Weather Guard Saddle Box Model 127-6-03 Truck Toolbox Review

This tool review features the newly redesigned saddle box truck toolboxes from Weather Guard. The model shown is the Model 127-6-03 aluminum saddle box in a gunmetal gray finish.  This is not the same diamond-plate box you are accustomed to seeing. Weather Guard has brought incredible style, features, and high-tech options to the saddle box line.

Cross-bed style toolboxes are an almost mandatory accessory for anyone in the skilled trades or construction industry, who drives a pickup truck. Since 1968, the Weather Guard name has been synonymous with storage options for pros and consumers. The new saddle box line builds on that Weather Guard legacy started by Mr. Howard Knaack over sixty years ago.

Weather Guard Saddle Box Specs

• Box Dimensions: 72″L x 20.5″W x 18.5″T
• Weight: 90 Lbs.
• Material: Aluminum
• Construction: 5 Piece Welded
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime

Standard Saddle Box Features

In addition to a streamlined and tapered look, the Weather Guard saddle boxes all include two exterior folding tie-down points. The 127-6-03 features a gunmetal grey ARMOR Tuf powder coat finish. This finish is durable and designed to resist fading and wear. In addition to aluminum boxes, the saddle box line is available in steel all steel construction. There are also non-diamond plate options as well as black, white, and polished aluminum finishes. Weather Guard offers an option for whatever your style preferences may be.

In addition to style options, there are additional depth offerings as well. The 127-6-03 is 18.5″ tall and provides approximately 10.5″ of clearance between the bottom of the box and the bed of a newer Chevy 2500 pickup truck. This gap is crucial for allowing the carrying of sheet goods with a short-bed pickup. As pictured above, full sheets of 3/4″ plywood still easily fit in the bed at an angle.

Weather Guard 1KEY ULTRALOCK

Even in the locked position, the cylinder on the Weather Guard saddle box stays in the protruded position. This is different from prior generations of boxes that lock in the inward position.

With 1KEY ULTRALOCK, any Weather Guard toolbox can be coded to the same manual key. The lock systems arrive blank and need to be coded by the individual user. This is done by inserting the key into the blank lockset and rotating it. Once this is done, the lock is now coded to that key. This feature makes setting a single truck with multiple boxes to one key, a breeze. Additionally, fleet managers can key multiple truck boxes to the same master pattern key.

Weather Guard PowerSync Options

PowerSync Interior Truck Box Lights

Working in the dark sucks. Scrambling in the dark, digging through a toolbox, while using your cellphone to search for something really sucks. Thankfully, Weatherguards PowerSync PS8100 interior light kit eliminates this potential suckfest. The LED kit features a strip of bright white lights that completely illuminate the interior of the box.

The lights are activated by this magnetic switch. Once the box lid is fully open, the magnet is positioned to activate the lights. When closing the lid, the lights automatically turn off once the magnet is moved.

PowerSync Remote Keyless Entry

PowerSync brings the luxury of push-button remote keyless entry to the world of truck toolboxes. The Model PS8004 kit includes a key-fob style remote that electronically releases the top lid of the box and actuates it open. Additionally, the keyless entry system works while the box is locked. Now instead of fumbling with manual keys, users can press a button to gain access to the contents of the toolbox.

Sometimes, aesthetics are equally as important as function. Weather Guard seems to get this because every component of the PowerSync accessories are coated in the same beautiful red finish to match the other interior components of the saddle box line. The boxes look cool and also perform very well. A single remote is also compatible with up to three toolboxes on any vehicle.

Installation

Installing the saddle box is straightforward and simple. The included mounting brackets are straightforward and easy to access. However, the installation gets more complicated when including the PowerSync options. The LED light kit and remote entry options both require power. Weather Guard provides users with a couple of different ways of achieving this.

