⚠️⚠️ ⚠️ UPDATE! - After traveling a bit, we've had our pin box hit the tonneau rails a few times! ☹️ We're not sure if it's just because we have this huge Flex-Air pin box or if this might be an issue on all pin boxes. The damage has been minor and isolated to just the rails. I've been able to bend back the bent areas. And the damage is hidden under the cover. Please be aware and maybe take some measurements of the distance from the pin to the back of the pin box and compare that to the distance from the center of your hitch to the side rails.
Do you still have this problem with the new Moryde pin box? I have a Moryde and after measuring It sure looks like I have a few inches of room even with the tonneau rails inside the bed. I'll know for sure when the new truck arrives. Let's hope that this pandemic crap doesn't shut down the factories again before the truck gets here!
Thank you...thank you...thank you...been trying to figure out a set up like this, but wasn't being very successful. Picked up the last tool box at Tractor Supply a couple of miles from my house and have the cover on its way. Can't wait to get them installed! You guys are so awesome. Not sure what we would have done without you and your channel!
Great to hear you snagged one before they disappear! If you feel like it, be sure to drop WernerCo an email and let them know that people need this toolbox and they should bring it back! 😊 WernerCo (Better Built) Contact Info: Web Contact: www.lifebetterbuilt.com/company/contact-us Email: us.customercare@wernerco.com Phone: 800-366-8269 Facebook: facebook.com/lifebetterbuilt Twitter: twitter.com/lifebetterbuilt
For reference in 2021. I just purchased the exact box with the same latches at tractor supply today 5/01/21 for my RAM 3500. Couldn’t be happier as I have the 5th wheel prep and cover. 👊🏻 Appreciate the video! $600 total cost.
FINALLY, the video that I’ve patiently been waiting for, and I wasn’t disappointed. Chad, you’ve put together one awesome toolbox and tonneau cover combo. It definitely adds a great look to your truck as well and might even improve your fuel mileage a bit when traveling trailerless. Thanks again for another great video. 👍
We use a low profile tool box with opening lock buttons on the side, its a Home Depot Husky brand, we also use the exact same tonneau cover JD recommends, on a 2019 Ram 3500 long bed dually. We use a BW Hitch and Morryde rubber pin box that came with our Solitude 382WB. No rubbing, touching or contact anywhere, great system! Went with the Husky tool box due to the exact issue you discussed about the SLE not being available!
Appreciate your time to put together this information - and even more so, your HONEST UPDATES! If people read the comments, it hopefully prevents the "BUT YOU SAID...!" comments. GREAT JOB to you both!
I run the same setup and it works great. I found it to be the most practical, cost effective, and reliable option I could find. The only difference is my Better Built tool box has the pull handles. It works however with drawbacks. I can't use passenger side handle because tonneau obstructs it. Drivers side no problem. I owned tool box prior to installing Access Tonneau Cover and made it work. My toolbox version was under 300 dollars. I do really like the shotgun access you have. It's slick. Well done. Nice rig and vids.
Thanks Chad! We just upgraded from a short bed 2500 Dodge to a long bed 3500 Dodge Dually. I was unsure of what I was going to do with the bed till I saw this video. Love it!! Ironically the NEXT day a used Better Built tool box identical to your story appeared locally on FB marketplace. Picked it up this past Saturday and now need the tonneau cover!
@@txjps652 I am using the same Access Toolbox cover from the video. If you get the one for the long bed it fits with a 19-21” toolbox in place. The caution is make sure your tool has the “shot gun” latches or they are on the ends of the box. I was able to find a used toolbox, like in the video, but they did have them thru Tractor Supply also. My Dodge is an ‘06 LWB dually and I have used it with an Anderson hitch and with a Goosebox currently with no issues.
Great combination. I have the same cover with the same clamps. You have many more clamps that the six that was installed on my cover. After six years having the clamps fall, I decided to go with 1 1/2 inch C clamps. With as many clamps that you have and a different truck you may not have the problems I have had. Good luck with your tool box/cover. Sound like a winner.
I've had ACCESS tonneau covers on my trucks now for over 15 years... They've always been excellent.. Nice setup Chad.. I loved your comment when removing the box liner (...JD vs. your patience).. You're like me - things that should be simple and aren't, test my already limited patience level... Great video - as always..
Glad you added the tonneau cover definition. That’s one of those things I’ve wondered why it’s named such and just kept forgetting to look it up. LOL Great review of both products. Thanks Chad!
Once again you guys Rock! I got my truck last week and the next day I was able to find the toolbox at Tractor Supply. I order the Tonneau bed for my Truck. This is the perfect setup that I wanted to Thank you for putting a great video.
I can vouch for the Paragon hard covers. While not a 5th wheel/tool box config, really works well on my Ram 1500 Rebel towing an Airstream. Retracts down to 6 inches when collapsed. Great covers.
Works for you but I’m using a solid 3 piece cover with tool box tucked in bed clearing my cover., clears fifth wheel cap when turning More secure and no flapping. Do like your clips. Keep it up.
I used the same setup as JD (and yourself) and it works great, However, the flat frame piece of the Access cover between the tool box and cover is about 3/16 inches short compared to the width of my 2019 F350 bed. With that much of a gap the clamps would not stay on to hold the spacer and kept falling off. I eventually had to make two spacers out of thin metal to fill the gap and get the clamps to stay in place. I emailed the manufacturer of the cover explaining the problem and was told that the measurement was taken from a 2017 model truck and is within tolerance and that they did not have any spacers available. Great setup and works great.
