Alternative to utility truck

Geo-TH,In · Mar 5, 2021

I want a long bed open truck to haul tall items like refrigerators, lawn mowers.
I can't imagine using tool boxes in today's jacked up trucks that you access tools from the top. I would need a step ladder to see what's inside.
Then I saw tool box like

this on craigslist.
This is on 2009 F150.
A little rust inside.
I need to research aluminum side boxes.
I could live with this. Anyone have recommendations on good boxes like these?
George

SDE · Mar 5, 2021

There are tool boxes that sit flat in the truck bed. They are usually with two drawers that are the length of the bed, and pull out past the tail gate when it is down. If they are built of durable and rugged materials, a light piece of steel over the top of it would allow you to put a load over the top of the tool box. It would raise the bed height about a foot.

MKinON · Mar 5, 2021

Check out Weatherguard. The one pictured above may be one. I believe made in USA. The one across the back of my truck is almost 20yrs old now on it's second truck. Still looks pretty good, only just starting to shed it's clearcoat and on it's second set of gas struts. It's always heavily loaded, hammers, chisels, chains, boxes of nails and other landscape associated tools, still in one piece, no cracks. Sits on a Backrack. Heavily exposed to salt from our winter roads. One of these winters may need to have it refinished. Can't remember what we paid, but it was the most expensive of all the choices, but the best one, as was recommended to me at the time.

Eric in IL · Mar 5, 2021

Does Indiana have any thieves?

Those flimsy doors look like an invitation for a tool thief with a crowbar.

Janicholson · Mar 5, 2021

That would work well. I have experience with the style, not that brand. Additional locking handles could make it more secure. My earlier post was in Favor of an existing truck rather than spending 70,000 on a new one and the taxes/insurance as well to own a vehicle that is used as needed, not as a daily driver. Jim

DoubleO7 · Mar 5, 2021

Maybe go visit a used utility truck dealer.
There must be a couple between you and indy.
We had one in Pensacola that only delt in utility trucks, all white.
Hundreds to look at.

You could get an idea of what style and brand you like best for the utility body or add-on tool boxes.

Doug - Iowa · Mar 5, 2021

I see you like Fords but you might consider a RAM (Dodge) with the RamBox. I love mine. Not as much capacity as your add-on boxes shown above but makes the bed much more useful.

GordoSD · Mar 5, 2021

Crow bar? Maybe a popsicle stick.

Geo-TH,In · Mar 5, 2021

Does Indiana have any thieves?

I don't think there is a zip code that doesn't have thieves.
That's why I never park car or truck outside.
A construction company left a $90k trackhoe on a trailer.
Thieves took both.
That's one reason I wouldn't want to put my tools in a trailer.

Bill(Wis) · Mar 7, 2021

Have you checked out the Reading site? They've been making utility boxes for about 70 years or so. Aluminum or triple coated steel. With your money, why not go new? I would.

Alternative to utility truck

Geo-TH,In

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SDE

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MKinON

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Eric in IL

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Janicholson

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DoubleO7

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Doug - Iowa

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GordoSD

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Geo-TH,In

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Bill(Wis)

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