and they all say great things but, what do you have and is it durable? I think I'm probably going with aluminum to avoid the rust monster. I did put some rather heavy things in my old box,60+lb floor jack, 70lb tool box, and other stuff. I'm concerned that most of the aluminum boxes are only for show, and won't hold up. Thanks

AL

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01~3500QC,4X,Sport-Silver,eth~dee,3. 54,Line-X

 

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We have the Rawson Koenig aluminum boxes on our work trucks here. They are very sturdy and hold up to everything we can throw at them. They are pricey though. I think the crossover box 30" wide long was around $800. High quality stuff.
Here's their site. www.rawson-usa.com/Index.html

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Curtis Harris

"CASPER"
Check out the Lone Star TDR

[This message has been edited by gitchesum (edited 01-11-2001). ]

 

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I have a Cam Lock. Supposed to be impossible to break into without completely ripping off the top. Nice trays inside and built tough.

 

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I had a Seal Tite from Leer Truck Accessories in my last truck. The box had automotive weatherstripping and would not leak not matter what. It was push button open, button on the side. It would open on its own after hitting the release (good for when your hands are full). I routinely put 300-450 pounds of tools, equipment, and supplies in mine. Extremely durable.



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2001 3500 4x4 H. O. 6 speed 4. 10, SLT, Cab and Chassis, 163" wheelbase western hauler stake bed 3" straight pipe, silencer ring AWOL, boost pyro gauge, K&N, Geno's one touch oil valve, Cobra 29,
ready to bomb
Big Red is ready to roll!

 

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Al,
My BIL has a next to new over the rail aluminum box, that he can no longer use. . because of his camper. (5'r).

I know he wants to sell it, I'm not sure of the price, but I'm bet'n he'll sell it for a lot less than new. . Including shipping.

I find out for you if interested.

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98. 5' 24v 2500 Auto/3. 54 4x4 SB QC 285-75-16's on Alcoa's. Everything but leather. PIAA 1200's, AMSOIL dual filter relocation system, Smittybuilt Stainless Steel Nerfs, Rhino Liner(Junk), K&N air filter(For Sale)15 year AMSOIL dealer. Time permitting, Soon to include Ultra-lite Pyro,0-50lbs boost, Trans temp in the pillar. Rancho 9000's with in cab adjustment.

 

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I have used the Weather Guard boxes before, they were pretty good. Haven't had one for a few years, so can't comment on recent quality.
http://www.weatherguard.com/lo.htm

I have looked at the Higyway Products stuff before, and looks to be very good, but have not actually owned.
http://www.highwayproducts.com/saddle.htm

Most of the boxes you see in retail stores are pretty light duty, so I think you want to explore options such as I have listed here. You usually get what you pay for, sometimes less.

One of my favorite quotes is in order here:

"It's unwise to pay too much, but it is worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money--That is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. "----John Ruskin, Late 1800's

Shelby

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2001. 5 2500 QC LB 4WD, ETH (Built 09-10-00), DEE, 3. 54 gears, Laramie SLT, Camper Special, Trailer Tow, Travel Convenience Group, Power Driver Seat, Alarm System, Remote Keyless Entry, Fog Lamps, Cab Clearance Lamps, HD Transfer Case, Bright White with a Gray Interior. Built 09-15-00, took delivery on 10-06-00, 3873 miles as of 01-04-01. Custom aluminum work body / flat bed. Coming soon: E-Brake and gauges.

[This message has been edited by Surveyor Shelby (edited 01-11-2001). ]

 

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I can comment on Weatherguard/Knaack's lack of honoring their warranty. They refused to honor their warranty on a transfer tank I bought. After this happened, I sent in a request to Trailer Life's Action Line. Knaack responded to TL with completely inaccurate statements about how the fuel system works on our Rams and again denied warranty on their fuel transfer tank. They talked about the truck's electronic feedback fuel system being very much involved in the rusting and stress cracking of their tank. I used their tank to refuel the stock tank! What electronic fuel system is there on a 97 diesel.

I am presently using a 60 year old 30 gal. steel tank as a transfer tank and it works fine. But, it has real welds and real steel in it! I plan to get a Transfer Flow tank next to replace the stock 35 gallon tank. They have an excellent reputation, and you might want to consider their combination fuel tank/tool box.

 

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I have a DeeZee Platinum Series crossover style toolbox, all aluminum, painted black to match my truck. They come from the factory painted gray(platinum) and sell new for about $600-700. Big, lots of room, very strong. Best toolbox I've ever owned, it holds all my contractor's tools and then some... Unfortunately, I need to sell it, my 5th wheel trailer won't clear it, so I'll have to go to an in-bed type box. (Al, want to meet me in Knoxville and look it over? #ad
) Trailblazers in Lexington, KY sells them, you can also find them at
www.truckaddons.com

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Tom
GLTDR B. A. D. Boys
www.lubedealers.com/meers.html

 

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Pro-Tech makes the best, in my opinion. Spendy though... The weld are the best I have seen on any toolbox.

