Flatbed Tool Boxes: Which Is Best?

Flatbed Tool Boxes: What are the Best Options?

 

If you are a trucker, then there are infinite ways of improving your road trips. Surely, those experienced drivers out there have already discovered ways on how to enhance their routines and equipment to satisfy their needs. However, for those truck drivers who are just starting to find their bearings, what are the best recommendations that you can offer to them? Maybe they should avoid sunburns during hotter days, drive carefully during the winter, and most of all, think wisely when comparing flatbed tool boxes in order to make the best decision. But first, let’s explore the various types of toolboxes so truckers will be able to understand the different options that are available for them.

 

What are the Different Types of Flatbed Tool Boxes?

 

Top Lid Tool Box

 

As the name says, this type of toolbox opens on top. These flatbed truck tool boxes are designed for straps, chains, and binders. They can provide you with easy access to your tools and equipment. Choosing heavy-duty truck tool boxes can assure you that you are getting a high-quality toolbox for storing your gear. Most of all, they are very useful when you are bringing with you some equipment for hitching and unhitching such as lift jacks and crowbars. Like any other tool boxes for flatbed trucks, this one comes in a diamond plate finish for excellent weather resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a sleek design, then a smooth finish would be the best option. No matter what style you choose, you can always enjoy optimal durability due to its thick walls.

 

 

Cross Frame Tool Box

 

Cross frame tool boxes may look intimidating, however, they are very handy. They are mounted on the rail and allow you to keep your tools and equipment efficiently due to the numerous customizable options available to every driver. This type of flatbed tool boxes with drawers is designed to be mounted either on the flatbed itself or in front of your flatbed headboard. Just like any other flatbed trailer tool boxes, they are water-resistant and rust-proof. These boxes can be fully customized. You can even choose which way the box door opens!

 

Underbody Tool Box

 

This is another type of flatbed underbody tool boxes that is typically installed on the side of your truck frame, either on your flatbed or under it. They come in a variety of sizes and finishes. You can even choose which direction the door opens. If you want your toolbox to look chic, then a diamond plate finish can help in concealing the wear and tear. On the contrary, if you are looking for the most distinctive and durable one, then a smooth aluminum underbody truck box is the best option. You can either choose a box with an aluminum door or a box with a stainless steel mirror door. If you want to go one step further, then you can customize your truck flatbed tool boxes with drawers, shelves, or dividers. Under flatbed tool boxes are ideal for drivers who are looking to maximize their space.

 

How to Install An Underbody Tool Box

 

If you have bought an underbody tool box for your truck, then obviously you’ll want to learn how to mount it. Here is a step-by-step guide that you can follow when installing underbody flatbed tool boxes on your truck.

 

What To Do Before Mounting Your Underbody Toolbox

 

Since you will be using power tools, you should wear safety glasses. If you are unable to lift 50 pounds, then you should ask somebody to help you. To guarantee its superior capacity and lifespan, your underbody tool box should be supported from underneath. Before you start drilling any holes, be sure to check the location of your electrical wires, fuel lines, and fuel tank.

 

What Do You Need When Installing Your Underbody Tool Box?

 

Before mounting tool boxes on flatbed, make sure that you prepare the tools and equipment needed including safety glasses, bolts, Drill with drill bits, wrench or socket, locknuts, and flat washers.

 

Steps in Securely Mounting Your Underbody Tool Box

 

To prevent the toolbox from falling off the truck, be sure to use appropriate mounting brackets. You have to buy the brackets separately.

 

Determine where you want to mount the support brackets on your truck. Afterward, you can start drilling holes for your support brackets. The size of the holes should be approximately ½” wide.

 

Drill some holes at the bottom of your tool box. Use the holes that you drill in the support brackets as a guide. Keep the toolbox secured by using four nuts and bolts. It is not recommended that any additional attachments will be added at the back of the box due to the torsion that the truck might encounter during turns.

 

 

How To Use Underbody Tool Box Safely

 

Keep in mind that an underbody tool box is only designed for keeping and transporting small tools and equipment. You should never use it for explosives, flammables, or any other hazardous materials including solvents, gasoline, gun powder, cutting torches, dynamite, acetylene tanks, propane tanks, as well as any other types of compressed gas. Just like any other product, keep in mind that when it comes to quality, you get what you pay for. You can use these underbody tool boxes for storing binders and chains or any other equipment for your trailer or truck.

 

Different Misconceptions About Aluminum Tool Boxes

 

Most people who are new to using aluminum flatbed tool boxes could develop a few misconceptions over time. Unfortunately, due to these misconceptions, these people tend to avoid purchasing these products which could have made their lives better and easier. The following are some of the common myths that you will likely debunk after you discover that aluminum tool boxes for flatbed trucks have a lot to offer.

