Weather Guard

WEATHER GUARD®, a WernerCo brand, is an industry leader in truck and van equipment, including truck boxes, drawer units, shelving, cabinets, and racks for trucks, vans and utility vehicles. WEATHER GUARD® organizes trucks and vans for greater productivity and provides tools and valuables superior protection against break-ins and weather.

In the fall of 1960, Howard Knaack began building jobsite storage tool boxes in a small, one-room shop in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Mr. Knaack's main outlet for these boxes was a tool supply distributor owned by his partners named Brock Tool Company. In 1962, Mr. Knaack began setting up a nationwide distribution network of contractor supply houses. In 1968, Knaack LLC. moved to its current location at 420 E. Terra Cotta Ave., in Crystal Lake, Illinois, with a new 16,000 sq. ft. facility.

In the late 1960s, Mr. Knaack was looking to expand his product offerings to the contractor trade and recognized the need for a high-quality truck tool box. In 1968, Knaack LLC. purchased the rights to build WEATHER GUARD® Truck Equipment, a truck tool box line consisting of approximately 10 different models, from a sheet metal contractor in St. Louis, Missouri. He continued to build these boxes in St. Louis until 1971, when Knaack LLC. doubled its manufacturing capacity. The new addition included the first wash system to clean the steel and a bake oven to bake on enamel paint required on the WEATHER GUARD® Boxes. In 1973, the entire line of WEATHER GUARD® Tool Boxes was redesigned with features needed by the contractor markets that they served. Many of these innovations soon became the standard in the industry and were eventually copied by other truck tool box manufacturers.

Always looking for new products, Hi-Side Boxes, UnderBed Boxes and van equipment items were introduced in the mid-70s. Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, the company expanded product offerings in the truck and van storage equipment lines. In 1981, a powder coating system was added to its facility for WEATHER GUARD® Product Lines, making the company one of the first in its industry to offer the benefits of a TGIC Polyester Powder Coating. Also in the early '80s, gas pistons were added to WEATHER GUARD® Truck Boxes, making them easier to open and close, therefore being safer to use than previous versions or competitors' models.

In the early 1980s, major additions were made to the WEATHER GUARD® Truck and Van Storage Equipment lines. In truck equipment, saddle boxes, super lo-side boxes, and super side boxes were added to the truck equipment line along with an expanded line of underbed boxes and truck ladder racks. In van equipment, the line was expanded to include knockdown shelving, small and medium size parts bins, expanded ladder rack offerings and also an expanded bulkhead offering. This product expansion enabled the company to expand its base of users to include municipalities, utilities, fleets, etc.

The business grew dramatically through the 1980s along with its distribution base and end users. The product offerings also grew significantly with the introduction of aluminum saddle boxes and the market's switch to aluminum.

In the early 1990s, WEATHER GUARD® Truck Boxes were again redesigned to increase security, safety and durability for its end users. It incorporated many items that its users are accustomed to with the automotive industry. High-quality automotive-style locks and latches were added along with other major changes. This again set WEATHER GUARD® Truck Equipment apart from its competition.

In 2012 Werner Co. announced that it had acquired 100% of the ownership of Knaack LLC. The acquisition brought the industry leading KNAACK® and WEATHER GUARD® brands, which created a product portfolio that can collectively leverage the broader company networks in manufacturing, distribution, sales and marketing.

A great American success story!

In the fall of 1960, Howard Knaack began building steel KNAACK® jobsite storage tool boxes in a small, one-room shop in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Mr. Knaack's main outlet for these boxes was a tool supply distributor owned by his partners named Brock Tool Company.

Knaack LLC was the first to offer national distribution of jobsite storage boxes in Chicago, Detroit, Hammond, Cleveland, Denver and Washington D.C. By 1968 Mr. Knaack moved the company to a 16,000 sq. ft. building also located in Crystal Lake, Illinois.

Throughout the 1960’s, Howard was looking to expand his product offerings to the contractor trade and recognized the need for a high-quality, truck tool box. In 1968, Knaack LLC purchased the rights to build WEATHER GUARD® Truck Equipment, a truck tool box line consisting of approximately 10 different models, from a sheet metal contractor in St. Louis, Missouri.

