- Thread starter Bornfree
- Start date
zzr1200
Working at 650 ft on open steel work.
- Messages
- 5,997
- Location
- Glapwell, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, UK
The only purpose built top box I know of that survives a van life, is the Snapon Road Box bur megger expensive.
I did use my Kirkland Roll Cab and Top Box in a van for about 3 years, I am still using both tool boxes a d they're still in perfect condition...
How?????
I remove the wheels (as you do..
).
I cut a plywood insert to support the complete base, then built an angle iron frame around the tool boxes allowing access to all storage
The frame was bolted to the floor and bulk head to stop the box from flexing, which is what kills any roll cab or top box in a van...
If I remember I'll post a photo of the frame, tomorrow.
I did use my Kirkland Roll Cab and Top Box in a van for about 3 years, I am still using both tool boxes a d they're still in perfect condition...
How?????
I remove the wheels (as you do..
).I cut a plywood insert to support the complete base, then built an angle iron frame around the tool boxes allowing access to all storage
The frame was bolted to the floor and bulk head to stop the box from flexing, which is what kills any roll cab or top box in a van...
If I remember I'll post a photo of the frame, tomorrow.
8ob
Member
- Messages
- 14,006
- Location
- Nescient in the vale
Bought a big top chest from Halfords for the truck, side handles wont last long if you try and move it while loaded but it doent seem a bad truck box, its got the soft closers that sort of latch shut so it doesn't need to be locked to stop the draws flying open while driving, the top doesn't open bolt upright so its ok to slam it up against a bulkhead.
The angle iron frame sounds a good idea. I always mount mine on the right of the sliding door, giving me full walk in access but it probably makes the chest flex even more because it's not against the bulkhead.The only purpose built top box I know of that survives a van life, is the Snapon Road Box bur megger expensive.
I did use my Kirkland Roll Cab and Top Box in a van for about 3 years, I am still using both tool boxes a d they're still in perfect condition...
How?????
I remove the wheels (as you do..
I cut a plywood insert to support the complete base, then built an angle iron frame around the tool boxes allowing access to all storage
The frame was bolted to the floor and bulk head to stop the box from flexing, which is what kills any roll cab or top box in a van...
If I remember I'll post a photo of the frame, tomorrow.
Robbie260
I fix things that others have broken
- Messages
- 2,492
- Location
- Scotland highland
Have some halfords new advanced cabinets in the back of the van the mid one under the big orange box hasn't faired that well its not as strong as the old halfords ones the weight of the orange tool box on top has dented the top. The side cabinets are doing well so far though. Only been in a few weeks time will tell.
arther dailey
Member
- Messages
- 6,592
- Location
- England
snap on road chest if you can find one, I have one , pointed out to the snap on guy the drawer rollers were past there best , he asked for serial no.from it, could nt find it, so he took pics , they went to the states. turns out yes its a very early one,krl model, and as such lifetime warranty 
, so I got full set of roller slides for free !! sorted. To good to be in the van these days though !
, so I got full set of roller slides for free !! sorted. To good to be in the van these days though !
James1979
Member
- Messages
- 8,434
- Location
- Orkney
I'd swear by a snap on road box (also called a plant fitters box). I had mine nicked from the back of a landcover 20 odd years ago and have never been able to replace it. I was more concerned about the contents to be honest.
At present I'm using a Sealey 'Wedge' which has lived on the back of my truck over 2 Orkney winters and hasn't rotted out and doesnt leak. I have replaced the handles with box because its too heavy to heave on and off by hand but by replacing them with box I can use a forklift to lift it in and out of a workshop if I cant get the truck in for whatever reason. Its handy to lift it onto or into things if I need to get somewhere the truck won't go to fix something. Like putting it in a boat or on a quad.
At present I'm using a Sealey 'Wedge' which has lived on the back of my truck over 2 Orkney winters and hasn't rotted out and doesnt leak. I have replaced the handles with box because its too heavy to heave on and off by hand but by replacing them with box I can use a forklift to lift it in and out of a workshop if I cant get the truck in for whatever reason. Its handy to lift it onto or into things if I need to get somewhere the truck won't go to fix something. Like putting it in a boat or on a quad.
Agricultural engineering I normally have a 10 drawer chestWhat line of work are you in? It may help people recommend something. The wedge is the best I've found, for me, but maybe not for you. I had to cut it about a bit to suit my kit though. I'd still swap it for a road box in a heartbeat
James1979
Member
- Messages
- 8,434
- Location
- Orkney
Look at the wedge. Spanners and things go on pegs which are trapped by the lid so they cant bounce off. I have the 600mm version but wish I'd got the 900. Although I dont do your miles its on the back of a truck and is often on croft land and tracks etc etc getting bounced about. I like it because the tools dont bounce un and down in the drawers like a traditional box
I bought a cheap £400ish 40’ bottom box off eBay (dirty tools? Maybe) and it’s incredibly well made for the money. I do ag Enginering so full of big spanner’s, sockets ect and it’s held up well for 9 months. I could buy 10 for the price of a snap on one and it wouldn’t make me any more money....I’ll find a link
Tool Chest Professional Mechanics Roll Cab Top Box With US Ball Bearing Slides | eBay
Lockable to help keep your belongings safe. The drawers have anti slip mats inside them and you will receive a FREE drawer divider (4 parts enough for one drawer). PROFESSIONAL 10 DRAWERS GARAGE LARGE TOOL CHEST ROLLCAB TOP BOX WITH BALL BEARING SLIDES.
www.ebay.co.uk
My snap on one only lasted 3 years. Is yours against the bulkhead?
Yes 4 screws in the bottom through the holes the casters bolted to and made a bracket for each side that bolts where the handle used to be to bolt to the bulkhead
Each to there own I know all our service engineers have them in same place. I like there the fact all your tools are easy to get to without having to jump in and out all the time and to the right of the door we have a bench with more draws in. Might be worth looking at something like bott(or the other makes) racking and draw systems as a tool box instead