Nice setup. I wish they made a tonneau cover that worked with the L-shaped transfer fuel tanks. We had one on our Sierra (the tank). I used the tonneau soft fold from my Ram 1500 6' bed I kept when I sold it. Put it on the Sierra 8' DRW with the L-shaped tank. Left a gap of course but was good enuff to keep things out of sight when not towing and kept my 5er hitch out of the elements when not in use. But I see alot of 5er owners with the transfer tanks and could see a small customer base that would appreciate the offering of the option. Of course when we actually towed, we had to remove the cover as it could not fold small enuff. Which no big deal, it's easy to remove/install. Maybe a soft or hard fold that had more (shorter) folding panels?
You are one of many UA-cam channels I follow, concerning full time RV Travel. I would love to take the plunge, but just not there yet. It makes total sense, to travel while you are young and healthy, and not miss all the wonderful things our beautiful country has to offer. I am burned out in the daily grind and have way to much house for my needs! One day, hopefully! Thanks for all your excellent information....Stay Well & Safe Travels! 😎👍
Awesome, this was really helpful as I definitely will need a low profile toolbox and cover. The option of opening the toolbox without taking the cover off is important to me. Thanks Chad, I will hit up Better Built to bring back that toolbox.
Hey Chad, great job with this video. I have been looking at boxes and covers since we got our GD fifth wheel and Ram 3500 dually about 8 months ago. I think I am going to go for the combo box and roll cover, but it is big bucks. I can tell you take a lot of care preparing, filming & editing videos like this, and I’m sure all your viewers appreciate it.
Just a suggestion, but change your running boards out on the truck to the 3 step. I have the Ranch Hand ones on my truck. Made a world of difference when getting into to the toolchest. I could reach more to the center and to the bottom.
The relatively few times we access our tool box under the Tonneau negates the inconvenience of having to roll it up to get to it. Our Truxedo Pro X15 is super low profile and our Dee Zee 8537 holds all our stuff dry and safe the most frequently used gear is stored in the RV basement. It also provides room to stuff our Champion 3150 genny in the front of the bed. But heh, if yours works for you, that's great. YMMV as they say. Plenty of ways to skin a cat!
I went to Tractor Supply to look and they had one. One of the plastic latch handles was missing and I went to open it and the other one fell off. I was disappointed l, wish they had metal latch handles. Your eBay add is over $1300 now. You made an impression. LoL. I may hold off in hopes of a different model with metal handles. Thanks.
Extang also makes a toolbox tonneau bed cover and is fairly inexpensive ($300 for my 2013 F350 short bed). I also have the same Kobalt toolbox you used to have. I added a piece of paracord to the driver's side latch that runs back to the tailgate. Now I just open the tail gate and pull the cord to open the toolbox. i like having the toolbox latches hidden so thieves aren't tempted.
I'm a big fan of the Access covers. (Though I'm a bit biased, they're made in the state I grew up in, North Dakota. They've been making agricultural covers since 1981.) I've had them for 20 years on F-150's, with the last one since '11. I've tightened the rail up maybe 3 times. Still works as new.
@@ChangingLanes It doesn't quite grab as much as new, but running your hand along the whole length, it still stays "hooked". It will not flutter going down the highway.
Thanks Chad!!! This was what I was waiting on, 'course my wife is not so happy with the ding to the checkbook, but it's definitely worth the investment, and she'll be glad to get my tools out of the storage area!! Stay healthy and safe!
Hey just bought the better built tool box from tractor supply. Only one had it near me in a 100mile radius for $599, but it had a huge dent in the rear corner and got it 50% off and I fixed the dent and all good now😁.
We used a low profile craftsman toolbox (~$150, I think??), mounted it about 1.5" from the back of the truck, then mounted the tonneau cover about 1.5" from the toolbox (to allow access to the key on the front) and placed 2" adhesive rubber door weather stripping between the toolbox and the tonneau cover, with a separate lift up piece covering the key access. Not sure how to share photos, but willing to send, if interested in a cheaper toolbox solution!!
Thank you for the heads up about the discontinued box. I was able to locate one through Tractor Supply Company (TSC) and they happened to still have a black one in a nearby store. (June 2020) The other places I found on the internet are out of stock.
Nice Chad! We went with RetraxPRO with an in bed 40 gallon fuel tank. Takes away the space in front of the hitch but now we get 75 gallons of fuel and the ability to use the top of the tonneau when not hitched.
Wow! I reseached your info and your right. If you want to have the handles above the Tonneau cover, Low Profile, Single Lid Crossover, there's not much out there.(Even less in black). So I ordered one... Thanks.
The light works with 8 AA batteries or a 12v source from the truck or elsewhere. It doesn’t need to be on a switch. The LED lights in the toolbox and the bed turn on and off as you open and close the toolbox.
Great videos.. I’m glad you had fun making it. Having the young lady walk in by mistake was cool. I no you put a lot of time on making it. But grate job..
If you take the light out you will see there is a battery compartment for 8 AA batteries. No hooking up to switches needed. Install the batteries and the lights come on when you open the lid.
Hello Chad, I liked your video on the cover and truck box so much that I purchased them. I wanted to let you know that after installing the tool box I discovered that the box already has everything to power the light included. If you look inside the box you need to remove two silver screws on the light lens panel and inside you will find a battery holder for 8 AA batteries. I just thought I would let you know that you have everything to power the light.
I also have the same towel cover for the same reason had a slide in truck camper and a fifth wheel but after about two years the Velcro did not hold wind caught it took it right off hope you have better luck
Been waiting for this video! I have an Access Cover on my truck. I did not know they even made something like this. Now I have something to look for to cover up the 5th wheel on my work truck. Thanks a lot for another great video. You are sharing great information. Thanks again.