 

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Here's a HD son of a gun...
http://www.ranchhand.com/catalog.html

Max

 

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Originally posted by Evan A. Beck:
Pro-Tech makes the best, in my opinion. Spendy though... The weld are the best I have seen on any toolbox.

Evan, is that what Dave Perea has on his truck? Pro-Tech is not your regular ol' Home Depot/Pep Boys special. They make HD stuff for big rigs, like headache racks and vertical boxes (in place of a headache rack) that are popular with the flatbed guys.
Andy

 

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ok, what the heck, guys??!!

there are several guys trying to sell your boxes in this thread... . that's fine and cool and i support that. BUT!!! we have an outstanding classified section you need to post your stuff for sale for cheapskates like me to buy!!

jee whiz... . grumble, grumble... . by the way anyone wanna buy a snug top bed cover?..... ok ok i'm leaving... . #ad


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regards,

peter
1998 24v 4x4 QC, SLT, Sport, Leather, Linex, snug lid, center line wheels, Smittybilt side steps,color matched fender flares, stull grills, tow hooks----first diesel, dodge etc. i'm in love!

FREE CARL!!

 

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You can also have aluminum toolboxes custom made by a good welding shop, which is what I have on my Dodge. That way you can have it made as thick and as strong as you want, although I think 1/4" thick aluminum checker plate is plenty strong enough. WeatherGuard boxes are very high quality and strong. Never used their fuel tank so don't know about that. DO NOT BUY BetterBilt. It is cheap and flimsy and you can bend the doors back with your bare hands on their underbed boxes. I looked at them in the store and went back to Fred Radar's Mill Supply and bought WeatherGuards even though they were twice the price for the same size. Basically comes down to "you get what you pay for. "

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1996 3500 Clubcab SLT, auto, 4. 10 limited-slip, TST #5, 370s, AFC spring kit, Psychotty, Dunrite converter, Trans-Go, Walker 21471, DiPricol EGT, boost & trans temp. gauges, 9 ft. aluminum flatbed and tool boxes with Venco dump. Custom front bumper, Hadley air horn, PowerVision mirrors.

 

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I have a Highway Products 5th wheel box and it is definetly a quality product. They offer a wide range of boxes and you wouldn't be sorry you bought one of their products. Check them out before you buy. Heavy duty plus nice accessories.

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Keith Butcher
Anchorage, Alaska

2001, 2500 QC 4X4, Long Bed, Auto w/410 gears, SLT+, Bright White w/Tan Leather
Rhino bed liner, Nerf running boards,K&N air filter, Cab lights, Sport package
with ALL the decals off. I love this truck!!!!

 

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I thank all of you for your info, yeah even the sales announcements #ad
Evan & Andy, gave me probably the best tip, Pro-Tech. I checked out the web site, . 125 thick aluminum, this is the thickest I've found yet. I do have the ability to weld up an aluminum box myself, just not the free time.

Al

 

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I looked at all the big names but nothing seemed to meet all needs and wants I had. Then stumbled upon the most beautiful and H. D. box I have ever seen. Made by Mcwelco
(800) 736-0083. No website yet. All steel, all welds ground smooth and perfect glossy paint jobs in white or black. Model I have is 78AV30. 30" X 60" X 19". Lid has massive piano hinge and gas lifts and is offset from back so box can slide all the way forward in bed and under that rolled lip of bed. It is exactly rail height on my '93. It will open inside a cab high shell enough to access it and the lifts will keep it open. There are 2 spring latch/locks on each corner that are interconnected and a massive disc type padlock in the middle that is guarded by a 3/8 wall section of oval tubing to prevent prying. Sliding tool tray inside. It is awesome. I don't work for these guys or sell there stuff, I'm just impressed as can be with this product. Downside: $872.

 

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Well I looked at all the big names except Pro-Tech. That's nice stuff too especially if you prefer aluminum. Sure am glad there are still companies that rise above the quick buck get it out the door good enough to survive the warranty period policy. I'm sick of popout junk.

 

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Originally posted by metal tech:
I've been hitting the web sites and they all say great things but, what do you have and is it durable? I think I'm probably going with aluminum to avoid the rust monster. I did put some rather heavy things in my old box,60+lb floor jack, 70lb tool box, and other stuff. I'm concerned that most of the aluminum boxes are only for show, and won't hold up. Thanks

AL

I got the dee zee cross over box aluminum checker,it seems ok and im happy,I am having a fuel tank built to fit under it and support heavy loading of the box,a fellow fireman buddy of mine has his own custom shop he can build any thing you want,he builds beds for special service fire trucks,that is who invented the use of diamond checker,If I wasnt putting the tank under it I would go with the floor model,I have seen boxes hold up and bed rails fail and that aint pretty to see a crack down the side of the box. Kevin