In 1981, the plant added a powder-coat system for WEATHER GUARD® Truck Equipment and became one of the first in its industry to offer the benefits of ARMOR-TUF® Powder Coat Paint. Also in the early 1980s, gas pistons were added to WEATHER GUARD® Truck Equipment, making them easier to open/close and safer to use than previous versions or competitors' models. WEATHER GUARD® also introduced truck cab protectors and ladder racks, as well as organizational storage solutions, such as PACK RAT® Drawer Units.

In 1984, WEATHER GUARD® further expanded into Van Storage Equipment, offering a complete line of bulkheads, shelving, drawer units, van ladder racks and the BED RAT® Sliding Platform.

To drive innovation and continue to lead the market, Knaack LLC has made significant investments in automation machinery and equipment, and increased capability of our human resources, improving plant safety, and making the plant more environmentally friendly. Knaack LLC strives to achieve lean manufacturing standards by utilizing such processes as Six Sigma, Kaizen Champions and Lean Kaizen Blitzes. Recently Knaack LLC made significant improvements in manufacturing automation by investing in upgraded fabrication machinery and a completely renovated paint line. These new machines and systems are capable of making accurate, quality parts in both long and short production runs, with the ability to switch between designs being manufactured at the push of a button, allowing Knaack LLC to be extremely flexible in our manufacturing processes. Our current production line is truly state-of-the-art to produce the finest jobsite and tool storage equipment available.

How does Knaack LLC support the environment? Knaack LLC switched 425 tons of paper printing to Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Certified paper, recycled over 850 tons of metal scrap, increased recycled content in corrugated packaging to 35%, reduced natural gas consumption 8%, reduced electricity consumption 15% by using light sensors and switching to high-efficiency florescent bulbs, improved the quality of discharge water by reducing chloride levels 30% and total dissolved solids 20%, and reduced air emissions 50% by switching to powder-coat paint process.

Over the past 50 years, Knaack LLC’s facility has grown from its modest start in a 2,000 sq. ft. shop to its first 16,000 foot facility at 420 E. Terra Cotta Ave., and now to its current 400,000 + sq. ft. plant. Knaack LLC has achieved strong growth and industry leadership, and has not stopped introducing new products, like the new WEATHER GUARD® Hi-Side Truck Boxes, the new WEATHER GUARD® Low-Profile Steel Boxes, the new WEATHER GUARD® Van Solutions for the Nissan NV and Ford Transit Connect.

The acquisition of Knaack LLC by Werner Co. and the integration of the KNAACK® and WEATHER GUARD® brands aligns with the commitment to customer safety, product durability, productivity, and is a natural fit with the company’s mission to serve the professional end user.

As Werner Co. looks to the future, we envision continuous improvement in all areas of the business, as well as an aggressive schedule of new product introductions that are driven by end-user research to help contractors keep their tools safe, protect them from the weather and keep equipment organized for optimal productivity on the job.

