WEATHER GUARD 171-X-01 (01) PDF Document

For the WEATHER GUARD 171-X-01, the “X” in the model number represents the color code for your specific model:

0 = Clear

3 = White

5 = Black

DANGER: Do not use this product for storing or transporting flammables, explosives, hazardous materials, or hazardous waste, such as containers of gasoline, solvents, gun powder, dynamite, propane tanks, acetylene tanks, and cutting torches. This product is intended only for storing and transporting small tools, equipment, and similar materials. Any modifications or unintended use could create a hazardous condition that can cause death, serious personal injury, or property damage.

WARNING: Before drilling, check underneath the vehicle to avoid cutting or puncturing fuel tanks, fuel lines, electric wires, etc. All floor mounting bolts near the gas tank area should be installed from the underside of the vehicle to prevent puncturing the gas tank in a collision; do not use Blind Fasteners in this area. Holes drilled in this area should be 3/8″.

CAUTION: Before marking leg mounting holes, check inside the box for the location of the gas spring housing and other components that may obstruct safe drilling. Always wear protective eyewear when checking the underside of the vehicle or when drilling to keep debris out of your eyes.

NOTICE: When installing on an aluminum truck bed, use specific aluminum upfit components and follow additional instructions. Any modification or unintended use of this product will immediately void all manufacturer warranties.

The following tools are required for installation:

• Electric Drill

• Drill Bits – 3/16″, 3/8″, 1/2″

• Open or Box End Wrenches – (2) 1/2″, 9/16″

• Hammer

• Oil/Grease

• Center Punch

• Carpenter’s Square

• Pencil/Marker

Follow these steps for Blind Fastener installation:

1. Place a drop of oil on the black oxide bolt for lubrication before assembling.

2. Place the Blind Fastener in the hole.

3. Use a 1/2″ or 7/16″ wrench to tighten the black oxide bolt until the fastener is fully seated. It will start out hard and get easier as the fastener “bulbs” out.

4. Ensure the Blind Fastener and Installation Tool do not turn during installation.

For aluminum truck bed installation, follow these steps:

1. Coat the drilled holes with Zinc Rich Primer.

2. Insert the Blind Fastener through one 1/2″ x 1″ plastic washer.

3. Insert the Blind Fastener into the drilled hole.

4. Place a second 1/2″ x 1″ plastic washer through the bottom of the Blind Fastener.

5. Continue following the standard Blind Fastener installation instructions to fully install the fasteners.

• If your truck bed is constructed of aluminum, use zinc rich primer to coat drilled holes.

• If your pickup has a plastic drop-in bed liner, it may need to be drilled, trimmed, or cut for proper installation.

• The truck box cover may not latch properly until the box is fully bolted to the truck bed.

• Periodically check the tightness of mounting bolts to ensure proper attachment.

• Use touch-up paint on any drilled holes to prevent oxidation.

• Install the box with the vehicle parked on level ground.

Fasten the box and leg mounting feet directly to the bed floor, not to bed liners or mats. Place the box into position with the cover open and support it as required during installation. Verify that the tailgate closes with the mounting angle in position. The bottom of the box should be flat on the floor, and the side of the box (not the cover) should be approximately 1″ from the bed rail.

For aluminum truck beds, use vinyl tape as a barrier between the mounting clamp and the truck bed.

This step may be omitted if you can use the alternate method in Step 3A. Ensure there is enough hole depth before installing the blind fastener.

1. Place the mounting angle against the end of the box with its foot touching the stake pocket (or inner wall of the truck bed).

2. Mark one hole on the box and one hole on the truck. Center punch the holes to be drilled.

3. Drill the truck box and stake pocket (or inner wall) with a 3/16″ drill bit.

4. Re-drill the hole in the truck box with a 3/8″ drill bit.

5. Re-drill the hole in the stake pocket (or inner wall) with a 1/2″ drill bit.

6. Install the Blind Fastener in the stake pocket (or inner wall).

7. Install the mounting angle.

For aluminum truck beds, follow the additional instructions for Blind Fastener installation.

This step can be omitted if you use the alternate method. Note: Install bolts from the underside when fastening the mounting angle to the wheel well.

1. Place the mounting angle under the box and against the wheel well.

2. Mark one hole on the bottom of the box and both holes on the wheel well.

3. Center punch the holes to be drilled.

4. Drill the truck box and wheel well with a 3/16″ drill bit.

5. Install the mounting bracket.

For aluminum truck beds, follow the additional instructions for Blind Fastener installation.

Use this method if your truck configuration allows the box to rest directly on the wheel well. Note: Install bolts from the underside when fastening the Mounting Angle to the wheel well.

1. Mark, center punch, and drill a 3/16″ hole in the bottom of the box and the top of the wheel well.

2. Re-drill the holes with a 3/8″ drill bit.

3. Install the bolt as shown in the manual’s figure.

If the holes in the Floor Mounting Angle are not positioned above a rib, use the provided Floor Mounting Spacers.

1. Place the floor mounting angle on the floor, centered behind the box.

2. Mark, center punch, and drill all four holes with a 3/16″ drill bit.

3. Re-drill the holes in the box with a 3/8″ drill bit.

4. Re-drill the holes in the truck bed with a 1/2″ drill bit.

5. Install Blind Fasteners in the truck bed.

6. Install the floor mounting angle as shown in the manual’s figure.

To Lock: Turn the key counterclockwise to the locked position as indicated on the lock bezel. When the button is now pressed, it will stay in the retracted or tamper-resistant position until unlocked.

To Unlock: Turn the key clockwise to the unlocked position as indicated on the lock bezel. The button will pop out and is now ready to release the latches when pressed.

The latch system is designed for years of reliable service with only minimal maintenance. Lubricate the latch pivot points bi-annually with white grease. If the latch strikers are accidentally knocked out of alignment, simply use a mallet to re-align them.

Note: X represents the color code for your model: 0 = Clear | 3 = White | 5 = Black