Top 10 Selection Methodology

We know your truck bed toolbox is an important part of your truck, an important part of your job, and an important part of your life. That’s why it’s so important for us that you find the right one for you and your truck. In putting together this list, we’ve combed through years of customer reviews and our detailed notes regarding interactions with customers and manufacturers over the years. We considered ease of installation, durability, functionality, and style as we weighed each and every truck bed toolbox we carry. We hope this list is helpful for you in your search, and we hope to hear your review soon.

Truck Tool Boxes Buying Guide

Pickup trucks are associated with one thing: hard work. You use your truck to get all kinds of jobs done, whether you're a contractor, construction worker, or just handy fixer-upper. You also have a big collection of tools, and need a safe place to store and organize them while keeping them readily available. That's where Truck Toolboxes come in.

Read on and learn about the different types of Truck Bed Toolboxes we offer, and find out how to pick the right Truck Toolbox for your needs.

The Benefits of Truck Toolboxes

Trucks all over the world have some kind of tool box bolted onto their beds. Why do so many drivers count on these toolboxes?

Storage & Organization

You've probably got a whole arsenal of screwdrivers, sockets, and other small tools you need to call upon every day. With a Truck Toolbox you can keep all those tools and bits in one place without them sliding around your truck bed. Many boxes, like the Deflecta-Shield Toolbox, even include 1 or 2 small trays to hold your smallest bolts and other items so they don't fall to the bottom under your other tools.

A Dee Zee Tool Box, Deflecta-Shield Toolbox, or BAK Truck Toolbox makes a great place to store gear of any kind - even if you aren't a tool-slinger. You can use our Truck Tool Boxes to haul everything from camping gear to groceries, and keep everything organized and safe.

Weather Protection

Don't let your tools rust out in the open! By storing the tools of your trade in a Truck Toolbox you can keep them protected from rain, snow, and UV rays for an extended service life. Virtually all toolboxes, including the Dee Zee Crossover Truck Toolbox, feature weatherstripping foam on the underside of the lid. This provides a reliable shield against rain and dust, so your tools stay dry and oxidation-free.

Theft Prevention

Your tools aren't only an expensive investment - they may also be what you use to put food on the table. If you value your tools, make sure you have them secured with a Locking Truck Tool Box. Most boxes include locking mechanisms, whether they're quick-release latches like on the Dee-Zee Platinum Series Toolbox or push-button keyed locks like the Defelcta-Shield Seal-Tite Toolbox. The BakBox, on the other hand, does not have a lid and instead locks up when you close your BakFlip Tonneau Cover.

The following video shows off the unique design of the BAK BakBox Toolbox and how it uses the tonneau cover for secure, invisible storage:

Truck Tool Box Styles

There are a handful of different Truck Toolbox styles out there. Let's take a look at the various ways you can store tools in your truck bed.

Crossover Truck Toolboxes

Crossover Truck Toolboxes are the most common type you see on the road. These boxes mount against the back of your cab and typically rest on the bed rails. They're available in a variety of sizes, from the huge-capacity Deflecta-Shield Challenger Deep Truck Toolbox to the Dee Zee Low-Profile Tool Box, which offers better rear visibility and sleek style.

Crossover Tool Boxes are most often designed with a single lid that opens back towards your cab, but there are some other options. Gull-Wing Truck Toolboxes, including the Deflecta-Shield Ultima Gull Wing Toolbox, include two doors that open towards the center. This provides extra side access to your tools, and splits the lid weight in half for easier opening and closing.

Side-Mount Truck Tool Boxes

If you demand quick and easy access to your tools, a Crossover Toolbox might not be the way to go. Gear at the center of a crossover box may be hard to reach, especially if your truck bed is already full of gear. A Side Mount Truck Toolbox may be the way to go. These boxes install over the sides of your bed, giving you full-on access. They can also be made a little longer than crossover boxes, so you can fit longer gear. Our Side Mount Toolboxes include the Deflecta-Shield Challenger Side-Mount Truck Toolbox, which opens like a crossover, or the DeflectaShield Challenger Topside Tool Box, which mounts vertically with doors that open down.

