Some would say there are two things you never leave the house without – your truck, and your tools. But the thing is, there’s not always room in your cab for your tool box, and tossing the tools in the bed will have them sliding around all day – and open season to thieving eyes while you run into the gas station. The simple solution? Mount a truck bed tool box to your rig!
With a truck bed tool box, you can have a sturdy and stationary place for your tools, guns, gear, and other essentials conveniently installed in the bed of your truck. Weather-proof and totally lockable, your gear will have never been so safe. But how can you find the toolbox that’s perfect for your pickup? Easy! Take a look at our Top 10 Best Truck Tool Boxes of 2019!
10. Dee Zee Poly Wheel Well Tool Box
Kicking it off at number ten is a more uncommon style of truck toolbox, the Dee Zee Poly Wheel Well Tool Box. This American-made tool box is constructed from a lightweight poly plastic making it resilient to dents and dings while offering as much as 2.2 cubic feet of storage space. Plus, it fits snugly right behind your wheel well.
I love it. Not too big but not too small. I’ve worked with the same set of tools for darn near thirty years so I know how much space I need and this is plenty.
9. Deflecta-Shield Challenger Truck Tool Chest
One of the most prolific names in truck bed toolboxes, Deflecta-Shield put a tough looking toolbox together in their Challenger Truck Tool Chest. An eye-catching diamond tread really glistens in the sun while a foam-injected lid muffles sounds coming from inside the box. This box is made in the USA and backed by a 1-Year Warranty.
This tool box is good looking and well built. The seal on the lid seems to be working pretty well because it rained here for a solid week and I don’t see anything inside.
8. Dee Zee Red Series Side Mount Toolbox
Another popular name on the truck tool box front is Dee Zee and the great thing about their Red Series Side Mount Tool Box is that it mounts to the side of your bed, ensuring you don’t lose an inch of bed length. Additionally, you can put one of these on each side and even a third standard tool box at the end for some serious tool space!
The mounting system it comes with is very strong but I built my own anyway because that's just how I roll. I really love the double latch system.
7. Du-Ha Humpstor
Take a look at the Du-Ha Humpstor – funny name, serious toolbox. This box is great for camping gear and guns and installs with adjustable brackets to the lip of your bed rail – no drilling required. This box is compatible with truck bed covers off all kinds and comes backed by a Lifetime Warranty.
It's my second one for this truck (both sides). It's a great product! The construction looks like it will last forever and they'll be easy to take with me on my next truck.
6. Dee Zee Low Profile Single Lid Crossover Truck Toolbox
Another Low Profile selection with a bit more room is the Dee Zee Low Profile Single Lid Crossover Tool Box. Here, the main reason for the low-profile construction is to not obscure your rear view when you look at of your back window. Your visibility is important and this tool box will keep it intact while also keeping your tools and gear safe and sound.
First impression was that it looks great! It is tough and locks well. I expect this to last a long time.
5. BAK BakBox
Billed as the ultimate cargo manager for trucks with tonneau covers, the BakBox from BAK is can be combined with any tonneau cover from back. A lot of customers we talk to seem to think they have to decide between a tonneau and a toolbox, but the fact of the matter is it’s just not true. You can have both with a BAK tonneau and a BakBox.
Installed my BakBox in about 15 minutes and been very happy since. It holds a lot more stuff than imagined and best part is you almost forget you have all that extra storage.
4. Deflecta-Shield Challenger Side Mount Truck Toolbox
Another side mounting option in the game is the Deflecta-Shield Challenger Side Mount Truck Toolbox. This box mounts to your truck’s side rails and is available in three sizes. You can use this box to spare you some bed length, or combine it with one on each side and a traditional tool box at the end of your bed.
Exactly what I needed and there is plenty of space on the inside. I like the diamond tread too especially since I have some diamond tread on my floor mats.
3. Dee Zee Specialty Series Wheel Well Toolbox
Talk about filling negative space, the Dee Zee Specialty Series Wheel Well Toolbox sits pretty in the space behind your wheel well. This is usually nothing but wasted space, but with one of these inventive tool boxes (available for the driver or passenger side) you can turn that space into safe storage. One model even includes handy drawers!
Great fit. Exactly what I was looking for as I wanted to keep bed space to a premium. I really like how the lids are designed. I would definitely recommend this.
2. Deflecta-Shield Ultima Gull Wing Truck Toolbox
Heavy-duty Aluminum construction, dual lids with commercial-grad gas struts that allow you to lift them easily, and thick weather stripping to keep even the worst storms on the outside – what’s not to love about the Deflecta-Shield Ultima Gull Wing Truck Tool Box? Whether you need your tool box for work or play, this is a box that will never let you down.
Easy to order. special instructions for delivery handled very precisely. And of course the box is to die for.
1. Dee Zee Single Lid Crossover Truck Toolbox
Leading the pack has got to be the Single Lid Crossover Truck Toolbox from Dee Zee. This toolbox has it all, Brite-Tread diamond-plated Aluminum, a full length piano hinge, and twin gas struts. Plus, a lockable Stainless Steel handle keeps you gear safe from burglars while a powerful weather-strip keeps your gear safe from Mother Nature.
Excellent box for my small truck. Easy installation. The color is great and matches my other accessories.
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.
- What Do Truck Toolboxes Do?
- Truck Tool Box Styles
- Truck Tool Box FAQs
- Choose the Right Truck Toolbox For Your Needs
- How To Measure Your Truck Bed For a Toolbox
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Truck Tool Boxes
- What is a truck tool box?
- What is a crossover tool box?
- What are truck tool boxes made out of?
- Who makes UWS tool boxes?
- How do I measure my truck for a tool box?
- How do you install a toolbox on a truck?
- How do I secure my truck toolbox?
Truck Tool Box FAQs 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.
