Security and Organization: The Best Truck Toolboxes
-
Delta Crossover Truck Tool Box -
UWS Single Lid Low Profile Truck Tool Box -
Tractor Supply Truck Tool Box -
UnderCover SwingCase Truck Tool Box -
Buyer's Guide
Truck-mounted toolboxes are used by building contractors and tradesmen of all types. They provide a secure place for carrying handheld power tools, tool belts, and other types of tools to and from the jobsite, or when running to pick up materials. These are not toolboxes for organizing small hand tools, but rather boxes for securing larger ones. Other than a sliding tray, they are not likely to have any additional organizers. The idea is that the placement of the tools themselves, in their individual cases, will provide the organization.
For these toolboxes to be effective, they must be mounted to the vehicle, becoming one with it. That prevents any potential thief from just picking the box up and running off with it. Often, the mounting is done from inside the box, making it almost impossible for a would-be thief to get the box separated from the vehicle.
Another concern for contractors is that the toolbox does not prevent them from being able to carry building materials with them. Typically, a full-sized pickup truck is designed so that a sheet of plywood can lie on the bottom of it. If the toolbox is taking up part of that space, carrying that plywood is much harder. To accommodate this, the most common configuration for a truck toolbox is one that spans the bed, mounting onto the top edge of the bed on both sides. Space is left under it for putting in building materials.
In addition to the cross-bed design, there are truck tool boxes that mount on the sides of the truck bed, above the sides of the bed. These, which are designed more like cabinets, provide very easy-to-use storage space for more than just tools. They can also be used for storing parts in a more organized manner. There are also smaller toolboxes that can be mounted within the bed, in the area over the wheel wells.
Steel has been the traditional material of choice for these toolboxes, but some are now made of high-density, blow-molded plastic. While not as secure as a steel box, they are rugged enough to keep the tools from falling out. It is easier for a thief to break into these plastic boxes than the steel ones, as they are built with the idea that “locks keep the honest people honest.”
The most important criteria in selecting a truck-mounted toolbox is finding one that is both durable and has the room you need to store your tools. Remember that you may need a larger storage solution soon, so don’t buy one that is just barely big enough. Instead, look at what you might need over the long term and buy accordingly.
When shopping for truck toolboxes, you must make sure that the box fits your truck. Bed widths and lengths vary, as well as the placement of the wheel well. A toolbox for a “full-sized” truck may not fit yours if it was designed to fit another brand. To get a better idea of what toolbox may suit your needs the best, take a look at our list of the best truck toolboxes in 2022.
Comparing the Best Truck Toolboxes
Delta Crossover Truck Tool Box - Best Truck Toolbox Overall
I always say that if you’re going to have a toolbox, you may as well have a large one. As truck tool boxes go, you can’t find much bigger than this one. It measures 18.875 inches high by 20.25 inches wide by 70.125 inches long. That gives you a lot of room for power tools and whatever. The box is made of aluminum to save weight and has a single wide lid. That’s much easier to work with than the older split lids. The lid is held up by gas springs and secured by 2-stage rotary locks. There are two small trays on both ends, for holding smaller tools above the truck bed sides.
UWS Single Lid Low Profile Truck Tool Box - Runner Up
This box from UWS is a low-profile design, making it harder for the bad guys cruising the parking lot to realize that you’ve got a toolbox in the back of your truck. It comes with a full-width, single lid that flips up 90 degrees to give you great visibility. The lid is secured by twist lock handles when closed. The lock mechanism is encased in its own metal box to prevent the contents from shifting and jamming the box shut. Self-closing struts close the lid with a light push, in case your hands are full. Two built-in tool trays, a screwdriver holder, and a three compartment sliding tray all help you organize the small stuff.
Tractor Supply Truck Tool Box - Honorable Mention
This is a side box, meant to mount above the side rails on the truck bed. What makes it unique compared to most side boxes is that it is split into two compartments, giving you a large compartment for your power tools and a smaller one below it for storing hardware and other smaller items. Make from 0.60-inch thick aluminum for strength and light weight. Waterproof gaskets protect your tools and other items. Each compartment has two locking flip latches for security.
UnderCover SwingCase Truck Tool Box - Consider
This is another over-the-wheel well toolbox, but it’s quite a bit different. Rather than a saddle design, this one only uses the back part of the truck bed, covering half of the wheel well. The toolbox swings out from its mounted and stowed position, allowing you easy access to everything inside. It is also removable if you need to carry something larger in your truck bed and there isn’t room for the box. A single lock holds the lid sealed and a removable inner tray provides space for storing smaller tools; with space below for larger ones.
