The right truck tool box is a critical for storing, organizing and securing expensive tools in your truck bed. This article will highlight a few of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a truck toolbox and will then highlight a few of the best truck box options available.
Truck Box Materials
The majority of truck toolboxes are designed with either aluminum, steel or polymer material.
Aluminum
Aluminum truck boxes are lightweight, rust resistant and provide provide good long term value.
Standard plate aluminum boxes can be prone to cracking when used in heavy duty applications such as on a flatbed or standard pickup truck with heavy off road use. If you anticipate heavy off road use or plan to use a flatbed truck, you may need to consider a heavy duty aluminum or steel truck box.
Steel
Steel truck boxes are heavier than steel, but represent very secure and highly durable storage options. High quality steel truck toolboxes also typically include a powder coat finish that includes an application of a rust resistant liner to prevent rust.
Steel boxes are ideal for flatbeds or standard pickup truck beds that will be used in heavy off-road conditions. Steel truck boxes are also great for people storing heavy equipment.
Polymer
Plastic and polymer based truck boxes are lightweight and less expensive than steel and aluminum toolboxes. Polymer boxes are resistant to rust and are durable options that work great for light duty use.
Truck Tool Box Features
You never know where your jobs might take you, so you need to make sure your truck box has the right level of security to prevent theft and keep your tools secure from rain and other weather conditions.
- Truck Box Locks – Pay close attention to the type of locking system used for your truck box. You want to look for reinforced locks, dual locks or even the ability to add combination locks.
- Weather Resistance – Look for toolboxes that offer strong weather resistance to minimize moisture, dust and debris from getting inside your truck box. Rubber or foam gaskets around the edge of the toolbox are extremely effective for weather resistance. This is the same type of material you see on car doors.
- Lid Design – The more advanced toolboxes offer gas struts or spring assisted lids which make it very easy to open and securely shut your lid.
- Shelves, Drawers and Organization – Many toolboxes allow customization for adding drawers, shelves or include built-in organization features like magnetic tool storage, tool trays and other compartments. The ability to properly organize your tools allows you to work more efficiently by being able to quickly find tools you need for the job.
- Finish Options – Professionals know the value of presenting a professional image to your customers. Many high quality toolboxes offer the ability to select powder coat finishes that help you match the color of your truck.
Best Crossover Truck Toolboxes
Crossover truck boxes are secured on the truck bed rails. These boxes maintain visibility from the rear of your truck because the boxes are designed to remain level with your bed rails.
Chandler Crossover Adapt Aluminum Truck Box
Click Here to see the Chandler Crossover Aluminum Box.
The crossover adapt aluminum truck box offers an innovative organization system that allows you to fully organize wide variety of tools inside the truck box.
Available Sizes:
- 72”L x 19”W x 18”H (Gullwing & Single Lid)
- 37”L x 16”W x 18”H (side mount)
Chandler Crossover Toolbox Features:
- Available with a Gullwing or Single Lid design.
- 10 gauge aluminum.
- Gas struts for easy opening.
- Heavy duty gaskets and seal for weatherproof design.
- Push button locking.
- Requires long bed truck.
BCI Steel Crossover Toolbox
Heavy duty truck toolbox that can be mounted to your bed rails or directly in your truck bed.
Available Sizes:
- 60”L x 18”W x 10”H
- 60”L x 18”W x 13”H
- 60”L x 18”W x 18”H
BCI Crossover Box Features:
- Designed for Heavy duty applications and great for flatbed trucks.
- 12 gauge steel design.
- Available with single or dual lids.
- Charcoal black finish with durable Marvel bed liner coating to prevent rust.
Best Truck Tool Box for Fifth Wheel
If you have a truck with a 5th wheel or gooseneck, its really critical to maintain rear visibility in your truck.
Wedge tool boxes are ideal for 5th wheels and goosenecks because the low height keeps the tool box below your bed rails and the sloping wedge design helps to maintain visibility.
Chandler Steel Crossbody Wedge Adapt Truck Toolbox
Click Here to see the Chandler Crossbody Wedge.
Chandler’s steel crossbody wedge box is a great option for flatbeds or standard pickups with a gooseneck or 5th wheel. This toolbox offers Chandler’s innovative storage system in a heavy duty steel design.
Available Sizes:
- 60”L x 20”W x 14”H
- 70”L x 20”W x 14”H
Chandler Crossbody Wedge Features:
- 12 gauge carbon steel design.
- Matte black powder coat finish.
- Adapt customizable storage organization system.
- Gasket seals around lid for weatherproof seal.
- Gas struts for easy opening.
- Push button locking.
- Stainless steel hinges.
For more tool box options, see our full selection of crossover truck toolboxes.
Best Underbody Truck Tool Boxes
Underbody truck boxes are a specialized toolbox that mounts below the bed of a truck. These are most often used with flatbeds and semi trailers.
Merritt Underbody Camlock Aluminum Truck Box
Click Here to see the Merritt Camlock Underbody Box.
Merritt’s underbody camlock truck box offers a light weight aluminum design with weather resistant sealing. This secure cam lock storage box is also available in a wide range of sizes to fit most applications.
Available Sizes:
- 36”L x 18”W x 18”H
- 36”L x 24”W x 18”H
- 36”L x 24”W x 24”H
- 48”L x 18”W x 18”H
- 48”L x 24”W x 18”H
- 48”L x 24”W x 24”H
- 60”L x 18”W x 18”H
- 60”L x 24”W x 24”H
- 60”L x 24”W x 24”H
Merritt Camlock Underbody Box Features:
- Automotive grade door seal for weather resistant seal.
- Lap joint weld for superior durability and longer life.
- Choose diamond plate or smooth aluminum finish.
- 2 inch stainless steel hinge.
- Option to add shelves.
You can also check additional Aluminum Underbody Tool Box options.
Chandler Underbody Steel Toolbox
Click Here to see the Chandler Steel Underbody Box
This is a great heavy duty under mount truck box option that offers a great combination of durability and security.
Available Sizes:
- 18”L x 12”W x 14”H
- 18”L x 18”W x 18”H
- 24”L x 11”W x 14”H
- 24”L x 15”W x 15”H
- 24”L x 16”W x 14”H
- 24”L x 18”W x 18”H
- 30”L x 15”W x 15”H
- 30”L x 16”W x 14”H
- 30”L x 18”W x 18”H
- 36”L x 16”W x 36”H
- 36”L x 18”W x 18”H
- 36”L x 24”W x 24”H
- 48”L x 16”W x 14”H
- 48”L x 18”W x 18”H
- 48”L x 24”W x 24”H
- 60”L x 18”W x 18”H
Chandler Steel Underbody Box Features:
- 12 gauge steel design.
- Matte black powder coat finish.
- Heavy duty T-Handle latch with key lock.
- Stainless steel hinges.
- Commercial grade weather resistant seal gasket.
- Drop down door with dual chains.
- Single or Double Door.
For more options, see our full selection of Truck Toolboxes for sale.