MRFD715

Had one on my 01 and I don't think I'll ever own another truck without one. It kept my cab a lot less cluttered, cleaner, and more organized. It did get in the way once in awhile but like 1-2-3 said its easy to take out if you set it up that way. My 05 is a longbox and I'm trying to decide wether to get an above rail box or a chest for it.

etn550

My '06 Mega came with diamond plate bed rails and a tool box. I take it on and off as it is lightweight. It has come in handy many times. My interior is nice and it helps keep it that way when it comes to tools, jacks, etc. decent security too. Out of sight anyways. Maybe buy a good used one then if you don't want to keep it you can resell later. Always a good market for these.

Shorts

You don't have enough stuff in it




Here's a question, what kind of lid do yall prefer and why? Single lid? Double wing?

madhat

Single lid. I have some 48" bolt cutters, and a big jeep jack that I use from time to time.

MRFD715

Definitely single lid. Its much easier to put longer items in (jacks, shovels, guns). Its also a lot easier to get my big toolkit out when I can just lift it straight up out of the box. I might suggest looking into a higher dollar box if you want to use the locks on it, it seems like the latch/lock assemblies on the cheaper boxes don't last very long.

etn550

Oh it's heavy when full. Several 20 ton jacks, Oxy- acetylene tanks, 3/4 drive set, etc. I use milk crates and bin boxes so I can empty it pretty quick to remove it empty. Mine is an aluminum one and it probably weighs 30 - 40 lbs empty.

Shorts

Milk crates is a good idea to get things in and out without having a pile of stuff.


I do like the single lid too. Seems a bit more versatile than double wings.

Fishguy 50

One more vote for single lid. I have had a Cobalt (Lowes store brand) contractor series toolbox on my 05 for a couple years now. The locks and latches are smooth and reliable, excellent box for the money.

Colo_River_Ram

Here's how I rig the he quad cab short box trucks for the patch.

I use Weather-Guard chest types box's only (you get what you pay for).. bed rail boxes when over-loaded with schedule 80 fittings bend and won't let you lock or open the box. Then the truck bed will crack due to the weight on it..

I start with a 3" C-iron frame as the medium chest does not fit the Dodge short beds:



Mount the frame to the bed:



Set the box on the frame and use 1/4" low profile steel pop rivets to attach the chest to the framework:



finished truck, note the hammer unions for the bed support brackets for head-aching pipe:

txarrowhunter

double wings are ancient...man i cant imagine having a tool box on this thing i barely have any room back there. i need a conversion!

Colo_River_Ram

I love the long box on the 05.. I have the big chest in it with lots of baskets and buckets in it..

Shorts

Colo River Ram, you raise an interesting point. I never thought about the weight distorting the box enough to cause the lid to have trouble opening. Though I've experienced it with a cheaper TSC box and an expensive Weather Guard. I love the WeatherGuards but man those things are expensive. They're definitely aimed at the work/contractor market than the general consumer. Which us good for quality and build, but bumps up the cost too.

I like black diamond plate.

Colo_River_Ram

Shorts,
I considered the black Weather Guard box , but did not buy it as I spend a lot of time in hot desert country and figured you could grill steaks on the thing..

Here is the link to WG:

http://www.weatherguard.com/truck_to...p?subcat_id=15

Rednecktastic

One of my friends has 2 undermount tool boxes that mount behind the wheel well and swing out. It keeps the middle of the bed open.

I am thinking about getting the same set up because I have to slide heavy pallets all the way against the cab. Would be nice to have some tool storage.

RollOver Pete

I regret everything about putting anything in the back of my 03 2500.
The fuel tank, the tool box full of tools and mostly the Oasis XD3000 air compressor that was in the tool box.
Why?
When some lowlife thieving Edit decided he wanted my truck more than me, he got all of the goodies in the back also.