The first option is the PS8003 kit, which ties directly into the trailer hitch wiring harness on a vehicle. This option is extremely quick and easy to access. However, the vehicle that I installed the saddle box on had a fifth-wheel setup where the wiring harnesses are located inside of the truck bed. This made accessing them difficult and not an option. Instead, I used the PS8004 kit and tied the wiring harness into the truck’s fuse box in the front end. While this is a longer route to run wiring, it was still very straightforward and easy to do.

The wiring harnesses were easily secured to the existing vehicle wiring.

All of the included hardware from Weather Guard is of exceptional quality. The provided wire loom as well as all of the other wiring harnesses feature marine-grade connectors. Everything was easy to plug together once routed properly.

Room For Improvement

Overall I found the design of the saddle box to be excellent. The additional light kits and remote opener also add a serious wow factor in addition to enhanced convenience and field performance. The only of concern for me was the lack of shielding for the main electronic control unit.

Pictured above is the computer module that controls the LED lights as well as the remote opener. It must sit inside the box in order to receive the signals from the remote. Weather Guard includes adhesive tape to secure the module inside of the box. The instructions also tell the user to secure it wherever they can find space for it. We ended up putting it in the side pocket of the driver’s side due to a lack of slack in the wiring harnesses.

While this seems like a well-protected position, it also takes up some critical fast-reach space for a truck box. That area is often where I keep gloves, measuring tapes, and other frequently grabbed items. I am also concerned about potentially damaging this module when putting items back. A dedicated space for the control module with some sort of metal shielding for protection would eliminate this issue in the future.

Overall Impression of the Weather Guard Saddle Box

Overall the Weather Guard Model 127-6-03 is an excellent truck box. It features clean modern styling with well-thought-out features. I really love the metal sliding organizer tray inside of the box as well as the two D-ring tie-down hooks on the front of it. Additionally, the ability to add PowerSync options like the LED light kit and remote keyless access make this a truly modern solution for truck storage. An added bonus of the saddle box is that Milwaukee PACKOUT users can store some of their organizers inside of the box without modification. I found that many of my organizers fit perfectly inside the Weather Guard box and the reds and blacks look very good together. As I mentioned before, sometimes aesthetics are equally as important as function.

Price and Availability

Currently, the model 127-6-03 is available for $966.00 at ACME Tools. While a substantial investment, this is an exceptionally well-built, innovative, and American-made toolbox with great features. The PowerSync options are not included but can be added anytime. The keyless entry kit is available for $241.99 and the LED light kit is currently priced at $101.99. Overall these add-ons offer excellent value. Follow the Buy Now link below to purchase a Weather Guard saddle box or any other accessories from our friends at ACME Tools.

Weather Guard Saddle Box PowerSync Toolbox Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Weather Guard Van Storage System – Installation and Use

In my last article about the Weather Guard tool storage solutions, I brought you through the steps of selecting components to customize your particular van storage system with the online van configurator from Weather Guard.  You can review that article viewed here.

Today I will walk you through the assembly, installation, and use of the system.

Weather Guard – Durable Components

When unboxing the flat-packed shelving systems and components, the first thing I noticed was the quality and durability of the finish and the materials themselves.  The 18 gauge steel components are rigid and structural, yet not overly heavy enough to create a weight concern for anyone running a 1/2 ton van.  The side panels are folded 90 degrees along both the front and back edges for strength. WeatherGuard predrills these panels with holes, offering many adjustments for the shelving installation.

Shelves

The shelves are all hemmed and slotted to receive the supplied dividers. Also, WeatherGuard punched the shelf pieces for easy installation of the optional locking cabinets. Using the supplied captive nuts at each corner, the user can quickly assemble the shelves using only a ratchet and socket. WeatherGuard even makes its toolbox with captive nuts for easy installation.

Drawers

I selected the toolbox drawers with all-steel construction, mounted with full extension drawer slides, and a slide lock under the integrated handle. The slide lock ensures that the drawers will remain closed while in transit until you want them open.

Powder Coated Materials

All of these major components are finished with Weather Guard’s Brite White ARMOR TUF powder coat, giving this system a great look in addition to impressive durability.  WeatherGuard paints the smaller steel accessory components in a bright red powder coat, keeping with their branded color scheme.

