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[RC] Truck storage - Cynthia Eyler

Bought my first truck and trailer last summer, and I'm trying to figure out some logistics.
 
Truck is a 2002 F-250 diesel, with extended cab (mostly for my rather large dog, so the little rear seat is kept folded up) and a short bed.  I haul a gooseneck trailer, one with a tapered nose that works fine with the short bed.  I also use the truck for other kinds of driving besides towing.
 
In the bed space just behind the cab I carry a 65 gallon water tank -- the kind that sits horizontally on its built-in feet.  But I feel the need for secure storage for several items (jump starter, tools, spare fuel filter, reflective triangles, etc.).  So far I've been using a cheap, lockable storage box from Wal-Mart, which is held in place along side one of the wheelwells by tie-down straps.  Not ideal, and recently I ripped off my emergency brake cable while I was unhitching when it caught on the padlock.   I'd like to an get an aluminum storage box designed to fit over the wheelwell, but the total price of one wide enough for the jump starter would be well over $400.  Yikes!!
 
If I only used the truck for towing I'd just put it all in my trailer, but that seems foolhardy in my situation.  I could put it all in the rear of the cab (though the dog would not be happy to share so much of his space), but I'm reluctant to put an item as heavy as the jump starter in the cab in case of an accident.
 
What do other people do for this kind of storage?
 
Cindy