Roof Top Tool Box

Ok, so I am looking for some ideas here.

I love having this tool box on the top of my truck. It keeps all the stuff I use out of my bed and keeps it clear for using it and camping. My only issue with this it becomes really hard to clean my roof. Really it's impossible to get under there with any rag. I am gonna pick up a power washer this summer and hope that will help.

I am looking for ideas on how to make a quick release system but keep it just about the same height, the clearance needs to stay low for parking garages in the city. I made bars that are notched with well plugs in them to mount the brace bars currently and then u bolts, while its secure, it is also a pain to remove and mount again.

Thoughts?

 

How noisy is it?

 

It's good. Not a bit of noise.

 

What size box is that?? Got a link?

 

I forget the dimensions but it is this box.

Just a flat out ton of room inside of it.

http://www.agrisupply.com/tracking-collar-box/p/60488/

 

I have something similar on mine.
Baja Rack + Plano 42" rifle case.
Yes, cleaning the truck under there does suck.
Crom gave a great suggestion of using a cloth wrapped around a broom stick end, like a giant q-tip, to get under there.

 

I'm going to throw out an idea. Could be completely stupid but, here it is. You have the box rail bolt attached to the factory rail correct? Maybe have a hole on the box rail/ box side that could be secured with a quick release pin of some sort. Remove that pin and bolt pulls out for disconnect. Hopefully this makes sense!

 

Or another quick crazy sounding idea. Hinge the front and quick release pins on the back. Pull the pins out, lift the back, clean then re pin.

 

Why ur fin antenna looks different? From that view it looks like the regular one would interfere with the roof rack bar.

 

Could even have a bar like under the hood.

 

That hinge and pin could be onto something there.

I would have to make a new assembly but I would have to do that anyway for a change.

 

Let me and others know if you do it and how it works out.

 

As I think about this, perhaps some struts would be nice it keeping it up. Anyone have any experience with some ones that will hold some weight? And they gotta be short. Not much room is gone be there.

Right now I am think of modding a piece of aluminum angle so each side is one piece. The font a hinge and the back and pin holder.

 

Alright.

So I have picked up the aluminum I need for the brackets and roughed out a design. The only piece I need now is a set of gas struts.

I am looking to have the box lift about 1-2' of travel. It weights about 75lbs loaded up.

Anyone have any input for a beginner in the strut world?

 

A lot of people with RTT tend to utilize the ability to remove crossbars on their racks and it makes it quite easy to just secure the toolbox to two of the corssbars then remove them and lift it off as needed. Not sure what rack your working with but if its modular that might be an option

 

Right now I have some home made rods fitting snuggled between a stock roof rack for minimal clearance.
Decided that completely removing it wasn't the right way and after making it hinge was suggested, that really seems the way to go.

I have seen some people with RTT on a trailer use struts to lift the top of their trailer unit. Hoping someone who did that pops in.

 

ok, so finally got around to doing this.

Took two 2" Alum angles and cut one side down to 1.25". The back has a sleeve bushing with a nylon washer shaped to fit the pipe. The front is held down by pull pins that when out let the box ride up. Now I can lift it up to get the roof clean underneath.