Tips on Getting the Most Out of a Gullwing Ute Toolbox

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source: camcoindustries.co.nz

Nothing says Aussie more than a ute toolbox. A ute is as Aussie as it gets already, and adding a toolbox makes you the Aussiest of tradies. But enough about Aussiness, what does a ute toolbox offer that no other truck toolbox does? For starters, a ute gullwing toolbox not just another extra storage space. While you do get a larger storage space, a gullwing box also covers a lot of the safety concerns that a regular truck toolbox doesn’t. Safety, alongside a custom storage space, are factors that a gullwing ute toolbox has as its most prominent features. Other things you get with such a ute toolbox is heavy-duty storage which means your tools and equipment, be it workshop or prospecting tools will stay safe no matter the abuse the toolbox gets. We’ve established that a gullwing toolbox is a great choice as a ute storage space but what exactly is a gullwing toolbox.

What is a Gullwing Toolbox?

picture of an aluminum gullwing toolbox
source: akinite.com.au

This type of ute toolbox is unlike any you’ve seen since it features a unique opening mechanism that makes it far superior to your regular truck toolbox. Also known as a cross deck toolbox, a gullwing toolbox has fully seamed welds and weather-resistant seals with a lot more cargo space. This is just an all-around better option.

Important Factors to Consider When Buying a Gullwing Toolbox

Material

But just like regular ute toolboxes, you can’t get any gullwing ute toolbox and expect to get the best service possible. You need to pay attention to certain factors and features, with the first and most important being the material they’re made of. Here you have 4 different options: steel, stainless steel, aluminium, and a powered-coated toolbox.

A steel gullwing toolbox makes for the strongest, but also the heaviest toolbox without having any sort of rust protection. A better version is a toolbox made of stainless steel which is also a tough option but with fewer chances of rusting. Aluminium gullwing ute toolboxes are the most versatile option since they are not only strong and light, but they are also naturally corrosion-resistant. Powder-coated toolboxes are diamond plated and have been buffered to look shiny. These are basically aluminium toolboxes with some added strength.

Capacity

picture of ute with cross deck toolbox
source: gitsham.com.au

While a cross deck toolbox gives you more space to store gear and equipment, it doesn’t always come with enough room. When you find a rugged toolbox, the next thing is to consider its carrying capacity. This capacity and the toolbox’s weight need to be under your ute’s load-carrying capacity. Otherwise, the overbearing weight will lead to a poor fuel economy and handling. With enough storage capacity and not a lot of weight being added to your ute, you’ll enjoy hauling your tools around with ease.

Dimensions

But for this to be true you need to consider the dimensions of the toolbox. A bigger toolbox means a heavier one, but that isn’t always the case, especially if you go with an aluminium toolbox. Sometimes, two toolboxes of the same sizes can weigh differently and what you need to do is find the one that fits the bed of your ute and its weight limit. Make sure the toolbox you’re getting fits the bed of your ute, as otherwise, you’ll have a hard time fitting it on.

Drawers & Shelves

For extra ease of use and better organisation, you need to consider getting drawers and shelves with your gullwing ute toolbox. While it’s big and it can accommodate a lot of items, there’s no harm in having all those items sitting in their own space. This way, all your tools are easy to access, meaning you can start working on a project in the nick of time.

How Do I Organize My Truck Toolbox?

picture of a truck with an organized toolbox
source: uniqueideas.site

Label

While having drawers and shelves can help you organise your toolbox better, if you don’t use them accordingly, they’re all for nothing. Putting various tools and equipment in different trays will help make it easier to find said tools, and if you were to put them wherever you want it beats the purpose of having drawers and shelves.

Sort by Frequency

The tools that you use the most frequently should be put in the row or area closest to the opening of the toolbox. Tools that you don’t use as much can be put higher up or a bit more at the back. But another thing you need to consider is the weight of your tools and equipment.

Heavy Tools

If you have extremely heavy tools, you’ll want them to sit closer to the base of the toolbox. This makes for safer storage since if heavier tools were to be placed higher up they can affect your handling and make your otherwise safe toolbox unsafe. This is because heavy tools can easily fall down and either injure your hand or damage other tools.