Project 4 from CGCINC. Category: Custom trailer tool box

A friend needed a tool box on his trailer and I chimed in and said we should tuck it in the frame rails.... Well, Many hours later it is complete but what a pain!

It's made out of 11ga. material so it can take some abuse. The bottom inside is lined with a thick rubber conveyor belt material that will hold up to tools and chains being thrown in. I added a locking T handle and a gas strut to hold the door up.
I used a little MIG, a little TIG and a plasma cutter to construct this box.
This was made in two pieces and then bolted together with sealant in between. I had to make it like this so I could slide the main box into the frame rails, if I didn't, the lid and top would have hit the bed before it slide into place.
This was the first tool box I've made so it was a learn as you go experience but in the end it turned out pretty decent.

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**I'll have the installed pictures tomorrow**

That's one tough toolbox!

I like the way you tucked it in there to maximize the volume. Juuust a bit over-engineered;):D. Your workmanship is looking as good as ever!

What did you use for the angle cuts (the grizzly)? Also for the bends. Looks like a lot of work, but one of a kind custom job..

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Originally Posted by redbeard

Juuust a bit over-engineered;):D.

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I have a problem with that....seems I always over think stuff :)

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What did you use for the angle cuts (the grizzly)? Also for the bends. Looks like a lot of work, but one of a kind custom job..

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Yeah, I used the Grizzly. It's growing on me.....
The only bends I had were on the top side pieces near the back corners, which were hammered in a vise. I used angle iron for all the box bends.....with Loads of welding! Blah.. I had tried to make the top out of diamond plate and bend the sides but I found out it's near impossible to bend 11ga. without a bender! I heated it, I used the plasma cutter to "score" it half way through...


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Is the latch waterproof ?

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Originally Posted by zoama585

Is the latch waterproof ?

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I don't think so. I couldn't find one locally that had a cover over the key slot. This was a replacement latch from a Tractor Supply box.
My friend said it isn't a problem since the trailer is parked under a lean to!?!? Time will tell and we might need to change it down the road

Very nicely done! Might be over-engineered but it is a great project specimen. Looks fantastic, looks like it fits well and certainly looks durable. Cheers!

I've got a bunch of new 11ga material to make a trailer tool box also. Mine will carry the 15" spare and straps... just waiting for cooler weather.

That's a good lookin box! I've been looking at some of the smaller Jobox and the Jobox copies, but they are expensive! I'm trying to pump myself up to building one.

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Originally Posted by CGCINC

I have a problem with that....seems I always over think stuff :)

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At least you get stuff done, my own brain crunching often gets to the point where it interferes with completing the project.:(

That final installation looks mighty nice. You really should be fabbing full time.

I just figured a total in parts and materials. $182 and some change.
I learned on this one.....
11ga. is way to heavy for a tool box unless it's going to the middle east on a Hum V.
The hinge I used was overkill compared to the hinge on the box for my truck.
And paint killed me since I used cans. Self etching primer and paint was about $40!!

I would think I could do this for $150 or so if I did it again.
This is a friend of mine and he said "give me the customer price, no friend discount" because I have done a million things for him for free over the last 20 years.
I had a lot of time in this and I don't think anyone would pay $30 an hour @ 20 hours plus materials, so I'm going to charge him $325 for it.

Found this one that is similar..
http://www.etrailer.com/Toolbox/RC-M...FaNeTAod3lcA2A

Although mine is 32" in rear, 23" in front, 20" in depth and 9" tall.

Yeah, with 11ga. you could skip all the angle and just weld the sheets together.

But having something custom made to exact specs raises the cost. None of the off the shelf boxes fit down inside like that which would make all the difference if the equipment being hauled overhangs the front of the deck.