How to Use a Headache Rack with a Crossover Toolbox on a 2003 Ford F-150

Updated 12/26/2018 | Published 12/22/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Aries Classic Headache Rack - Semi-Gloss Black Powder Coated Steel

(7)

$312.62

UWS Truck Bed Toolbox - Crossover Style - Low Profile Series - 7.5 cu ft - Bright Aluminum

(20)

$633.95

Question:

Hi. I have a 2003 Ford F150 4.6L Triton V8 XLT Supercab Styleside 6.5 ft. bed. I am interested in buying your product MaxxTow MaxxHaul Headache Rack - Aluminum Item # MT70456 or MaxxTow MaxxHaul Heavy Duty Headache Rack - Black Powder Coated Steel Item # MT70234. However, I would like to eventually put a crossover toolbox on my truck. Since its only a 6.5 ft. bed, I would like to conserve space as much as possible. Could a crossover tool box fit over the mounting brackets? If not, could the toolbox just be mounted further down the truckbed? Also, how long are the mounting brackets? If none of these ideas work, what about Aries Headache Rack - Semi-Gloss Black Powder Coated Steel Item # AA111001? Could I use it with a crossover toolbox? Can you guarantee that it will fit my truck? No modifications have been made to the truck except the installation of a hitch receiver. The truck is dented, but none of the dents should affect the installation of any of these products.

asked by: Ian

Expert Reply:

The issue you are going to run into with using most headache racks and crossover style toolboxes together is that they are both fighting for the same mounting space and neither are designed with the thought of using one with the other in mind. Therefore, it can be done but modifications will likely need to be made to either unit in order to get them to fit properly.

The issue with the MaxxTow racks is that the mounting brackets both have a raised edge which could possibly interfere with the toolbox therefore they will not be your best option for compatibility. Instead, you will want to look at the Aries Headache Rack part # AA111001 which has flat mounting brackets so there should not be too much of an issue with a crossover style toolbox like the UWS Truck Bed Toolbox part # UWS00367.

If you really wanted to you could use either MaxxTow MaxxHaul Headache Racks with a crossover style toolbox but the toolbox would need to be installed much further down on the bed rails which is not exactly the best use of space which is why I suggest the Aries Headache Rack and the UWS Truck Bed Toolbox.

expert reply by: Conner L