TLDR - What other type of toolboxes do y'all use?

I have always had a traditional over the rail toolbox in my trucks and was able to carry everything imaginable (probably too much…). Liked that there was space left under the box so could still carry big flat stuff like plywood and could wedge 2X lumber under it etc.

Got a new truck and was talked into trying a Retrax bed cover/tonneau cover - what a game changer I love it. Only problem is what do I do with the tools etc. I want to carry? Can't use a full size chest style toolbox because the bedcover has a box hanging down that it rolls up into. Thinking something that. 1) doesn't take up too much space 2) is somewhat portable so can be taken out when max bed space is needed and 3) can be near tailgate so reachable without having to climb in the bed .

Is there anything out there specifically made for this use? Any of y'all use something that works well?

Any ideas appreciated….

Maybe something like this would work for you

https://realtruck.com/p/truxedo-tonneaumate/trx-1117416/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=16396657411&gbraid=0AAAAAD2KksBbGtREadsOZpOLWVTXnwwtV&gclid=Cj0KCQiAuvTJBhCwARIsAL6DemhyFotNGg1DGLryWgzr6miNF6AgvJ7xvh7GZwMD0vo2BEyH0cYEBCsaAmNoEALw_wcB

I've debated getting one of these but haven't pulled the trigger.

When I had a bed cover, I used the swing out tool boxes. They tucked nicely up against the side when not in use.

They are not near as big as the full size toolbox though.

This type of thing would have access at the rear of the bed and allow easy removal for taking something with you or max bed space.

Yeah, I've been looking at that. It doesn't fit under my Retrax, however. Been trying to figure out how to make it work and not sure I can.

If you are sold on the cover and most likely would do it with future trucks, you might consider something custom.
Completely different situation but I've had my combo aux fuel tank/ toolbox for the last three trucks.
Also, with these cheap beer can truck beds it's probably a good thing that you don't have one sitting on sides of bed. I tried to balance a molasses tub on top edge of tailgate and it folded.

You might look into the Swing Case - type of tool box that mounts against the side(s) of the bed, between the wheel hump and the tailgate. They are on a hinge that allows you to unlatch and swing the case 90 degrees into the bed area, should the need arise. The case is also quick release from its mounting bracket via pins located on the bracket itself, so it can removed from the truck in mere seconds. I have one mounted to the right side of my truck, and it works just fine for carrying my emergency tools. I don't have need for one on each side of the bed.

Obviously whether or not these would work for you depends on just how much stuff you haul, but you can figure that out for yourself. All I can say is that they have worked quite well for me.

C

What about something like Decked.

With my bed cover, I keep all my tools in a husky tool box on wheels. It's really cheap and removable and I just wheel it to the front of the bed and back to move it around.

Also have a bed rug and it's been a game changer. It keeps stuff from sliding around, easy to clean, dampens noise, really light weight and removable.

Black plastic box with yellow lid, always on sale at HD and Lowes. Ratchet strap it to the front of bed, just behind cab. Cheap HF box inside if needed. Jumper cables, bottle or 2 of fluid that truck currently leaks. Area up there is mostly useless due the cover anyway.

This is what we do for my wife's truck. We went 6' bed truck with cover instead of Tahoe. Seems to be better choice for price, capabilities, reliability.

Whatever you go with, get you a show stick so you can pull things from the front of the bed to the tailgate.

Stop carrying so much crap around

I was just thinking the same thing a few weeks ago...rarely open mine, but then within a period of a few days needed several random things on job sites, ranch, etc.

The newest Milwaukee Fuel 1/2 impact is a big improvement over the older models. Model 2967 iirc. Lots of power and we occasionally find one that won't loosen with an older model but the newest will do the job.

I've gone from a traditional over the rails box to a bed cover with different smaller totes I can load/ unload when towing or traveling/ etc. One had the impact above with metric and standard sockets. Aluminum low profile floor jack is easier on the back. Nice to leave those things under a locked bed cover.

I have a 20T bottle jack I carry because I pull stock trailers in south Texas but with OBA I have a 4T floor air jack that's about half the weight of my floor jacks and fits in toolbox. That jack with a couple wood blocks that I always carry will lift anything I need . Yea my days of heavy jacks are about over.

Add an under backseat storage container.
Du ha makes a nice one.
Great space and easy to access. Stays weatherproof.