1713035 - 13X16X87 Inch Diamond Tread Aluminum Lo-Sider Truck Box

Access your tools directly from the truck side with this rail-mounted Lo-Sider truck box. The box mounts on your truck bed rails, keeping your tools easy to access and saving valuable storage space in the bed itself. These truck toolboxes are ideal for full-sized and compact pickups. Pair the Lo-Sider truck box with a Crossover, Saddle, or Gull Wing truck toolbox to maximize your truck bed storage. This durable truck toolbox is crafted with corrosion-resistant and lightweight diamond tread aluminum. The stainless steel push-button locks help your tools stay secure and accessible, and a weather-resistant seal keeps moisture and dirt away from your equipment. Mounting hardware included.

Specifications

Advanced Technical Overview: 13x16x87 Inch Diamond Tread Aluminum Lo-Sider Truck Box

The 13x16x87 Inch Diamond Tread Aluminum Lo-Sider Truck Box represents a superior engineering solution for professionals requiring robust, secure, and accessible tool storage in a vehicular environment. Designed for optimal integration with a wide range of pickup trucks, this rail-mounted storage system maximizes utility without compromising valuable bed space. Its construction, material specifications, and feature set are meticulously chosen to deliver exceptional performance, durability, and operational efficiency for demanding applications.

Precision Engineering and Optimal Dimensions

This Lo-Sider truck box is precisely engineered with exterior dimensions of 13 inches in height, 16 inches in depth, and an expansive 87 inches in width. These dimensions are not arbitrary; they are specifically calibrated to provide substantial internal storage capacity while maintaining a low-profile stance above the truck bed rails. The 13-inch height ensures minimal obstruction of the rear window visibility for safe operation and allows for potential pairing with other bed-mounted accessories, such as tonneau covers or ladder racks, depending on their specific designs and mounting points. The 16-inch depth provides ample room for a variety of hand tools, power tools, and equipment, allowing for organized storage without excessive protrusion into the cargo area. The generous 87-inch width offers extensive longitudinal storage, making it ideal for longer items like levels, pry bars, or specialized equipment that often cannot be accommodated in standard cross-bed toolboxes.

From an interior volume perspective, assuming an average internal clearance slightly less than the exterior dimensions due to material thickness and structural elements, this box provides an approximate storage volume of 13" x 16" x 87" = 18,176 cubic inches, or approximately 10.5 cubic feet. This substantial capacity is designed to house a comprehensive assortment of tools and supplies, making it an indispensable asset for tradespeople across various industries, including construction, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, landscaping, and mobile service technicians. The elongated form factor is particularly beneficial for organizing tools by type or project, enhancing workflow efficiency and reducing time spent searching for specific items on a job site.

Advanced Material Science: Diamond Tread Aluminum Construction

The selection of aluminum as the primary construction material is a cornerstone of this product's technical superiority. Specifically, the box is fabricated from 0.056-inch thick diamond tread aluminum. This material choice offers a confluence of critical advantages:

1. Exceptional Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Aluminum, particularly alloys optimized for structural applications, provides high tensile strength relative to its density. The 0.056-inch (approximately 1.42mm) gauge of aluminum, while appearing modest, is engineered to offer significant structural rigidity and impact resistance for the typical stresses encountered in a truck-mounted application. This gauge strikes an optimal balance between material cost, weight, and protective capabilities. Compared to steel, aluminum significantly reduces the overall weight of the toolbox. This reduction directly translates to several operational benefits: lower impact on vehicle fuel efficiency, increased available payload capacity for other essential equipment or materials, and reduced strain on the truck's suspension system. Furthermore, the lighter weight facilitates easier installation and removal, should the need arise for temporary repositioning or maintenance.
2. Superior Corrosion Resistance: One of aluminum's most significant advantages is its inherent corrosion resistance. Upon exposure to air, aluminum naturally forms a thin, passive oxide layer (aluminum oxide) on its surface. This layer acts as a highly effective barrier, preventing further oxidation and protecting the underlying metal from environmental degradation. This characteristic makes the Lo-Sider truck box exceptionally resilient to rust and corrosion, even when exposed to harsh outdoor elements such such as rain, snow, road salt, industrial pollutants, and various chemicals often encountered in professional work environments. This longevity ensures the aesthetic appeal and structural integrity of the toolbox are maintained over its operational lifespan, minimizing maintenance requirements and replacement costs.
3. Diamond Tread Pattern: The distinctive diamond tread pattern, also known as checker plate or durbar plate, is not merely an aesthetic feature. It significantly enhances the functional attributes of the aluminum surface. Mechanically, the raised pattern increases the surface area's rigidity and provides additional structural integrity, making the box more resistant to dents and scratches from impacts with tools or equipment. Furthermore, the textured surface offers improved grip, which can be beneficial during handling or if the box is utilized in a scenario where items might be temporarily placed on its lid. The pattern also effectively disguises minor abrasions and smudges, contributing to the product's enduring professional appearance.

