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(More customer reviews)Originally I planned to compare this UWS truck tool box with the Dewalt version for an a/b comparison.It turned out UWS makes both boxes.I'll try to give you as much information on comparing these identical boxes as possible.
(UPDATE: after installation on identical service trucks in my fleet we noticed the dewalt version has a taller lid by about 1.5 inches than the UWS lid.UWS didn't say anything about the lid difference but if you are looking out the rear window backing up the UWS box doesn't hide as much as the dewalt box due to the lower profile lid)
Since the dewalt dcs70 lacked the 1/2" VSR drill mentioned in the product description, unfortunately my Apples to Oranges comparison turned out to be an Apples to Apples comparison after a little research.Continue to History below.
(The History)
Dewalt does not "make" truck toolboxes, but instead contracts this out to a company named Thule (silent h - pronounced tool).UWS and Thule are the same company due to an acquisition in 9-2007 when Thule bought UWS, so both boxes are made by the same company.Judging by the welding skill, burns, splatter, and marks, I'd go so far as to say they were made by the same person.
The dewalt product did not include the 1/2" VSR Drill, which I'll admit seemed a strange combination (buy a truck toolbox, get a drill), so it put the comparison on very level footing.
Making some phone calls to Thule (UWS) I found out that they proudly manufacture the box for Dewalt.They were very helpful to explain that the dcs70 and tbs-69 are the exact same product, which once they arrived on my shipping dock, I discovered was true (except for the nameplate in front)
These two boxes are both made from .063 Aluminium diamondplate, welded.I'll admit Al is not the easiest material to weld, but there was no effort made to clean up the splatter and burn marks on the welding which even I do when welding and I'm by no means "neat" or obcessive about it.
Thule does make a "BETTER" grade box out of .080 Al that weighs 30 lbs more and has a 4 corner locking system plus a "tough coat" tub and lid liner.It's not sold through Amazon though.This box is UWS's entry level box basically.
(The boxes)
Unpacking the boxes didn't take much - the packing left quite a bit to be desired and did not provide adequate protection to the product - no styrofoam corners, just 2 half sized boxes that nest inside each other with the toolbox inside, and 5-6 straps of clear shipping tape on 3 sides holding it all together.Keep in mind it's almost the size of a coffin.I noted some shipping damage, but then again my 2 boxes spent the last week in a fedex ground truck going cross country to my lab in California.I guess it's not as painful when the FEDEX driver dings up your new toy for the first time.
Both boxes are bright and shiny other than their unpolished welds outside which was disappointing.The inside welds are worse.The two boxes did have slightly different keys which was a pleasant surprise, however the lock system offers less than a few seconds deterrent to a determined theif. Keeping in mind how many $ worth of tools could be inside one of these, I'd prefer a high security lock / key.I STRONGLY recommend you purchase a high security lock/shackle that you can weld to the box and lid to keep people out.
(The A/B comparison)
Well, They are the same box except for the higher lid on the dewalt, both drop shipped from UWD, with the same accessories inside (a sliding black plastic parts tray).The Dewalt version carries a lifetime warantee and their logo, while Thule/UWS offers a 1 year warantee.Realistically if a weld failed 5 years from now, are you going to remove the box from your truck and ship it by truck freight back to dewalt or get your GTAW welder and fix the leak yourself?
The prices of the same box are within a dollar of each other right now, and they weigh within a lb of each other.It's the same box with different nameplates.I liked the simplicity of the Dewalt installation instructions better, but the UWS seemed to be more of a mechanical engineering drawing showing how to bolt the box in your truck and looked more professional than the dewalt "you'll need these items, drill, bolts, ..."
Other than that, these are the same unit.You could consider the heavy duty (.080") version from Thule but that's the only real other option - they mentioned it on the phone.It weighs 30 lbs more.
I'll take some photos of the welds so you can see how they look.Both brands are the same.I am deducting 1 point for inadequate packaging and shipping damage and 1 point for weld quality and locking system.Other than those issues they are nice shiny identical boxes that would look good on any new truck.
Click Here to see more reviews about: UWS TBS-69-LP Single Lid Low Profile Aluminum Toolbox with Beveled Insulated Lid
Product Description:
UWS Single Lid Low Profile Aluminum Toolbox with Beveled Insulated Lid is built 2 inch lower on the bed rail for a better view out rear window and sleeker look. It features the remarkable structural-foamed lid designed to complement the latest truck designs. This toolbox is constructed of high quality materials which offer long lasting durability.
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