William Astorino 1 second ago Tractor supply still sells them as of today (11/23/20). They are $599.99! However I just got a Tractor Supply black Friday sale flyer and starting tomorrow, I get 25% off of all truck tool boxes. I have to order this one but I still get the 25% discount. Thanks to you and then & JD, I finally found what I need. to use with a tonneau cover. Now if the virus doesn't shut down auto plants, my new F-350 will start being built in 2 days. Thank you and JD for your great videos. They are interesting and entertaining as well as very educational! Keep up the great travels. We hope to start in the spring. We have our 40 ft Montana, but can't move it until we get the truck and all the stuff we need for it.
@@ChangingLanes Thanks! But when I got there to order one everyone was busy so I looked at their stock of tool boxes. They had one in stock that had the push buttons on the ends and it had the 3.5 inch above the bed rails and it was a much deeper one for more room inside. it is 19 inches from top of lid to bottom of the tool box. I must have measured it a dozen times at least and compared it to the one you have that I intended to order. This should work. Better yet it was stickered at $449.99 and was on Black Friday sale price of $337.49!!!!! I brought it home. They said when the new truck comes in I can return it for a full refund if it won't work! So I guess you figured out that it is now sitting in my garage. Thought you would like to know they are both available at Tractor Supply to post for other interested people. The item # for this one is #1174114. Thanks again for the tip on the short one.
There is no plastic tray/box in this one and there is no light, but for this price who cares? Tractor Supply has both. If sold out they will order them for you.
Sorry to keep bugging you, but people need to know that I am putting this on a 2021 F-350 4x4 crew cab but it is a single rear wheel not a dually. the bed is 6'9" not 8'!!! The Access cover for this truck is different. Real Truck part number is ACI-61399
Great video Chad. I just added a sixty gallon transfer tank that has a small toolbox on top of it and it all fits under the the tonneau cover, when not towing. By the way, we just missed you guys at The Great Outdoors, checked in today, staying a week.
Pretty sure I passed you guys going towards Knoxville Saturday morning. Made my day to see you guys on the road again in your element making memories and videos for the rest of us. Thanks for the virtual trips and all of the info you guys have to offer. Hope you guys are doing well.
Well that’s the setup I’ve been looking for! But I bought a new tractor last week so I’m gonna have to hold off. Dang it! Thanks for the info. We’re pulling our 5th wheel out in a couple of weeks.
I have similar cover made by Gator. I went with it to cover my aux fuel tank. In my opinion, those clamps suck. I ended up drilling holes and placing nuts & bolts to secure the rails. I wouldn’t be surprised if you don’t eventually do the same.
Better built has a very nice mounting system, but there wasn't enough room for it. So, yea... Self tapping bolts into the bed rails was the only solution.
You guys are funny weathertech cover is the same thing i have one ,my tool box is small it has a 60 gallon fuel tank under it and mine covers all of it .great info!
Loved the setup. I have always wondered about covers and 5th wheel hookups. I have a fold up tonneau cover on my truck. I was hauling some stuff from my sons house in Kansas City to Dallas area in torrential rain storms and not a drop was found in the bed after the trip. My cover does go over the bed frame so I would rather have your style for options.
Truck looks great with the cover, I'd like to do a cover but I have a 5th wheel tailgate. Glad Tara and Daisy made it into the video, kinda strange not seeing the both of you in the shot. Great outtakes, and yes Etrailer has a great group of tech's
Excellent presentation of a solution for multiple problems! Now just to find one of those toolboxes! Glad to have found your video before I bought a toolbox! Wrote to the manufacturer, as you suggested. Why do they call it a shotgun latch? Never heard of that before…
👍🏼 I hope you saw the note in the description and/or blog... We also pinned a comment: ⚠️ UPDATE! - After traveling a bit, we've had our pin box hit the tonneau rails a few times! ☹️ We're not sure if it's just because we have this huge Flex-Air pin box or if this might be an issue on all pin boxes. The damage has been minor and isolated to just the rails. I've been able to bend back the bent areas. And the damage is hidden under the cover. Please be aware and maybe take some measurements of the distance from the pin to the back of the pin box and compare that to the distance from the center of your hitch to the side rails.
So, breaking something while working on it. Kinda follows the two rules I learned while in the Navy; 1) If it don't fit force it. If it breaks, it needed to be replaced anyway. 2) Torque it till it strips and back it off a 1/4 turn. 😁
Well, you’ve been teasing long enough. Thanks for coming through. 😜 Awesome products and they fit great for your setup, Chad. I, coincidentally, was watching JD’s video yesterday and thought “I wonder if Chad has seen this?”. That cover is perfect. Happy to hear about your affiliation with eTrailer. Well deserved, guys. And glad you squeezed in the girls at the end there. I think I’d have a little “blondie” withdrawal if you didn’t. 😉 Thanks for the great info, Chad. Troy
Just purchased 2 boxes from a friend who sells Better Built. They still have something like 170 boxes in stock but resist selling them for some reason. Crazy.
Chad thanks a ton you saved me a bunch, doing it two or three times for that I thank you! Any reason you don't think this one would not work? Seems to be about the same dimensions as your drawing on the blog. Seems like most of the generic brand boxes come from the same place, I've yet to notice in great differences in that 3-5 hundred dollar range unless it's truly in those handle mechanisms? Found this one at tractor supply will be removing the badging to mount the cover looks like simple plastic rivets. It's not a shotgun latch but seems to have a nice clean rear face for connecting to the cover, it was about $400 at Tractor Supply. Oh, the picture on TS website shows the release buttons on the rear but on the one I purchased with the same P/N 1174114 the buttons are on the side..similar to your first toolbox.
