DC Tool Boxes

[flyingwil]

I am looking for a toolbox for my Taco. However, I have no experience with tool boxes and am looking for advice.

I will be installing a second battery in the toolbox, possible water pump for a shower system, and a real air compressor (no more MF).

My criteria is the following:

• No Chrome... Black only
• Over the lip preferred
• Lower Profile preferred
• Must be large enough for a battery to fit into.
• Little to no room left under the box (no wasted/unusable space)

I know that black is not the greatest option here in AZ due to the sun and the reflectiveness of chrome, but I am phasing out all chrome. Yuck... I have come across some that are insulated that might fit my needs rather well.

I have also toyed with a custom made tool box that could house extra fuel, but have decided against that option as the tool box will house electrical motors on pumps. The required vents for the fuel tank just scares me being that close to electrical motors (we've all seen the sparks on our drills!)

I am leaning towards the Deflect-a-shield, but want to ensure that I am covering all my bases and exploring every option.

A) 60.25" B) 12.50" C) 18.25" D) 14.62" E) 38.14" F) 9.81 G) 6"

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[erin]

Wil,
I have a Delta that is very similar in size to the one you describe and have no complaints against the black. Is the one your considering aluminum? Mine is and decreases the temps slightly. It's also nice if you have to remove it by yourself, as the aluminum models are considerably lighter.

When you get the battery and compressor installed I will be looking forward to the write up as this is a route that I have been considering also.

 

[Nullifier]

Have you thought about a unit that sits on the floor rather then the bed sides? This leaves the bed sides clear for a topper or rack down the road incase your needs change.

You could also get an aluminum one and have it powder coated another color like grey which would kill the glare and help reduce heat in the box.

 

[flyingwil]

Have you thought about a unit that sits on the floor rather then the bed sides? This leaves the bed sides clear for a topper or rack down the road incase your needs change.

Yeah every unit that sits on the floor seems to be too wide, and doesnt taper up. Since my wheel wells are right there where the box will go they seem to wast too much space.

You could also get an aluminum one and have it powder coated another color like grey which would kill the glare and help reduce heat in the box.

I thought of that as well however aluminum is such a smooth metal and I am concerned about the powder coat sticking and longitivity of it. Plus I just plain like the black and white look. Good idea.

 

[DaveInDenver]

I thought of that as well however aluminum is such a smooth metal and I am concerned about the powder coat sticking and longitivity of it. Plus I just plain like the black and white look. Good idea.

I wouldn't worry too much about the powdercoat on aluminum. I used to work in a panelshop that would powdercoat their non-stainless boxes and it would stick just fine to aluminum. It's just like paint in that you have to prep the surface right to get a durable finish. It's also common to powdercoat aluminum bicycles and they don't have an issue with the finish coming off and they're constantly peppered with rocks and bugs. Of course the Cadillac way would be to anodize the box, which would be the most effective at keep it from oxidizing. That's not nearly as cheap as paint or powder, though it would look pretty cool.

FWIW, I would very seriously consider something light colored, if not white. When they're exposed to the sun, particularly I'd think in AZ, truck boxes get HOT and it's really uncomfortable touching them. Also the compressor is going to heat up enough in use, no reason to pre-heat the air around it more than necessary.