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Over the years, I’ve tested plenty of truck tool boxes—some decent, some forgettable—but until recently, I hadn’t worked with one quite like the Weather Guard Pack Rat drawer unit. Unlike traditional crossover boxes that sit across the truck rails, this system fits directly into the truck bed itself and provides a massive pull-out drawer for organizing tools and equipment.
When the Pack Rat arrived, the first thing I noticed was its sheer heft. Weighing over 400 pounds, it’s not something you casually lift into a truck bed. But once installed, it offers a level of organization, strength, and security that’s hard to match.
I mounted the Pack Rat in my work truck and loaded it with the tools I use most often on job sites. Keep reading to see how the Weather Guard Pack Rat performed in real-world truck testing.
Best Truck Bed Drawer System
Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com
What We Like
- Heavy-duty steel construction
- Smooth-gliding drawer even when loaded with tools
- Customizable storage with removable dividers
What We Don’t Like
- Very heavy; installation may require equipment
Product Specs
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Material:
14-gauge steel -
Dimensions:
72 inches long by 48 inches wide by 9.5 inches high -
Drawer capacity:
425 pounds -
Top load capacity:
750 pounds -
Security:
1Key UltraLock locking system
Is the Weather Guard Pack Rat difficult to install?
Because of its size and weight, installing the Pack Rat requires more planning than installing a typical truck tool box.
The unit must be lifted into the truck bed and positioned carefully before securing it in place. I used a skid steer to lift the Pack Rat into place. Weather Guard includes hardware for bolting the unit directly to the truck bed, which helps prevent theft and keeps the system stable while driving.
Once installed, the Pack Rat becomes a permanent storage platform. Its large footprint covers much of the truck bed, and it creates a sturdy, flat surface on top that can support up to 750 pounds. On my truck, I mounted another Weather Guard tool box above it, and the fit was perfect.
Because of its weight and installation requirements, this is not a tool box you remove regularly. It’s best suited for trucks dedicated to work or hauling gear.
How well does the Pack Rat drawer system work?
The drawer system is where the Pack Rat really shines.
Even after being loaded with heavy tools, the drawer slid smoothly in and out thanks to its heavy-duty roller system. Weather Guard rates the drawer to hold up to 425 pounds, and based on my testing, that capacity seems realistic.
The removable dividers also make a huge difference in everyday use. Instead of tools sliding around inside a large compartment, I was able to create organized sections that kept everything in place—even when driving on rough roads.
Another feature I really like is the non-slip surface strips on top of the unit. Because the Pack Rat sits flat in the truck bed, it naturally becomes a place to step when loading materials. The textured strips provide solid footing, even in wet conditions.
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Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com -
Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com -
Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com -
Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com -
Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com -
Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com -
Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com -
Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com -
Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com -
Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com -
Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com
Will the Pack Rat keep tools protected from weather and theft?
Security and weather protection are two of the Pack Rat’s strongest points.
The drawer features Weather Guard’s 1Key UltraLock system, which retracts the release button when locked to help prevent prying the tool box open. Another big plus is that the tool boxes in the Pack Rat system can be keyed to match other Weather Guard tool boxes, so I can open both of mine with the same key.
Weather protection was equally impressive. The drawer opening includes a weather seal around the inner frame, so I decided to test it with a garden hose to simulate wind-driven rain. After spraying water across the drawer opening, I pulled it open to check the interior.
Everything inside was bone dry.
The Weather Guard Pack Rat is built from 14-gauge steel, which gives it exceptional strength compared with aluminum tool boxes. The steel construction also allows the top of the unit to support heavy loads, making it possible to stack tools or equipment above it without worry.
Is the Weather Guard Pack Rat worth the price?
At roughly $2,800, the Pack Rat is not a budget-tier truck storage solution.
But it’s also not designed to be one.
This drawer system is built for professionals or serious gear haulers who need a secure and organized way to store expensive equipment. For contractors like me who carry thousands of dollars’ worth of tools, the ability to keep everything organized, protected from weather, and locked away is extremely valuable.
Less-expensive tool boxes can store tools, but they don’t offer the same level of organization, strength, or security.
For anyone who relies on their truck to carry tools or gear every day, the Weather Guard Pack Rat is easily one of the most heavy-duty truck storage systems available.
So, is the Weather Guard Pack Rat right for you?
The Weather Guard Pack Rat drawer unit is an excellent choice for contractors, service technicians, and anyone who needs secure, organized truck storage for heavy equipment or tools.
Its steel construction, smooth-sliding drawer, and strong locking system make it well suited for professional use. The flat top surface also adds valuable cargo space, making it possible to stack tools or mount additional storage above the unit.
Because of its size, weight, and price, however, it’s not ideal for casual users or those who frequently remove their truck storage systems.
But for those who need serious storage and security, the Weather Guard Pack Rat delivers top-tier performance.
Where To Buy
Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com
The post After Testing Weather Guard’s Pack Rat Drawer System, I Finally Have a Place for Every Tool in My Truck appeared first on Bob Vila.