Buyer's Guide
Are you a road junkie who jumps at the chance of exploring the great outdoors in their trusty truck? Venturing out on the road is an excellent way to take a break, focus on important things and simply have a good time. Doing that in your beloved truck or SUV van is even better. After all, you have all that you need in one place. But is that really true? No matter how amazing your vehicle is, it won’t be complete unless you add a truck toolbox to it.
These nifty boxes open your door to a world of possibilities, protect you in the event of an emergency and elevate your experience on four wheels. While you can tuck away the things you need in the back of the truck as is, it’s nowhere near the same as installing a toolbox. Why? Because spare tools aren’t always the cleanest and they can fill the inside of your vehicle with dust, bacteria, and a long list of other unpleasant elements you want to stay far away from.
The Best Truck Toolbox May Be the Last Piece of the Puzzle You’re Looking For
Taking your truck out on the road is nothing short of an exhilarating adventure. Whether you’re venturing out for work, a family road trip, or a solo all-nighter, it doesn’t matter. Having access to important tools is critical. With the best truck toolbox in your arsenal, there is no limit to the type of adventures you wish to embark upon.
Why You Should Add a Truck Toolbox to Your Vehicle
Protect fishing/camping gear
Fond of taking fishing and camping trips often, a truck toolbox can be a great way to store all your important gear. Tossing things at the back of your vehicle can make it hard for you to fetch them when you want and thus, leads to a lot of wasted time. With a truck toolbox instead, you don’t have to worry about this.
Emergency kit
Have you ever thought about what happens if your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere? You’re left with no choice but to call for help, that too, only if you manage to get a decent signal. People who maintain a full suite of emergency items in their vehicles are always at an advantage compared to others. A truck toolbox makes it easy to assemble your emergency items in one place so you can use them whenever you need.
Weather supplies
Whether you’re traveling to an area with a harsh climate or live in one, keeping weather supplies in your vehicle can save you from a fair share of delays. Naturally, getting stuck on a road blocked because of snow is a likely possibility. But what if you brought a shovel along with you to clear the path? Without a tool truck box, your shovel would constantly move inside the back of the trunk, damaging the inside walls at every speed dump.
What Makes the Best Truck Toolbox Worth Your Selection?
There is no single definition of the best truck toolbox. Each variety has its own pros, making your choice a trade-off at the end of the day. If you’ve never bought a toolbox for your vehicle before and are not sure what you should be looking out for, consider these simple factors to make an informed decision.
Weather resistance
Just because your truck toolbox is inside the car, doesn’t mean it can’t be damaged by the weather. Think about it, you open the trunk more times than you can count, keep frosty materials inside and sometimes, even use wet hands to open the toolbox. So, the best truck toolbox wouldn’t be so great if it didn’t have a weather-resistant exterior, now, would it?
Material
Most truck toolboxes are made of steel and aluminum. These are the most obvious choice for most people because of their sturdiness. However, even plastic varieties are available in the market today and these are actually much cheaper. If you’re short on budget, yet in desperate need of a truck toolbox, go with the kind made of plastic.
Lock
The whole purpose of a truck toolbox is to protect the items you keep inside. With the recent surge in crime, skipping on the locking features of a truck toolbox is an amateur mistake you should never make. If you’ve got your eyes on a great truck toolbox that doesn’t have a sturdy lock or none at all, don’t buy it. It’s money down the drain and you’ll definitely find something better elsewhere.
Size
When buying online, make sure you get the right size to complement your needs. In that, the toolbox you choose should be able to fit inside the back of your truck, to begin with. If you have a compact truck, it's best to look into smaller options and stay away from those that will take up too much size and limit your ability to put other things in the trunk.
Best Truck Toolbox FAQs
Q: What can I keep in my truck toolbox?
A: You can practically store anything in the truck toolbox as long as it fits. People typically put fishing gear, camping equipment, emergency relief items, and weapons in the back of their trucks. However, nothing is set to stone and you can even keep basic supplies in your toolbox.
Q: Is a plastic truck toolbox better than one made with aluminum?
A: No, plastic truck tool boxes are cheap for a reason. Aluminum varieties are undeniably far superior because they’re sturdier and safer.
Q: What’s the cheapest truck toolbox around?
A: The prices can largely vary with some really great ones falling at both ends of the spectrum. If you’re looking for something more affordable, try waiting for a sale to buy the product at a discounted price.
Q: Can the lock on my truck toolbox rust?
A: Yes, if your truck toolbox isn’t made with water-resistant material, rusting is inevitable. However, if you don’t want to pay for any replacements just yet, be careful not to touch the exterior with wet materials or hands.