I purchased the same tool box from Tractor Supply on clearance for 495 + tax after seeing BTBRV video also. Only concern I have is that it has opened up on me randomly while locked and driving. Called Better Built and was so that the box had been discontinued and the parts for the latches were not available. It sounded like it was a common problem. Might want to put an alternate lock also
Nice. Been thinking of a tool box. So far haven’t really needed one and would have to buy a new tonneau cover. Thanks for the review and video. Looks nice. 👍
Ur cover looks just like and rolls up with the side Velcro of the Truxall on my S10. Great set up. (Velcro is great but after several yrs the top is holding up great but the Velcro is seeing its better days and not gripping well). What I do like about mine and urs is that the lock mechanism to the cover is behind the end gate when closed. PS. No video is complete without Tara and Daisy.
Chad, I had an access cover on my Ford truck which had a short bed. I had 5th wheel conflict issues because of the sliding hitch. The pin box made contact with frame work of the cover. I no longer have that truck or I would send a video. Just a heads up.
I've seen a photo somewhere on line where the side rail on the Tonneau cover were slightly cut away in a 1/2 moon shape to prevent the pin box from hitting the rail. Has anyone done something similar? I am in the process of purchasing a new Vanleigh 41LKB and was looking for a truck toolbox and cover option for my truck. The timing on this video couldn't have been better. Many Thanks to Changing Lanes for this post.
Great video, really helpful. I did find a toolbox fuel tank combo. Curious about thoughts on carrying fuel this way. Finding prices varying up to $2 a gallon. As well as fewer stops
Looks great.. Nice combo. My only question would be the longevity of the velcro before it no longer works. Hooks last forever.. but the loops wear out.. In my experience.
Bought one (SLE toolbox shotgun latches) at Tractor Supply Co a few weeks ago (today is 4/28/2021). I also ripped out the divider stuff immediately... huge waste of box space.
Chad, This was a great video to help me prepare for my future truck setup. I did find on Betterbuilt's website a model 77211943 that looks like a low profile shotgun latch box. They add D rings and a light to the outside. Check it out and maybe this is something your viewers cod purchase if they can't find the one you have.
You always make great videos. Some are over my head, but. they're still great. We are thinking of a trip with the grandkids. Being "high risk", I just want to be safe.
I was able to make my tonneau from my old 6.5' bed truck work on my new 8' bed. Found a narrow toolbox that fit then measured the dimensions between the tool box and tonneau. Took it to a metal fab shop and had it made out of aluminum diamond plate.
![🛠 Tools for Full Time RV Living! [RV Tools] Changing Lanes!](/img/n.gif)
⚠️⚠️ ⚠️ UPDATE! - After traveling a bit, we've had our pin box hit the tonneau rails a few times! ☹️ We're not sure if it's just because we have this huge Flex-Air pin box or if this might be an issue on all pin boxes. The damage has been minor and isolated to just the rails. I've been able to bend back the bent areas. And the damage is hidden under the cover. Please be aware and maybe take some measurements of the distance from the pin to the back of the pin box and compare that to the distance from the center of your hitch to the side rails.
Changing Lanes What is the height that the tonneau cover and it’s rails adds to your bed rails? Trying to figure out the clearance needed. Thanks!
Do you still have this problem with the new Moryde pin box? I have a Moryde and after measuring It sure looks like I have a few inches of room even with the tonneau rails inside the bed. I'll know for sure when the new truck arrives. Let's hope that this pandemic crap doesn't shut down the factories again before the truck gets here!
Thanksgiving is for the updated information
Copy that, I just purchased this! Do you have any photos of the damage?
Do you guys think the moryde pin box that you guys have now would have had less less of an impact on the rails?
Awesome content...but driving me crazy with "2 know" cover..😆
Tawn-noe...lol..
Nice setup guys..
Just installed the SLE toolbox on my F350, Looks good. Got it at Tractor Supply on sale for $439, a steal. Thanks Chad and JD for the idea.
Great deal! 👍🏼
Thank you...thank you...thank you...been trying to figure out a set up like this, but wasn't being very successful. Picked up the last tool box at Tractor Supply a couple of miles from my house and have the cover on its way. Can't wait to get them installed! You guys are so awesome. Not sure what we would have done without you and your channel!
Great to hear you snagged one before they disappear! If you feel like it, be sure to drop WernerCo an email and let them know that people need this toolbox and they should bring it back! 😊
WernerCo (Better Built) Contact Info:
Web Contact: www.lifebetterbuilt.com/company/contact-us
Email: us.customercare@wernerco.com
Phone: 800-366-8269
Facebook: facebook.com/lifebetterbuilt
Twitter: twitter.com/lifebetterbuilt
For reference in 2021. I just purchased the exact box with the same latches at tractor supply today 5/01/21 for my RAM 3500. Couldn’t be happier as I have the 5th wheel prep and cover. 👊🏻 Appreciate the video! $600 total cost.
FINALLY, the video that I’ve patiently been waiting for, and I wasn’t disappointed. Chad, you’ve put together one awesome toolbox and tonneau cover combo. It definitely adds a great look to your truck as well and might even improve your fuel mileage a bit when traveling trailerless. Thanks again for another great video. 👍
We use a low profile tool box with opening lock buttons on the side, its a Home Depot Husky brand, we also use the exact same tonneau cover JD recommends, on a 2019 Ram 3500 long bed dually. We use a BW Hitch and Morryde rubber pin box that came with our Solitude 382WB. No rubbing, touching or contact anywhere, great system! Went with the Husky tool box due to the exact issue you discussed about the SLE not being available!