Accessories

I did not select any of the plastic bin storage units or parts cases for this installation.  I can only expect that these components are of the same quality as what I received – the quality synonymous with the Weather Guard name.

This review will touch on flooring protection, shelf liners, and security accessories for the Weather Guard van storage system.

Weather Guard Van Storage System Assembly

More often than not, I assume users will have their systems installed by one of the authorized distributors in their local area. If you are considering having the factory approved installation performed for you,  my observations and comments may not be as relevant. What I hope you pick up are some insights into how the system works. My installation experience can be important if you decide to make some adjustments to a dealer-installed system. You may want to change the location of an installed component or change the shelf’s height. These adjustments are common when a user starts fitting up the new system and deciding what goes where.

Read Instructions for Install Tips – Please!

Before you tear into the bags of hardware, grab a socket wrench, and start slamming pieces together, please read and pay attention to the Weather Guard instructions.  There, I said it.  No one wants to admit they need the instructions for anything, right? Trust me on this one. Reading the instructions will save you the time of taking your finely assembled shelving unit apart to put it together correctly. I know this from experience.

I could sit here and tell you I read the instructions cover to cover before I began, but I’m a typical guy with a knowledge of tools and construction. In my case, I read as far as I thought I needed to understand what was going on. Then I started assembling the system. I ended up taking sections of my completed work apart multiple times.

The Weather Guard folks point out all the quirks and tricks in the instruction manual that allow the user to assemble the units in one shot correctly. So take the time to read the manual, my friend. You will thank yourself later.

Pre Install Tip – Plan and LayOut The Bottom Shelf Carefully

I noticed that Weather Guard details the all-important bottom shelf location for each type of van in their instruction manuals. I recommend you pay close attention to this particular procedure. The most crucial step is the location of the bottom-most shelf/component.  The height requirement can often vary due to clearance over the wheel wells.  My initial thought was to mount the bottom shelf as low as possible to get the most vertical storage possible.

While this proved right on the driver’s side shelf unit, which is mounted directly behind the bulkhead, the rear-mounted units require a different approach.  Also, due to the taper integrated into the top of the side panels, one shelf lacks the full depth of the others.  This shelf must be installed at the very top of the unit.

Assembling The Shelves

Once the mounting locations are decided, the shelf assembly is a breeze.  You will need to slip the shelf between the side panel’s front and back leg at the desired hole location and attach it with the supplied mounting bolt.  The captive nuts on the shelves are a straightforward and thoughtful addition. For me, this demonstrates the effort and thought that had been put into engineering this system.  The Weather Guard system completely eliminates the three-handed task of fumbling with tools and hardware while holding the shelf to attach everything. I cannot overstate what a time and frustration-saver this engineering solution provides. Well done, Weather Guard,  well done.

Attaching The Back Panels and Storage Unit

Attaching the back panels and locking doors to a shelving unit will create a storage cabinet. This assembly process is more time consuming due to the sheer number of nuts and bolts involved.  But the finished assembly is a well-fitting, secure, and enclosed cabinet.  WeatherGuard outfits the door with a quarter-turn locking D-handle assembly. Also, they provide a braided steel cable tieback to keep the door at a 90-degree angle when open.  I find this is a nice feature to prevent the door from slamming down. Additionally, it provides a convenient place to set down small objects while searching through the cabinet, looking for other items.

Shelf Brackets

Within the hardware kit, you will find brackets for mounting the assembled shelving units into the van.  It is worth noting that you will need to install the base mounting brackets regardless of whether or not you purchase the installation kit or not.  I attached these to the assembled shelving units, flush with the side panels’ bottom edge before setting them in the van.  The upper mounting brackets are more of a universal, adjustable type bracket. The installation kit allows me to omit these standard brackets. In my opinion, the standard top brackets limit the flexibility and use of the top shelf.

