Toolbox Install ...

[JimG]

Hi All -

Finally got the cash to do some work on the truck. Among other things, got a Rhino Liner going in this Wednesday. Other project: Install a toolbox.

So here's the question: How exactly do you mount the toolbox? Since I have a Pace-Edwards tonneau cover, I bought their tool box that integrates with the tonneau cover - it came with these two J-bolts that are designed to hook into the bedrails of my truck. But they're REALLY small J-bolts, I don't even think they're 1/4" dia. I mean, the bolts holding down the stops on the tonneau cover rails are larger diameter. Also, is it just my imagination, or are the bedrails on the GM trucks really thin???

My current plan is to drill through the truck box, and the bed rail, back up the bed rail with a piece of 1/8" steel, and mount everything with 4 3/8" dia. bolts.

Any comments or ideas? Better yet, anyone have a better method than what I'm proposing?

Thanks for the help!

[Mr Mojo]

I used the J bolts that came with my box, then I went to Lowes and bought two more J bolts. They are 1/4" I'm not drilling into my rails, did that with my other truck, even went as far as painting where I drilled to prevent rust and it still rusted.

[jeffbf89]

Don't know the setup for sure but maybe weld a steel plate to the J-bolts to disperse the stress. Just a thought.

[asilverblazer]

Is it a hard or soft cover, if it is hard I would save myself some cash go to the dollar store and buy some rubbermaid tubs. I don't know the details of your tool box or what it is intended for, but the ones I have casually priced...

 

For my bed junk I use an old milk crate, I am sure you bought the tool box for a reason. Thought I would throw what I use out there.

[JimG]

I was planning on painting the exposed metal from the cuts and sealing the openings with black silicone or RTV (whatever's in my box). Figured that should seal it up nice and tight. My issue with the J-bolts in general is that they're concentrating the load on 2 (or 4 if I bought 2 more) points on areas less than 1/4" in diameter. And with the insanely thin bed rails I don't want the rails to distort over time.

 

As for welding a steel plate, that's a good idea but I don't know any welders or even anyone who owns welding equipment (I'm the only one in my family and of my friends who actually modifies their vehicle). Granted I could pay someone to do it but I'm trying to avoid shelling out more dinero. Plus I also have to get this project done this week because I'm starting the new job next week and won't have the time to work on this.

 

Rubbermaid containers are a good idea, but right now I have a craftsman tool box (found in a junk yard) for all my tools and a milk crate for my jack, oil, washer fluid, etc. that live in the pickup bed. Tends to be a PITA when I need to throw something back there and have to find a home for the toolbox and other gear. The goal here is to provide dedicated storage and to eliminate items left in the bed.

[Mr Mojo]

The goal here is to provide dedicated storage and to eliminate items left in the bed.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

Exactly why I have an over the rail box. I can still load sheets of plywood without having to move anything.

[sonjaab]

GUYS.......Don't forget.....GM has a "kit" to strenghten the top

of the bedrails for toolbox installation.

Not sure if its free or not.........

 

There was a thread here about bending of the bedrails with

toolbox installation and GM came up with the "kit" for 99 &

up NBS trucks.

 

Anybody remember it?

 

I just cut down some 1x4s and used adhesive to hold them

in place under the bedrails so my tonneau cover holddowns

would not bend or warp the rails................geo

[mcreyaufmiller]

Where at in NJ?. I am in DE and have welding equipment here.

 

Mike

[Mighty HD]

I just got me some carriage bolts and drilled into the bed rail. The 2500's have a metal bed side thank goodness. I used 4 carriage bolts so that if in some event someone broke into the tool box, it would be nearly impossible to get the box out without destroying it. I also did this to get a good ground to the toolbox for my diamond plate box I put on the toolbox for the cb antenna. I'll get pics up eventually of this setup. It's pretty nice and I get people asking about it all the time.

 

It took me about an hour just to tighten the bolts ....very, very, very slow process. It was meant to never come off...lol

 

One other thought, I do have my alarm hooked to the toolbox, so if the lid comes open, it will set the alarm off for 60 seconds of making your ear bleed loudness.

[Worktruck]

GUYS.......Don't forget.....GM has a "kit" to strenghten the top

of the bedrails for toolbox installation.

Not sure if its free or not.........[

 

I tried to get this kit when I installed my box. I believe it is only available as a warrantee fix if the bed fails. I've had my over the rail box for 2 1/2 years and really load the s**t out of it and never a problem. I used the kit that goes with the ladder racks, no drilling required.

[JimG]

mcreyaufmiller,

I'm in Hillsborough, NJ 08844

 

Mighty HD

That's one heck of a setup you have there. I can only imagine how much work it would be to tighten carriage bolts there. I hope you never have to take it apart.

 

As for that GM Kit, I looked around and can't even find any info on it (like what it contains) - GMPartsdirect didn't have anything related to it either that I could find. Google was not helpful either. I'd love to go to the dealer and ask but the parts guys there aren't the best to deal with.

I'm still leaning towards drilling through everything and boltin' it all together. Of course I bought lock-nuts so that'll be real fun to get them nice and tight on there.

 

Less than 24 hrs til my rhino liner gets installed

[mcreyaufmiller]

Not sure where hillsboro is but if you insist on drilling holes, do it before the liner is sprayed, that way, the holes can be sprayed and sealed.

 

Mike

 

And if you need welding, just let me know.

[budhayes3]

Got some info on that re-enforcement kit. It is actually intended to help when the bed breaks from the weight of the toolbox...scary thought.

Here's some part #'s: 15068208 and 15068209

 

I think the first # includes re-enforcements for front, rear, and center, while the second number is for the fronts only. I'm assuming they mean front of the bed.

[JimG]

I'm about 11 miles north of Princeton, NJ if that helps ya. Thanks for the offer, I appreciate it.

Unfortunately, the liner is being installed tomorrow - and I didn't read this post til about 5 minutes ago, so there's no way I can get the holes drilled tomorrow unless I started at about 5 am, must be on the road at 6; liner's getting installed out in PA so I can go hang out at my sister's college (she owes me big time for all the stuff I do for her) and check out all the girls Gotta have something to do all day since they need the truck from 8 to 4.

 

Got some info on that re-enforcement kit. It is actually intended to help when the bed breaks from the weight of the toolbox...scary thought.

That's so scary - but what I don't understand is that truck boxes have been around for a long time, they're not some new invention that happened in the past 4 years. You'd think they would design it to hold up to the weight; granted if you overload things, then you're asking for trouble, but still. Thanks for the info!

 

Ok, interesting note - Punching in the item numbers to GMPD yields the following:

GM PART # 15068208

CATEGORY: Bed Side Panel-(to a business address only)

PACK QTY: 1 CORE CHARGE: $0.00

GM LIST: $130.42

OUR PRICE: $76.95

DESCRIPTION: REINFORCE

 

GM PART # 15068209

CATEGORY: Bed Side Panel-(to a business address only)

PACK QTY: 1 CORE CHARGE: $0.00

GM LIST: $82.59

OUR PRICE: $48.73

DESCRIPTION: REINFORCE

 

WTF is up with "business address only"? My new job would really love me for having this dropped off on the receiving dock.

[sonjaab]

JIM.......Just rip down a few strips of wood and glue them under

the rail area where your tool box is goning to be mounted.

 

Much sturdier than those reinforcement GM kits.

And almost FREE too !

 

Funny I thought they were given out free.................

 

Remember, the wood strips are under the rail and can't be seen.

...........geo