A Guide to Gullwing Tool Boxes: Storing Long and Large Items Made Easy
If you’re running your business out of your ute, then the right toolbox will make all the difference. It needs to have enough space to store all your gear, fit seamlessly on the ute tray, and make accessing tools quick and easy. It also needs to be made tough to endure being battered by heavy rain, and hot Aussie temperatures, while keeping everything inside protected and dry.
The wide selection of toolbox shapes and sizes might have you scratching your head as to which one to choose. While there are the usual top and side-opening ‘one tonner’, high side and rectangle toolboxes in larger profiles, the most popular choice for tradies are low-profile gullwing tool boxes. These get their name from the pair of hinged doors set in the roof and open upwards. But what makes them the tradie’s choice? And how do they compare to other options?
Pros of Gullwing Ute Tool Boxes
Gullwing boxes build on traditional toolbox designs in that they offer much quicker access to your tools. They have two large doors, located on the passenger and driver side, so getting what you need won’t have you running circles around your ute. Nor will you constantly have to scuffle with the tray sides to get to your tools. Gullwing boxes save time, offer optimal storage and tool organisation, and won’t impact rear visibility. Like other storage options, they’re built to high standards, with thick metal in all the right places, and have a few nice touches like smooth opening gas strut doors, and a range of head-turning finishes.
Storage and Tool Organisation
If you’re constantly using bigger tools (think mitre saws, rotary hammer drills, ladders, pry bars, shovels etc) in your line of work, then a gullwing toolbox spreads the length of the tray and can fit more than a few items with some bulk and heft. And with the doors opening at either end, and high up, tools can be stored in any way that provides better organisation and access. In addition, you can get to specific tools without having to sort through all the other gear in the box. Tools can be further arranged with the addition of box drawers and internal shelves.
Better Visibility
The lower profile of gullwing tool boxes means that they won’t hinder the view out the back. This is one key advantage they have when compared to other toolboxes. Safety is enhanced as you won’t have a hard time parking or merging, nor rely on rear cameras if your ute has them fitted.
Quality Build and Protection
2mm thick aluminium sheets joined together with clean TIG welds will keep your tools protected no matter what. And the use of waterproof rubber seals keeps away rain, grime and dust. Besides keeping the elements at bay, a well-built toolbox will also make anyone with sticky fingers think twice. Recessed steel locks and reinforced steel hinges mean your investment in your gear is also secure against theft and tampering.
Range of Finishes
A ute gullwing toolbox can be had in a range of different finishes and colours. Checker-plated aluminium is the most popular choice. This has a non-slip surface inside and out, so anything you place in or on the toolbox stays put. If you’re more about cleaner, less rugged looks, then go for different colour coatings, that also have an added layer of protection. Grey, white and black is the most popular.
What to Look for in Your Next Toolbox?
Dimensions
Toolboxes with gullwing doors can be optioned in different sizes. Since they are installed across the ute tray, generally closer to the headboard and cabin, overall sizes will depend on that of the tray, the cab roof line and the height of the rear window.
Lengths range between 1600 and 1800mm, widths between a slimmer 400mm to 600mm for bulkier gear and more storage, whereas heights are generally restricted by the rear ute window to no more than 500mm. This is more than adequate space for a range of different tools and equipment. The good news is that the small footprint of the boxes leaves a lot of space remaining on the tray. So, you have the best of both worlds.
Workmanship
There are dozens of toolbox makers across Australia, but not all build their products to the same standard. The durability of the box and how it performs in bad weather will depend on the level of attention and detail with which it’s put together. This after all is what keeps thousands of dollars of gear safe and protected. Go for toolboxes from respected builders to know that you’re getting a quality product.
Other Options
The biggest benefit of gullwing boxes is definitely the quick and easy access to anything you have stored inside. These can be used on their own or combined with other toolboxes in varying types, sizes and shapes. For machinery and things like bikes and ATVs consider getting a dedicated trailer. And if you want the whole tray kitted out, then get a full-sized canopy. This though is much heavier than your averagely-sized toolbox and costs a few times more. Consider what you’ll be transporting to get what’s right.