truck bed toolboxes, but.. different.

Rich

Rich

Asshole at large
Joined
Mar 17, 2005
Location
Central PA
So I'm now the happy owner of this as a dedicated tow rig:
truck4-1.jpg


But, I don't have anywhere to put all the crap I took out of my old truck's big toolbox. I've got:

2 small toolbags (~18x9x9) with straps.
1 bucket with misc ratchet straps (~12" dia, 10" tall)
1 drawbar (though I guess now I could leave it attached all the time)
1 big pair of jumper cables
some misc. clevises, hitch pins, duct tape, and the like...

Obviously an over-the-rail toolbox won't work with the tonneau, and a below the rail box would be all but impossible to open without removing the tonneau (not my idea of fun)..

The only storage things I've seen are these, but they're $$$ and kinda small (wouldn't hold the tool bags very well, and I'd bet the jumper cables are too inflexable to fit):
awww.northerntool.com_images_product_images_3491140_lg.gif


Anyone else have any ideas for the storage of all that crap?
 
Wow, they're $750 at Northern.. dayum..

Maybe putting a toolbox on the front of the trailer is the solution...
 
Awesome! If only I wasn't putting a subwoofer under there.. :(

I suppose I could cut it down so it fits flush against the sub box, but damn, I'd hate to be cutting apart a $170 piece of plastic!
 
i've got one of those big roll out trays like in the link above in my f350. it works great. the only pain is pulling it in/out on an incline, but i've got a lot of weight on it in boxes, tools, and parts for work.

i've also seen removeable dividers that fit against the bedsides where ever you want them to make a smaller trunk type space at the rear for trucks with covers, but i have no idea who makes them.
 
Rubbermade action packer tote bin (sturdy plastic bin with decent latches) Slide it in the back on the floor, when your hauling ppl. toss it in the bed.

Or drive it a while and see what ideas jump out ...
 
I always just use the big plastic totes from wally world! They are a lot cheaper than the big tool boxes and serve the same purpose. I would spend $30 or $40 on them and keep the bed cover. Nice truck btw.
 
Casey79CJ7 said:
I always just use the big plastic totes from wally world! They are a lot cheaper than the big tool boxes and serve the same purpose. I would spend $30 or $40 on them and keep the bed cover. Nice truck btw.
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Yeah, seeing as how virtually every suggestion was $750 or MORE, I think a plastic tote will serve me well, and get another 2x12 cut to fit the bed dividers to hold it in place..

Being under a tonneau will give me the same amount of security those hokey-ass toolbox 'latches' offer..
 
Mainly, I don't need a 1-ton. I wanted something nicer inside that rode better, and this change wouldn't make much sense except that I also worked a daily driver into the mix.

So on a 600 mile trip, I'm now paying ~$175 in gas vs. $155 for diesel.. Not a big difference.
The big difference is that the Chevy is half as loud, twice as comfy, has 1/4 the mileage on it, and has a simpler drivetrain (2wd vs. 4wd). Routine maintenance is also cheaper. Oh, and I sold the Dodge for more than I bought the Chevy for. :D

The 8.1L / Allison combo has lots of power, so I certainly won't be the slowpoke going up the hills, either.
 
good lookin truck! I've got all my crap in rubermade boxes in the bed, but i've got a camper shell. Whatcha get for a DD?
 
bigassedredjeep said:
2wd... gonna put some mud grips on the back of it? :lol:
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Naw, it's got some dirt grippies on it now (all terrains) and the locker..

35xj said:
good lookin truck! I've got all my crap in rubermade boxes in the bed, but i've got a camper shell. Whatcha get for a DD?
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I'll post pics next week once I pick it up. :driver:
 
greg slade said:
He couldn't let Rob show him up so he went and bought a pink Miata. They can start their own gang now.
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But mine has a short shifter, yellow racing stripes, and a 5" tip! It's gonna be sooo much faster than his.


And dammit, it's not pink! it's fuschia pearl! :flipoff2:
 
Rich said:
Awesome! If only I wasn't putting a subwoofer under there.. :(
I suppose I could cut it down so it fits flush against the sub box, but damn, I'd hate to be cutting apart a $170 piece of plastic!
Click to expand...

Use a JL Audio Stealth box for sub, and use these. Does yours have the full console or the jump seat??
 
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/6YG37

I have one I used in my truck when I was working on the road. It fits under the bed rails, has plenty of storage, and is affordable. It is also mostly weather proof and is extremely difficult to break into.

There are many different brands; I have a Greenlee and got it on sale at Home Depot for $199 a couple of years ago.

A little paint to match whatever and you're good to go. It fits between the wheel wells of a full size truck, so its easy to place anywhere in the bed.
 
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