I use two smaller rigid boxes stacked together on my X3. There’s really no good way to strap them down using the “bails” as you call them. I use the bails to connect the two boxes together and then just ratchet strap them down to the bed. I like having two smaller boxes rather than the big one because it’s easier to stay organized. I keep power tools (ratchet, impact, drill, spare batteries, sockets, bits, etc) in one and hand tools (wrenches, screw drivers, pry bars, hammer, plug/patch kits etc) in the other. This makes it easier to find stuff rather than digging in a large box that holds everything.

 

Thank you for the input. I am hoping to avoid ratchet straps altogether. There has to be a way to do this.

 

With my experience of the bail system, there’s no way I would trust that to hold my tools with the way I drive. When I strap my boxes down, the bail latches are loose. I would be down to try a permanently mounted bottom box but I would still strap the top box over using the bails. With a big box, a permanently mounted system should work but if your box is as heavy as mine, that’s a lot of stress on the box if only the edges are locked down.

 

I have looked over the Rigid system pretty thoroughly. They seem bullet proof. The latching system is very stout and even if the roughest terrain I think they would stay in place. But the first box has to be mounted substantially. I might even bolt it in with heavy duty shoulder grommets to insure water tightness. The lower or first box would contain my heavy tools such as power wrench, & 1/2" impact, and ratchets, extensions, sockets and other hand tools. A second low profile box would be added for other lighter weight items. Additionally, I want to add a really good 25 quart cooler to the bed. This will likely end up being a Milwaukee Packout system for ease of installation and removal. I am still pondering all of this though.