Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/150744
BED STORAGE: MISC.TOOL BOXES bed floor, depending upon the type of box being mounted. Our advice: Nix the self-tappers and "J"-hooks. Toolboxes take a beating in the field, so don't go cheap on the mounting. If the roads are rough and terrain not that friendly, consider having a steel plate bolted to the bedrail as a cap and the toolboxes through-bolted with a similar plate under the rail so they don't work loose. This also serves a security feature: It's easy for a thief to cut a J-bolt, but not as easy to get a ½-inch nut loose that's been spot-welded. Many of the boxes that are mounted to the top of the bed rails are also fitted with legs that bolt to the bed, providing support for the rear of the box. Here's another area that can stand beefing up – especially if you are loading down the boxes. Pickup beds flex and, in turn, that motion racks the toolboxes. When that happens, the lids of light-duty toolboxes fly open or never latch properly. That's why it's important to choose side-storage boxes that are 1) made from heaviergauge materials, and 2) the mounting is rock solid. A length of angle-iron, sanded and painted (or powder-coated) provides far better support than the thin metal of a pickup's bed rail. Even though installation of side boxes is relatively straightforward, at least one manufacturer, Unique Truck Accessories, encourages professional installation at one of its authorized dealers to ensure proper attachment. High-side boxes are available with either top-opening drop-down doors or bottom opening lift-up doors and can be fitted with hooks for extension cords. In addition, many manufacturers, such as American Truckboxes, offer custom boxes built to the customer's specifications, with optional dimensions, shelves and drawers. So if that crossbed toolbox just isn't cutting it, look for a storage solution that offers better bedside manners. The varieties of styles, options and materials in side, pork chop and underbody toolboxes should provide a lockable storage solution for virtually any need. PRODUCT SHOWCASE Westin HDX Series Westin now offers HDX Commercial Grade Tool Boxes in aluminum or black finish that feature folding, locking T-handles with built-in anti-theft blind stud fastening. Low Sider boxes feature a "J-Hook" no-drill installation. www.westinautomotive.com; (800) 345-8476 Taylor Wings Pork Chops If you want heavy-duty, Americanmade pork chop boxes, Taylor Wings' boxes are available with ball-bearing slide drawers, top- and side-open, T-Latch, Paddle Latch or Push Button configurations. They come in aluminum diamond plate or steel, powder-coated black or white. Rear-door access and drawer Inserts are standard Taylor Wings' TWI-172 D & P Series. www.taylorwings.com; (800) 634-7757 Better Built Better Built manufactures heavy-duty side-, top- and wheelwellmounted storage boxes that range 48 inches long and 12 inches wide to 90 inches long and 18 inches wide. Most use a single-bin storage area, but the longer top-mount boxes have two doors accessing the storage area. dawsbetterbuilt.com; (800) 366-8269. Highway Products Pickup Pack Highway Products' Pickup Pack is a custom storage system that combines easy access to stored cargo with lockup security and maximum storage. When closed, the hatch locks the tailgate, making the bed area secure and weather resistant. Optional 2,000-poundcapacity Roller Coaster tray slides cargo out fast and easy. This Marine-grade aluminum unit is available to fit all truck brands, models and bed sizes. Made in the U.S.A.; 5-year warranty. www.800toolbox.com or call 1.800.TOOLBOX Geneva Products Geneva Products' three-, four- and fivedrawer storage units sit aft of the wheelwell and are available in powder-coated steel or diamond aluminum. Base plates raise the boxes to help prevent moisture damage and rust, and the boxes are secured with a pair of cam locking systems. genevaproducts.com; 800-899-1161. Northern Tool & Equipment Northern Tool's side-mount truck boxes feature 0.60 bright treadplate aluminum, double-latching lockable paddle handles and an oversized striker pin. Fully welded seams add durability, heavy-duty gas shocks allow for easy opening and closing, and a weather gasket keeps the elements out. Five-year limited warranty included. northerntool.com; 800-556-7885. 22 PROPICKUP Big Book 2013 ProPickup_2013BB_Bed Storage Misc.indd 22 8/6/13 9:38 AM