You can get a "Tough Box" for your Chevy Colorado, too!
It has been confirmed that Ford will be offering the "Tough Box" as an option on the F-150 as soon as this Spring, but what if you're not in the market for a Blue Oval with a bed? Don't worry, since it seems that there are companies perfectly willing to apply the same treatment to your General Motors pickup, specifically the Chevy Colorado / GMC Canyon. SVE Fleet is a company that will add what it calls a Mid-Box to your pickup. Essentially the same thing as Ford's "Tough Box", the Mid-Box features two hinged doors at the leading edge of the bed that open up to reveal a deep storage space or slide out drawers that can store tools. In fact, SVE Fleet can even add a Mid-Box to an F-150 if you really can't wait for the "Tough Box" to become available when the snow thaws.Speaking of the "Tough Box", thanks to Mike Levine at Pickuptruck.com, we've learned a few more details on Ford's newest feature for the F-150. The Blue Oval has tapped 2nd stage manufacturer Decoma International to build the "Tough Box" option into existing F-150s that are shipped to them from the factory with a short bed on a long wheelbase. The "Tough Box" can also be outfitted in many ways for either storage of larger items or with slide-out trays for smaller tools. Rumor has it that the "Tough Box" came into being from a request by the fertilizer company that produces Scott's Miracle-Gro. Federal regulations demand they keep solid and liquid fertilizers separated during transport, so they were faced with either driving two separate trucks or finding one with separated compartments. In its quest to keep the F-150 atop the sales chart, Ford stepped up with a factory-backed solution.
[Source: SVE Fleet via GMInsideNews, Pickuptruck.com]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
C est Raoul 3:24PM (3/09/2007)
News update!
VW will also offer tough box on their utility vehicules, starting from the 80's models.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jmv/36109810/
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Ken 3:17PM (3/09/2007)
Newsflash X2: Ford had the same thing on their half ton trucks equipped with the Ranger package in the 70s. It also looks strikingly like what some of the 2 seat versions of the military's M1114 are running around with.
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adelossa 3:24PM (3/09/2007)
Wait, so Ford did this as a request? Are they starting to listen to people (again)?
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synergeist 4:09PM (3/09/2007)
Can you say, "Toyota will graft one on, too, and do a very poor job at it?"
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Bryan 7:41PM (3/09/2007)
This is exactly why Ford rules the Truck market. Seems like all the import lovers are keeping quiet now. Hmmm wonder why. Doesn't seem so stupid now does it???
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why not the LS2/LS7? 7:49PM (3/09/2007)
Back in the 80s, Rick Simon's (of TV's Simon and Simon) Dodge Power Wagon had these doors.
And I've seen them modded onto slab-side 1990s Chevy/GMC pickups too.
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Barney 11:35PM (3/09/2007)
4. Can you say, "Toyota will graft one on, too, and do a very poor job at it?"
Yes but you would be lying. One would think you would give it a rest. Your neither amusing or witty.
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Bruno 4:45PM (3/11/2007)
There are aftermarket toppers that are pretty versatile and may offer similar access for less, once you factor in the cost of this feature plus another topper. Shop around.
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Logan 10:28PM (5/08/2007)
This is a chevy right? Wow, nice ride..If I'm going to have one of those, I'll put a gmc nef bar or a gmc running board. It makes the car safer, comfortable, and look more muscular. What you think? Of course, I'm going to buy it from my most trusted shop that sells gmc parts.
(http://www.wholesalegparts.com/gmc-nerf-bar)
(http://www.wholesalegparts.com/gmc-running-board)
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