RamBox guys..opinions please.

Ramajama · Post by **Ramajama** » Thu Oct 20, 2016 1:23 am

OK I hope this hasn't been discussed into the ground. I got a chance to really look at a RamBox equipped truck the other day. Problem is, that I only got to see one with a 5.4 bed. Now I gotta go back and check one of the 2500s with Rambox.
All five of my 4rth gen RAM 1500s have been Quad Cabs with the 6.4 bed. So Im already used to that bed size. I use every square inch of it sometimes. But I was really enamored with the RamBoxes. I cant believe Ive never even considered them before.
The wheels started spinning as to how useful they could be...and the cargo management was super nifty.....but that bed space loss....

So what do you guys think of your Ramboxes?
Do you miss the extra nooks and crannys of the the open bed?
Is the cargo management really as versatile as it appears?

2202bblx2 · Post by **2202bblx2** » Thu Oct 20, 2016 1:35 am

Why not a tool box that goes on top of the bed side?

Low_Sky · Post by **Low_Sky** » Thu Oct 20, 2016 1:35 am

You are not gonna like Rambox if:

you haul big stuff (4 wheeler, snow machine, etc)

you are short (you'll need a step stool to see into them)

you expect to get a cap, cover, ladder rack, etc (there is almost no accessory support for Rambox beds)

You will love them if you need to organize small gear. I keep recovery and survival/camping gear on one side, and rotate fishing and hunting gear out of the other side as needed. If you're smart about the sizes, you can get plastic gear totes to fit very nicely into that rectangular bed. It's very easy to organize.

I love my Rambox.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

olyelr · Post by **olyelr** » Thu Oct 20, 2016 7:40 am

Low_sky said it well.

I went back and forth about the boxes when getting my truck. When i walked into the dealer I actually still wasnt sure which way I was going to go. It just so happened I found a truck already built and it made the decision for me.

If you are a campertopper kinda guy, then the boxes wont work for you.

I am fairly short at 5'8-3/4" and have absolutely no issues getting/seeing into the boxes. Even with some added lift and taller tires I will be fine.

I love the ramboxes for my use. About the only thing I dont really like is the aesthetics.... the regular box just looks better to me, more clean I guess.

yooper68 · Post by **yooper68** » Thu Oct 20, 2016 8:20 am

there is a lot of discussions / threads about RamBoxes on other forums if you want to read (they are obviously not specific to PW); there are many happy users and a few that had issues.

I think the RamBoxes are (would be - as I don't have them - yet) a great solution to store random straps, chains, hitch receiver, axes, oil, tools, and whatever else is currently loose in the bed of my truck or on floor in the back seat.

Even though I really like my topper (my boys hate it because I make them climb inside to stack firewood) I think the trucks look better with just a bed cover.

The "bed-extender/cargo-management" thing comes standard with the RamBoxes; I have not read so much about it.

Low_Sky · Post by **Low_Sky** » Thu Oct 20, 2016 8:39 am

yooper68 wrote:
The "bed-extender/cargo-management" thing comes standard with the RamBoxes; I have not read so much about it.

The divider is awesome, though a little chintzy. The hinge pins try to walk out on their own, but just far enough to pop off the trim pieces that cover them up. It's nice to be able to keep things out of the way up at the front of the bed, or move the divider back to keep things accessible without having to climb into the bed. I don't use it as a bed extender often, but it does work just fine in that role.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ramajama · Post by **Ramajama** » Thu Oct 20, 2016 11:28 am

Low_Sky wrote:You are not gonna like Rambox if:

you haul big stuff (4 wheeler, snow machine, etc)

Not an issue for me. If we end up with an ATV later, I'll trailer it.

you are short (you'll need a step stool to see into them)
Average size guy and still nimble enough to climb up or around if needed..shouldn't be a problem.
you expect to get a cap, cover, ladder rack, etc (there is almost no accessory support for Rambox beds)
The only thing that are in my plans is a CVT tent, like some guys have on here, that is on the rack and over the bed....potential hang up?