Weather Guard Van Storage System Installation

The most time-consuming part of the Weather Guard van storage system installation process was the planning and prepping. It was essential to pre-plan and think through the installation steps. (Of course, thoroughly reading the manual might have cut down on the planning time.)  As previously mentioned, this step will most likely be handled by your local distributor, but I’ll walk you through my experiences.

There wasn’t anything too tricky about the install, and the specialty tools required were actually included with the hardware kit.  With a measuring tape, drill, bits, sockets, and wrenches, a professional can do this with knowledge of the tools in a day or two. The installation time, of course, will depend on the amount of gear you purchase for your van.

Second Set of Hands To Get Started

The initial installation stage was much easier with two people.  Measurements must be taken from a given point that can be coordinated on both the inside of the van and the undercarriage. This is critical to ensure no interference with brake lines or fuel lines. Careful measuring and coordinating the locations pay off when drilling holes through the van’s floor.

In this case, I had help, and we determined a good benchmark would be the rear bumper and the centerline of the van.  Having a helper saved me a tremendous amount of time and avoided mistakes.

In my installation, I had to shift the driver’s side unit slightly to avoid wiring underneath the vehicle.

Once I drilled the mounting holes, I installed squish nuts supplied in the kit with the necessary tools to install and seal them onto the floor permanently.

Get The Installation Kit Designed For YOUR Vehicle

Earlier, I mentioned that installation kits are specifically designed for your vehicle.  The custom installation kit takes the storage system from “generic” to the next level of specificity.  For example, Weather Guard replaces standard angle brackets with a custom mounting rail fastened to the vehicle structure at the van’s roofline.

In my installation, I used several existing factory holes in addition to drilling a few new ones.  Weather Guard provides the installation kit with squish nuts that are permanently installed into the mounting locations. I found this installation to be a simple task with a bolt and washer for each nut.

Many van storage systems use a generic one size fits most design approaches. This is not the case with the Weather Guard van storage system. Each component is designed to work seamlessly with the factory structural supports of your vehicle. This eliminates wasted space while maintaining strength and security.

Weather Guard Thermoplastic Rubber Floor Mat

I chose to include the WeatherGuard model 89021 thermoplastic rubber floor mat. I like this rubber floor mat and consider it a great addition to my van. The mat keeps things in place on the floor where I put them and prevents loads from skidding along the van floor. Also, I find the mat reduces the rattling noise of any items on the floor. The mat protects the floor from scratches from objects I load in and out daily.

The floor mat expands and contracts in differing temperatures.  I advise you to carefully follow the installation instructions to find the recommended hole sizes and understand the shelving mounting hardware’s clearances. You need to adhere to the instructions to eliminate possible thermal expansion issues.

Mounting The Shelves With Shim Bushings

Installed the shelving units in the van is very easy. I selected the appropriate shim bushing from the hardware kit to level shelving on the van’s floor.  Weather Guard supplies differing shim thicknesses to install the shelving level. Whether the hole lands on or between the raised profiles, I found the shims can accommodate most vehicle floor systems.

Once I mounted the base brackets to the floor, I was able to mount the supplied angle brackets to the upper mounting rail. The predrilled holes along the back edge are another great example of the thought Weather Guard put in this product.

Weather Guard Van Storage System Accessories

Weather Guard offers a full line of trade-specific accessories.  I ordered a caulk tube holder, ladder bracket, 3 hook bracket for electrical cords, a 5-gallon bucket holder, and security screens for the rear windows. The accessories bolt directly to the shelving units with supplied hardware.

I mounted the bucket holder to the floor the same way as the shelving units. I installed the security screens by mounting them directly to the rear door frames with the supplied self-drilling screws.  As the final installation step, I added in my shelf liners and dividers and loaded my storage system up with my tools, boxes, and other items.

