Pickup Box Tonneau Cover vs Truck Box

A tonneau cover is the typical means to secure cargo in your pickup box.  What happens if you don’t want to make that investment, or have other needs for your truck bed?

When I bought my 2024 Ford Ranger, I was happy to have the open pickup bed for hauling all of my home project materials.  The more I use it, however, I have a need to keep my stuff dry and safe.  

Tonneau Cover

A tonneau cover is designed to protect your entire pickup bed.  Covers come in a variety of materials ranging from soft vinyl that rolls up or a hard cover that can either fold or roll.  Prices run from $200 for a cheap vinyl cover to nearly $2,000 for a hard, folding one.

When I was shopping for weather-resistant covers, I was focused on a hard cover.  I found several whose average cost was $1,200.  Every hard cover I considered had a three-piece design that folded away from the tailgate.  This allowed better access to the bed when hauling taller objects.

After researching these covers, I found several complaints about water leaking into the bed.  Granted, the leak is minimal compared to no cover at all; however, a leak is a leak. This was not a deal killer for me, but I had reason to look at other options.

Truck Box

A tonneau cover is excellent for securing your pickup bed while maintaining a sleek look.  The downside is total cost, keeping cargo from shifting, and what to do when you sell your truck.  Tonneau covers don’t help vehicle resale by much, which is a factor to consider.  Thinking it through, a truck box was a good option.

Like tonneau covers, truck box options are plentiful. I was able to find one that fit my needs and my truck at Tractor Supply for $319.  It is made from aluminum, has a lid with gas struts, and fits perfectly at the front of my pickup bed.

For me, the size is ideal.  I needed a secure box to hold tools, groceries and luggage (for some upcoming road trips).  This truck box is also weather resistant and lockable. It also leaves enough room within the pickup box for other cargo.

 The manufacturer recommends the box be secured to the truck using self tapping screws. That is a non-starter for me, so I used a turnbuckle to connect it to the cargo hooks already attached to the bed.  Like all of my modifications, it is reversible for future owners of my truck.

Final Thoughts

Tonneau covers and truck boxes are both good options for pickup owners.  When I considered cost and needs, the truck box was the right choice.  Plus, I can remove it and use it in another vehicle or in my workshop for storage.  Either way, a win for me.

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