Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/150744
Work Truck Tool Chests Cross-bed toolboxes fit for a contractor's pickup; high-quality and longlasting cargo protection By Stuart Bourdon HDX Series Commercial Grade CrossOver ToolBoxes are now available from Westin in full size, extra deep and lo profile 70-inch lengths (aluminum or black finish). They feature folding locking T-handles with built in anti-theft blind stud fastening. These new boxes include a heavy-duty injection molded organizing tray, and the CrossOver and Westin Low Sider boxes feature "J-Hook" no-drill installation. westinautomotive.com; (800) 345-8476 TOOLBOX TYPE The type of the box determines how much room is left open in the bed. For instance, some toolboxes extend all the way to the floor, which is great for storing a lot of tools and gear. But they make it difficult to reach smaller items on the bottom of the toolbox. These deep boxes also limit the useable portion of the bed floor; where a 4x8 sheet of plywood once fit is now limited to a 4x6 sheet. Single-lid toolboxes are great for keeping longer items like shovels and levels. But at the same time, when the lid is opened it exposes everything in the box to the weather. That's where split-lid or gull-wing boxes have an advantage. Then, again, the more hinges and lid splits there are, the more chances for rain and snow to work their way into the box. (Weather-tightness is a critical issue in selecting a good toolbox.) The type and number of latches also play a role in the buying process. Push-button latches on the ends of the toolbox are very convenient and work well with gloved hands. They are also less prone to break-in, can be codebutton locked and seem to last longer under hard use. Twist-to-open latches are generally less expensive, they can be easily replaced when they wear out, and they can be easily upgraded with internal locks keyed to your truck's ignition key. TOOL BOXES: CROSSBED Westin Automotive Products I f there's one accessory that nearly every contractor has on their pickups, it's the good ol' crossbed toolbox. As basic as it is, the traditional toolbox fills as much of a need as the bed itself. A cross-bed toolbox is practical; it keeps gear and tools from sliding around loose on the bed exposed to the weather and also out of sight and secure from the bad elements walking around on two legs. Toolboxes have come a long way from the days when your options consisted of one padlock hasp or two. Today's toolboxes can be found designed shallow or deep with single, split or gull-wing-style lids sporting push-button, T-, D- or paddle-style latches finished with powder-coat, paint or polished surfaces. If those options aren't enough, there are a number of local manufacturers around the country that can custom build toolboxes to suit your need. There are probably more types of crossbed toolboxes than aftermarket wheels. The key to making the best purchase decision is to think through all of the different makes and models so you select the crossbed toolbox best suited for your truck and specific work needs. propickupmag.com PROPICKUP 113 ProPickup_2013BB_Tool Boxes Crossbed.indd 113 8/6/13 10:36 AM