Truck tool boxes

You can also get a combination fuel tank and tool box for the bed. When towing you will appreciate the additional range with the auxiliary fuel tank.

I have this folding hard cover with their built in tool box.

I have had it for a couple years now and really like it. Folded forward you could tow a 5th wheel, and closed up nobody has a clue you have a tool box.

http://www.foldacover.com/products/tonneau-covers/g4-elite-fold-a-cover/

I have a below rail chest type,aka fifth wheel box in my truck I picked up at Tractor supply on sale. It has plenty of space for what I need it for.

I will do exactly that! I like to keep my stuff looking new. I did go to the RDS site and I did end up picking one for comparison. Does anyone else use an auxiliary fuel tank/tool box model? I am just curious as to how often you actually use the aux tank. I had a 3/4 ton truck with two tanks. I ended up alternating tanks more often than actually using both. I think it came in handy once. That was just because I forgot to fill up... Simple mistake, never made it again! I know diesel stops are fewer and farther between. If it is really advisable, that is the route I will take. Thank you for the input.

What you described is exactly what I use mine for. It's nice when you're on the road knowing you can lock it and have some level of comfort that it's secure (and not all jammed in behind your seat).

Some advice:
Before you install it, put a good coat of wax on the sides and front since you most likely won't be able to keep them as clean as the back and top. I suggest waxing the back and top when you wax the truck to keep the box shiny. Mine is 9 years old and I buffed it this past summer for the first time and it still looks like new. Also check the latching mechanism when it's shut. Mine latched and locked but it didn't seal tight. First trip I made in a cold/powder snow storm, the snow swirled around and somehow got sucked up into the box. I adjusted the latches so it closed tighter into the seals and I haven't had a problem since.

Thanks for the input. My truck is a diesel, by the way. The fiver is a Keystone Avalanche bunkhouse. I've done the weight calculations, and I don't plan on taking THAT many tools. I have a simple set of hand tools, some general repair tools, a Craftsman "Bolt-on" with the various attachments, and a saws-all. All in all, about 180lbs of tools. I want the bed toolbox for keeping everything in one place (jumper cables, entrenching tool, tow strap, gloves, etc...) and out of the cab. Therefor, I don't mind spending more for a nice secure, waterproof box. I like the Dee Zee 60" flush mount box I looked at the other day. I also like the quality and PRICE of the Better Built model (they're basically the same, just branded different). Again, thank you all for your input, I will take all into consideration.

-Chad

Here's a couple things to think about.

I see you intend to get a 5er and pull it with an SRW truck. Then you might want to take a hard look at the payload capacity of your truck. Take 20% of the GVWR of the 5ers you are looking at (don't use the dry weight). That will be your estimated pin weight. That's the number to use when determining how much payload you are going to have. Also add about 200-250 pounds for the hitch and the weight of passengers and any other gear. Then add the weight of the tools you intend to take along, plus the weight of the box.

Is your truck a diesel ? If so, then you may want to carry extra fuel, which could complicate things. I have an RDS box that I like very much. It's a combo unit. Tools in the top compartment (6 inches deep) and 40 gallons of diesel below. I suggest going to the RDS site and poking around. They have all kinds of boxes.

But the fuel alone adds significant weight. I carry most of my tools in the basement of my 5er.

If carrying tools, I'm sure you want a lockable cover, so you will want to pay attention to the height of the box, making sure it doesn't stick out above the bed rails so you can put a cover on the bed. Many hard covers will clear my box (which is actually slightly below the bed rails), but I ran into problems because so many need clearance under the cover for the folding mechanism. I ended up getting a rollup flexible fabric cover. At least prying eyes cannot see what's under it. It can't be opened without opening the (lockable) tailgate. Yes, I know what a knife would do.

Full disclosure - I fulltime. And my TT is a dually so I really don't have too much of a payload problem.

And thank you for your service !

Tim

Our construction company uses weatherguard brand, a little pricey but well worth it.

I like USA-made offerings, and in my pickups I've always used a chest box that's below the rail and then obscured by a topper or tonneau cover because why advertise you have tools? Anyway, Daws Better Built are quality boxes along with those from American Truckboxes, especially if you want something custom. I carry a very healthy set of mechanic's tools every where I go. My Yukon XL TV has a cargo area drawer box that I had a local big rig outfitter make up to my exact specifications in order to minimize loss of both volume and payload.

I bought a box for small pickup years ago from these folks. Very good quality box for a fair price (back then anyway).

Got a more cheaply made flush top-box in the 2002HD (came with it). Lesser quality, but does the job. Ditto opens either side. You'll be sorry if it don't :)