Truck Box Recommendation

willfxp · October 9, 2005

I really need a truck box for my truck. Have too much stuff I want to bring around, but can't store it in the cab. Looking for a brand recommendation.

I want one that is flush with the top of the bed and goes all the way to the bottom of the bed. I don't like the ones that hang over the side of the bed and only goes half way down (don't see the point in that...).

I think I'd prefer plastic, because it's lighter and cheaper. Not storing anything in there of high value anyways. Not sure who makes one though.

Thanks!

builderpaul · October 9, 2005

I don't like the ones that hang over the side of the bed and only goes half way down (don't see the point in that...).

Thanks!

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No recommendation on the box but the point of leaving some space between the bed and the bottom of the tool box is so you can slide in sheet goods (plywood, drywall, etc) and other long stuff and not have them stick out so far.

Elwood 2000 · October 9, 2005

I have not seen a plastic tool box that did not warp and/or fade badly in the sunlight.

I have a Dee-Zee diamond tread chest in my truck bed. I prefer the "Gold Series" from Dee-Zee because they have a clear coat on them and they won't chalk up like many other brands of diamond tread boxes. Mine sits on the floor, is about 8-9 inches from each side and about an inch or two below the top of the bedside. I am very pleased with this box and it has been in the truck since new, almost 5 years now.

It was not cheap, but I feel very strongly about getting what you pay for regarding boxes.

MMM · October 9, 2005

Willfxp, I would recogmend going with one of the Aluminum diamond plate boxes. I have one as you describe that is flush with the bed. I chose it because I pull a gooseneck trailer, and the other type is much taller making it harder to hook up my trailer. However, as builderpaul said, it will limit your space. Mine is a "Weathergaurd" brand, which is one of the best ones, but is somewhat expensive. But, you get what you pay for, and this box has been with me for 15 years and has been in 3 different vehicles, so in the long run, it was cheaper than buying a different boxe for each truck. Good Luck, MMM.

mmmikkke · October 9, 2005

I really need a truck box for my truck. Have too much stuff I want to bring around, but can't store it in the cab. Looking for a brand recommendation.

I want one that is flush with the top of the bed and goes all the way to the bottom of the bed. I don't like the ones that hang over the side of the bed and only goes half way down (don't see the point in that...).

I think I'd prefer plastic, because it's lighter and cheaper. Not storing anything in there of high value anyways. Not sure who makes one though.

Thanks!

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I think you should reconsider the saddle box configuration (where the box is about 4" taller than the bed).

I bought a Weatherguard saddle box back in 1995. It was my first truck box. I put it in my '95 K3500 regular cab long box. The box had the dual lids, each of which opened by hinging near the middle of the truck. That's nice for being able to get into the box from outside the bed, but it was tough getting at something in the center of the box.

I bought a single-lid box for my 2005 2500HD ext cab short box. This box hinges along the the cab's back window. The opening/locking mechanism can be operated from either side of the truck (both locks activate the same internal mechanism). Much easier to access the whole box contents.

The reason I am suggesting you reconsider is that there is a "tough truck" element to these boxes. Most of the trucks with Weatherguard boxes are being used to do actual work--they're not just there for the glamour. If that's you, if you aren't afraid to roll up your shirt sleeves and get out the wrenches, get yourself a Weatherguard saddle box, sticking up 4" out of your pickup box, and wear it proudly! Don't hide it.

P.S. I'd definitely rule out plastic because even if it doesn't fade, it will sag, and look like crap

MMM · October 9, 2005

I really need a truck box for my truck. Have too much stuff I want to bring around, but can't store it in the cab. Looking for a brand recommendation.

I want one that is flush with the top of the bed and goes all the way to the bottom of the bed. I don't like the ones that hang over the side of the bed and only goes half way down (don't see the point in that...).

I think I'd prefer plastic, because it's lighter and cheaper. Not storing anything in there of high value anyways. Not sure who makes one though.

Thanks!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think you should reconsider the saddle box configuration (where the box is about 4" taller than the bed).

I bought a Weatherguard saddle box back in 1995. It was my first truck box. I put it in my '95 K3500 regular cab long box. The box had the dual lids, each of which opened by hinging near the middle of the truck. That's nice for being able to get into the box from outside the bed, but it was tough getting at something in the center of the box.