I'm glad you did this Chad. I had a tonneau cover on my 92 Dodge and hated it because of the snaps, but yours is so much better.
Appreciate your time to put together this information - and even more so, your HONEST UPDATES! If people read the comments, it hopefully prevents the "BUT YOU SAID...!" comments. GREAT JOB to you both!
I run the same setup and it works great. I found it to be the most practical, cost effective, and reliable option I could find. The only difference is my Better Built tool box has the pull handles. It works however with drawbacks. I can't use passenger side handle because tonneau obstructs it. Drivers side no problem. I owned tool box prior to installing Access Tonneau Cover and made it work. My toolbox version was under 300 dollars. I do really like the shotgun access you have. It's slick. Well done. Nice rig and vids.
Thanks Chad! We just upgraded from a short bed 2500 Dodge to a long bed 3500 Dodge Dually. I was unsure of what I was going to do with the bed till I saw this video. Love it!! Ironically the NEXT day a used Better Built tool box identical to your story appeared locally on FB marketplace. Picked it up this past Saturday and now need the tonneau cover!
Did it work out on your ram? Do you just buy a cover for a shortbed
@@txjps652 I am using the same Access Toolbox cover from the video. If you get the one for the long bed it fits with a 19-21” toolbox in place. The caution is make sure your tool has the “shot gun” latches or they are on the ends of the box. I was able to find a used toolbox, like in the video, but they did have them thru Tractor Supply also.
My Dodge is an ‘06 LWB dually and I have used it with an Anderson hitch and with a Goosebox currently with no issues.
Thank Chad...Joe went to Tractor Supply today and got the last one here in Dunn NC. Have a great day!
Great combination. I have the same cover with the same clamps. You have many more clamps that the six that was installed on my cover. After six years having the clamps fall, I decided to go with 1 1/2 inch C clamps. With as many clamps that you have and a different truck you may not have the problems I have had. Good luck with your tool box/cover. Sound like a winner.
I did notice when looking at install videos that the clamps are different. So, maybe they fixed an issue with them. Thanks for watching! 😊
Nice setup! Cheers
Found a Better Built SLE Toolbox and just ordered the Access Tonneau Cover. Thanks for doing all the research and sharing.
I've had ACCESS tonneau covers on my trucks now for over 15 years... They've always been excellent.. Nice setup Chad.. I loved your comment when removing the box liner (...JD vs. your patience).. You're like me - things that should be simple and aren't, test my already limited patience level... Great video - as always..
And sometimes you just want to break it because it was stupid. LOL
@@ChangingLanes LMAO.... You got it!!!
Glad you added the tonneau cover definition. That’s one of those things I’ve wondered why it’s named such and just kept forgetting to look it up. LOL Great review of both products. Thanks Chad!
Once again you guys Rock! I got my truck last week and the next day I was able to find the toolbox at Tractor Supply. I order the Tonneau bed for my Truck. This is the perfect setup that I wanted to Thank you for putting a great video.
Mine's here already! You gave my wife the ebay link last week!!!! Early Father's Day gift. It's great. No more tool buckets in the bed of my truck!
Glad you got one! Happy Early Fathers day! 😊
I'm on my 2nd Access Tonneau cover (2nd truck, not that I needed to replace the first). Love them and they are made in the USA (Jamestown, ND)!!
The Peragon hard tonneau cover is an amazing piece of work. You can have them custom made, and they are quite durable... aaaand they are EXPENSIVE.
I can vouch for the Paragon hard covers. While not a 5th wheel/tool box config, really works well on my Ram 1500 Rebel towing an Airstream. Retracts down to 6 inches when collapsed. Great covers.
I have the same set up for my truck and it’s been great. Been on my trucks for over 7 years and still looks like the same.
Works for you but I’m using a solid 3 piece cover with tool box tucked in bed clearing my cover., clears fifth wheel cap when turning More secure and no flapping. Do like your clips. Keep it up.
I used the same setup as JD (and yourself) and it works great, However, the flat frame piece of the Access cover between the tool box and cover is about 3/16 inches short compared to the width of my 2019 F350 bed. With that much of a gap the clamps would not stay on to hold the spacer and kept falling off. I eventually had to make two spacers out of thin metal to fill the gap and get the clamps to stay in place. I emailed the manufacturer of the cover explaining the problem and was told that the measurement was taken from a 2017 model truck and is within tolerance and that they did not have any spacers available. Great setup and works great.
Strange that there's 3/16 difference between a '17 and '19... Glad you figured out a workaround...
Great info guys! We are shopping now for the right toolbox/bed cover combo, would like to find a hard cover though for more security.
Cool! Let us know what you find!
Nice setup.
I wish they made a tonneau cover that worked with the L-shaped transfer fuel tanks. We had one on our Sierra (the tank). I used the tonneau soft fold from my Ram 1500 6' bed I kept when I sold it. Put it on the Sierra 8' DRW with the L-shaped tank. Left a gap of course but was good enuff to keep things out of sight when not towing and kept my 5er hitch out of the elements when not in use.
But I see alot of 5er owners with the transfer tanks and could see a small customer base that would appreciate the offering of the option.
Of course when we actually towed, we had to remove the cover as it could not fold small enuff. Which no big deal, it's easy to remove/install.
Maybe a soft or hard fold that had more (shorter) folding panels?