Weather Guard Van Storage System – 3-Month Look Back

At this point, I have used the Weather Guard van storage system for three months.  I am incredibly pleased with the system and the shelving components and accessories have performed with no issues.  To date, I have not had to adjust the drawers or doors, and none of the mounting hardware has needed retightening.  Even under heavy use, the powder coating looks as good as the day I installed it.

The shelving dividers work well to keep tools and boxes in place. The depth of the shelves has kept items from sliding off the shelves.  With the 16″ depth units on the driver’s side and 13″ on the passenger side, I have encountered no issues fitting materials or large tools on the floor between the shelving units.

Room For Improvement?

I have very little to suggest as improvements to the Weather Guard van storage system. I can only offer a modification to the shelf mat systems. The mat does not stay in place without enough shelf dividers to hold it in place.  It slides on the powder-coated shelf and could take a light toolbox or other stored materials with it. Strategically placed dividers can pinch the mat onto the shelf. I have added double-sided tape to keep the mat laying flat in the absence of the dividers.

Overall Impression

Overall, I am extremely happy with the quality and usefulness of this system.  The shelving easily holds my toolboxes as well as larger loose tools.  The drawer system keeps smaller tools handy, and the enclosed cabinets house smaller products and other tools keeping them secure during travel.

Weather Guard Van Storage System Installation is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Weather Guard Van Configurator

As a contractor, there aren’t many things more important to -us than our tools.  Because of this, the way we store, transport, and care for those tools should be a high priority.  We have all seen that van or truck that pulls up to a job site and opens the doors with tools or materials falling out. In addition to a safety issue, you know that this contractor will constantly be shuffling through that mess. He will spend valuable time digging to the bottom of the pile of things in the back of the van, looking for that one item he needs at that moment. He is doomed to repeat that process over and over again.

Now imagine a neatly organized, well laid out, rugged storage system designed specifically for your van and tailored for the specific work you do.  Tools organized where they belong, materials exactly where you placed them, and open floor space to boot!  This scenario enables an increase in work efficiency and allows for more effective utilization of your vehicle. Where going to show you how to customize your van using the Weather Guard Van Configurator.

The Weather Guard van storage equipment makes this all possible. You can customize their system with the Custom Van Configurator, on the Weather Guard website, to find the exact tool you need. Designing a custom van interior configuration has never been easier. Let’s take a look at what’s available.

Customize Your Work Vehicle  – 7 Steps

Head on over to the Weather Guard website www.weatherguard.com, and click on the custom configurator tab to get started.  The process is super easy to create a login. Once you have done that, the rest is fun and easy.

The Configurator

• Step 1  is to select your specific van make and model and configuring the custom storage solution that suits your needs. With six (6) major manufacturers represented, some with multiple models, you are sure to find your specific vehicle and, in turn, a configuration for you. For this review, we’ll be looking at the Ram Pro-Master, specifically a 2019 1/2 ton (1500) 136″ wheelbase, high roof.

• Step 2  immediately impresses the user with a list of pre-configured packages designed for multiple trades, from commercial shelving or general service van, to more specific configurations for cable/plumber, HVAC/mechanical or electrical contractors. Simply selecting one of these configurations put together by the pros at Weather Guard would suit many contractors’ needs. The ability to add on to one of these configurations is the icing on the cake.

Make it your own

 Let’s say you search through the preselected configurations on the website, and you don’t see quite what you are looking for.  Or maybe you’re a specialty contractor with specific requirements for storage.  Weather Guard has you covered as well with the custom configurator and the ability to select the pieces and parts you want in your van.

• Step 3  gets you on track to a fully custom installation beginning with one of three bulkhead styles to create a safe, secure storage area. From here, your custom storage solution starts with selecting from a seemingly endless selection of shelving sizes and configurations. These include open shelving, available 13.5″, 16″, and 24″ deep, closed, lockable storage cabinets with solid steel doors. The system even provides drawer units with full extension drawer slides and slide locks to keep the drawers closed during transit.

