Get more bang from your truck box

Select the right truck boxes to make your tools and supplies safe and secure.

A truck box and rack system won’t automatically organize tools and supplies, so spend some time thinking about what you need before you start popping lids and checking out box space, say truck storage systems experts. They say that tool security from theft and weather, access and the looks of the boxes top the list of contractor’s truck storage system demands.

“Size is usually the first mistake a contractor will make when purchasing a truck box,” says Michael Bonadio, marketing director at Contico. “First-time buyers buy a box with one purpose in mind and later find other ways to use it only to find it is now too small,” he says.

Looks are important
When a contractor shells out $30,000 or much more for a well-equipped, stylish pickup, anything that gets added to that vehicle can’t detract from its looks.

“Aluminum truck storage systems are very popular because they look good and won’t rust,” says Will Rose, vice president of marketing for Weather Guard truck equipment. “We find the most common reason a contractor picks aluminum is because it looks sharp, even though an aluminum box costs as much as 20 percent more,” he says.

Bonadio agrees aluminum boxes are chosen for their “look” and rust resistance. “If you don’t keep touching up the painted box, you will soon see red – rust red,” he says. Aluminum boxes may need polishing to remove oxidation.

However, clear-coated aluminum boxes maintain their appearance without extensive care, says Tom Schwalie, Weather Guard truck box senior product manager.

Aluminum boxes may chemically react with the tools stored inside, adds Bonadio. Over time, many tools and the box develop a black film. “This can be prevented by lining the bottom of the box with a plastic, rubber or other synthetic non-woven material. It reduces the chemical reaction from metal-to-metal contact and reduces the noise from tools hitting the box,” he says.

Making a place in finite space
Manufacturers offer a variety of configurations so you don’t have to settle for a one-size-fits-all approach for on-board tool storage, says Schwalie. “There are a variety of styles that you can mix and match to get the best storage combination for your needs.” Depending on your pickup and manufacturer, you’ll find the following styles:

Saddle/cross/cross-over boxes These units straddle the bed rails and mount just behind the truck cab. They are available in sizes and depths to fit nearly all pickups and contractor storage needs. They are available with full-length or gull-wing lids. “If you want to store long tools, a full-length lid is the way to go. Make sure you can open the full-length lid from either side of the truck. Otherwise, you’ll have to reach to the center or crawl into the bed to open the box,” says Mike Everhardt, Contico marketing manager. “If rear visibility is important, look at the low-profile boxes that block less rear window space.”

Side boxes Available in three configurations, side boxes use the side rail of the truck for storage. High boxes open from the side and sit on top of the rail; low-side boxes lap over the rail and open from the top; and pork-chop style boxes tuck behind the wheel well of the pickup and open from the top.

Under-body boxes Under-body boxes take advantage of the space under larger truck beds. Opening from the side, they offer convenient tool access.

It still takes organization
Just as a file drawer isn’t useful without file folders, a truck box does little to organize your work life without some strategically placed dividers.

“Truck boxes are susceptible to what we call the ladies’ purse syndrome,” says Bonadio. “Some truck boxes are so poorly organized the contractor has to unload most of the tools and equipment to gain access to the tool they need. Box organizers can keep them organized.”

“It takes some imagination to come up with a workable storage solution. Boxes, trays, small tool boxes that fit within the box and even milk crates can work,” says Schwalie.

Safe and secure
High-quality boxes use automotive-grade locks and keys, but even the best locks can’t stand up to the abuse of an intruder. “No matter how strong the lock, a determined thief, with enough time, can get in. We recommend owners park their trucks in safe, well-lit areas,” says Bonadio.

“Work with your box distributor to assure one key opens all of your boxes,” says Todd Trocki, Weather Guard’s product manager. “Also, consider after-purchase support from the manufacturer and distributor. Weather Guard, for example, has a field service team that can help you if you have a box problem. Not all merchants will offer that.”

Up-top storage
Rack systems are another way to gain space in truck beds but it’s possible that one set of racks won’t work with the brand of truck boxes you like. Again, planning ahead pays.

Like boxes, aluminum appeals to contractors. Some owners mount them permanently, while other like to remove them. Some styles allow easy removal, says Chris Lucock at Trac-Rac.

“The Trac-Rac allows the rack to slide back and forth on the bed rails on a triple track-rail system. The user can slide the rack ahead and out of the way for carrying larger items,” he says.

The rack system mounts in the stake pockets of the truck so drilling or bolting isn’t needed. It’s designed to be used with several brands of truck boxes and can carry up to 1,000 lbs. in payload.

Weather Guard also introduced its ATR aluminum tracking rack. It installs with compression clamps so it takes only one person to remove it. Ladder stops on the unit adjust easily across the width of the rack, allowing users to fasten ladders or other materials easily and securely for transport.

Published in the March 2004 issue of Contractor Tools and Supplies magazine.

back to top