Specialty Toolboxes

You can add extra storage even in unlikely places with Specialty Toolboxes. These boxes include stand-alone tool chests like the Deflecta-Shield Hand Tote Box for storage you can take with you on the go. You can also mount extra tool storage behind the wheel wells with the Dee Zee Wheel Well Tool Box. If you're pulling a trailer, go with the Deflecta-Shield Trailer Tongue Tool Box. This trapezoidal box mounts on top of your trailer tongue, giving you an extra storage area that's perfect for ball mount wrenches and other gear.

Truck Tool Box FAQs and Answers

What is a truck tool box?

A truck tool box is a tool box that installs permanently or semi-permanently in the bed of your truck. Most likely the tool box will be installed at the end of your bed near the back window of your cab, but some truck tool boxes are designed to mount along one side of your bed or behind your wheel well.

What is a crossover tool box?

A crossover tool box is by far the most common type of truck tool box. Instead of mounting along the side of your truck bed, this design crosses over from the left bed rail to the right bed rail. The end result is a truck tool box that is as wide as your bed and sits flush against the back of your cab.

What are truck tool boxes made out of?

Truck tool boxes can be made from a variety of materials. Most commonly, truck tool boxes are made from diamond-tread steel, or for a light-weight alternative, diamond-tread aluminum. Less commonly, tool boxes can also be made from plastic, or polyethylene.

Who makes UWS tool boxes?

UWS manufactures all of their toolboxes in the USA. They are a subsidiary of The Curt Group which also owns Aries Truck Accessories and Luverne Truck Accessories. Curt initially specialized in trailer hitches and now has 11 North American manufacturing plants.

How do I measure my truck for a tool box?

First, measure the distance between your bed rails from the outside of the first rail to the outside of the second rails. The widest part of your tool box will actually sit on top of your bed rails, so this measurement is the maximum width you’ll want to find in a tool box. Then measure the height of your bed walls to determine the maximum depth you’ll need in a tool box.

How do you install a toolbox on a truck?

Check the manufacturer's instructions and determine where in your truck bed the tool box is going to be installed. Before you get too far in the installation process, make sure you can open the lid of the tool box in the position you have it placed. All of the tool boxes we offer at Auto Accessories Garage include all of the necessary installation hardware, and typically this hardware installs into pre-drilled holes and stake pockets.

How do I secure my truck toolbox?

Your particular truck tool box may include an integrated locking system. If so, check the manufacturer’s instructions to learn more. If not, your tool box will almost certainly have a hook where you can attach your own padlock. Padlocks are available with keys or combinations, and are available at any hardware store.

How To Choose The Right Truck Toolbox

Did You Know? Truck Toolboxes come in a variety of materials, including aluminum and stainless steel. Many also come in Polished or Black Powder Coat finish, so you can further customize your truck's style.With so many options out there, what's the right Truck Toolbox for your needs? Here are some things to think about.

Cargo Capacity

The first thing to consider is how much capacity you'll need. If you frequently take larger power tools and other big cargo on the road, you may want to consider a larger box like the Deflecta-Shield Toolbox. If you want easier access to small tools and hardware, choose a shallower Dee Zee Truck Toolbox.

Location & Tool Access

Cargo access is also something to think about when shopping for a Truck Toolbox. If your truck bed will be frequently occupied, a standard Crossover Toolbox might not be the optimal choice. A side-mount box like the Deflecta-Shield Challenger Side Mount Truck Toolbox will give you full and easy access to your gear, even with a full bed. You can also try a Dee Zee Specialty Series Wheel Well Tool Box to minimize the need for stretching and reaching.

How To Measure Your Truck Bed For A Toolbox

Truck Toolboxes are typically built in size classes based on what class of truck you drive. You should still check your truck bed's internal dimensions before deciding on a box to double-check that it fits. If you take the proper measurements ahead of time you can choose a toolbox that will fit your bed snugly and securely without hanging off the sides. There are a few measurements you should take when choosing a Truck Bed Toolbox:

• Bed Wall Height (Height 2)
• Distance Between Outside of Bed Rails (Length 1)
• Distance Between Inside of Bed Rails (Length 2)
• Distance Between Base of Wheel Wells and Bulkhead (Width 1)

Conclusion

A Truck Toolbox is the perfect way to safely store everything you need for any job. We hope this Truck Tool Box Research Guide will help you in your search for the right Truck Toolbox for your needs.