i run a roadside mechanics job as a second income and i want to do a 3-piece type tool box for all my tow straps and tools and what not. but i have a stepside bed so its tough to find a box narrow enough for my bed. anyone have any ideas that would help me without spending $500 plus like most places ask? not looking for anything too fancy maybe just some ideas people have thrown together to make it work.

 

I would look into a locking tonneau cover. With that you could throw tubs in the bed and store different things in each. You won't need them all for every job so you could take out what you don't need.

 

i thought about that but i want to be able to get into the bed of my truck and have tall items in the center without removing the cover.

 

try making some plywood boxes with locks, and paint the plywood, you can make them to anysize you want, it will be cheap and when painted it wont look cheap

 

Too bad you are not closer. You could HAVE this thing.



For a tool box I use this ---> 54" Single Lid Crossover Low Profile - Splash- Paddle Lift Lock-| UWS Truck Accessories US

That is the only one I have found that fit. Have you tried craigslist?

 

Watch out for some of the aluminum boxes, their wall thickness is usually around 0.055; less than a 1/16"... Not good, drop one tool and wham ban dented box.
Make sure to get a wall thickness of at least 0.120, almost 1/8".
You can usually push and bend the metal in on the thinner boxes.

 

i tried craigslist, no bueno. but **** i like that thing man whered you get it. i'd drive for that. i like the utility toppers for work.

 

I found it on craigslist actually. The ladder rack was useful for a while and I liked having the dry storage in the bed. However I couldn't really see out the back and it was a pain in the butt. The end doesn't sit flush with the tailgate (hangs over maybe 2 inches, you still can't open the gate with it closed though), the struts were starting to go, and the inside is rusting a little bit. Overall it wasn't bad but not worth the trip from South Dakota, trust me.

 

well i went and did some research today, i knew it would be alot of money, but i got the quote of 1400 bucks. so i went to lowes and it'll be about 3-400 to do it right

 

Just use a Delta Pro single lid cross over. They're deep and the single lid helps fit more items. I fill it up with my Craftsman 260pc toolset in a box, shoptowels in a box, hand cleaner, antifreeze, oil, propane torch, brake and carb cleaner plus my 50' tow strap and shackles and regular ratchet straps.