I bought a single-lid box for my 2005 2500HD ext cab short box. This box hinges along the the cab's back window. The opening/locking mechanism can be operated from either side of the truck (both locks activate the same internal mechanism). Much easier to access the whole box contents.

The reason I am suggesting you reconsider is that there is a "tough truck" element to these boxes. Most of the trucks with Weatherguard boxes are being used to do actual work--they're not just there for the glamour. If that's you, if you aren't afraid to roll up your shirt sleeves and get out the wrenches, get yourself a Weatherguard saddle box, sticking up 4" out of your pickup box, and wear it proudly! Don't hide it.

P.S. I'd definitely rule out plastic because even if it doesn't fade, it will sag, and look like crap

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Mike, I agree, it is a nice looking box. Yes the over the rail type of box is my favorite also, but for me, the in the bed one worked better. My box is a single lid box also and I love it. Another advantage to a single lid box is that it is very unlikely you would ever get water in your box. MMM

robot225 · October 9, 2005

Willfxp-

I have a black diamond plate alimunum box that i got from Home Depot for under $250. It's bolted to the floor and is flush with the sides of the bed. It's a 60" Tradesman which is made by Contico (www.contico.com).

You can sorta see it in my Sig pic, but let me know if you want some other pics of it. (probably best to PM me, because i'm gonna be busy and not online much over the next few days)

mcreyaufmiller · October 9, 2005

I have a inexpensive box from Tractor Supply, it is a over the rail box with a single lid, but only sits about 1.5- 2 " over the bed rails. Not far at all. It looks good. Check out my truck page in my sig. you should see it in one of the pics.

weletchw · October 10, 2005

I would throw in a recommendation for a United Welding Service box. Check out

http://www.uwsta.com/

I have had 2 and they both performed really well. Never had any problem holding up a few tailgaiters, and even one time served as a cooler for a few cases. (Pain to get the water out of though)

I echo the recommendation for an over the rail. I find myself using that space under the toolbox quite a bit, especially for long items or things that I want to keep from blowing out of the truck bed, but for some reason arent in the cab or box.

kosb · October 10, 2005

One more vote for Weather Guard I've had them on all of my trucks but this one. They may seem a little expensive but if you use it every day its worth it.

http://www.knaacksecure.com/home.cfm

Elwood 2000 · October 10, 2005

Years ago on another truck, I had the single lid, over the rail box and in my local town the intersections on the side streets are not very smooth. If you turn and don't hit these intersection dips square, the flexing of the bed would be just enough to flex the box and the lid would open on it's own. After constant adjustment, I finally gave up.

Maybe it was just my box, but from time to time when circimstances prevented me from hitting these dips square, my box lid would open up. It was very handy though for putting longer items in and getting them out.

Let us know what you decide!

willfxp · October 12, 2005

Hey everyone, thanks for the replies. I should have stated what I wanted to use it for.

I want this box to hold my off roading supplies. It's heavy stuff so I don't want to keep taking it in and out of my bed, house, cab, etc. But I don't use it often so don't really need something heavy duty. I have heard WeatherGuard is a great quality product, but I just don't think I need it. I'm not too worried about warping and do not want the hangover the bed because I also want to get one of those soft camper shells also.

I'll probably head over to Home Depot and check out the box robot225 suggested. Thanks! I want something cheap!

robot225 · October 12, 2005

I'll probably head over to Home Depot and check out the box robot225 suggested. Thanks! I want something cheap!

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FYI - they should have the crome ones in stock, but the black one was special order, so you may have to ask them at the desk. If i remember correctly Lowe's has something comparable in crome, the black one they had was heavier-duty and more $$.

Mine is not super heavy duty, but it does fine for my purposes.

BRZ71 · October 14, 2005

I got a low profile over the rail box from Delta for 160 at Sam's. Diamond Plate. It has been a great box. It sticks up 1.5 to 2 inches instead of the 4 to 5 inches of the standard boxes.

MMM · October 15, 2005

I got a low profile over the rail box from Delta for 160 at Sam's. Diamond Plate. It has been a great box. It sticks up 1.5 to 2 inches instead of the 4 to 5 inches of the standard boxes.

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Is that from the Sam's on Siegan Lane or the one on Airline Hwy? MMM