Tool Chests...don't know where to begin..

HenryJ

Expedition Leader
... not over the bed storage bin...if such a thing exists
It does.
I paid $42 for mine.
I had to remove my over the rail tool box to install the Softopper. I still needed a place to store tools, cables, rope and other truck stuff. Big enough to store a good size tarp and a blanket.
Steel is heavy, aluminum wears and leaves that nasty black dust. I like ABS or poly. They just hold up better.
I looked high and low for a decent box that is large enough to fit my needs. Believe it or not I found the best one was at my local "Wallyworld".
It was back by the trash cans in hardware. It is called a Smart Bin. Black cast plastic box. The front lip on the lid has a hole for a padlock.
It fits below the top of the bedrail. The lid opens fully inside the topper. I drilled and riveted it for aluminum rails to retain one of the left over organizer shelves from the old tool box.
I use "Bed Bugs" to keep it forward in the bed. It fits between the wheel wells nicely. Offroad in the rough stuff I can strap it down with a ratchet strap to the bed anchor points. I have not found the need to do so yet though.
This has been in service for about three months now. I give it two thumbs up. Low cost and good performance.
 

Something

Adventurer
It does.
I paid $42 for mine.
I had to remove my over the rail tool box to install the Softopper. I still needed a place to store tools, cables, rope and other truck stuff. Big enough to store a good size tarp and a blanket.
Steel is heavy, aluminum wears and leaves that nasty black dust. I like ABS or poly. They just hold up better.
I looked high and low for a decent box that is large enough to fit my needs. Believe it or not I found the best one was at my local "Wallyworld".
It was back by the trash cans in hardware. It is called a Smart Bin. Black cast plastic box. The front lip on the lid has a hole for a padlock.
It fits below the top of the bedrail. The lid opens fully inside the topper. I drilled and riveted it for aluminum rails to retain one of the left over organizer shelves from the old tool box.
I use "Bed Bugs" to keep it forward in the bed. It fits between the wheel wells nicely. Offroad in the rough stuff I can strap it down with a ratchet strap to the bed anchor points. I have not found the need to do so yet though.
This has been in service for about three months now. I give it two thumbs up. Low cost and good performance.

sounds like exactly what i need...exactly
i'm keeping 'truck stuff' in mine as well and may be getting a softtopper.
Thanks!!
 

86cj

Explorer
I just heard about this from one of my vendors today - the new Pelican 0450 tool case - expensive but very cool.

I purchase all of the Pelican products I use at Lockheed from the nice folks at Beam Distributing in Richmond, VA. Great prices and nice people to do business with. They told me that they have recently started having whole tractor trailer loads of Pelican cases shipped in from California instead of having them shipped individually by UPS. This can save all of us east coast folks some money and feed my Pelican case addiction. ( I think I'm up to 9 or 10 now). I just wanted to pass the info along in case any of you guys are looking for a good source for Pelican cases or flashlights. http://www.beamdistributing.com/

pelican0450.jpg

I like this box alot....... I will not be able to buy one, but it is still nice to dream...............

It is perfect for an open top Jeep when traveling in the dust...........
 

HenryJ

Expedition Leader
sounds like exactly what i need...exactly
i'm keeping 'truck stuff' in mine as well and may be getting a softtopper.
Thanks!!
You are very welcome. If you have any trouble finding one, let me know. Our local Walmart had some last I looked. I could get a part number, manufacturer and SKU if it would help your search.
Here are some pictures:

smartbin.jpg
smartbin2.jpg
smartbin3.jpg
 
Last edited:

Something

Adventurer
Just got back from Walmart. No Smart Bin...guy acted like I was crazy. He pointed me to a very cheaply made 'Deluxe Storage Box', which was about half the size I wanted and well....a POS. It was $24.95.

Do you think you could help me a little further? Part number? link? etc?

Thanks a ton!
 

HenryJ

Expedition Leader
I just looked as I passed them this morning. The Walmart in Ontario, Oregon has four on the shelf at $42.24 each.

The name is "Smart Bin". I knew that should have written down the part number! I think we will need to make a run to town later and I will get the information.
If they don't have them in PA , I wonder if they can ship them "Site-to-Store"?

Wal-Mart Supercenter Store #1951
1775 East Idaho Ave.
Ontario, OR 97914
(541) 889-7400

I have not been able to find any information or links to these online anywhere.
 