Mounting System and Versatile Integration

The Lo-Sider design inherently offers a highly functional mounting paradigm. This truck box is specifically engineered for rail-mounted installation, leveraging the structural integrity of the truck bed rails for secure attachment. This method provides several key operational advantages:

1. Maximized Bed Floor Space: By mounting on the side rails, the entire floor of the truck bed remains unobstructed and available for hauling larger cargo, materials, or equipment that cannot be stored within the toolbox itself. This optimizes the overall utility of the pickup truck, allowing professionals to transport both tools and supplies efficiently without compromise.
2. Enhanced Accessibility: The side-mounted configuration allows direct access to tools from the side of the truck without requiring the user to climb into the truck bed. This significantly improves ergonomic efficiency, reduces physical strain, and accelerates task completion, especially on busy job sites or during frequent access cycles.
3. Broad Compatibility: The design is compatible with a wide array of pickup trucks, spanning both full-sized and compact models. The included mounting hardware is designed to facilitate a secure and straightforward installation process across various truck bed rail designs. While specific installation methods may vary slightly depending on the truck make and model, the fundamental rail-mounting principle ensures broad applicability.
4. Modular Storage System: A significant advantage of the Lo-Sider configuration is its modularity. It is specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with other truck bed storage solutions such as Crossover, Saddle, or Gull Wing toolboxes. This capability allows users to create a highly customized and comprehensive storage ecosystem tailored to their precise operational requirements. For instance, a Lo-Sider box can store frequently accessed tools on one side, while a Crossover box spanning the width of the bed can house larger power tools or specialized equipment. This synergistic arrangement maximizes the total secure storage capacity of the vehicle, promoting superior organization and operational readiness.

Advanced Security Protocols

The security of valuable tools and equipment is paramount for any professional. This Lo-Sider truck box integrates robust security features to safeguard its contents:

1. Stainless Steel Push-Button Locks: The toolbox is equipped with high-quality stainless steel push-button locking mechanisms. Stainless steel is chosen for its superior resistance to corrosion, ensuring reliable operation even after prolonged exposure to the elements. The push-button design offers quick, convenient, and single-handed access to the box contents, which is crucial in fast-paced work environments. Each lock mechanism typically features a keyed entry system, providing a robust deterrent against unauthorized access and theft. The positive locking action ensures the lid remains securely closed during transit, preventing accidental opening and potential loss of contents.
2. Aluminum Continuous Hidden Hinge: The integration of an aluminum continuous hidden hinge is a critical security and durability feature. A continuous hinge, often referred to as a piano hinge, distributes the stress of the lid's weight evenly across the entire length of the opening, preventing wear points and enhancing structural integrity over time. The "hidden" aspect means the hinge pin and mounting hardware are not exposed externally when the box is closed, significantly reducing vulnerabilities to tampering or forced entry compared to externally mounted hinge designs. This design also contributes to the streamlined aesthetic of the toolbox.
3. Robust Construction: The inherent strength of the 0.056-inch diamond tread aluminum body, combined with precision welding or joining techniques, contributes significantly to the overall security of the box. The robust construction makes the container highly resistant to prying, cutting, or other forms of physical breach attempts, providing peace of mind for professionals storing valuable equipment.

