I know this is a pretty basic topic, but I am starting to look at cross bed tool boxes for the first time. For those that have owned tool boxes - what features are important to you? Is there really a benefit to spending 3x for a more expensive box? Are any of them really that secure?

Basically I just want to know if it is best to buy a basic box because all the tool boxes are basically the same? Or should you "buy once, cry once" because the more expensive models are really worth it?

Thanks!

 

So I'm guessing by the lack of replies that it's really a case of "all tool boxes are basically the same" and there is little not no value with going with an expensive model unless it just offers some feature that I can't live without.

 

I bought a used steel one from buddy 25 or so years ago, it is heavier than aluminum maybe but the two lids open from the sides is what I especially like. No climbing into the bed to open. I was gonna repaint it and use it, but it's still under a tarp behind my shed, up on some wheels, but how it's made, it doesn't leak, has SS hinges, locks, sliding tray inside etc. As I recall, the tray can be lifted out too. I really should look in it, no telling what I'll find stored in it?. He was looking to just get rid of it, offered it for cheap.

One could add thin polished aluminum diamond plate to it in places. Might actually look great on my '77 if painted nice, I could add the aluminum on back surfaces facing the bed and maybe top surfaces? It would add some minor just overnight luggage or other carry options, but I would not want to load it with heavy like tools.

Ahh, but then "whether to paint it black or white?" comes to mind.

It used to sit on my trailer, but I needed the trailer one day. I had considered mounting in on my trailer, but then "why?" comes to mind.



I guess to answer your query,

• access from the sides
• a sliding tray

would be my "wants".

I had one once, long one-piece lipped lid. I built it, I did the long one piece lipped lid so there'd be no leaks. It was heavier, it was flush with top of bed sides, it had 4 legs with 2 attached pressure treated crossways 2x4s to let it set on my bed liner floor, it had two 1/2" eye bolts that would engage two more at the front of the bed and then I cross bolted it, it did not move until the cross bolts were removed. To open it meant climbing in and out of the bed. Not bad at even 30 or 40 yoa, but quickly becomes a PITA much after that.

Two side opening lids might limit some longer stuff being placed in there though ... as there is a "bridge like" portion where the hinges mount? A small racing type jack would fit though.