View Full Version : Truck box recommendations? OBS Ford
I have an OBS ford (mid 90's) that I am well on the way to restoring, longbed - and I am finally looking to get a truck box (toolbox) so I can stop using the supercab for "that stuff". I don't mind spending a little extra to get one that fits well, locks properly, good access (side access?).. or whatever. And I've been watching various sources but as I've never been a truck box guy, I have zero knowledge of what brands are total garbage, what holds up, what fits, what reliable locks, what is actually useful, what to look for, etc - and I prefer "good" for this truck as it will be on the roads for many more years and once completed will look great. I intend to use it mostly for actual tools (including all my ford specific crap), chains, etc.
Anyone in the know on truck boxes? Just looking for intel on brands, reliability, and features, I'm not wanting to drive 500 miles round trip to pick one up from someone over there :)
Grant H.
07-02-2021, 10:09
May not be the style you are looking for, but I prefer Rat Packs in trucks anymore.
Secure, discrete, lots of space, and not a bottomless pit of "what I need is on the bottom of the damn pile"...
https://www.weatherguard.com/products/truck-tool-boxes-equipment/pull-out-storage/HeavyDuty/338-5
(https://www.weatherguard.com/products/truck-tool-boxes-equipment/pull-out-storage/HeavyDuty/338-5)
Pack rat
Weatherguard
Rki
Buyers products
Are your main brands of quality.
Keep in mind other accessories when you pick out the bed box. Example my headache rack doesn't work with crossover style boxes.
Great-Kazoo
07-02-2021, 16:35
i picked up one from tractor supply, the only issue is after 12 years, the paint is peeling. It's also been through who knows how many hail storms and a tornado. Is it the best, not even. but it works.
May not be the style you are looking for, but I prefer Rat Packs in trucks anymore.
Secure, discrete, lots of space, and not a bottomless pit of "what I need is on the bottom of the damn pile"...
https://www.weatherguard.com/products/truck-tool-boxes-equipment/pull-out-storage/HeavyDuty/338-5
(https://www.weatherguard.com/products/truck-tool-boxes-equipment/pull-out-storage/HeavyDuty/338-5)
I had actually considered a "decked" system but there is no direct compatibility with one that fits the old beds. Although there is a decked variant that cpaddict asserts can be trimmed to fit an OBS, unfortunately it is only for a shortbed.
I am a "noob" when it comes to these things so I didn't immediately realize there were also independent drawer systems. Are these all effectively for short beds / wasting space putting them in a long or are there any variations that use the entire bed? I'm thinking it could be possible to make my own "decked" for sake of material loading with that combo so I can't rule it out. Otherwise I can imagine it being a moderate pain since I sadly do some material loads with mine several times a year. Still though, it would work better for some things...
i picked up one from tractor supply, the only issue is after 12 years, the paint is peeling. It's also been through who knows how many hail storms and a tornado. Is it the best, not even. but it works.
Curious are your locks still working or do you use them at all?
Pack rat
Weatherguard
Rki
Buyers products
Are your main brands of quality.
Keep in mind other accessories when you pick out the bed box. Example my headache rack doesn't work with crossover style boxes.
Good point and thanks for the list. Luckily no headache so I think I am leaning towards crossover (over the bed) but I may someday modify bed rails to connect to that. Or a drawer system with some kind of deck.
When finally getting the bug to restore my truck, I was used to the availability and configuration of everything 15 years ago. It's been a wake up call over the past few months sourcing parts and tools for something that's approaching classic now (and even verifying compatibility with tie rods, spindle nut sockets, etc. are a pain on these now). I definitely took future supply for granted but have been making good progress.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-BWmPaBfjQ&ab_channel=ThirdCoastCraftsman
Wood is still expensive though, so there are alternatives.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaYrMPE9Td0&t=531s&ab_channel=GregTanner
Grant H.
07-02-2021, 17:34
I had actually considered a "decked" system but there is no direct compatibility with one that fits the old beds. Although there is a decked variant that cpaddict asserts can be trimmed to fit an OBS, unfortunately it is only for a shortbed.
I am a "noob" when it comes to these things so I didn't immediately realize there were also independent drawer systems. Are these all effectively for short beds / wasting space putting them in a long or are there any variations that use the entire bed? I'm thinking it could be possible to make my own "decked" for sake of material loading with that combo so I can't rule it out. Otherwise I can imagine it being a moderate pain since I sadly do some material loads with mine several times a year. Still though, it would work better for some things...
My experience has only been with the 48" deep ones, but that has almost exclusively been in long beds.
They would be moderately annoying if you dump a bunch of rock, dirt, mulch on top of them. Not impossible, but definitely annoying. If you did your own "decked" install over the rat pack, that would make it easy.
I've had chest style, over the rail, gull wings, and rat packs. I'll never have a chest or over the rails again.
They have full bed trays for long beds
Another option is a box up front from the rails to the floor of the bed and a shorter bed tray.
3beansalad
07-02-2021, 23:27
I have a solid lock box I'd sell for $125. I can pm or post pics when the sun is up.
Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
Great-Kazoo
07-03-2021, 00:57
Curious are your locks still working or do you use them at all?
Still working. I use them since going off road, has a tendency to pop the lid open, when you least expect it.
A shot every once and a while with some pb blaster in the locks. I also try keeping the linkage clean and lightly lubed. But in the high desert of AZ, not possible. I pulled the box about 6 months ago, to put the topper back on. I'll probably go with the side , over wheel well boxes, next.
They have full bed trays for long beds
Another option is a box up front from the rails to the floor of the bed and a shorter bed tray.
Is it a pack rat or another brand? I did some searching but didn't easily track down anything close.
Almost leaning towards the trays. Either full length or maybe a 4' plus some kind of flip up rear bed area (not sure). I also liked the videos Irving - and saw a US manufacturer for similar quick connects in comments. Just leaning away from the aluminum for sake of deck loading (not sure what it would be but seems like it may be fairly light). Lots to think about. I also wonder how long a wood decking with flex seal would truly last in the elements. But I have creative ways, leaning towards a hybrid commercial tray/ or homebuilt deck now. Still considering all options.
My one handicap is I do *everything* except... I've never welded. Built all sorts of wild things, fast and skilled in carpentry, can wire things, program, fix anything, but have no welder. Otherwise I'd go towards a welded tube frame.
People have been building aluminum roof racks out of 80/20 pieces that just bolt together. Like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_RrKBXV-Ww&t=2s&ab_channel=ILikeToMakeStuff
He does weld up brackets in that video, but not relevant to what we're talking about.
One of my next two immediate projects is to build a bed box for my vehicle, but it's so much smaller than what you're looking for it's not really relevant to this conversation.
Opportunity to learn a new skill.
I dont remember the brand of slider. We put 1/2 ply in ours and used carriage bolts to mount stuff like milk crates. Allowed for a burner surface when pumps or condensers or whatever are tossed in. I wouldn't worry about the aluminum
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