Superior Environmental Protection

Protection of tools from environmental aggressors like moisture and dust is essential for maintaining their condition and functionality. The Lo-Sider truck box incorporates several design elements to achieve superior environmental sealing:

1. Weather-Resistant Seal (Gasket): A high-quality weather-resistant seal, typically made from an advanced elastomer such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber, is strategically installed around the perimeter of the single-lid opening. This gasket creates a tight, impenetrable barrier when the lid is closed, effectively preventing the ingress of water, dust, dirt, and other airborne contaminants. EPDM rubber is specifically chosen for its excellent resistance to weathering, UV radiation, ozone, and extreme temperatures, ensuring the seal maintains its integrity and flexibility over many years of service. This protective barrier is crucial for preserving the longevity and operational readiness of sensitive tools and electronic equipment.
2. Single Lid Design: The single-lid door style simplifies the sealing mechanism and reduces potential points of failure compared to multi-door configurations. A single, well-fitting lid with a continuous seal is inherently more effective at creating an airtight and watertight enclosure. The design ensures consistent compression of the gasket across the entire opening, thereby maximizing the protective capabilities of the weather seal.
3. Integrated Design for Durability: The overall construction, including the continuous hidden hinge and the rigid aluminum body, supports the integrity of the sealing system. A structurally sound box ensures that the lid maintains proper alignment and pressure on the gasket, providing consistent and reliable environmental protection under various operating conditions, including vehicle movement and vibration.

Ergonomics and User Experience Enhancements

Beyond its robust construction and security features, the 13x16x87 Inch Diamond Tread Aluminum Lo-Sider Truck Box is designed with the end-user's operational efficiency and comfort in mind:

1. Direct Side Access: The fundamental Lo-Sider design prioritizes direct and easy access from the side of the truck. This eliminates the need to reach over tall bed walls or climb into the truck bed, significantly reducing strain and increasing the speed at which tools can be retrieved and returned. This ergonomic advantage is particularly valuable for professionals who frequently access their tools throughout the workday.
2. Effortless Opening and Closing: The push-button latch mechanism combined with a well-balanced single lid and continuous hinge ensures smooth and effortless opening and closing. This ease of operation enhances user satisfaction and minimizes wasted time during tool retrieval.
3. Internal Customization Potential: While the product specifications indicate no shelf is included, the expansive and unobstructed internal volume of the box offers significant potential for user-driven customization. Professionals can install their own organizational solutions, such as modular dividers, tool trays, foam inserts, or custom-built shelving systems, to further optimize the internal layout for specific tool sets and workflows. This adaptability ensures the box can evolve with the user's changing needs.
4. Low Maintenance Requirement: The corrosion-resistant aluminum construction with its diamond tread pattern is inherently low maintenance. The surface can be easily cleaned with standard cleaning agents, requiring minimal effort to maintain its professional appearance and hygienic condition, even in dusty or muddy work environments.

Ideal Applications and Target Demographics

The 13x16x87 Inch Diamond Tread Aluminum Lo-Sider Truck Box is an indispensable asset for a diverse range of professionals and serious enthusiasts:

• Construction Professionals: Carpenters, masons, roofers, and general contractors benefit from secure, weather-protected storage for essential power tools, hand tools, and materials.
• HVAC and Plumbing Technicians: For carrying specialized diagnostic equipment, pipefitters, and heating/cooling tools that require protection from the elements.
• Electricians: Securing expensive meters, wire pullers, and various electrical tools from theft and environmental damage.
• Field Service Technicians: Mobile repair personnel across various industries, from automotive to heavy equipment, require organized and accessible tools for on-site diagnostics and repairs.
• Landscapers and Gardeners: For transporting smaller power tools, pruning shears, and essential maintenance items, keeping them safe and dry.
• Recreational Users: Overland adventurers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts can utilize this box for secure storage of recovery gear, camping equipment, or valuable personal items that need protection from weather and theft.

Conclusion: An Investment in Professional Efficiency and Security

The 13x16x87 Inch Diamond Tread Aluminum Lo-Sider Truck Box stands as a testament to advanced design and material engineering. Its robust 0.056-inch diamond tread aluminum construction, combined with a continuous hidden hinge and stainless steel push-button locks, provides an unparalleled level of durability, security, and resistance to environmental degradation. The strategically chosen dimensions and rail-mounted Lo-Sider design optimize cargo space utilization and tool accessibility, fundamentally enhancing operational efficiency for professionals. The inclusion of a high-performance weather-resistant seal ensures that valuable tools and equipment remain protected from moisture and contaminants, preserving their integrity and extending their lifespan. This product is more than just a storage container; it is a critical component of a professional's mobile workspace, delivering reliability, security, and ergonomic advantages that directly contribute to productivity and peace of mind on every job. With its versatile integration capabilities, allowing for a customized storage ecosystem, this Lo-Sider truck box represents a smart, long-term investment for anyone who relies on their truck and tools for their livelihood.