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A truck toolbox is a great investment in protecting your equipment. Installing a locking toolbox will help prevent your tools from moving around while parked. The best toolbox for your truck will essentially pay for itself by preventing an opportunistic potential thief. Choosing the right toolbox will take some research and a few handy tools to install. We’ve got you covered, and check out our most highly rated truck toolboxes below.
Quick Answer: The Best Truck Tool Boxes
Weather Guard 127502 Black Aluminum Saddle Box (Best suitable for all weathers)
Weather Guard – 127-5-02 127502 Black Aluminum Saddle Box
- Brand: Weather Guard
- Material: Aluminum, Metal
- Style: Saddle Box
- Shape: Rectangular
- Pattern: Solid
- Item Weight: 56 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 72 x 21 x 19 inches
The Weather guard 127502 Saddle Box is one of the best truck bed organizer options available. It has one of the most effective protective locks to prevent any type of break-in.
The attachment points provided are very convenient and help to keep materials and tools safely and easily in the truck bed. Moreover, it has a very effective design that includes adjustable metal trays, horizontal brackets and removable parts that help in arranging items efficiently and also help in positioning and retrieving them easily without any fuss.
Trucks must withstand varying weather conditions. The Weather Guard 127502 saddle box is the ultimate all-weather companion with an all-weather seal that keeps moisture in even the most extreme weather conditions.
The saddle box comes with heavy-duty mounting brackets to easily secure the saddle box without drilling. The body is made of powder-coated, reinforced aluminum. The latch can be opened up to 90 degrees for easier access to tools. It also features a 12-volt power pass-through option for internal storage convenience.
Weather Guard 237 Conduit Carrier Kit
Weather Guard 237 Conduit Carrier Kit
- Brand: Weather Guard
- Item Weight: 5 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 6 x 121 x 11 inches
Weatherguard 237 Specifications: Description: Conduit Stand – Aluminum Height: 6″ Width: 11″ Weatherguard 237 Features: Keep your conduit safe, secure and clean with our lightweight and durable conduit stand.
You can also make your own conduit rack with this kit and a section of standard 6″ PVC plastic drain pipe. Add accessories to your van’s roof rack for added convenience to match your work style. Aluminum conduit racks provide fully enclosed storage for conduit and pipe Hinged rear doors for easy loading and unloading of materials
Editor’s Choice – TruXedo TonneauMate Truck Toolbox
TruXedo TL – TonneauMate | 1117416 | TonneauMate Toolbox – Fits Most Full Size Trucks, except Flareside, Stepside or Composite Beds
- Toolbox Dimensions: 55″ x 23″ x 15″
- Material: ABS plastic
- Item Weight: 50 pounds
- Universal fitment
- Can be used with a tonneau cover
- Adjustable mounting
Looking for the best truck toolbox that fits almost any truck and also accepts a bed cover? This one is very stylish, while still having room for your tools! When I say universal accessory, let me paraphrase the manufacturer, “TruXedo’s TonneauMate is a completely universal toolbox that fits most full-size trucks.”
Once you have things installed, the toolbox essentially “floats” between the truck bed cover and the bed itself. This leaves room for you to slide the entire drywall into the truck bed and still close the cover. Remember, in order to open the top of the toolbox, your bed cover needs to be far enough away. TruXedo says it’s perfect for Lo Pro and Deuce covers. It’s ideal for those who want to fill their plywood, toolbox and bedspread at the same time!
Runner Up – Jobox Fullsize Deep Truck Box
Jobox, PAC1582000, Crossover Truck Box, Silver, 71-1/8 in. W, Bright, Deep Full Size
- Toolbox Dimensions: 72″ x 24″ x 17″
- Material: Aluminum
- Item Weight: 67 pounds
- Reinforced aluminum lid
- Stainless steel lock hardware
- Micro Seal lid closure
Just like the Jobox we just saw, this UWS toolbox is a reinforced aluminum crossbed box. They also take great strides to keep the box as low and slim as possible, while still leaving room for all your equipment! These tool boxes are made in the USA and are very popular with users. Everything about the box is made to resist corrosion. The aluminum body and stainless steel hardware means there’s very little chance of rust on you. And while it may sacrifice some storage space, the lower lid design means you can see out the back window better than other toolboxes.
Of course, if you prefer a more high-profile design, you can always order from their website. Personally, I like that the lid has been reinforced and filled with solid foam. This keeps everything light – just like Jobox – while still remaining rigid, so if you close the lid, the whole thing locks into place. Poorly designed lids can bend and flex when closed, which can make it impossible to lock. This is one of the best low-profile aluminum boxes made from quality aluminum.
