Truck Tool box questions

[Marty265]

Hi all


I am considering a cross-bed truck tool box for my RAM 3500 long-bed. Since I tow a 5th-wheel full time I need a low-profile tool box to provide clearance for the trailer. I also want to use a tonneau cover when not towing. That pretty much eliminates all the tool boxes I have found except for the Weather Guard Model 121-5-03.



From the Weather Guard web site the dimensions indicate the tool box is 5-1/2” above the bed sides. I measured the clearance of the trailer, with the truck almost 90-degrees to the trailer, and there appears to be plenty of clearance so I am pretty sure this will work but I thought I would check with you guys to see if anyone is already using this setup.

Any help would be much appreciated.


Marty………………….

[Camp CA]

Shop for an integrated tool boat and tonneau cover like these:

https://tonneaucoversworld.com/p/bak...20group%20%231

https://www.carid.com/truxedo/tonnea...f3da59c3f41d0f

I have a roll up aluminum onneau cover and 2 large heavy duty plastic containers stowed in front of the bed behind fifth wheel hitch for tools.

[Nwcid]

Doing a web search for "truck toolbox that can be used with a cover" had lots of results.

[BarryG20]

I went a different route.
I bought a chest like below
https://highwayproducts.com/truck-ac...x/partner-box/

then added two beefy L brackets like these (not these but general idea) on each side

https://www.amazon.com/Shelf-Bracket...a-672394292553

As I did not want it sticking up above my bed rails much but still wanted plenty of room underneath it nor did I want a chest sitting on the floor. I did not want a cover either, I put too much stuff in the bed that wont fit under a cover so no real point in it for me at least.

Anyway works great does not stick but about 1/2 inch above the bed, I have room underneath it, obviously can store stuff in it

[lunge motors]

WeatherGuard makes a low profile box with push button latches on the right and left side of the box and not facing the bed. Access makes a roll up tonneau cover designed to fit behind a tool box. I use these on my 3500. When considering clearance from bed rails, consideration must be taken for uneven terrain like when the rear of the coach is elevated and reducing the clearance in front of the pin box.
Cheers

[kdauto]

There are models that will fit even to or even slightly below the bed rails. Mine is a tank/toolbox combo but it sits maybe 1" or 2" below the bed rail. It is mounted to the bed floor, but I may eventually raise it with spacers. I could put a soft or flip type cover over it.

[lunge motors]

So I measured the WeatherGuard box and mine sits 5.5” above the rails, it may be the box that you spec’d initially. I searched for a side latch box to avoid interference with a bed cover. I think there is about 8-10” between the tool box and the bed of the pick up box

[TB673]

Look into the Roll-N-Lock M Series . I've seen the Roll-N-Lock covers mounted right up against the tool box.
https://darkhorseoutfitters.com/file...2/IMG_2726.jpg


https://rollnlock.com/m-series

Tim

[RS ODonnell]

Ours is a UWS. Nothing but praise for it. Never leaked a single drop in the three years we've had it. Opens from either side and the lid is double layer foam filled.

https://www.uwsta.com/utility-chest-boxes/under-tonneau

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hG1ptFlxQVk

[Marty265]

I appreciate the responses. The reason I am looking at this specific Weather Guard tool box is because it is:


1. Lockable - I have storage tubs in the bed now but they are a pain to get into and they are not lockable so I currently keep tools in the 5th-wheel basement. With a lockable tool box I can move that weight out of the trailer to the truck tool box.


2. Low-profile - so there should be clearance for the front cap of the 5th-wheel when turning. From measurements I am pretty sure there is enough clearance but I was hoping someone else would have actual experience with this set up.



3. The locking/opening mechanism on the sides so a tonneau cover can be installed right up against the rear face of the tool box. Other low-profile tool boxes have the latch handles on the rear face of the tool box and would interfere with the tonneau cover.


Thanks


Marty....................

[Marty265]

Originally Posted by lunge motors

So I measured the WeatherGuard box and mine sits 5.5” above the rails, it may be the box that you spec’d initially. I searched for a side latch box to avoid interference with a bed cover. I think there is about 8-10” between the tool box and the bed of the pick up box

Yep, that is the exact tool box I am looking at. Do you tow a 5th-wheel with that truck? If so, have you had and significant issues with clearance between the trailer and tool box?


Thanks


Marty.................

[hamm2018]

Originally Posted by Marty265

Hi all


I am considering a cross-bed truck tool box for my RAM 3500 long-bed. Since I tow a 5th-wheel full time I need a low-profile tool box to provide clearance for the trailer. I also want to use a tonneau cover when not towing. That pretty much eliminates all the tool boxes I have found except for the Weather Guard Model 121-5-03.



From the Weather Guard web site the dimensions indicate the tool box is 5-1/2” above the bed sides. I measured the clearance of the trailer, with the truck almost 90-degrees to the trailer, and there appears to be plenty of clearance so I am pretty sure this will work but I thought I would check with you guys to see if anyone is already using this setup.

Any help would be much appreciated.


Marty………………….

Marty, look at Dually Depot for a box. In 2020 I found a short box for the rear of the bed on our Ram. Online, thru the company it was around $500, because it had to be trucked shipped from south Kentucky. At Dually Depot they had some in stock for, including install, $350.

Here is one similar to the one I purchased from Dually Depot.

https://elitetruck.com/products/brig...-shipping-only

[lunge motors]

Yes I tow a 5th wheel. The bed rail clearance at a level towing attitude is about 7.5” so I have adequate clearance under all conditions. I have been in several off level backing situations without any undesirable consequences.

[Marty265]

Originally Posted by lunge motors

Yes I tow a 5th wheel. The bed rail clearance at a level towing attitude is about 7.5” so I have adequate clearance under all conditions. I have been in several off level backing situations without any undesirable consequences.

Excellent! This is the info I was looking for. Guess I am a go for getting this then. Wife's permission and 1st-hand knowledge - what more could I possibly need.


Thanks
Marty.........................