Detailed Storage Designs

I can not emphasize enough is the quality and detailed information available on the online van configurator.  Weather Guard has created an exceptional product offering. While customizing a storage solution for your application, the program automatically keeps track of what components you’ve selected and what amount of space you have left for additional items on both sides of the van based on your original make and model specification. For example, once I select my van from the list, the application shows me what is available for space on both the driver’s side and on the passenger side between the side and rear doors. This brings us to the next step.

• Step 4  will open your mind to the endless options Weather Guard has put together for the end-user. While selecting components, the configurator will show you a 3D representation of the van’s components and show the space remaining for additional shelving or other accessories.  This allows the user to drag and drop shelving units and accessories and see what your van will look like before ordering any actual parts.

• Step 5  brings you outside the van for ladder rack storage. There are multiple options, from basic crossbars to the Easyglide2 drop-down ladder rack system.

• Step 6  The accessories. Now that you have selected your primary storage and shelving units picked, it’s time to get down to the specifics.  From a rubber floor liner to caulk or spray can storage, choosing all the right accessories will truly make this work van yours.  Conduit storage units, locking shelf doors, extension cord hooks, and bucket organizers are just the tip of the iceberg.  Small parts bins and locking drawers with full extension drawer slides can undoubtedly help with productivity, keeping you from searching around for the things you need to get the job done.  Now you have completed your virtual design.

• Step 7  Fill in your zip code, allowing the configurator to give you a list of local distributors to purchase and install your new custom storage solution.  The application lists the distributors by distance from your zip code from 10 to 100 miles, ranked by the closest first.  These distributors will help make your 3D online configuration a reality.

Weather Guard Custom Van Pricing

Pricing is not listed within the configurator, so contacting your local distributor is a must to finalize your purchase.  Your van’s installation time will vary depending upon the configuration and amount of components. I can not see why most of these installations wouldn’t be completed in one day.

The commitment to create your custom work van could be as little as 30 – 60 minutes, depending upon your computer knowledge and if you select one of Weather Guard’s pre-configured systems.  I spent a total of roughly 2 1/2 hours working through the program, scanning all the configurations and options before assembling what would become my final assembly.

Overall User Experience

Overall, the configurator was easy to work through, and the online tutorial will spell out the process perfectly.  The website ran the program seamlessly, and the 3D representation of the van and the Weather Guard pieces and parts mocked up within gives the user a real-time feel for the finished configuration.  The user can manipulate the 3D view around any axis and visualize the van interior from any angle. This certainly gives the user one confidence in their selections.

For our review, Weather Guard systems allowed us to purchase directly for our 2019 Ram Pro-Master. That way, we can experience the installation process on our own, and allowing us the first-hand experience of the assembly and installation of the products.

Be sure to check out the second installment of this review, where we’ll dive into the installation and use of the Weather Guard storage system we selected.  We intentionally put this to use in a work van for an extended time to get a real-life experience to accurately depict what to expect from the Weather Guard system.

Weather Guard Van Configurator is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Weather Guard 127-52-02LF Saddle Box With Integrated Lighting Review

In my opinion, Weather Guard makes the finest truck tool boxes on the market. From the high quality locks to the superb gas springs, I haven’t found a better box. Weather Guard has recently upped the ante with the new LED light kit that can be purchased with a new box or as a retrofit kit to light your current Weather Guard box.

To paraphrase my experience, this box kicks ass.

Specifications

• Style: Saddle Box
• Approx. Product Height: 18.5in
• Approx. Product Length: 71.5in
• Approx. Product Width: 20.25in
• Approx. Product Weight (lb): 87
• Approx. Cu. Ft. Per Unit: 11.3
• Material: Aluminum
• Color: Textured Matte Black
• Powder Coat Finish: Yes
• Key Alike: On Request
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime

Features

Lighting

Obviously, the main difference between this box and any other Weather Guard box is the lights. With over 600 lumens, these easily light up the entire box. As any contractor (or anyone that has ever had to dig around their tool box with a flashlight in their mouth) knows, this is a long overdue and welcome feature. The lights turn on automatically when the lid is opened and conversely, turn off when it is closed. Lastly, they are IP66 rated to withstand normal (read: tough as hell) job site conditions.

