Pickup Crossbed or Saddle Toolboxes......

[hobbyfarm]

Greetings All,
I'm looking at a new aluminum saddle box. I really like the Weatherguard model 127-5. It fits all my "wants" but it's pretty expensive. So, I'm still looking around. Any opinions?
My needs:
1) absolutely has to be watertight. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
2) built with quality - welds, hinges, latches, and locks /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
And, the a couple of pet peeves that has kept me looking at other brands: I really dislike some of the inside catch mechanisms. I don't want any design that can become misaligned, or locks that fail to "lock" [hence the reason that we see padlocks and hasps on so many] (a true sign of a cheapie). And, the mechanism which connects the two latch handles - must be enclosed.
Please let me know what yall think.
I saw a pretty neat box at Sears, but it was for the S10/Ranger size pickup. The salesman told me that the full size box is made different. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Also, the Kobalt contractor box at Lowes looks neat, but I prefer a black box. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Ok, c'mon let's hear it...............
phil

 

[srs]

Hobbyfarm, I have the WeatherGuard aluminum R-127 Saddlebox. Without a doubt this is the best investment I've ever bought for my pickup. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif I'm so glad I got the aluminum instead of painted metal. It is very light (in comparison) and after 8 years of owner ship it looks almost new. I say almost because I've put some very tiny dents into the side of the box. When I need to remove the box from the truck (to allow for full bed space) there are 4 "J" bolts that you unbolt from inside. Relatively quick. I also like the locking mechanism compared to other boxes sold at the big discount stores. I know you pay more for the WeatherGuard box but you get what you pay for. Welds, fit and finish are #1. A friend of mine ordered the larger saddle box (can't remember the model number), and did not receive two rubber strips that come with the box. The strips are placed over the bed rails to protect the truck. Anyway he called WeatherGuard on their toll free number, the person on the other end apologized numerous times for the mistake and replacement parts came UPS within two days. Now that is service. Also, should you need any parts you know that they will be available. And when I purchase a new pickup truck in the future I'll take this box with me.

 

[MossRoad]

I just picked up one of these last week at TSC for $139. It seems pretty sturdy, won't rust and holds a full size shovel. I put it on my trailer for my chains, tie downs and hand tools.

 

[hobbyfarm]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Hobbyfarm, I have the WeatherGuard aluminum R-127 Saddlebox. Without a doubt this is the best investment I've ever bought for my pickup. I'm so glad I got the aluminum instead of painted metal. It is very light (in comparison) and after 8 years of owner ship it looks almost new. )</font>
Greetings srs,
That's the type of info I'm looking for. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif I just hate to live in such a disposable society! I might just have to massage the credit card. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
I appreciate it.
phil

 

[hobbyfarm]

Hi Mossroad,
Thanks for your reply. Yeah, I need to get down to TSC and see what they have. I have seen a bunch of those plastic boxes here under the south <font color="red">Texas </font> sun just turn to a limp noodle. Remember, we have 11 1/2 months of summer here. We manage to shoehorn the other three months into the two weeks. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
$139 is a good price though. I wonder if they have one with a full width lid?
See ya.
phil

 

[hitekcountry]

Hobbyfarm, I have a Weather Guard 126-5 steel, painted black (I have a black truck).

I started out at first thinking I would buy the cheapest I could find that was at least half way descent looking. For maybe a month or so I paid attention to all the brand names of the boxes I saw on the trucks on the road. I began to notice quite often boxes (even ones that still looked new) that had lids that were twisted or bent and that obviously no longer seated properly. I began to develop a list in my mind of brands to stay away from. The one brand that always looked solid was Weather Guard. I also noticed that it was the most common brand found on commercial trucks. All that plus I liked their locking mechanism is why I went ahead and spent the extra money to buy what I did.

It’s solid, holds up well, I have no complaints. I’d make the same choice if I had to do it again.

Fred

 

[hobbyfarm]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I began to develop a list in my mind of brands to stay away from. The one brand that always looked solid was Weather Guard. I also noticed that it was the most common brand found on commercial trucks. All that plus I liked their locking mechanism is why I went ahead and spent the extra money to buy what I did. )</font>

Hello hitekcountry,
I've been noticing the WG thing also. And they always look good. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Like I said in my original post, when I looked at the Craftsman, it had what looked like the old fashioned door latch of a Ford -say from the 50's. It had a stationary socket and the lid had what looked like a mushroom that latched into the socket.
Pretty cool latching mechanism. Tough, reliable, not easily knocked out of alignment. I wonder who makes them for Craftsman.
But, I think the WG's are the best. I saw a fair latch on the Kobalt from Lowe's. Fit & finish looked real nice, but the aluminum plate it was made with seemed to be very thin. Almost like you could use tin snips to get through it.

Since I'm going to put <font color="red">expensive </font> tools in this thing, this needs to be built like a fortress.
Thanks for your input, I might see if Santa [wife] will get me a WG /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
phil

 

[MossRoad]

I agree about plastic boxes turning to mush in the heat. This one seems a little different, though, compared to plastic boxes. And I think a plastic box with a full lid would probably be much weaker. I would have liked a good metal box, but let's face it... I'm cheap. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I compared this box to cheap metal boxes and it seemed strudier. I would love to have some nice diamond plate aluminum boxes for my trailer, but just couldn't justify the cost at this time. I'll give everyone a product review on this box after it sits outside all winter. Good luck in your search. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[bontai_Joe]

I prefer the toolboxes that go along the sides of the bed over a saddlebox. A saddlebox prevents me from loading up a tractor or other large equipment, and you never know when you'll see a 318 along the road with a free sign on it. They are also easier to reach into from outside the truck, especially if you are driving a 4x4. I do agree in getting as good a box as you can afford for the security of your tools. Around my neck of the woods, most contractors use Knaap (sp?) and they are built like a safe almost, but they also cost some serious money.

 

[bontai_Joe]

That would be Knaack toolboxes. Here is a link:

http://www.dultmeier.com/manufacturers/knaack.asp