Contractors, Bed Covers and Storage
Every contractor needs a truck but could do without the fuel economy woes. Two things that can really help increase your truck’s gas mileage are Tonneau Covers and Tailgate Nets. Tonneau Covers are great because not only do they help save on fuel, they also keep your bed covered, thus keeping your tools, and etc. out of sight. But if you need an open bed and still want to save money on gas; then why not try a Tailgate Net. They are cheap easy to install.
Now that we have that covered; what about storage… You know how expensive your tools are and also how nice it is to be able to find that certain tool, as soon as you need it. A Truck Tool Box does this and more. Truck Tool Boxes help in many ways: 1) Keep your tools secure, 2) Keep your tools dry and out of the weather, 3) Keep your tools organized, 4) Keep you tools from sliding and bouncing around in your truck bed and 5) Keep your tools out of site from those wondering eyes.
Now you have to make a decision about which brand and type of toolbox you’ll need. There are several brands to choose from. Some quality brand names are Owens, Delta, Jobox, Challenger, Phoenix and Deflecta-Shield.
Once you decide which brand, you’ll have to figure out what type of toolbox or toolboxes you will need. You have many types and configurations to choose from. First you have your basic Single-Lid Crossover, then you have a few different styles of Dual-Lid Crossovers. You can compliment these with Topsides or Sidemounts which will give you, what some people call a “Saddle Bag” look. A nice big Chest could go where the crossovers do, which would give you a large amount of storage. Now of course, each of these tool boxes come in deep, narrow, low profile and etc. characteristics (making it more difficult for you to decide what exact toolbox is right for you). If you drive a Tow Truck or similar, then you need an underbed tool box. These are great for storing chains, gloves, tools and everything else you’ll need for the job. How about if you work on a farm or do a lot of ATVing. ATV Storage Boxes are perfect for hauling all of your valuable gear around. Or, what if you pull a trailer; then a Trailer Utility Box is what you need. All of these boxes are made in different sizes so that there is sure to be one to fit your needs well.
Okay, now that hopefully you’ve narrowed down why you need a tool box and the different types available, you have to decide what finish would be best for your application and look that you desire. The four finishes are Steel, Aluminum, Plastic and Stainless Steel. They all look great but if you have a truck with a lot of chrome on it then you’d probably want a Diamond Plate Aluminum or Stainless Steel Box. Steel is available in Black or White. Diamond Plate Aluminum is available in Black or Diamond Brite. Stainless Steel is that mirror like finish and Plastic boxes are available in black.
This gives you a quick rundown of the different types of Tool Boxes available. The only type of box left out is Job Site Boxes, sometimes called Security Cabinets. Most are constructed of heavy-duty steel and come available in brown or yellow.