Weather Guard® Products

YOU KNOW THE ONES.Just like you, they understand that being at the top goes beyond skill and talent. It’s about projecting competence every step of the way. It starts with buying the best possible truck. From there, it’s all about fitting it with the stylish, organized security of WEATHER GUARD® Truck Boxes, Ladder Racks, Cab Protectors and In-Bed Storage Solutions. WEATHER GUARD® Truck Equipment. The Ultimate in Protection.
Truck Boxes All Purpose Chest Maximize your visibility with All-Purpose Chests that sit below the bedrail, accommodating tonneau covers and lids. An angled body design allows the chest to fit in fifth-wheel trailer configurations. The cover opens to 90° for maximum access using a unique offset hinge design that still allows installation flush against the truck cab. For durability, they’re built of steel and finished with Brite White or Gloss Black ARMOR TUF® Powder Coat, or diamond plate aluminum (Clear, Gloss Black, or Textured Black). Cross Box WEATHER GUARD® Cross Boxes allow access from either side of the truck with two independent covers. A productivity aiding plus is an automotive-style latch that allows you to pop each cover open with one hand. These rugged, versatile boxes are available in steel with a Brite White or Gloss Black ARMOR TUF® Powder Coat, or in aluminum diamond plate (Clear or Gloss Black) and a full weather seal keeps out the elements. Cross Boxes can be used in combination with Lo-Side or Super-Lo Boxes for even more storage. Hi-Side Box Even the best can get better. That’s why we keep pushing our engineers to top themselves. And so they have. Now our class-leading WEATHER GUARD® Hi-Side Truck Boxes deliver even greater protection from the elements, from vandalism. WEATHER GUARD® Hi-Sides are built to outlast the competition, just like you—hard-working construction pros, skilled tradespeople, field service and municipal workers who need quick access to valuable tools, equipment and parts while keeping the truck bed open for supplies. You never stop. Neither do we. UNMATCHED PROTECTION LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY. WARNING Hi-Side Boxes cannot be installed to truck racks. Support legs included with box is required for installation. Lo-Side Box WEATHER GUARD® Lo-Side Boxes mount over the bedrails of your truck and keep critical tools and parts at your fingertips. Their easy installation utilizes mounting brackets that do not require drilling into the rails. The design and location on the truck bed aren’t the only attributes that keep you productive—you can get inside with just one hand using an automotive-style latch. The durable Lo-Side is available in steel, and protected by an ARMOR TUF® Powder Coat finish in either Brite White or Gloss Black, or diamond plate aluminum (Clear, Brite White, Gloss Black, and Textured Black). The Lo-Side from WEATHER GUARD® can also be used separately or in combination with Cross Boxes or Saddle Boxes. Pork Chop Box WEATHER GUARD® has figured out a way to make use of otherwise unutilized truck bed space above and behind the wheel wells with these uniquely shaped boxes. They establish a great location for storing small parts and hand tools to which you often need quick, easy access. They’re constructed of either steel—protected with a Brite White ARMOR TUF® Powder Coat finish—or aluminum diamond plate (Clear or Gloss Black). Pork Chop Boxes leave plenty of room in the truck bed for hauling around your weekend toys. Saddle Box Like you, WEATHER GUARD® Saddle Boxes keep getting better and better. Now with more options and features than ever. Like industry-leading security with our exclusive tamperresistant EXTREME PROTECTION™ LOCK. WEATHER GUARD® Saddle Boxes are the most popular truck storage option due to ease of installation, maximum bed clearance, and of course legendary durability. Constructed of either steel or aluminum diamond plate and finished with an ARMOR TUF® Powder Coat in Clear, Gloss Black, or Textured Black that lasts for years and looks great. Underbed Box - STEEL WEATHER GUARD® Steel Underbed Boxes come in three size groupings: compact, standard and jumbo. A Brite White or Gloss Black ARMOR TUF® Powder Coat enhances the durability of these boxes' heavy-gauge steel. Steel Underbed Boxes are supplied with an aluminum door and hinge for superior resistance to rust and corrosion. Underbed Box - ALUMINUM WEATHER GUARD® Aluminum Underbed Boxes are available in compact, standard and jumbo versions to meet your specific needs. Clear or Gloss Black ARMOR TUF® Powder Coat finishes extend the ruggedness of the diamond plate aluminum.
Truck Boxes - DEFENDER SERIES INTRODUCING THE DEFENDER SERIES™ a new affordable line of truck boxes built with the professional grade durability, security, and weather resistance you expect from the WEATHER GUARD® brand. Now there is a WEATHER GUARD® for every truck and user out there. Professional Grade Protection available for: SADDLE BOXES | CROSS BOXES | SIDE BOXES | UNIVERSAL CHESTS Contact a Hitch City near you, or fill out our Request Form for more information about the WEATHER GUARD® Defender Series.
	Truck Racks There are a couple of aspects of security above the truck bed. You need to keep your ladders and equipment secure both in transit and in storage when utilizing a truck rack. WEATHER GUARD® truck racks is the ultimate and unmatched quality you know and trust. These racks are availble for full-size, compact and steel service trucks too. From Aluminum to Steel racks or even a weekender rack, there's a WEATHER GUARD® truck rack for your needs.
	Transfer Tanks WEATHER GUARD® Transfer tanks offer a safer mode of transporting diesel fuel to your jobsite and beyond. L-shaped tanks are designed to be used with Cross Boxes and Saddle Boxes only; rectangular tanks are designed for full-size pickup trucks. Ranging in capacity form 40-110 gallons, WEATHER GUARD® Transfer Tanks feature full arc-welded, heavy 14-gauge steel construction for long-lasting durability. All tanks are protected with Brite White or Gloss Black ARMOR TUF® Powder Coat Finish for years of durability, and backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
	Pull Out Storage - PACK RAT® Drawer Units The Heavy-Duty Pack Rat ® drawer units can be mounted inside the rear of the vehicle and give you easy access to large tools and supplies while leaving floor space open. These rugged units are constructed of 14-gauge steel on the top and sides, giving you a 750 pound load rating and placing them among the sturdiest items in the back of your truck.
	Pull Out Storage - PACK RAT® Sliding Platform Grabbing tools or parts as you need them during the course of a project is always easier when they’re elevated. The BED RAT® Sliding Platform from WEATHER GUARD® works with PACK RAT® Drawer Unit allowing you to pull items toward you from the cargo area, either from the side or rear of the vehicle, creating an additional work space.
	Accessories Don't forget there's a versatile selection of accessory options for your WEATHER GUARD® truck tool box or truck equipment product. Find out more by contacting the Hitch City near you, or fill out our Request Form.
	Replacement Parts Need Replacement parts for your WEATHER GUARD® truck tool box or truck equipment? No problem! Contact a Hitch City near you, or fill out our Request Form. We'll be happy to assist and find replacement parts for you.