You will love them if you need to organize small gear. I keep recovery and survival/camping gear on one side, and rotate fishing and hunting gear out of the other side as needed. If you're smart about the sizes, you can get plastic gear totes to fit very nicely into that rectangular bed. It's very easy to organize.
This is the kind of stuff that really appeals to me.

I love my Rambox.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1476941816.491659.jpg
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yep so far the only real potential hang up is the lack of support for the tent set up. But maybe that could be fabricated if nothing is available. Not sure its a deal breaker yet. There's still a lot of positives to the RamBox along with the cargo management.

Ramajama · Post by **Ramajama** » Thu Oct 20, 2016 11:31 am

yooper68 wrote:there is a lot of discussions / threads about RamBoxes on other forums if you want to read (they are obviously not specific to PW); there are many happy users and a few that had issues.

I think the RamBoxes are (would be - as I don't have them - yet) a great solution to store random straps, chains, hitch receiver, axes, oil, tools, and whatever else is currently loose in the bed of my truck or on floor in the back seat.

Even though I really like my topper (my boys hate it because I make them climb inside to stack firewood) I think the trucks look better with just a bed cover.

The "bed-extender/cargo-management" thing comes standard with the RamBoxes; I have not read so much about it.

Yeah Ive seen a few discussions but not specifically to PW owners. I value the input more here because I feel most PW owners are like minded in how they use their truck.

Ill never have a topper or cover on my bed so no issue there.

Low_Sky · Post by **Low_Sky** » Thu Oct 20, 2016 11:41 am

As long as you know that any cargo/tent rack is going to be a custom fab job going in, you're good to go.

I have a pair of Yakima Sportsman racks that I modified to fit in the gear tracks for transporting my kayaks. If I ever get a RTT, I'll have to fabricate a sturdier rack.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ramajama · Post by **Ramajama** » Thu Oct 20, 2016 11:44 am

Low_Sky wrote:
yooper68 wrote:
The "bed-extender/cargo-management" thing comes standard with the RamBoxes; I have not read so much about it.
The divider is awesome, though a little chintzy. The hinge pins try to walk out on their own, but just far enough to pop off the trim pieces that cover them up. It's nice to be able to keep things out of the way up at the front of the bed, or move the divider back to keep things accessible without having to climb into the bed. I don't use it as a bed extender often, but it does work just fine in that role.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This was the pretty big feature for me. Alot of things I haul day to day professionally and personally would be made much more convenient with the management system, but there are times I have my bed stuffed full of cargo and I appreciate every inch of bed space. But Id appreciate that convenience more I think...
I also just hate having "stuff" in the cab..being the front or back area. It'd be so nice to have stuff stored securely and out of the way in the bed....My tools, drill, straps, hitch, flashlight, odds and ends that I use on my job and for recreation..and I could consistently keep my get home bag with me. I could keep more stuff with me that I normally cant, but want to. Lots and lots of positives.
So Ive still got some thinking to do and I really need to go get my eyes on a 6.4 with the boxes and see how it looks.

Any other comments are welcome.

Ramajama · Post by **Ramajama** » Thu Oct 20, 2016 11:48 am

Low_Sky wrote:As long as you know that any cargo/tent rack is going to be a custom fab job going in, you're good to go.

I have a pair of Yakima Sportsman racks that I modified to fit in the gear tracks for transporting my kayaks. If I ever get a RTT, I'll have to fabricate a sturdier rack.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks. I did not know that about the tent. The tent is a new piece of kit to me and I haven't fully researched it yet...I just know its on my list. So if thats the case...Problem solved.

Id like to see that setup you have for your Kayaks as we are getting a pair soon. We plan on carrying them on my wife's Discovery mostly but its inevitable that we will need to take them on the truck.

Low_Sky · Post by **Low_Sky** » Thu Oct 20, 2016 3:25 pm

Ramajama wrote:
Low_Sky wrote:As long as you know that any cargo/tent rack is going to be a custom fab job going in, you're good to go.