 

Aluminum Tool Boxes Are Not Very Durable

 

Large companies such as Ford, which manufactures some of the best pickups, are using aluminum on their products since they know it’s going to last. Additionally, automotive engineers and designers believe that aluminum alloys have the superior strength that is capable of handling the harshest conditions. Hence, it is not true that aluminum tool boxes for flatbed are not extremely durable. With the different design options that are available, you don’t need to sacrifice the looks just to have durable and long-lasting tool boxes for a flatbed truck. To maximize your storage space, you can even include dividers or shelves in your storage box for storing heavy-duty equipment.

 

 

Aluminum Tool Boxes Are Weak Since They Are So Light

 

Aluminum flatbed tool boxes for sale are three times lighter compared to steel. However, this does not necessarily mean that they are weak. According to the former President and CEO of Ford Motor Company, Alan Mulally, aluminum is much tougher and stronger compared to steel. When alloyed with elements, it could be as strong as steel while being corrosion-resistant and much lighter. A good example would be a 7075 aluminum alloy. Using zinc as its major alloying element, this particular alloy is considered to be as strong as steel. Since it has an extreme strength-to-density ratio, it is commonly utilized for heavy-duty transport applications such as automotive, marine, and aviation, where strength is essential. Aluminum is highly trusted by the US military for decades now. This crash-absorbent, highly strong metal is typically used to resist rust, minimize weight, and withstand tough conditions. Hence, aluminum topside tool boxes for flatbed trucks are ideal for your vehicle.

 

Can Aluminum Truck Tool Boxes Reduce Energy Consumption?

 

Aluminum is three times lighter compared to steel. In fact, in 2015, Ford manufactured an all‑aluminum body F-150 dropping the vehicle’s body weight to 700 pounds or about 15 percent. A decrease in weight means increased safety and enhanced fuel efficiency, without sacrificing its performance. Choose aluminum side tool boxes for flatbed trucks that meet your needs, while helping you save on fuel. Just imagine the energy that you can save from an aluminum toolbox compared to other types of toolboxes!

 

 

An Aluminum Toolbox is Expensive

 

Although an aluminum toolbox is more expensive compared to a steel toolbox, there are some things that you have to consider. For instance, the energy/fuel that you can save as well as its durability. Since heavy-duty aluminum flatbed side tool boxes are lighter, you will realize that aluminum is much cheaper than steel.

 

Step Up Your Game With The DECKED Tool Box

 

DECKED storage and organization products provide you with easy access to your tools and gear. All DECKED storage products are injection molded using steel and aluminum. Compared to other homemade flatbed tool boxes, DECKED is not fabricated which is the method for cutting, bending, and welding metal. Instead, DECKED used science and engineering to make their products more accurate. This is the major reason why the DECKED Tool Box is different from its competitive products in this industry.

 

DECKED does not intend to become a premium, elite brand of pickup flatbed tool boxes. But rather, they strive hard to be a brand of those people who greatly appreciate excellent quality and performance. They make sure that their products are high-quality and they can sell them at competitive prices, so most people can afford to buy them. The DECKED Tool Box can protect your tools, at the same time, they can save you time in searching for your gear. They are made for workers as well as recreationists.

 

 

DECKED is the brand of the people and is dedicated to providing high-quality custom tool boxes for flatbed trucks to their customers. It was founded in 2013 and all DECKED products are 100% American Made, particularly in Northwest Ohio. DECKED believed in everyday fair prices, that is why they never go on sale or have discounts or coupons. The good news is that they offer Free Shipping and a Lifetime Warranty.

 

DECKED products include the Truck Bed Drawer System which comes with D-Box, Crossbox, Drawerganizer, and Dividers, the Truck Bed Tool Box which comes with D-Box, Snack Tray, and a Ladder (optional), as well as different accessories.

 

How to Effectively Organize Your Toolbox

 

Having sufficient storage is crucial to the daily operations of working men and truck drivers. Whether your tool boxes for flatbed pickups are made of steel or aluminum, this storage box can help you in improving your efficiency and productivity. Increased productivity means that less time is wasted, resulting in an improved income. In order to make the most of your toolbox, it must be well organized. You may have the biggest and best toolbox, however, if it is not efficiently organized, then you might experience some issues with it.

 

Tips in Organizing Your Tools and Equipment

 

If you require more space, then you can create some by trying to maximize the space in your flatbed truck side tool boxes. This can be achieved by using some drawers, shelves, or dividers. A good piece of advice would be to consider the tools you use more often and be sure that they are not placed at the bottom or at the back of your toolbox.

 

 

Put some markings on specific areas. Although it is considered basic, yet fluids must be placed in the same place. Obviously, you don’t want your gear to get wet due to a leaking container. That is why it is always advisable that you should have specific areas for liquids and other types of equipment. Be sure to use some kind of compartment or divider to separate each section. Another idea is that you could use canvas bags in some compartments with smaller tools or equipment. This can make your life easier.

 

If you are looking for a cheap, efficient way of creating separate areas in your toolbox, then you can use foam. You might be wondering what kind of foam you should use. Actually, it does not have to be specifically created for trucks. In fact, you can purchase them at any hardware store nearby. Just put the foam in strategic places to segregate different items that could damage each other while you are traveling on the road. This can likely double the life expectancy of your gear.

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