Underbody trailer tool boxes

Do you need frames to hold the new boxes or looking at bolt on?

 

My last trailer had Sturdy-Lites,barn doors made of Stainless Steel. Sturdy-lite made the hangers as far as i know. My dealer had to refab. the hangers because everything was out of wack. The S.S. doors were a pretty thin gauge of metal prone to dings and i'm really carefull with my stuff. I was at Tri-County Tarp,Bradner,Oh. and they carry Pro-Tech,much heavier gauge metal in the doors. I liked the Pro-Techs better.

 

I personally like Bawer boxes. They are just welded better and the doors/shocks are very nice. I also prefer the drop down doors as long as you don't set chains or heavy objects on the open door.... and always remember the door is OPEN or your shin will take a beating. Being all stainless steel is also a huge plus and all you have to do is wash them to make them look shiny and new, not like the alumnium ones that you have to polish every week or they get all crappy looking.

 

I've seen those Bawers advertised,have to admit i like the all S.S.for the same reasons as SHC. I pulled a dropdeck so my mounting was different. I prefer the barn doors because you can get closer to the box without the door in the way,just the way i see it. As far as putting the box or boxes between the spread if you blow a tire,kiss the box goodbye. I had mine mounted in front of the front axle. Another thought is replacing the dinged up doors and buying a matching box,save some $$$. I would think the boxes could be mounted to the crossmembers if need be. Just leave clearence for you winches if you have them.

 

We use protech with barn doors. I say the same as SHC did barn doors put u closer to the box and they don't act as a rain water reservoir. We have yet to lose a box from a blow out between the spread although I cud see it happen if it's mounted right against a set of tires. A 5' box between a 10' spread gives you plenty of storage and enough room that a blowout won't get it

 

I have to agree after thinking a bit about it, barn door style would be much better for a box larger than 24". Pulling an 8' drop tarp out of a drop down door would really suck especially since you'd have to stand 3' away from where it's at. Not good for ANYONE'S back !!!

 

I put the spare tire rack on my Reitnouer between the spread so I can get in around the suspension to wash it easier. My last trailer had 2 boxes between the axles and it was difficult to get in that area to wash very well. And its a piece of cake to hop under it to grease. I put a box on the passenger side in the center (another one for the drivers side would be nice) and hung it from the crossmembers using 1/4" aluminum plate almost the width of the box, 8 bolts in the box and 4 through the crossmembers in each piece. I was lucky and the crossmembers lined up perfectly with the ends of the box. I didn't want to drill into the frame if I didn't have to. My box has barn doors, not a brand name, but I got it at Tri City Canvas in Granite City, IL. I think a local shop must build them and they sell them. Can't remember the price....