I have a pair of Yakima Outdoorsman racks that I modified to fit in the gear tracks for transporting my kayaks. If I ever get a RTT, I'll have to fabricate a sturdier rack.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thanks. I did not know that about the tent. The tent is a new piece of kit to me and I haven't fully researched it yet...I just know its on my list. So if thats the case...Problem solved.

Id like to see that setup you have for your Kayaks as we are getting a pair soon. We plan on carrying them on my wife's Discovery mostly but its inevitable that we will need to take them on the truck.

https://www.amazon.com/Yakima-OutdoorsM ... SFK1S?th=1

My install is a little rough, but it's a prototype. To mount these to the gear track, I drilled holes in the horizontal web of the feet and used 5/16" stainless bolts. I hacked out some aluminum t-nuts to fit the track slot and drilled and tapped them for the bolts. The HDPE spacers add a little lateral stiffness. The normal mounting hardware (J-bolts that hook under a normal truck bed lip) are not used. Some day I may get around to improving this, but for now it's working.

Future improvements would be:

Cutting off the J-bolt mounting sleeves (I left them for re-sale potential, but I think I'm going to keep this setup)
Replace the HDPE shims with better cut shims from 3/4" material (I laminated two pieces of 3/8" and the cuts are pretty rough)
Fabricate stainless steel T-nuts
Theft-proof it by staking the ends of the bolts so they can't be backed out of the T-nuts. The only way to remove the rack would be to slide it out of the T-track with the tailgate down.

Ramajama · Post by **Ramajama** » Thu Oct 20, 2016 9:39 pm

Thanks for posting that up!

jailor97 · Post by **jailor97** » Fri Oct 21, 2016 12:39 am

When the Rambox first came out, I was skeptical. I thought it to be a gimmick.

Now I have a PW with a Rambox (didn't set out to get one equipped that way) and I couldn't be happier. I haul all the small, loose items that would roll around in the back seat or the bed. Shopping for groceries is simple. Just waiting for a tailgate opportunity to turn them into the ultimate chilled beverage cooler

A lot will depend on your intended use. Obviously, I have found uses I never thought of and couldn't imagine not having the option.

Arkrider · Post by **Arkrider** » Sat Oct 22, 2016 10:04 am

jailor97 wrote: Just waiting for a tailgate opportunity to turn them into the ultimate chilled beverage cooler

They work surprisingly well as a cooler. They are no yeti by any means, but it gets the job done and is really convenient. I leave one side as my dedicated cooler / grocery getter and the other side for my random stuff. It amazes me just how much I can manage to fit in there and still keep it accessible. I've got a recovery bag, work shoes, extra receiver, bike straps, 4-way, and three adult folding chairs in there at all times. My dad described it probably the best I have heard...if you are old enough to have ridden in a regular cab pickup, it's like the space behind the seat we use to cram full of stuff, except it's more accessible.

The cargo management is useful and makes smaller things easier to grab. The downsides everybody else has mentioned are real issues though.I don't mind pulling a trailer or custom gabbing a rack when the time comes though. I'll take the trade off.

I won't buy another truck without ramboxes.

Chromolykid · Post by **Chromolykid** » Sat Oct 22, 2016 2:08 pm

I love the Ramboxes, just wish the lids were higher quality. When I get tired of staring at the misaligned plastic I'll have some lids made out of either aluminum or carbon fiber. I find the bed design to actually be BETTER than a standard for tying down large items because you have a full rectangle to put pressure against. What I mean by that is that you're not tying things either in front or behind the wheel well, which is an awkward area that you can't really do anything with. I've also been really happy with my Husky box I've mounted. Attached with two retractable straps, a lock and cable, all my camping/survival gear fits inside including chairs, tent, mattress, bag, and other things. I like to have my truck prepared for just about anything while having all 5 seats open, that wouldn't be possible without the Ramboxes. Passenger side is full of the heavy items (to offset the weight of fuel), driver's side stays empty most of the time.