You are one of many UA-cam channels I follow, concerning full time RV Travel. I would love to take the plunge, but just not there yet. It makes total sense, to travel while you are young and healthy, and not miss all the wonderful things our beautiful country has to offer. I am burned out in the daily grind and have way to much house for my needs! One day, hopefully! Thanks for all your excellent information....Stay Well & Safe Travels! 😎👍
Keep the dream alive, Dave! 😊
Great video. I saw the tool box at Tractor Supply in New Port Richie yesterday. It was not the deep model but had the same latches.
We really like the setup. We’ve been looking for a cover and looks like we need to change tools boxes. Thanks for the suggestions.
Awesome, this was really helpful as I definitely will need a low profile toolbox and cover. The option of opening the toolbox without taking the cover off is important to me. Thanks Chad, I will hit up Better Built to bring back that toolbox.
Hey Chad, great job with this video. I have been looking at boxes and covers since we got our GD fifth wheel and Ram 3500 dually about 8 months ago. I think I am going to go for the combo box and roll cover, but it is big bucks. I can tell you take a lot of care preparing, filming & editing videos like this, and I’m sure all your viewers appreciate it.
Those all in ones are pretty nice! 👍🏼
Just a suggestion, but change your running boards out on the truck to the 3 step. I have the Ranch Hand ones on my truck. Made a world of difference when getting into to the toolchest. I could reach more to the center and to the bottom.
Looks like a great product! Thanks for the tip! 👍🏼
The relatively few times we access our tool box under the Tonneau negates the inconvenience of having to roll it up to get to it. Our Truxedo Pro X15 is super low profile and our Dee Zee 8537 holds all our stuff dry and safe the most frequently used gear is stored in the RV basement. It also provides room to stuff our Champion 3150 genny in the front of the bed. But heh, if yours works for you, that's great. YMMV as they say. Plenty of ways to skin a cat!
I went to Tractor Supply to look and they had one. One of the plastic latch handles was missing and I went to open it and the other one fell off. I was disappointed l, wish they had metal latch handles. Your eBay add is over $1300 now. You made an impression. LoL. I may hold off in hopes of a different model with metal handles. Thanks.
Extang also makes a toolbox tonneau bed cover and is fairly inexpensive ($300 for my 2013 F350 short bed). I also have the same Kobalt toolbox you used to have. I added a piece of paracord to the driver's side latch that runs back to the tailgate. Now I just open the tail gate and pull the cord to open the toolbox. i like having the toolbox latches hidden so thieves aren't tempted.
Ingenious, Bill. Thanks for the tip.
I'm a big fan of the Access covers. (Though I'm a bit biased, they're made in the state I grew up in, North Dakota. They've been making agricultural covers since 1981.) I've had them for 20 years on F-150's, with the last one since '11. I've tightened the rail up maybe 3 times. Still works as new.
Awesome! Hows the velcro holding up?
@@ChangingLanes It doesn't quite grab as much as new, but running your hand along the whole length, it still stays "hooked". It will not flutter going down the highway.
Thanks Chad!!! This was what I was waiting on, 'course my wife is not so happy with the ding to the checkbook, but it's definitely worth the investment, and she'll be glad to get my tools out of the storage area!! Stay healthy and safe!
Hey just bought the better built tool box from tractor supply. Only one had it near me in a 100mile radius for $599, but it had a huge dent in the rear corner and got it 50% off and I fixed the dent and all good now😁.
Awesome! 😀
We used a low profile craftsman toolbox (~$150, I think??), mounted it about 1.5" from the back of the truck, then mounted the tonneau cover about 1.5" from the toolbox (to allow access to the key on the front) and placed 2" adhesive rubber door weather stripping between the toolbox and the tonneau cover, with a separate lift up piece covering the key access. Not sure how to share photos, but willing to send, if interested in a cheaper toolbox solution!!
Thank you for the heads up about the discontinued box. I was able to locate one through Tractor Supply Company (TSC) and they happened to still have a black one in a nearby store. (June 2020) The other places I found on the internet are out of stock.
Nice Chad! We went with RetraxPRO with an in bed 40 gallon fuel tank. Takes away the space in front of the hitch but now we get 75 gallons of fuel and the ability to use the top of the tonneau when not hitched.
Wow! I reseached your info and your right. If you want to have the handles above the Tonneau cover, Low Profile, Single Lid Crossover, there's not much out there.(Even less in black). So I ordered one... Thanks.
Don't forget to shoot an email to Better Built and let them know they should bring it back! 👍🏼
Thanks Chad for the advice, sorry for my English I’m french canadian! :)
We brought the setup from Cruchmans in Newport News Virginia. Very happy
The light works with 8 AA batteries or a 12v source from the truck or elsewhere. It doesn’t need to be on a switch. The LED lights in the toolbox and the bed turn on and off as you open and close the toolbox.
Great videos.. I’m glad you had fun making it. Having the young lady walk in by mistake was cool. I no you put a lot of time on making it. But grate job..
nice truck Chad ..i see thats that You taking a good care of it .. like Lucile ..good for You
If you take the light out you will see there is a battery compartment for 8 AA batteries. No hooking up to switches needed. Install the batteries and the lights come on when you open the lid.
Hello Chad, I liked your video on the cover and truck box so much that I purchased them. I wanted to let you know that after installing the tool box I discovered that the box already has everything to power the light included. If you look inside the box you need to remove two silver screws on the light lens panel and inside you will find a battery holder for 8 AA batteries. I just thought I would let you know that you have everything to power the light.
Hmmmm. I'll have to look into that! 👍🏼 Thanks for the tip! 👍🏼
I also have the same towel cover for the same reason had a slide in truck camper and a fifth wheel but after about two years the Velcro did not hold wind caught it took it right off hope you have better luck
Thanks for sharing. Will keep an eye on it.