Security

The locks on the 127-52-02LF Saddle Box are very well designed as well. Weather Guard says they are automotive style rotary latches, which basically means that they work well and are tough. When you unlock the box, a push “button” pops out and push it, opening the box a full 90°. When you want to lock it, you simply turn the key to lock and depress the “button” and it stays depressed, making it harder for potential thieves to tamper with.

Weather Seal

As with all Weather Guard boxes, close attention is paid to keeping the contents free of dust and moisture. A quality weather seal extends completely around the lid.

Sliding Tool Tray

Weather Guard has included a metal sliding tool tray to help with organization as well. While I decided not to use this, it is a nice addition that many will find helpful.

Level Brackets

Brackets are included that will hold a 4’ level. Again, I didn’t install these, but a lot of users will be glad they are included.

Load Handling Attachment Points

Convenient attachment points are located on the front of the box. While I wouldn’t consider these actual tie-down points, they are very useful for keeping unwanted items like paint buckets from moving around during transit.

Installation

Light Kit

Weather Guard claims you can install this in 30 minutes, and I personally believe that is pretty accurate. It really is a straight-forward process even for the electrically-challenged DIY’ers. For my application (Ford F-350), I used the fuse panel adapter kit. While I won’t go into every detail as every truck will be a little different, I will give a quick run-down of the process. Weather Guard includes instructions with the box to help with the process.

To begin, you simply locate a constant hot fuse. If you are unsure of how to do this, simply find the “Horn” fuse in your owner manual and use that.

Route the included wiring kit through a rubber grommet in your truck (the one I used was on the floor under the carpet), and into your fuse panel.

You then run the wiring along side your frame rails securing it occasionally with the included wire ties. When you get to the bed, feed the wire through the knockout grommet located on the back of your truck bed.

Once through, fish the wire through the grommet on the box and plug in. You can coil and tie the wire inside of the gas spring housing for a more professional installation.

Once you have the box wired, you plug in the adapter (which has a spot for the original fuse if you used an occupied location) into the desired fuse spot. Voila, you have light.

Truck Box

Weather Guard boxes have an extremely easy installation process. Included are Four (4) mounting brackets and hardware. These brackets attach under you bed rails so there are no holes to drill and are easy to remove if necessary. First, lay the rubber strips where the saddle box will make contact with you bed rails. This will provide a buffer for noise and any potential corrosion issues. You then feed the hardware through the mounting holes and tighten them to the brackets.

Using The Weather Guard 127-52-02LF Saddle Box

I have been using the Weather Guard 127-52-02LF Saddle Box With Integrated Lighting for several months now. I really wanted to put this through its paces as it is a fairly steep investment. To paraphrase my experience, this box kicks ass. The locks are extremely smooth and easy to operate. The gas springs are excellent and the lid opens and closes very smooth. Installation was a breeze and the extra thought put into things like housing around the springs, the tool tray and the handy attachment points is evident in overall user experience. The fit and finish is great as well and I wouldn’t hesitate installing it on the nicest of trucks. All of this is BEFORE you even talk about the lights, which are awesome. While this might seem trivial to some people, I have personally been blown away how handy they have been

Improvements

Well, this box is damn near perfect. While I could try to find a gripe or two, I mostly think it would be nitpicking. The biggest issue I could find would be the price. While it is fairly steep, you will be putting much more valuable items IN the box, so protecting them shouldn’t be sacrificed.

Final Thoughts

Most contractors have many thousands invested in tools, and I believe, skimping on the storage of them is a mistake. Certainly there are more affordable options for truck boxes, but I feel you’d be hard pressed to find anything better than the Weather Guard 127-52-02LF Saddle Box With Integrated Lighting. The host of features and quality of build makes it definitely worth a look if you are in the market for a box.

Where To Buy

Weather Guard Truck Toolbox Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz