I'm looking at those "cross bed truck boxes", the type made from brite diamond-plate aluminum that mounts across the front of the bed up against the rear cab window. I want a low profile style (14 to 18 in deep) with a single lid.

I have looked at a lot of different brands but it is hard to compare specs since they don't list the same info.
For example:
Dee Zee (DZ6170N) is .056" aluminum with clear coat (brite alum.)
UWS (TBS-69-SL-LP) is .063" thick, but doesn't say if the alum is clear coated.
Then there re is Northern Equipment, LUND, and the Deflecta-Shield brands. And there are several "model lines" by the same manufacturer such as Red and Blue label. Probably a few I haven't seen yet. Prices range from around $250 to $350. (and more expensive does not guarentee better built)

I would think the clear coat on the brite aluminum would be important to keep it looking nice, and the thicker the metal the better.

Does anyone have any recomendations?

 

I'm very happy with my tractor supply tool box. It is coated aluminum, has quality struts, self adjusting latches rand came with a sliding tray. Tractor supply has sales on their tool boxes on a fairly regular basis, which means you can pick one up for under $200 like I did if you are patient enough.

 

I have one made by Dee-Zee and sold under another name. It works great and has been on the truck for at least 20 years judging by the pictures I've seen.

 

Personally i think plain aluminum would be best. Aluminum on its own wont rust. Clear coat can scratch, dull, and weather in all sorts of ways. On all of my aluminum wheels i use a acid to eat the clear coat off and polish the wheel. It looks like a mirror. But its even and weathers even.

Just my personal opinion.

 

I've had some "better builts" on my truck for years
being a work truck they are dented and dinged up but they don't leak
locks are still working too -bought them in 1994 -I'm pretty sure

 

Got my UWS from my son's truck and it still looks good and functions well after six New England winters.
Regards
rikard

 

Thanks everyone. It sounds like any of the brand name boxes will be fine. There is a Tractor Supply down the road from me so I guess I'll wait for them to have a sale. I can get my hands on it before buying and will save on shipping too.