There are many things to love about diesel trucks. Black smoke trailing out of the exhaust certainly is addicting, as is the turbo whistle right from the engine bay. But especially for the readers of our magazine, it is the ability to truly make your truck your own that truck owners seem to love the most.
With that, people often install bigger turbos, bolt-on slicker-looking wheels, dissect and reassemble the transmission and install a sweet-sounding exhaust. When you get the rush of doing all these things, it is important to remember the purpose of your truck: your livelihood.
The diesel trucks that most people buy aren’t just for show; they have to be able to get the big jobs done as well. Whether you are a master tradesman or a frequent hauler of snow toys up the mountains, your ride has to be up to the task to make sure you get it done right.
In this roundup, we will take a look at two types of products that help make sure this happens: fuel tanks and in-bed tool boxes.
Fuel tanks are great for those looking to add some extra range to their truck. These aftermarket tanks are mostly available in two different styles: under-body replacements and in-bed tanks. Under-body replacements go in place of your factory fuel tank and are stronger with a larger capacity. In-bed fuel tanks supplement your existing under-body tank and are available in a variety of different capacities. The best part of either is that you’ll be spending less time at the pump.
While we aren’t able to cover every product available, the products featured here are some of our favorites.
Titan Fuel Tanks
Titan Fuel Tanks is a small company based out of Idaho Falls, Idaho, that focuses solely on the fuel needs of serious end-users.
Titan Fuel Tanks recently introduced a new polymer, in-bed, diesel fuel tank at the 2012 SEMA show. The biggest advantage of this unit is that it’s made from military-grade, cross-linked polyethylene, which at 51 pounds is considerably lighter than traditional steel tanks that can often weigh more than 250 pounds.
This 60-gallon capacity fuel tank is durable as well being fully baffled to prevent load shifting and has smooth, contoured edges that have no sharp points that can be prone to rusting.
Sold as a complete kit, the tank is secured to the truck bed via forged eye-nuts and an optional utility riser bracket is available for up to 6 inches of under-tank storage. (www.titanfueltanks.com/800-728-4982)
Transfer Flow
Transfer Flow has several options available for fuel tanks, including both in-bed and under-body designs. Built to meet California Air Resources Board emission regulation, this tank is baffled in three areas, is available in 37-, 50-, 75- and 98-gallon capacities, and comes with everything needed for installation. The tanks are available in either bright aluminum diamond plate or in 14-gauge aluminized steel that is powder-coated black.
One aspect that we love about this lineup is that the 37- and 50-gallon models are designed with a shallow enough height that allows them to easily fit under a bed or tonneau cover.
They also operate using the company’s trick TRAX-II system. The computer determines the fuel level of both the main and auxiliary tanks and updates the status of them on an easy-to-read LCD display. (www.transferflow.com/800-442-0056)
Zylstra Automotive
Based out of Visalia, Calif., Zylstra Automotive has a unique offering for the market of fuel tanks. The company’s line called The FuelBox strives to be a functional compromise between a fuel tank and a tool box.
The main part of the unit is the fuel tank and it meets all DOT and EPA standards. The tank is constructed of .125-inch marine grade aluminum that is great for resisting corrosion from diesel fuel and is fully baffled.
Our favorite part of the unit is the tool box on top. The box is designed to fit flush with the bed of the truck. To add to the durability of the unit, the bottom of the tool box is a separate piece of steel and is not the top of fuel box. The lid is stiff enough to be closed with one hand from any part of the unit. It can also be equipped with an optional fuel transfer system that mounts inside the toolbox for added security. (www.thefuelbox.com/888-844-3044)
Tool boxes can be considered the backbone of any person that uses their truck as a daily driver for their job. There are countless different styles that are available for tool boxes, ensuring that you can find one that specifically meets your needs. Two important things to consider when purchasing a tool box are the type of metal it is made from and the quality of the locks. Choosing a tool box that excels in these areas will make sure you get several years of service out of your investment.
Cala Industries
It is always great to see the number of ladies in the world of diesel and our hats are tipped to them. For those ladies who like a splash of pink on their truck, Cala Industries has you covered with their line dubbed The Original Pink Box.
Cala Industries offers a 70-inch full-size crossover tool box that is a part of that Original Pink Box line. This bright pink toolbox has a storage capacity of over 12,000 cubic inches and features a cam lock for security with a matching pink key.