Ramajama · Post by **Ramajama** » Sun Oct 23, 2016 11:11 am

Thanks everyone! More input is welcome.

Low_Sky · Post by **Low_Sky** » Sun Oct 23, 2016 2:11 pm

One more thing I forgot about my cross bars... They start whistling at 70-75 mph when they're empty. It's not unbearable, but it is noticeable. I didn't think of it because I don't have many opportunities to drive that fast, so it's not really an issue for me.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Wirebrush · Post by **Wirebrush** » Sun Oct 23, 2016 5:29 pm

I love the RamBox. My last truck was a standard cab with a utility box which I really liked. It's nice to keep recovery gear and such locked up, but easily accessible and not taking up space in the cab or in your way when you need to haul something.

I keep cold weather emergency gear, recovery gear, tie downs, receiver hitch, shovel, and even a 40 volt cordless chainsaw in mine. I also built a rack for my CVT Rainier tent.

The nice rectangular interior of the bed lets me keep my camping gear in heavy duty rolling contractor totes without having to tie them down.

The bed is 49" wide which is wide enough for any stock 4 wheeler. I don't know of any bed mounted tool boxes that would leave enough room to haul a four wheeler except the $1k and up drawers that mount to the bed floor and allow you to stack stuff on top of.

TwinStick · Post by **TwinStick** » Mon Oct 24, 2016 10:01 am

No Ram box for me. I just wish someone would use their common sense & make some tool storage boxes that are accessed from the side of the bed, using up all the wasted space underneath the bed & make them out of a strong plastic, so they don't rot out in a year like the old Ford ones did. That way you could still use any cap or bed accessory you wanted.

Ram Box: Good idea, bad execution.

YouTube · Post by **OffroadTreks** » Mon Oct 24, 2016 8:19 pm

I love our Ramboxes and use the heck out of them. There are some downsides, like no cap. But I don't like the old man truck look anyways.

Ramajama · Post by **Ramajama** » Wed Oct 26, 2016 1:28 am

Wirebrush wrote:I love the RamBox. My last truck was a standard cab with a utility box which I really liked. It's nice to keep recovery gear and such locked up, but easily accessible and not taking up space in the cab or in your way when you need to haul something.

I keep cold weather emergency gear, recovery gear, tie downs, receiver hitch, shovel, and even a 40 volt cordless chainsaw in mine. I also built a rack for my CVT Rainier tent.

The nice rectangular interior of the bed lets me keep my camping gear in heavy duty rolling contractor totes without having to tie them down.

The bed is 49" wide which is wide enough for any stock 4 wheeler. I don't know of any bed mounted tool boxes that would leave enough room to haul a four wheeler except the $1k and up drawers that mount to the bed floor and allow you to stack stuff on top of.

Man, I really dig the rack you have for your tent. I really want to get a tent when I get my PW. I like the height you have yours set at with that rack. Its high enough but its still low enough to be well out of the wind while driving. Maybe I haven't seen a wide enough sampling yet but most Ive seen sit so much higher. Very well done IMO.

Ramajama · Post by **Ramajama** » Wed Oct 26, 2016 1:30 am

Chromolykid wrote:I love the Ramboxes, just wish the lids were higher quality. When I get tired of staring at the misaligned plastic I'll have some lids made out of either aluminum or carbon fiber. I find the bed design to actually be BETTER than a standard for tying down large items because you have a full rectangle to put pressure against. What I mean by that is that you're not tying things either in front or behind the wheel well, which is an awkward area that you can't really do anything with. I've also been really happy with my Husky box I've mounted. Attached with two retractable straps, a lock and cable, all my camping/survival gear fits inside including chairs, tent, mattress, bag, and other things. I like to have my truck prepared for just about anything while having all 5 seats open, that wouldn't be possible without the Ramboxes. Passenger side is full of the heavy items (to offset the weight of fuel), driver's side stays empty most of the time.

Very cool! Thanks!

Power Wagon Registry