Tool Box or Bed Cap? What fits your needs better?

Ive always had a bed mounted tool box in every truck ive ever owned. The need to store tools and essentials in a lockable and dry space without taking up interior room while still being able to use the truck bed is a very high priority to me.

But it seems like (compared to a decade ago) the bed mounted toolbox is on its way out and more people are gravitating to the bed cap, topper, camper shell..etc.

Interested to here what brought you to your decision of choosing either.

 

Bed cover. We sometimes use my truck to go on trips and need to be able to carry luggage without worrying about rain. Also need it for secure storage of guns when I go to the range.

 

Makes sense. I buy stock in heavy mil trash bags...throw the luggage in them, tie it up and away we go if its more than i can pack in the cab.

My dad has an ARE on his 2nd gen and he loves it. But it was $$$

 

I’d like a decked drawer system for tools with a topper, but it’s a little more than I want to spend and not easily removed if I need to haul something like a couch. I’ve seen tool boxes that hang from the rails and stay below the bed sides so a tonneau cover could be used with it. Really depends if you ever need to keep the rest of the bed dry. Couple free floating tool boxes that I can take out are working for me right now.

 

Tri-Fold soft top. My limited tools/supplies are behind & under the rear seats.

Best part is, I can easily remove it, if need be, anywhere, anytime!

 

When I purchased the Taco the first thing I ordered was a shell. All my other trucks I just tied items down in bed and stored items underneath seats. Sick of it when heading to the snow or just purchasing things around town.

 

This for me.

G.

 

I have an ARE truck cap with the tool boxes under the side windows. It works great. I have all of the essentials in the tool boxes and still have a decent amount room in the bed for cargo, son's baseball equipment etc. I would make the same purchase again. No regrets.

 

That actually sounds like a really good alternative. I love the way a cap looks but never new just how functional it could or would be for me. Especially considering how proud they are of them.

 

I have a cap with a steel job box strapped up front

 

They definitely aren't cheap. Nonetheless I have had tool boxes and tonneau covers, the ARE cap is by far my favorite

 

I love the way a cap looks. I mean i really do. I just cant get over the price(maybe i have expensive taste). Granted my weatherguard wasnt cheap but it was significantly less than some of the ARE's ive looked .

 

Bed cover for 9 years then got a Leer truck cap 3 years ago and never looked back.

The cap makes it so nice to carry tools, camping gear etc.

The only time I had the cap off in the past 3 years was when my frame was replaced.

Caps are expensive but it would be hard for me to go back to not having one. Maybe try and hunt for a used one in the right color.

 

I look constantly man!

 

I have a jobsite toolbox that I bolted up back there. I thought about a shell, but I haul tall or awkwardly-shaped things just often enough that it would be a pain. I have bed bars and a roof rack for other cargo.

 

What kind of roof rack did you go with? Thats on the short list of upgrades for me. That and replacing my bed cleats (i hate a damn thief)

 

I'm running a Prinsu. It's pretty nice, it looks good and it's sturdy.

 

Nice man

 

I was running a rollup tonneau for 2yrs, but didn't keep anything in the bed long term other than in the sealed and locked cubbies. I recently got a Softopper and now have an old rolling chest strapped to D rings that I installed. I have my ratchet straps, recovery gear, and a couple camp chairs in there. Being all black, it is hard to tell it is back there.

I am also going to move the OE jack and tool bag back there also to get a bit more space in the cab storage.

It is a lot nicer than having stuff rolling around on the rear floor.

 

Tool box and headache rack was a must have for me.
The rack saves my rear window from firewood, quads, etc. Plus in the summer I can leave my back window open without worry of someone small trying to break in.
The tool box I can stuff a lot of stuff in it. Hi lift jack, axe/shovel, recovery tools, boots, tarp, gloves, rope, zip ties, rifles in soft cases, etc.

My plain is to find a soft top canopy for the couple times a year I could use a full cover.