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cross bed toolbox mounting options?

Highcountry

Highcountry

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I'm getting ready to mount a Protech toolbox on my 2500 longbed. Previously this box was mounted on an '89 F250 by drilling two holes through the top of the bed and bolting it through. I don't wish to drill holes in this truck if I can help it, so I've been looking for other options. I found these clamps, which seem to be a common way people mount them. They look like they'll work, but I can see them digging into the bedrails. I just wanted to check here and see if anyone knows of some different or better clamps before proceeding. On a side note the late 80's -late 90's F-series trucks use the same part # protech toolbox as a 2020 HD. Tool box hold down clamps.png
 

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Highcountry said:
I'm getting ready to mount a Protech toolbox on my 2500 longbed. Previously this box was mounted on an '89 F250 by drilling two holes through the top of the bed and bolting it through. I don't wish to drill holes in this truck if I can help it, so I've been looking for other options. I found these clamps, which seem to be a common way people mount them. They look like they'll work, but I can see them digging into the bedrails. I just wanted to check here and see if anyone knows of some different or better clamps before proceeding. On a side not the late 80's -late 90's F-series trucks use the same part # protech toolbox as a 2020 HD. View attachment 11165
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They wont hurt your bedrails they work plenty fine.... or you could make an L bolt like the back racks use. I made mine fit over the back rack hardware so its not going to slide around but its just sitting there
 
This thread really made me think about how hard I have searched for a cargo/tool box that can fit on the rail of the canopy on the truck and still open. So far every one I find will not fit and operate correctly with a canopy installed. I made a wood one, but I would prefer a nice professionally built one. If you can find one that fits under the canopy (I have the LEER hi-topper). The lid will not open up because it will hit the sides of the angled canopy walls.
 
pionex_80 said:
This thread really made me think about how hard I have searched for a cargo/tool box that can fit on the rail of the canopy on the truck and still open. So far every one I find will not fit and operate correctly with a canopy installed. I made a wood one, but I would prefer a nice professionally built one. If you can find one that fits under the canopy (I have the LEER hi-topper). The lid will not open up because it will hit the sides of the angled canopy walls.
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This isn't something I've ever looked for, but I know that Protech will build to custom specs ie: deeper or narrower as requested. Maybe they could make you one that has a narrower lid, or maybe use one of the type that's made to mount inside the bed and add mounting arms
 
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I visited the website now. Thanks. I can give these folks a call and see. I saw their low profile with doors opening in, instead of up, but those might hit too. I will give them a call to talk about it. Thank you,
 
I used (4) J bolts with a bigger washer up top inside the box to have the nut flush against the box and rail. They secure way way better than those shown. I carried my tool box from my F150 to my Ram, so it was pretty seamless. My toolbox has been very secure and never moved an ounce on either truck. Those factory mounts are garbage. No drilling necessary as these grip under the rails very good.

038613228931lg.jpg
I believe mine are 3/8" not sure the length, but I want to say 4".
 
Highcountry said:
I'm getting ready to mount a Protech toolbox on my 2500 longbed. Previously this box was mounted on an '89 F250 by drilling two holes through the top of the bed and bolting it through. I don't wish to drill holes in this truck if I can help it, so I've been looking for other options. I found these clamps, which seem to be a common way people mount them. They look like they'll work, but I can see them digging into the bedrails. I just wanted to check here and see if anyone knows of some different or better clamps before proceeding. On a side note the late 80's -late 90's F-series trucks use the same part # protech toolbox as a 2020 HD. View attachment 11165
Click to expand...
I installed these a few weeks ago and so far no issues.

I have also used the ones linked below in the past with no issues.

Screenshot_20210127-114631_Amazon Shopping.jpg
 
Thanks for the replies. I know I'm probably overthinking it but it's my first ever new truck and I'm planning to keep it a long time. I appreciate you all sharing your experience
 
Highcountry said:
Thanks for the replies. I know I'm probably overthinking it but it's my first ever new truck and I'm planning to keep it a long time. I appreciate you all sharing your experience
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The first scratch/chip/dent hurts the worst lol
 
PGHChris81 said:
Working great for me two trucks and 4+ years and cost me less than 10 bucks! But you do you!
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Enjoy your J-hooks, sir. I’m glad they work for you but they’re garbage. Upgrade and you’ll see why.

The Problem with the J hooks is you can’t tighten them enough to keep the box secure without bending the floor of the tool box where the slotted hole is. You can get them snug, but Eventually the J hook will be loose and the toolbox will move. Keep retightening and you keep bending the toolbox.

the hooks I quoted give far better clamping power against the underside of the bed rail because they have a wider footprint, they also press up on the bottom of the toolbox so you can properly tighten the bolt without bending the toolbox floor at the slotted hole. They also don’t have a bolt sticking straight up inside the toolbox, blocking storage where you could lay items. All you see is a bolt head and a washer.
 
OP, It should be noted that you don’t need a 4 pack of those clamps, only a two pack. Good luck with your decision
 
McHenry2500 said:
FWIW; I used the clamps in the link below to mount my RK crossbed box and I have put 100+ pounds of tools and tac in it and not had any movement. Two clamps would probably work fine but for $18 shipped to my door I figured using all four wouldn't hurt.

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I would be concerned those bend the edge of the bedrail.

The U/deep J-shape wide brackets clamp the toolbox to the bedrail at the widest spot, not just the edge of the rail.

1611899954109.png

Just my self professed learned opinion.
 
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Ive always used a J bolt with a small piece of fuel line slid over the curved part, with a large fender washer and nylock nut inside the toolbox.
No bending, no loosening, and cheap.
 
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