In order to keep your tools properly, you need a truck toolbox. Your tools require adequate security so that they will always be there for you when you need them. It also needs to be protected from harsh weather so that It will be lasting. As a result of this, you should know the best way to secure a truck toolbox in order to achieve comfort in its use.
This guide will assist you to secure the toolbox in the truck bed in order to enhance efficiency when making use of the tools. You will also get assistance on the best method to secure the box so that your truck does not get damaged.
Some of the contents in this piece include choosing the right tools for the attachment, knowing the right tools box that will fit your truck, coming up with the right location, and fitting the foam padding. Others include bringing the box in agreement with the current hole, fixing to hooks, fastening the box, just to mention a few.
Which Tools Do You Need For The Job?
You will need few tools in order to secure your box successfully. You will need a pair of pliers, nuts, screwdriver, spanner, measuring tape, and bolts. In addition, working gloves, protective overalls, and padding materials will be required.
What Toolbox Will Fit My Truck?
There are various kinds of toolboxes with different designs to meet the expectations of different people as well as various truck models. For example, the size, as well as the mounting style, will go a long way in determining the space remaining to carry your goods. It is very essential to understand these various sizes so that securing the toolbox will not be a problem for you.
Types of Truck Bed Tool Boxes
We have various types of toolboxes for truck beds. They are designed with different materials and lid configurations. Some boxes come with shelves and trays inside them while others do not have these features.
Mounting Styles
Mounting style is a very vital factor to consider because it can determine the space left in the bed of your truck after attaching the box. There are various mounting styles and some of them are discussed below.
Crossover Mounting Style
The crossover mounting style toolbox is directly secured behind the cab and spreads across the width of the truck. It doesn’t reach the floor but rests on the sides of the bed. This leaves some space below the box which can be very useful to store things.
Chest Mounting Style
This sits on the floor at the back of the cab. It does not block the rearview and does not restrict the accessible floor space. It can fit perfectly beneath a tonneau cover without much hassle.
Side Mounting Style
Side mounting style truck toolbox can be attached to the rail on the side of the truck bed. It usually comes in pairs and each one could be fixed on either side. It doesn’t reach the floor, hence, minimal space is taken. In addition, it can be accessed with ease, especially when you are standing close to the truck.
Sliding Mounting Style
The sliding mounting style toolbox sits perfectly on the sliding rail structure in order to enable easy movement of the box. It makes it easy for you to get access to your tools without wasting so much time.
Hitch Mounting Style
This type of box can be attached rigidly to the trailer post. It does not take up any space on the truck bed, consequently, there will be more space to carry your goods. Moreover, it is very advantageous because it does not block your rear view when driving.
Tailgate Mounting Style
As the name implies, this toolbox is attachable to the tailgate and moves back and forth with it. It doesn’t take up too much space and gives room for easy access.
Materials, Colors, and Finishes
More often than not, toolboxes are made of aluminum because of their lightweight, durability, and non-corrosive nature. Older boxes are made with steel coated with corrosion-resistant material and they are stronger than aluminum. The downside to steel boxes is that they are heavy and expensive.
A lot of other boxes are made with hard plastic using neutral or metallic colors to give them a perfect finish. They are the cheapest but not as strong or durable as aluminum and steel boxes.
Lids and Other Features
Toolboxes for trucks come in various lids – single, double, and gull-wing. It is very important to consider whether the lid opening is automatic or manual and how securely it gets locked.
How To Secure The Tool Box
As soon as you are ready with all the necessary instruments, it is now time to secure your truck tool box.
Step One: Identify The Perfect Location To Secure The Box
The best way to secure a truck toolbox is to come up with the right position for the attachment. The size of the box should be measured with the aid of a measuring tape. The available space on the truck bed should also be measured before coming up with the perfect location.
The location you choose must enhance the easy opening of the lid so that there won’t be any difficulty when you are trying to open the box. Also, you should not allow the side rails to hinder the lid from opening or closing properly.
Step Two: Time To Fit The Foam Padding
Apart from guarding the cargo bay of the truck against damage, adequate padding will go a long way in preserving the paint. Hence, the rubber foam padding should be placed before securing your toolbox.
You should use the measuring tape to take the length and breadth measurement of the box before placing the foam padding. However, if your truck has a bed liner, you may skip this step because the liner will protect the surface of the truck.
Step Three: Align Your Tool Box With The Current Holes
You should look for holes in your truck’s cargo bay. In most cases, these holes are covered with rubber plugs and can be found on the bottom surface. Remove these rubber plugs and connect the box properly. You should endeavor to open the cover so that matching holes on the box with that of the truck will be easier.
Step Four: Fit Your J-Hooks Or Any Other Bolt Types
As soon as the alignment is properly done, the bolts should be screwed to their normal places. Toolboxes are produced in various designs, hence, you should perform this step before placing the box on the rails. It is possible to use about 6 bolts so that the attachment with being successful.
Step Five: Tighten Your Tool Box To The Bed Rails
It is now time for you to tighten the nuts/bolts with your screwdriver, pliers, or spanner in order to give a secure fit for your box on the truck rail. However, excessive force should not be applied during the tightening process so that the bed rails will not be damaged.
On the other hand, if you use too little effort, there may be loose gaps between the box and bed which can result in vibrations. The right magnitude of force is required in order to ensure that the box is properly attached to your truck bed.
Step Six: Re-validate Your Job
After tightening the toolbox, it is very important for you to cross-check your work. You need to be sure that everything is in its rightful place before calling it a day. You can open the lid to confirm that it opens properly without any hindrance.
You should also check for vibrations by shaking the box and if this is discovered, you should re-tighten the nuts/bolts. In addition, you need to check the bed properly to be sure that washers, bolts, or nuts are not left behind.
Extra Tips
During the time of purchasing bolts and nuts, you should endeavor to find products that can attach to the rail of your truck without much hassle. This will eliminate worrying about loose bolts and nuts while your installation will last longer. Regular inspection of your box is very vital to its durability and constant cleaning should be performed to get rid of dirt and mud.
On A Final Note
Your ability to digest the information above will give you the opportunity to get the attachment done with ease so that you won’t have much problem using your tools. The best approach is to keep improving yourself because you may not get it perfectly the first time.
Knowing the best way to secure a truck toolbox will go a long way in helping you to maximize efficiency in the application of the tools. You don’t need any previous experience in order to use the information above. With determination, you will get the installation done without any difficulty.