Choosing the right truck tool box is 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.
What Size Truck Tool Box Fits My Truck?
Whether you have a short bed or long bed truck will make a big difference in determining what size tool box will fit in your truck bed.
Long Bed Trucks
If you have a long bed truck, then your available bed space will be more than sufficient to fit a vast majority of truck tool boxes.
Short Bed Trucks
If you have a short bed, you need to take more careful measurements of your truck bed before selecting a truck tool box.
Key measurements to know in your short bed truck:
- Distance from the cab to your wheel well - most short beds have 12 to 18 inches of space.
- Distance between the wheel wells - most short beds have 51 inches.
- Bed Rail Height - most short beds have 19 to 21 inches of height.
For additional information on tool boxes for specific vehicles, check the following guides:
- Chevy Silverado Tool Box
- Flatbed Tool Box
- Ford F150 Tool Box
- Ram Tool Box
- Tow Truck Tool Box
- Toyota Tacoma Tool Box
Truck Tool Box Materials
The majority of truck toolboxes are designed with either aluminum, steel or polymer material.
Aluminum Tool Box
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 Tool Box
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 tool 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 Tool Box
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.
Types of Truck Tool Boxes
Crossover
Crossover truck tool boxes are mounted over the truck bed rails. These boxes maintain visibility from the rear of your truck because the tool 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
The BCI crossover tool box is a heavy duty steel 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.
For more options, see all crossover truck tool box options.
Crossbody Wedge
If you have a truck with a 5th wheel or gooseneck, its really critical to maintain rear view 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 wedge 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.
You can also check additional wedge truck tool box options.
Underbody
Underbody truck tool boxes are a specialized toolbox that mounts below the bed of a truck. Underbody tool boxes are most often used with flatbeds, trailers, and semi trucks.
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.
The secure cam lock storage tool box is also available in a wide range of sizes to fit a variety of trucks.
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.
Truck Tool Box Brands
There are a large number of truck tool box brands that specialize in a wide variety of tool box designs and styles.
We have highlighted a few of the most popular truck tool box brands and provide a brief summary of the types of tool boxes they specialize in.
American Truck Boxes
ATB is a US based tool box manufacturer located in North Dakota. ATB specializes in the following types of tool boxes:
- Aluminum and Steel tool boxes
- Side mounted, Underbody, Flatbeds, and Custom boxes
Check our full selection of American Truck Boxes tool boxes.
BCI Fabrication
BCI is based in Oklahoma and specializes in heavy duty steel truck tool boxes. BCI tool boxes are ideal for flat beds and pickup trucks that require long lasting tool boxes or encounter off road conditions.
- See our full selection of BCI toolbox options.
Chandler Truck Accessories
Chandler is based in Arkansas and specializes in aluminum and steel truck tool boxes. Chandler offers a highly innovative Adapt storage system with their tool boxes that allow you to easily organize your truck tool box.
- Check our complete line of Chandler Tool Box options.
Merritt Aluminum Products
Merritt is based in Colorado and specializes in aluminum truck tool boxes. You can fully customize your aluminum tool box with black and white powder coat options.
- Browse our full line of Merritt Tool Box options.
RC Industries
RC Industries is based in Indiana and specializes in aluminum and steel truck tool boxes for pickup trucks, trailers and semi trucks. RC also offers a wide range of custom tool box options.
- See our complete line of RC Industries Tool Box options.
For more options, see all Truck Tool Box options.