Yes, I know, there are zillion threads about tonneau covers. But I'm looking for specific information about using a tonneau cover with a crossover, above-the-bed-rail toolbox. Even though I want a tool box, I still want some sort of cover for the rest of the bed. My truck is a 2011 F-150 XLT SCrew 4x4 5.5' bed. Yes, with a tool box installed, I won't have much bed left, but that's OK for how I'll be using the truck and I still want to cover the bed.

I first looked at the American Work Cover from Truck Covers USA. I really like the idea of a retractable cover and it's cool the way they've integrated the canister into the tool box. On the other hand, the resulting tool box isn't very big and the whole thing is very expensive ($2600-2900).

So, I've been looking at tonneau covers that will work with a tool box.

After looking around at tool boxes on the web, I've found that I really like the Highway Products gullwing box. Their box seems to maximize the available space, but it still opens almost down to the top of the bed rail for easy access from the side.

I have found that both Extang and Truxedo have soft roll-up covers with integral bows that can be attached to a tool box. The covers are sized to fit the bed along with the tool box. Between the two, is there any real difference? From what I can tell, the Truxedo side rails look a little flimsy and stick out into the bed while the Extang rails seem more substantial and less intrusive.

Are there any solid panel covers that will work with a tool box? I know Bak has a tool box that works with their covers, but it doesn't appear to be very sturdy.

Interested in hearing what you guys might suggest.

 

Why not just get a box that doesn't go over the rails? I've got one in my 95 and I love it-- doesn't change the look of the truck when the gate is up:

 

I've thought of that, but I want to be able to reach into the box from the side. That's why I'm looking at gull-wing boxes. With most below the rail boxes, I'd have to climb into the bed to get into the box.

 

Get the side step things that u kick to open out lol

 

Very happy with my bakflip and bak box. 100% weather proof

 

Yeah its definitely not very easy to get into it unless you climb into the bed... If that's a dealbreaker then it's probably not the best solution for you.

 

Pics?

 

Since the Bak Box is basically a fold-up thing made from the same material as the Bak top, I'm concerned about its durability with a heavy load in it.

I'm gonna make some calls today to Extang and Truxedo to pick their brains. I sent an email to Extang's information email address last week, but no response. (This is a pet peeve of mine--if you are going to publish an info email address on your web site, answer the damn emails.)

Any more thoughts from the group will certainly be appreciated.

 

I can sit in the center my box (already loaded) and there is no flex. The only drawback, for some, of the BakBox is size. Its 10-inches wide and 11-inches deep.