Pickup Running Board Doubles As A Toolbox

Pickup Running Board Doubles as a Toolbox FARM SHOP Tools 15-4-3 A Texas inventor can't keep up with demand for his new running boards for pick-ups and vans that double as locking tool-boxes. Mark Alldredge of Lubbock formed Trailblazer Accessories, Inc., to build and market the the new pickup add-on. "I got the idea from a kid in a parking lot who was looking at some homemade running boards I built for my pickup. They were a little bigger than normal and he asked if I used them as a toolbox. That was the idea that got me started," he says. "Stowaway" runningboards mount on any vehicle that would normally accept standard running boards with the exception of mini-vans. They look like normal heavy-duty boards except that the top slips off to the side to reveal a 4 by 8-in. storage compartment that's as long as the running boards. While open, the cover is held in place by two small chains. It locks in place with a key and is fully weatherstripped to keep out moisture and dust. "They're great for any hand tools, oil, anti-freeze, jumper cables, fishing rods, rifles, and anything else that'll fit inside. In many cases it eliminates the need for a tool chest in the box of the truck, saving cargo space," says Alldredge, who makes the running board/toolbox to fit virtually all sizes of cabs and cargo boxes, ranging in length from 67 in. up to 93 in. Some owners prefer split boxes on each side. Made out of aluminum alloy, each set weighs only from 28 to 50 lbs. yet Alldredge says they will support the weight of two average adult men easily with no intermediate brace. Takes about 20 min. to install. Price ranges from about $194 to $270 per pair. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Mark Alldredge, Trail-blazer Accessories, Inc., 8212 Venita Ave., #8, Lubbock, Texas 79424-4914 (ph 800 477-0966 or 806 866-4961).

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.