Been waiting for this video! I have an Access Cover on my truck. I did not know they even made something like this. Now I have something to look for to cover up the 5th wheel on my work truck. Thanks a lot for another great video. You are sharing great information. Thanks again.
William Astorino
1 second ago
Tractor supply still sells them as of today (11/23/20). They are $599.99! However I just got a Tractor Supply black Friday sale flyer and starting tomorrow, I get 25% off of all truck tool boxes. I have to order this one but I still get the 25% discount. Thanks to you and then & JD, I finally found what I need. to use with a tonneau cover. Now if the virus doesn't shut down auto plants, my new F-350 will start being built in 2 days. Thank you and JD for your great videos. They are interesting and entertaining as well as very educational! Keep up the great travels. We hope to start in the spring. We have our 40 ft Montana, but can't move it until we get the truck and all the stuff we need for it.
Glad you're able to snag one! 😀
@@ChangingLanes Thanks! But when I got there to order one everyone was busy so I looked at their stock of tool boxes. They had one in stock that had the push buttons on the ends and it had the 3.5 inch above the bed rails and it was a much deeper one for more room inside. it is 19 inches from top of lid to bottom of the tool box. I must have measured it a dozen times at least and compared it to the one you have that I intended to order. This should work. Better yet it was stickered at $449.99 and was on Black Friday sale price of $337.49!!!!! I brought it home. They said when the new truck comes in I can return it for a full refund if it won't work! So I guess you figured out that it is now sitting in my garage. Thought you would like to know they are both available at Tractor Supply to post for other interested people. The item # for this one is #1174114. Thanks again for the tip on the short one.
There is no plastic tray/box in this one and there is no light, but for this price who cares? Tractor Supply has both. If sold out they will order them for you.
Sorry to keep bugging you, but people need to know that I am putting this on a 2021 F-350 4x4 crew cab but it is a single rear wheel not a dually. the bed is 6'9" not 8'!!! The Access cover for this truck is different. Real Truck part number is ACI-61399
Great video Chad. I just added a sixty gallon transfer tank that has a small toolbox on top of it and it all fits under the the tonneau cover, when not towing. By the way, we just missed you guys at The Great Outdoors, checked in today, staying a week.
Nice video. I wish that toolbox had an auxiliary tank!
Perfectly thought out video! Thanks Chad!
Might be nice to have a video on the six point leveling system - how to use manual mod etc
Pretty sure I passed you guys going towards Knoxville Saturday morning. Made my day to see you guys on the road again in your element making memories and videos for the rest of us. Thanks for the virtual trips and all of the info you guys have to offer. Hope you guys are doing well.
Small world! That was likely us.. 😀 Hope you're well also! 👍🏼
Well that’s the setup I’ve been looking for! But I bought a new tractor last week so I’m gonna have to hold off. Dang it! Thanks for the info. We’re pulling our 5th wheel out in a couple of weeks.
Love E-Trailer. I don't care what you are thinking about buying, they have a video on it.
I have similar cover made by Gator. I went with it to cover my aux fuel tank. In my opinion, those clamps suck. I ended up drilling holes and placing nuts & bolts to secure the rails. I wouldn’t be surprised if you don’t eventually do the same.
Better built has a very nice mounting system, but there wasn't enough room for it. So, yea... Self tapping bolts into the bed rails was the only solution.
Nice clean clean looking setup 👍🏼
You guys are funny weathertech cover is the same thing i have one ,my tool box is small it has a 60 gallon fuel tank under it and mine covers all of it .great info!
I sure wish we had seen this before buying everything we have. That is a real nice setup.
It was very helpful !!! thank you. from Japan
Loved the setup. I have always wondered about covers and 5th wheel hookups. I have a fold up tonneau cover on my truck. I was hauling some stuff from my sons house in Kansas City to Dallas area in torrential rain storms and not a drop was found in the bed after the trip. My cover does go over the bed frame so I would rather have your style for options.
Truck looks great with the cover, I'd like to do a cover but I have a 5th wheel tailgate. Glad Tara and Daisy made it into the video, kinda strange not seeing the both of you in the shot. Great outtakes, and yes Etrailer has a great group of tech's
Excellent presentation of a solution for multiple problems! Now just to find one of those toolboxes! Glad to have found your video before I bought a toolbox! Wrote to the manufacturer, as you suggested. Why do they call it a shotgun latch? Never heard of that before…
It's called a shotgun latch because it's a lot like the lever on a shotgun to run the bolt back and load a shell.. 👍🏼
I have a headache rack, toolbox and tonneau cover, more recently added a gooseneck hitch to my F-250.
Thank you. I just ordered a toolbox tonneau cover from Etrailer.
👍🏼 I hope you saw the note in the description and/or blog... We also pinned a comment: ⚠️ UPDATE! - After traveling a bit, we've had our pin box hit the tonneau rails a few times! ☹️ We're not sure if it's just because we have this huge Flex-Air pin box or if this might be an issue on all pin boxes. The damage has been minor and isolated to just the rails. I've been able to bend back the bent areas. And the damage is hidden under the cover. Please be aware and maybe take some measurements of the distance from the pin to the back of the pin box and compare that to the distance from the center of your hitch to the side rails.
@@ChangingLanes Yes I saw your update. Thanks. I dont have a 5th wheel. Ill be A-OK
So, breaking something while working on it. Kinda follows the two rules I learned while in the Navy;
1) If it don't fit force it. If it breaks, it needed to be replaced anyway.
2) Torque it till it strips and back it off a 1/4 turn.
😁
You forgot bust your knuckles because the jack-wagon who designed this didn't consider people actually working on it.. LOL
@@ChangingLanes I didn't have to worry about that too much, I worked in AIMD so everything was small(ish).
