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Stupid Question - Toolbox Mounting

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by RedBeard, Apr 10, 2012.

Page 1 of 3
  1. Apr 10, 2012 #1
    RedBeard

    RedBeard Medium Load Member

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    Jan 12, 2006
    Marianna, FL
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    I have a 2006 Freightliner Century, no fairings. On the passenger side, from the drive tires forward, I have the following mounted to the frame:
    Quarter fender
    Tire chain hanger
    Thermo-King Tri-Pac
    Fuel tank

    On the driver's side, I just have the quarter fender, a step to access the catwalk, a big gap, and the fuel tank.

    I want to mount a toolbox in that gap.

    I measured (and measured, and measured) and thought *maybe* I could fit a 36" toolbox, but it would have to be mounted some way to keep it away from the frame rail because of all the bolt ends sticking out for crossmembers and such, plus some wiring that is routed that way. So I bought a 24" box instead. It's a 24x18x18 aluminum diamond tread box, and cost $220 at Tractor Supply.

    So...how do I mount it?

    I have found a pair of L-shaped brackets at Northern Tool, but it looks like I'd have to drill the frame rail to mount them. And there are stickers warning against drilling the frame rail (so...how did they mount the step, the chain hanger, and the quarter fenders? Did Freightliner drill those holes before they did whatever magic makes it unsafe to now drill the frame?)

    I've seen some mounting systems that kind of clamp around the frame rail. They're incredibly expensive, however. And I can't help but wonder just how long it would be before anything mounted that way would start moving forward and back on the frame rail.

    Do I just buy the brackets, mark the frame, ignore the stickers, and get out my drill?
     
    RedBeard, Apr 10, 2012
    RedBeard, Apr 10, 2012
    #1
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  3. Apr 10, 2012 #2
    EHB

    EHB Medium Load Member

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    Apr 26, 2011
    Newfoundland
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    If you are going to put it out side. It is going to get stolen, and wet. Unless you make up or buy a dubble locked strong box that is locked down tight and will not move till you want to use it. It needs to weather proof and strong.
    Lock it down with a big 1/2 inch welded steel brackets and a few weather proof stainsteel master locks, so can take it off when you need it.

    If you are going to build it, over build it.


    If you drill the hardened steel frame you will have a weak point where the frame may crack.
     
    EHB, Apr 10, 2012
    EHB, Apr 10, 2012
    #2
  4. Apr 10, 2012 #3
    RedBeard

    RedBeard Medium Load Member

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    Jan 12, 2006
    Marianna, FL
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    So...all those aluminum toolboxes just like the one I just bought, that I see mounted to truck frame rails all over the place...are either stolen or about to be stolen? ;-)

    I just need a method of attaching the box to the frame. It's a locking box with a T-handle, Tractor Supply Co. item number 1091672. It's identical to this: http://www.westechequipment.com/TOPS-24-Underbody-Truck-Tool-Box-WTALUB24.htm

    My APU is also outside, mounted to the frame rail, and hasn't been stolen yet. It's actually clamped to the frame, but I'd rather not do that with the tool box (and have been unable to find mounting brackets that will do that).
     
    RedBeard, Apr 10, 2012
    RedBeard, Apr 10, 2012
    #3
  5. Apr 10, 2012 #4
    haulhand

    haulhand Road Train Member

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    Feb 6, 2008
    Rock Springs, Wyoming/Dickinson, ND
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    I mount toolboxes to all of my trucks when they come in. We simply build L brackets out of angle iron and drill the frame and bolt them up. Be sure to put a good gusset in the brackets and attach them side to side. As long as you don't heat the frame real bad drilling it you shouldn't have any trouble with cracking. Also a hole with a bolt in it won't crack near as bad as just a hole in the frame.


    ---
    - Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
    haulhand, Apr 10, 2012
    haulhand, Apr 10, 2012
    #4
    EHB Thanks this.
  7. Apr 10, 2012 #5
    The Admiral

    The Admiral Heavy Load Member

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    Jul 18, 2010
    Akron,Ohio
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    Whenever i used to start thinking about doing something to my truck i would start walking the Truck Stop parking lots. Stole some pretty slick ideas that way. Go for a stroll and get some ideas. I would not rush into mounting that thing i'd look and get some ideas first. If you don't have some good sharp drill bits,you may be better off having a shop drill the frame and brackets. That frame will dull a bit in no time flat.
     
    The Admiral, Apr 10, 2012
    The Admiral, Apr 10, 2012
    #5
    EHB Thanks this.
  8. Apr 10, 2012 #6
    lovesthedrive

    lovesthedrive R.I.P.

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    Sorrento Maine
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    I would replace the step with the tool box and put the step on the outside of your box.

    Western Star had tool boxes that were part of the cab step (dont remember what they did with the fuel tanks tho).
     
    lovesthedrive, Apr 10, 2012
    lovesthedrive, Apr 10, 2012
    #6
    EHB Thanks this.
  9. Apr 10, 2012 #7
    RedBeard

    RedBeard Medium Load Member

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    Jan 12, 2006
    Marianna, FL
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    That's what I was thinking, that the label was basically a warning about heating the frame rail. It said "Do not cut, drill, or weld to frame. See Freightliner Service Manual 31 Group for Attachment Methods" or something like that. I figure as long as I have a good sharp drill bit and take my time, pausing a few times in the drilling, it shouldn't be a problem. There are already many unused holes in the frame; I'll probably try to use some of those to minimize the number of holes I'll have to drill.
     
    RedBeard, Apr 10, 2012
    RedBeard, Apr 10, 2012
    #7
  10. Apr 10, 2012 #8
    belltransit

    belltransit Light Load Member

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    Jun 28, 2010
    oak grove, mo
    0
    while drilling its best to use something to cool the bit like wd 40 or some cutting oil. i had to drill a hole to mount some different mudflap holders...used wd 40 and it cut just fine.
     
    belltransit, Apr 10, 2012
    belltransit, Apr 10, 2012
    #8
  11. Apr 10, 2012 #9
    Heavyd

    Heavyd Road Train Member

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    Feb 4, 2009
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    If this box is going to hang down in front of the spring hanger, try to leave as much room as you can in front of the spring bolts so someone can get an impact gun on the bolts still.
     
    Heavyd, Apr 10, 2012
    Heavyd, Apr 10, 2012
    #9
  12. Apr 11, 2012 #10
    Semi Crazy

    Semi Crazy Road Train Member

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    May 13, 2011
    Middle Tennessee
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    If you can use existing holes do it. I mean maybe an air tank bracket or a crossmember happens to be in a workable spot to mount your brackets take out the bolt and drill your bracket to fit there. Grind off a huck bolt and replace with a grade 8.

    Drilling is OK on the web (side) of the frame as long as you stay away from the top and bottom radiuses (radii? radiui? radiddyio? I stumped spell checker) by at least an inch or more.

    That little box ain't really worth mounting IMHO. Send it back and get a bigger one to make drilling your frame worthwhile.
     
    Semi Crazy, Apr 11, 2012
    Semi Crazy, Apr 11, 2012
    #10
    RedBeard Thanks this.
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