Something

Adventurer
I just looked as I passed them this morning. The Walmart in Ontario, Oregon has four on the shelf at $42.24 each.

The name is "Smart Bin". I knew that should have written down the part number! I think we will need to make a run to town later and I will get the information.
If they don't have them in PA , I wonder if they can ship them "Site-to-Store"?

Wal-Mart Supercenter Store #1951
1775 East Idaho Ave.
Ontario, OR 97914
(541) 889-7400

I have not been able to find any information or links to these online anywhere.


Thanks Henry!
Don't nock yourself out.
My local Walmart is 4 miles from me but there are a couple at about 20 miles so I'll venture thataway before I inquire about getting one shipped in.
 

HenryJ

Expedition Leader
Ok, Here it is:
These are made in Canada from 100% recycled material. The company is Greene Horizon.
Smart Bin - 49 US gal - 40" x 24.5" x 18"
Item #40241
UPC- 8 0499 40241 3
Price $42.24

They were between hardware / paints and automotive. Right below the various sizes of Action Packers.
 
Last edited:

HenryJ

Expedition Leader
This one is new: Plano® Sportsman's Box $29.97
Over 3' long! It's been half a century since Plano® first changed the way outdoor products are stored and protected.

Now you can own this jumbo Box for tools, parts and supplies. A volume buy brings you the right price!

* Lockable in 3 places
* 4 rust-proof latches
* End tie-down brackets
* Recessed handles
* Molded grooves for stacking
* Airline approved. Measures 37 3/4 x 18 1/4 x 14" h., weighs 9 1/4 lbs.

Might make a nice tool box.

I ordered one to replace my camp box. This one is a little bigger, has better latches and wheels on one end might be handy. I like the tie down options too. It came to just over $38 shipped.
 
Last edited:

telwyn

Adventurer
Pelican Tool Case

Wow - that Pelican tool case rocks! Looks like $500 is the cheapest you can find it online?
 

absolute

Adventurer
I have a Dee Zee Utility Chest 8537; Brite Tread Aluminum; Volume 6.36 cu. ft.; L 37 1/8 in. x W 19 in. x H 15 15/16 in.

The Dee Zee is currently installed in my HD, but easily fits in the rear of my CJ7 when the back seat is removed and on in my Jeep trailer.

While I was going to say one of the other storage boxes that would be a less expensive alternative King Kong Job Boxes, I was searching for their current price and see they have jumped 4x in price since I purchased it.

It’s a great box and has been stored outside on my ATV trailer all year long with no cracking, warping and still had no moisture in the inside.

Nick
 

HenryJ

Expedition Leader
Plano® Sportsman's Box $29.97 Awesome box. Latches on three sides and hinge on the other. Certified for UPS and FedEx shipping. Tie down hooks.
It is about a full third larger than my previous camp box and fits the fry/gold pan nicely. Room for more items.
The wheels on one end really are handy for moving it around.
A great value if anyone is looking.
 

Mumbaki1037

Observer
Plano® Sportsman's Box $29.97 Awesome box. Latches on three sides and hinge on the other. Certified for UPS and FedEx shipping. Tie down hooks.
It is about a full third larger than my previous camp box and fits the fry/gold pan nicely. Room for more items.
The wheels on one end really are handy for moving it around.
A great value if anyone is looking.

Are these water proof or at least water resistant? Can you keep them in an open bed and not worry about stuff getting wet if it rains? Been lurking for boxes and this might fit the bill. BTW I also had the box from walmart for at least 4 years and it has never failed me. Thanks.
Cary
 

HenryJ

Expedition Leader
I don't have personal experience with them yet. I would say they should perform equally as well as the Smart Bin.
They do not have a gasket at the lid. So they are not water proof. It is an overlapping interlock design so water would have to travel upward and around to enter. I think a gasket could be added , but do not see the need in my case.
I do think they would stay dry inside riding in the back of a truck. Even exposed to weather. I do think I would want to secure it though as it is a size that might grow wings if the wrong sort took a like to it.
One thought just occurred to me. I wonder how they hold up to UV? Mine is under a topper, so I may never know.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
188,249
Messages
2,904,495
Members
229,805
Latest member
Chonker LMTV
Top