Tool box - Montana Owners Club

The Bone · 01-26-2016, 02:06 AM

I would like to put a tool box in the bed. I have looked at over the side type but the problem is being able to see the hitch when hooking up the trailer. I am tired of putting stuff in the truck like tie downs and tools. I dont need one for more fuel just a nice box

GregN · 01-26-2016, 02:24 AM

I came across the same problem when I upgraded to a new truck. With the old truck, the tool box sat on the bed, it was anchored by drilling holes into the bed. On the new truck, I did not want to drill any holes, so I went with the bed rail mount. Found I could not see the hitch. I found at Harbor Freight an aid for hitching up. There are two tennis balls on telescoping rods with magnets on them. I put on the trailer, the other one on the hitch plate, on the side closest to the cab. Line them up backing up, and on it goes. I did find with the truck sitting higher I could not reach the tennis ball thing once I hooked up. I got one of those grabber handles to get them out, works great.

dieselguy · 01-26-2016, 02:42 AM

Atwood's, Tractor Supply, Orschlens, Northern Tool all have full width tool boxes that are what they call flush mount ... meaning it sits down inside the bed with the lid near flush with your bedrails. I have one and bolted it to the bed floor with 4 bolts. I've had no need to remove it and will let the next owner worry about the four 5/16" holes when trade time comes.

**DQDick** · 01-26-2016, 02:42 AM

I wanted all the clearance between the rig and my bed I could get so I got an in the bed toolbox from Loews that's worked well for me for several years. Since my truck is four wheel drive and the new higher off the ground style I use a small folding step when I need to get to the bottom or middle of the box. The step folds up and drops between the tool box and the bed.

jcurtis934 · 01-26-2016, 02:50 AM

Mine sits on the bed and is held only by a rachet strap from each tiedown upfront, down inside the bed. Just run it around the front of the tool box and tighten. Don't care that I see the strap. John

1retired06 · 01-26-2016, 02:52 AM

We have a flush mount which allows for a standard bedcover.. Got ours from Tractor Supply.

hunts800 · 01-26-2016, 03:00 AM

I love my low-profile weatherguard tool box. Put a small piece of tape in line with the middle of the hitch on the lid of the tool box.Lining up is a breeze as I have a clear view of the tape.i

WeBeFulltime · 01-26-2016, 09:03 AM

I have seen full width "V" boxes that mount at the very rear of the bed just inside the tailgate. If I ever have a need that is what I would consider.

catskiner · 01-26-2016, 02:05 PM

Someone makes a full width toolbox with a slanted lid so u can see the hitch, I think they have them at CampingWorld.

Dam Worker · 01-26-2016, 02:22 PM

I have a box that only sticks above the rails by maybe an 1"/1 1/2". With my crew cab I can not see everything perfectly unless I turn and lift myself off the seat. I would not be able to see if I had a box that was even with the rails and mounted on the floor which I did not want. The new Ford 2017 is supposed to have a camera at the top of the cab by the thrird brake light to let you see everything when hitching. I just make sure that I am centered the best that I can be and than double check when I am close to engaging the kingpin. I sometimes have to get out and re-ajust the hight of the fifth-wheel so I am already out of the truck and can confirm that every thing is aligned.
Point is that with my crew cab and extream low profile box you still have a hard time seeing everything. If I had a super cab or regular cab it would not be an issue. Simple physics pertaining to line of sight.

Tom Marty

Artemus Gordon · 01-26-2016, 07:23 PM

I bought a "Job site" from tractor supply. I cuff the legs and still had problem. My solution was RearView safety camera mounted on box lid. Easy hookup every time!

The Bone · 01-27-2016, 01:12 AM

Thanks for the ideas guys. I need to go to T.S soon.

Twopetes · 01-27-2016, 01:14 AM

To Hunts800,

The tape idea is so simple, no one thinks about something this smart. GREAT IDEA! I am looking at a 30-40 Gal aux tank / tool box combo, and I will sure be looking at using the take idea!

Mr Pachu · 05-04-2017, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WeBeFulltime

I have seen full width "V" boxes that mount at the very rear of the bed just inside the tailgate.

Does anyone use one of these V boxes? What is your opinion of it? Pros VS cons?

twindman · 05-04-2017, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twopetes

To Hunts800,

The tape idea is so simple, no one thinks about something this smart. GREAT IDEA! I am looking at a 30-40 Gal aux tank / tool box combo, and I will sure be looking at using the take idea!

I tried this but it doesn't work. I think if you didn't have an extended cab, it might. With a crew cab, I think I can see the tape if I sort of scooch up high. But the tape is 5 feet from the tailgate, so that doesn't really line much up.
Oh, by the way, I have the low-profile one mentioned. Would be no problem if I wanted a cover over the bed.

Loneoak · 05-05-2017, 07:43 AM

Our daughter cannot see her hitch because she has a short box (5.5') with a crew cab. She uses a Pull-Rite sliding hitch. She has been using a portable back-up camera in order to hook up as she is alone (with her kids) most of the time.

Hubby has trouble seeing the hitch (we have a crew cab and 8' box) because of the tonneau cover which is folded up. If he stretches himself he can see it a bit. He did not find the mirror on our new Monty to be very helpful.

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