I have had rust issues with steel boxes, I dont have aluminum. Seems that when it rains there is enough moisture in the air that it will condense in the box when it gets hot from the sun. So I would guess it could be a problem with any box.
I have a chest type box that sits in the bed. Currently it is sitting in about 2 incbes of water. Dry inside. Have another on the back of the 5er, no water in it either.
nohurry wrote: I live in western Washington, not exactly dry. I have an alum tool box, but I keep contents in plastic boxes. Insures they stay dry, but also serves to keep things sorted/categorized. If I need my small tool set, I just grab that box. If I need my ratchet straps, I just grab that box. You get the idea. It's a system that works well for me. As to your question, I've never noticed water inside the main box itself.
My tool boxes sweat in the winter. And I can freeze a pair of Kleins or dikes up solid in a season if not used or oiled. Of course it gets opened in the rain sometimes. In TX not a problem unless maybe you just throw away the key and expect to come back to shiny tools in 5 years.
2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5โ turbo back, 6" lift on 37s 2017 Heartland Torque T29 - Sold. Couple of Arctic Fox TCs - Sold
I have had a tool box on my truck for 17 years and never had anything rust. First one for 16 years was a DeeZee aluminum box red label. New one is a Pro Tech and while I do not have any long term evidence yet on the new one I know it doesn't leak, so far anyway. I live in Colorado so it is fairly dry humidity wise. I have heard of people saying that theirs doesn't leak yet it still gets wet inside, condensation perhaps from too good of a seal. In which case a couple holes drilled in the bottom of the box should take care of that. I know my new Pro Tech is certainly sealed much better than the DeeZee was so I am keeping an eye in it but so far have not noticed any issues with condensation.
I live in western Washington, not exactly dry. I have an alum tool box, but I keep contents in plastic boxes. Insures they stay dry, but also serves to keep things sorted/categorized. If I need my small tool set, I just grab that box. If I need my ratchet straps, I just grab that box. You get the idea. It's a system that works well for me. As to your question, I've never noticed water inside the main box itself.
This post is my opinion (free advice). It is not intended to influence anyone's judgment nor do I advocate anyone do what I propose. Sold 04 Dynasty to our son after 14 great years. Upgraded with a 08 HR Navigator 45โ...
I wouldn't expect you to have rust problems in a dry place like Texas. Most of the aluminum boxes have decent seals - not water tight, but they keep out the rain and snow. I didn't have any problems in Alaska.
Bill
Nodwell RN110 out moose hunting. 4-53 Detroit, Clark 5 spd, 40" wide tracks, 10:00x20 tires, 16,000# capacity, 22,000# weight. You know the mud is getting deep when it's coming in the doors.
