Ford Midbox F-150

Not all vehicles for off-road adventures are purely for use in the dirt. In some cases, we need a "mother ship" that hauls all our stuff-food, tools, camping gear, and the like- to the trailhead, and keeps it secure from predators (both the animal and human type). Ford has come up with a factory-installed alternative for its best-selling F-150 pickup. The new MidBox version puts a new spin on an old favorite by adding lockable storage bins on the sides of the cargo bed.
Although developed primarily for tradesmen by Ford's SVE Commercial Products division for the Regular (145-inch wheelbase) and Supercab models (163-inch wheelbase), this new setup is catching the interest of off-road enthusiasts as well. That's because it adds both capacity (26.3 cubic feet, with 500 pounds max load) adding versatility to the traditional pickup bed configuration.
Located behind the cab, and at the front of the pickup bed, MidBox is accessible from both sides of the vehicle. The two storage bins can be joined to form one large, transverse box if so desired, or separated and fitted with sliding drawers.
Not surprisingly, since most buyers of the MidBox use it for commercial applications, nearly all order a combination of drawers and trays for organizing tools and other gear. These lock-in/lock-out compartments roll out smoothly on ball-bearing sliders, and allow tradesmen to also keep inventory and equipment neatly stored away from larger items that belong in the bed.
For added convenience, the same key that operates the driver's door is also used to lock and unlock MidBox, so no additional keys are needed. With maximum security in mind, the MidBox was designed with latches featuring double-bitted keys and lock tumblers that provide exceptional safekeeping of equipment and supplies.
For a smooth integration with the standard body configuration, MidBox makes use of original equipment (OE) Ford door handles and factory Ford F-Series production colors. The double-paneled doors are dent resistant and feature commercial-grade weatherstripping, so the interior compartment is both weather- and dust-resistant.
Inside, the combination of 10-gauge and 16-gauge steel panels have a powder-coated surface for a durable, corrosion-resistant finish. The MidBox conversion maintains the structural integrity of the vehicle by using only existing mounting holes and support points for installation. Otherwise, the rest of the vehicle is identical to a regular production model of the Ford F-150 pickup.
In addition to the MidBox option, the particular vehicle we checked out also featured a fiberglass bed cap, also called a "topper," with side doors located above the cargo bed, and an access door (or double doors) at the rear replacing the tailgate setup. Lining the sides of the fiberglass topper (aluminum is optional) are sturdy metal shelves for holding tools and other equipment, but we could visualize converting the interior to RV-type accommodations.
In fact, it turns out hunting enthusiasts are purchasing the MidBox and topper combo and using them with great success for their off-road hunting excursions. This arrangement is a good example of how something designed for one purpose turns out to have value for a variety of other applications.
The MidBox Professional Mobile Storage System can be ordered by requesting that trucks be built with the RPO Code 55M -- MidBox Prep Package. The MidBox Chassis is sent to SVE Commercial Products where the MidBox is installed, along with other selected options. It is then re-entered into Ford's transportation system and shipped directly to a dealership.