We did that also. Works great.
Nice...Tool Box and Cover look great on the truck.
Great video Chad, I don’t have a 5th wheel but I like the setup. I currently have a hard cover without a tool box.
Well, you’ve been teasing long enough. Thanks for coming through. 😜 Awesome products and they fit great for your setup, Chad. I, coincidentally, was watching JD’s video yesterday and thought “I wonder if Chad has seen this?”. That cover is perfect. Happy to hear about your affiliation with eTrailer. Well deserved, guys. And glad you squeezed in the girls at the end there. I think I’d have a little “blondie” withdrawal if you didn’t. 😉 Thanks for the great info, Chad. Troy
Check the McWelco toolboxes. New they are pricey, but heavy duty construction and the V series is know as the 5th wheel box.
Great video on. While we don't have a tool box, the cover was pretty cool.
Stay healthy kids.
Cool video Chad, I have the solid Back flip MX 4 , But now I wish I'd gotten this one, The Hard cover is a bit more to fold back,
Just purchased 2 boxes from a friend who sells Better Built. They still have something like 170 boxes in stock but resist selling them for some reason. Crazy.
Well, that is strange!
Chad thanks a ton you saved me a bunch, doing it two or three times for that I thank you! Any reason you don't think this one would not work? Seems to be about the same dimensions as your drawing on the blog. Seems like most of the generic brand boxes come from the same place, I've yet to notice in great differences in that 3-5 hundred dollar range unless it's truly in those handle mechanisms? Found this one at tractor supply will be removing the badging to mount the cover looks like simple plastic rivets. It's not a shotgun latch but seems to have a nice clean rear face for connecting to the cover, it was about $400 at Tractor Supply. Oh, the picture on TS website shows the release buttons on the rear but on the one I purchased with the same P/N 1174114 the buttons are on the side..similar to your first toolbox.
I purchased the same tool box from Tractor Supply on clearance for 495 + tax after seeing BTBRV video also. Only concern I have is that it has opened up on me randomly while locked and driving. Called Better Built and was so that the box had been discontinued and the parts for the latches were not available. It sounded like it was a common problem. Might want to put an alternate lock also
Thanks for the info. Haven't had that problem, but what did you do to fix it?
Changing Lanes Haven’t figured it out yet. Like your videos and was hoping you had some ideas.
Nice. Been thinking of a tool box. So far haven’t really needed one and would have to buy a new tonneau cover. Thanks for the review and video. Looks nice. 👍
Chad for the ultimate truck bed setup add the ReeseGoose Box that JD from Big Truck NO RV uses and get your truck bed back!
We will once they release the 27K version.. 👍🏼
@@ChangingLanes gen-y has a 5th to goose pin box that has a max capacity of 30k
Ur cover looks just like and rolls up with the side Velcro of the Truxall on my S10. Great set up. (Velcro is great but after several yrs the top is holding up great but the Velcro is seeing its better days and not gripping well). What I do like about mine and urs is that the lock mechanism to the cover is behind the end gate when closed. PS. No video is complete without Tara and Daisy.
Chad, I had an access cover on my Ford truck which had a short bed. I had 5th wheel conflict issues because of the sliding hitch. The pin box made contact with frame work of the cover. I no longer have that truck or I would send a video. Just a heads up.
Nice!! You helped me made my mind up, thanks. Great video!!
Chad, you have enough tools to fix an aircraft carrier... And I love it! 😂
Great videos by you and Tara. Love watching your adventures and helpful tips. You two have fun and be safe
"Bumblebee, bumblebee... Gotta go." Another great video guys.
JD is a pretty smart fella. I am likely to try this setup!
I've seen a photo somewhere on line where the side rail on the Tonneau cover were slightly cut away in a 1/2 moon shape to prevent the pin box from hitting the rail. Has anyone done something similar?
I am in the process of purchasing a new Vanleigh 41LKB and was looking for a truck toolbox and cover option for my truck. The timing on this video couldn't have been better. Many Thanks to Changing Lanes for this post.
Great video, really helpful. I did find a toolbox fuel tank combo. Curious about thoughts on carrying fuel this way. Finding prices varying up to $2 a gallon. As well as fewer stops
Looks great.. Nice combo. My only question would be the longevity of the velcro before it no longer works. Hooks last forever.. but the loops wear out.. In my experience.
IT lasts even less time when the pin box tears up the rails.. 😳 See: changinglanesrv.com/faq/?Display_FAQ=2978
Awesome video! Super informative, Hubs was looking at this exact combo. 👍🏻
Greetings from Florida
Great video, thanks for sharing E Trailer is one of my favorites
Stay safe, ride safe
Bought one (SLE toolbox shotgun latches) at Tractor Supply Co a few weeks ago (today is 4/28/2021). I also ripped out the divider stuff immediately... huge waste of box space.
Chad, This was a great video to help me prepare for my future truck setup. I did find on Betterbuilt's website a model 77211943 that looks like a low profile shotgun latch box. They add D rings and a light to the outside. Check it out and maybe this is something your viewers cod purchase if they can't find the one you have.
Looks right.. It's the shallower version but should fit.
You always make great videos. Some are over my head, but. they're still great. We are thinking of a trip with the grandkids. Being "high risk", I just want to be safe.
Hey Thank You Friend
I’m like you I know it’s going to be a good product and is always as you say
I was able to make my tonneau from my old 6.5' bed truck work on my new 8' bed. Found a narrow toolbox that fit then measured the dimensions between the tool box and tonneau. Took it to a metal fab shop and had it made out of aluminum diamond plate.