Hi all,

Trying to make sure I am not overlooking any obvious sources for a bed-mounted tool chest. So far I have looked at Real Truck, Tractor Supply, Lowe's, Home Depot, and Grainger (a great pick if you are looking to go to the poor house) Any others I should look into ? So far Tractor Supply looks best. If anyone has experience with their boxes that would be good to know. Thx

 

I bought mine at Lowe's on a sale, used my business acct. card, I was gonna notch it for a spare under it but decided not to, it's all aluminum, light weight and I have it so I can remove quickly. I didn't get it for heavy tools, just for spare space for like groceries, etc. Either handle opens it, lock is on driver side. I did put a piece 3/8 plywood in the bottom and carpet on that. Lowe's item number # 1053448 about 9 cubic feet, low profile. It's shallow enough that the bottom is about 6-1/2" above the bed floor so reaching stuff in it is not impossible while feets are on the ground.

I also looked at TSC, almost got one there but went to look at Lowes to compare, but TSC had what I wanted too.

 

Well I have used one from about everyone that makes them over the years, even the old school steel white ones that opened from each side with a slide tray. And pretty much you get what you pay for, if it is cheap, then it will be. Have you looked at Northern tool? Just get steel or aluminum, hard pass on a poly box.

But yes 1000% for sure get a low profile, if you turn around to look when you back up, having a low profile box will be appreciated. Yes we have a rear view and side mirrors, but nothing beats a live eyeball looking back there right? I might be confusing this view with a Super Cab or newer ext cab truck. Crew Cab even worse.

But I remember that a standard height box can get right in the viewing way. Yes you might loose some storage space, but if you watch your rear view mirror a lot, it is bothersome to not be able to see the top of the tailgate. And again if you ever get a Super cab or Ext cab (newer truck) or a again a crew cab you will really see what I mean.

Also look at the tool box mount that is a clamp kit. So you do not have to drill holes in your bed top lip area. The clamp kit attaches to the box and then when you put the 2 pieces together (on each side) it clamps under the top bed rail lip. I have had this one so long and it has moved from truck to truck ands not even sure of the brand. And yes it is a full depth in bed chest.

One you buy it, put it in the truck gently and in its normal position and carefully drive and back up around the parking lot and see what you think. If it is a FAIL, take it right back in and try another one.

 

Looks great, reminds me of one I built of steel in the early '80s, used in two trucks, then used as lockable car port storage. If I were carrying tools or other heavy hard things in one, setting on the floor is ideal. Once you drill the first one, the rest come easier. Holes drilled and used for a purpose are OK, truck was built OEM with a bunch that will forever remain empty.

But yes on a clamp kit, easier to do than reaching up under the lip up under the box with a wrench. I used two hook like clamps on each end, but it's on top of rubber and there's a 2" OD tie down poking up from the bed rail, but it just uses a 3/8" hole in the truck. I just cut a 2" hole in the tool box that fits over it .... no scooting around. Loosen the hook nuts, unhook, lift off to remove.

The one I bought came with 4 "J" hook bolts, I just added rubber to dot mark my bed rail lips.

 

Thanks guys for the thoughtful responses. And the photos were extra cool. Many Thx !