A new feature that was recently introduced is the separately locking drawers that allow for quick access to your tools without having to lift the lid. For durability, the drawers use ball bearings and the unit is backed up with a limited lifetime warranty. (www.theoriginalpinkbox.com/888-350-2252)
UnderCover
Innovation is also a great thing to see in the industry and UnderCover’s line of SwingCase tool boxes proves this spirit of innovation every time you use it.
The SwingCase tool boxes mount on the side of the bed between the wheel well and the tailgate and the tool box then swings out when needed. We love this design because it makes for very easy access to tools without having to stretch into the truck bed. The box has a capacity of just over 1.5 cubic feet and has a weight capacity of 75 pounds.
It is easy to install as well with just six self-tapping screws required to mount it to the side of the bed. It has a clearance of 2 inches to allow for sheet materials to pass underneath. The box is also lockable and features a loop for using a padlock. (www.undercoverinfo.com/866-900-8800)
K&W Manufacturing
K&W Manufacturing has been in the business of aluminum accessory manufacturing for over 40 years and that experience shows in its products. All products made by K&W are custom fit to the exact shape of your truck so you know you’ll get a great fit.
All of its products, including the tool boxes, are made from high-strength aluminum. The lids use automotive-grade gas shocks and are welded to the box, not riveted. The unit also comes with a molded plastic tray for easy organization of tools and stainless steel locking t-handle latches.
There are several styles of toolboxes offered including standard, crossover, side mount, chest, top siders and underbody boxes. We love that even with those styles there are still several options available to make the truck best suited for your need. (www.customtoolboxes.com/800-860-7185)
Tradesman Truck Accessories
Tradesman Truck Accessories has been building its products in the United States since 1973. The company offers a wide a selection of tool boxes with either steel or aluminum materials. They even offer a line of tool boxes that have thick coating of Rhino Lining to provide a serious layer of protection.
Our favorite would have to be its aluminum series, not only because it is lightweight but they are also durable with the use of 0.06-inch aluminum plating. As with all of the company’s products, the toolbox is made from a one-piece, no-sag design that is hand-welded.
All boxes come with a double-latch locking system or a push-button design for security. They also have a three-finger paddle handle for easy access to the box. (www.tradesmantruck.com/866-789-5300)
Better Built
A brand of toolboxes that has continued to impress us has been Better Built by Daws Manufacturing Company. Better Built has two different product lines for tool boxes: the Special Edition Crown (SEC) and the Heavy Duty. Both lines offer great products, but the one we like the most is its Heavy Duty (HD) line.
The tool boxes are available in white or black powder-coated steel and also clear or black powder-coated aluminum. The HD line is built to last with a cross broken lid for strength and a foam-filled lid for extra durability that requires only one hand to close.
We love how the tool box design has such a focus on security. The box features a four-stage automotive-grade rotary push latch system to make sure tools are safe and secure. There is also an optional keypad unlock that can be fitted to the tool box as well. (www.dawsbetterbuilt.com/800-366-8269)
Dee Zee
Dee Zee has long been a favorite because the company offers a variety of different products, but it’s the toolboxes that seem to attract the most attention in the industry. Dee Zee surely has a style that will work great for any budget or need, but the style that has caught our eye for a while is the Red Label Gull Wing tool box. This double lid model opens from the side, making it easier to access from the side of the truck.
The box also has a closed cell foam gasket that helps keep bad weather out and lockable stainless steel paddle handles to keep unwanted hands out as well. All models are made in the United States and come with a limited lifetime warranty. (www.deezee.com/800-779-2102)
Weather Guard
Weather Guard from Knaack got its beginning over 50 years ago when Howard Knaack began building jobsite tool boxes from a small shop. Now the company has an impressive and extensive line of storage options available.
We are fans of the Pork Chop boxes that are designed with security, durability and weather-resistance in mind. The tool boxes install over the wheel well and go back to the tailgate on the side of the bed.
The lid to the box opens 90 degrees for easy access and is secured with a tamper-resistant retracting lock. The unit’s latch is an automotive style with one-touch closing and the unit also features a full weather seal. We also like that the installation is crimp- and drill-free and comes with installation mounting brackets. (www.weatherguard.com)