WEATHER GUARD® Van Solutions are ready to roll with game changing improvements based on years of research and your input. Durable, professional grade shelving, improved bulkheads, customizable organizational features, and a host of smart new accessories, designed around the common sense idea that tools and equipment belong on the shelf, not the floor.
	Packages Weather Guard PRO PACKAGES for each van roof height and wheel base combination can be used either as a complete upfit package or a starting point for a custom upfit. Weather Guard van products can be ordered as a package or item by item. If you need more help, contact a Hitch City near you, or fill out our Request Form. Our staff is here for all your upfitting needs or questions.
	Van Racks Versatile and rugged, our Van Racks create a space for all the long equipment you need to carry. With innovative and smart designs, WEATHER GUARD® Roof Racks offer a number of different mounting and accessory options.
	Storage Modules Great for securing electronics, personal belongings or expensive equipment. WEATHER GUARD® storage solutions feature secure locking D-Handles or add extra security to keep everything safe when you’re on the job.
	Pull Out Storage - PACK RAT® Drawer Units The Heavy-Duty Pack Rat ® drawer units can be mounted inside the rear of the vehicle and give you easy access to large tools and supplies while leaving floor space open. These rugged units are constructed of 14-gauge steel on the top and sides, giving you a 750 pound load rating and placing them among the sturdiest items in the back of your truck.
	Pull Out Storage - PACK RAT® Sliding Platform Grabbing tools or parts as you need them during the course of a project is always easier when they’re elevated. The BED RAT® Sliding Platform from WEATHER GUARD® works with PACK RAT® Drawer Unit allowing you to pull items toward you from the cargo area, either from the side or rear of the vehicle, creating an additional work space.
	Bulkheads Our Full-Size, High-Roof, and Compact van bulkheads allow you to separate the driver compartment from the cargo area for maximum protection against shifting loads. Exclusive polycarbonate windows improve visibility and safety. Tighter panel design ensures cabin comfort for both noise and temperature. WEATHER GUARD® Bulkheads are available for all commercial van types and sizes, from high-roof to compact. Several bulkhead accessories are available to keep you organized.
	Shelving Durable, professional grade WEATHER GUARD® Van Shelving takes it to the max! Maximum customization and capacity, for maximum productivity. Shelves can be adjusted quickly without removing them from the van. Assembly and installation is faster and easier than before.
	Accessories Don't forget to accessorize your WEATHER GUARD® van storage equipment! With such a huge selection of customization options at your fingertips, you can upfit your van for unmatched organization and improve productivity. Need help? Hitch City will there every step of the way for you! Contact the Hitch City near you, or fill out our Request Form.
	Replacement Parts Do you need Replacement parts for your WEATHER GUARD® van storage equipment? No problem! Contact a Hitch City near you, or fill out our Request Form. We'll be happy to assist and find replacement parts for you.