Measurement Guide
Table Of Contents
- Instructions for Measuring Your Truck Bed for a UWS Tool Box or Transfer Tank Truck tool boxes and transfer tanks can add extra utility and function to your pickup truck. However, getting the wrong size tool box or transfer tank can be quite frustra...
- Key Considerations & Definitions to Know Before Starting
- Written, Step-by-Step Instructions for Measuring Your Truck Bed for a Tool Box or Transfer Tank
- Step 1: Start by Measuring the Exterior Bed Rail Width — From A to B
- Step 2: Measure the Interior Wheel Well Rail Width — From C to D
- Step 3: For Transfer Tank Fitment, Measure the Wheel Well Width — From E to F
- Step 4: Measure the Vertical Bed Depth — From G to H
- Step 5: Measure the Length from the Forward Bulkhead to the Wheel Well Hump — From I to K
- Step 6: For Towing Applications, Measure the Length from the Forward Bulkhead to Tow Hitch — From I to J (Optional)
- Finally, You're Ready to Make Your Purchase & Install Your Truck Bed Tool Box or Transfer Tank
Before we get started, you will need to understand these key definitions and details.
What's a truck bulkhead? A truck bulkhead is the wall within the truck bed that is closest to the
cab. This wall, or bulkhead, prevents cargo from colliding with the cab. This will be an important
detail when measuring to get the correct size tool or transfer tank.
Short-bed vs. long-bed trucks: Short-bed trucks have shorter beds and often times the wheel
well is closer to the bulkhead. This reduces the length and width of the boxes and tanks that
can fit in the bed of the truck, especially if a 5th wheel hitch is installed or a gooseneck trailer is
being towed. The short-bed truck has less cubic footage and for this reason, ensuring a truck
bed tool box or transfer tank has sufficient space is important.
Wheel well clearance: This is the space between the wheel wells inside the truck bed. Be sure
the wheel wells are wider than the tool box or transfer tank, especially on short-bed trucks.
Similarly, make sure the length of the tool box, from the left side to the right side, is not too
long, or it may not fit between the wheel wells. Angled tool boxes and shallow or narrow tool
boxes are good options and are designed to fit around the wheel wells on short cab truck beds
more easily. Be sure to properly measure your truck bed.
Tool box length: Make sure the tool box length is close to the exterior bed rail width, but not
larger or smaller. In order for your tool box to be securely mounted and installed, each side will
need to have at least 1.5" of the tool box resting on the truck bed rails. Likewise, you will also
need a 1" gap between the bed rails and the tool box body in order for the J-hooks to fit
correctly. See below for more information.
Tool box body length: Make sure the tool box body length is smaller than the interior bed rail
width, or the tool box will not fit in the truck bed. See below for more information.
Transfer tank bracket clearance: Make sure the brackets have at least 6" of space from the 5th
wheel hitch rails or the gooseneck ball hole. See below for more information.