I felt the same way and they sent me a pair of the old style locks 10 min switch

 

Gave up on Weatherguard/ratpack and went this route a few years ago

 

Get a box that sits on the bed rail so you have room under it, that way you can slide a sheet of dry wall or plywood under it. If I had more than would fit under i just put it as far up front as I could, left that tail gate down and strapped it. I hated all the stuff under the seat or on the floor, that's the dogs space!

 

ANY box back there would be a no-go. It's not just small items to slide under the box....but motorcycles, ATV's, machine attachments, firewood, and all the other random crap I may haul. Even getting loaded with gravel or mulch would suck with a toolbox.

 

I've got a cam locker I bought in 1985 and it still in my truck of course I think back then it was a first diamond plate box

 

Anyone have experience with Vector toolboxes? Seem well-built online but haven't seen one in-person and can't find many reviews.

https://vectorperformance.com/shop/tool-boxes/?id=949

Related, does anyone know if that size chest would fit in a short-bed? It looks like it would require 25" between the 'front' of the bed and the start of the wheel well (new truck is currently on-order or I'd measure myself )

Thanks!

 

I have a friend with a dump trailer...lol, couple friends actually depending on how big I need it. I can get my snowmobile in the bed, an atv in the bed, 1/3 cord of firewood... I have tools, straps, bungee's shovels, wood blocks etc in that box that use all the time. I do wish it was a few inches more off the bed floor as the sled ski's do not go under it. Otherwise, I have a short bed with a toolbox and I deal with it

 

Highway Products, 5th wheel box with spacers to anchor it to the side boxlink cleats. So no holes in the bed.

 

Weather Guards Standards are 21" and The larger box = 27" deep. In my pic above the standard is on the bottom Large is on top

 

Yeah, but I don't want to just "deal with it", I want comfort knowing that "it" will fit with room to spare, or that "it" will fit without leaving the tailgate down and strapping whatever in. Can't leave the tailgate down when pulling a trailer either...the tailgate doesn't play well with the tongue jack.

But I'm glad you are making the shortbed work for you and that you're happy with it

 

ATV's and other items get put in the bed with the tailgate down and the box has tools, straps, bungees, a bunch of cleaners, wax, diesel additives, fire extinguisher, first aid and the list goes on. Never found anything I wanted to put in the re I was not able. The gravel might be an issue but I can't think of a reason I would. I have a 16ft car hauler if I can't get it in the bed, carried and entire house of cabinets on the trailer. Most resent was a new project.

 

How about under the rail side mount boxes? Anyone use those?

They have always intrigued me but I do not buy expensive tools as the bulk of labor around here has sticky fingers.

 

The best i have had was Highway Products flush mount toolbox. They are built like a tank, one and done. They are made in America if that is your thing, makes a difference to me. Thats why I purchased from them after reading up on them.

https://highwayproducts.com/truck-ac...ruck-tool-box/

 

I've had a 4' gang bolike RIgid or greenlee brand) in my truck for 10 years now. Its great since I can easily remove it or spin it sideways to get 8' boards in with the tailgate up. I sinply have 2 ratchet straps from the handles to the bed tie down points. I dont like the look of the bedside mounted boxes. When I need to carry longer boards or ladders its at the perfect hight to lay boards flat from the tailgate to the box, then strap over the boards to each handle. Simple yet effective and fits everyting I need on the jobsite for daily work.

 

I have a Camlocker and have been very happy with it. Looks as good as new except for some cargo scratch.

I bought mine before the wild inflation increases and was able to pick it up at the factory.