Best Side-Mounted – UnderCover SwingCase Truck Storage Box
UnderCover SwingCase Truck Bed Storage Box | SC201D | Fits 1999 – 2014 Ford F-150 Drivers Side , Black
Ultimate accessibility; this toolbox swings nearly 180°
Secure storage solution; SwingCase has a key-lockable lid that holds up to 75 lbs. of
- Toolbox Dimensions: 16″ x 8.5″ x 34″
- Material: ABS plastic
- Item Weight: 1.25 Pounds
- Easy to access design
- Side mounted hybrid design
- Lockable storage
- 1 year warranty
Of all the truck toolboxes on our list today, this one is another standout because it’s creative and solves a few problems at once. First, you simply mount the toolbox to the left or right side of the bed rail wall near the rear fender. Once installed, the toolbox is short enough that you can still use the bed cover.
It also won’t get in the way of the backsplash. To use the box, lower the backsplash and swing the box outward for easy access and reach. No need to climb on the bed like most boxes. Overall, this box has a 75 lb. capacity and a safety lock. This option from Undercover is also on our list of the best truck tool boxes.
Customer’s Choice – Arksen Aluminum Utility Underbody Tool Box
ARKSEN 36 Inch Heavy Duty Aluminum Diamond Plate Tool Underbody Box, Waterproof Square Truck Storage Organizer Chest for Pick Up Truck Bed, RV Trailer with T-Handle Lock and Keys – Black
- Toolbox Dimensions: 36″ x 17″ x 18″
- Item Weight: 22.4 Pounds
- Material: Aluminum
- Lockable
- 3 different sizes available
Many of us don’t want to put a toolbox on the chassis of our trucks. It takes up space and is often difficult to reach. So, you can instead mount this toolbox on the tongue of your trailer! But there are a few things to remember. First, make sure you order the right size for your trailer tongue (or anywhere else you want to mount it). Second, the toolbox does not have a built-in handle, so you may want to find a way to mount the toolbox for easy access at your job site.
That said, when you install it, the lockable housing makes it harder for people to get into the box. It comes with two keys in case you accidentally lock them inside! Because this storage box is relatively straightforward, it’s one of the least expensive boxes on our list. So if you want to keep your expenses to a minimum, this is a good choice. This is one of the best options for trailers or custom installation operations that you are willing to DIY.
For many people who make a living on the job site, picking up a toolbox is essential. Now let us cover how to choose the right one for your truck.
Understanding the types of truck toolboxes
Keep in mind that some of these terms may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Unfortunately, there isn’t actually an industry standard system that everyone adheres to. However, discussing these types of storage bins will help you understand what’s out there so you can get started.
Top-mounted truck bed toolboxes
These are the compartments you see on welding trucks, plumbing trucks and utility service trucks. They are mounted above the bed rails and have “cupboard” style doors for storing tools. These are great if your truck is used full time for work, and you absolutely must have the maximum amount of storage space.
Cross Bed Mounted Truck Bed Toolboxes
These are what I consider to be the “standard” aftermarket truck bed toolboxes. They sit behind the cab across from the bed. You can install one of these on almost any truck and they are available everywhere. Cross bed toolboxes are probably the easiest to find, size and buy at a low price.
Side-mounted truck bed toolboxes
Instead of running through the bed behind the cab, these toolboxes run along the bed rails. This makes them typically easier to access than crossover toolboxes. Unlike top-mounted toolboxes, these are flush-mounted, with the tools lying flat inside. They can be quite affordable and are as easy to purchase as cross bed toolboxes.
Measuring your truck bed
To make sure the toolbox you order actually fits your truck bed, you need to measure it. I always measure something like this, even if the website says it fits.
Here are some of the measurements that need to be taken for a cross bed box.
- Bed rail – outside to outside
- Bed rail – inside to inside
- Back of cab to the front of rear wheel well
- The depth of the bed to the top of the bed rail
Measurements for top mounted tool boxes are more complicated, and proper installation should be done by a professional if you want to get it right. Because of their high center of gravity and precarious positioning, you definitely wouldn’t want to see all your tools down the highway if you measured wrong! When you’re measuring for a side mounted toolbox, keep in mind that the box will extend out into the bed. This can take up precious real estate in the truck bed, especially if you have two toolboxes mounted up.
For side mounted toolboxes double check:
- The depth of the bed to the top of the bed rail
- How far the toolbox will stick out into the bed itself
- Wheel well clearances
- The length of the toolbox along the bed rail
Understanding Toolbox Construction Materials
Like everything we buy these days, materials are becoming lighter and stronger, and easier for manufacturers to make. But sometimes we see manufacturers cutting corners where it counts. But truck bed toolboxes are not the place to skimp on quality construction.
Welding Boxes
Welding is my preferred method of toolbox construction. Welds on toolboxes are usually spot welds, and over time, poor spot welds can easily separate or rust. Look for a good depth of fusion at the spot weld and make sure the metal has bonded properly.
Riveting Boxes
When all is said and done, rivets really are as good as welds. While it may be difficult or impossible to tell, one thing to check is that your truck toolbox is made with the correct rivets. Rivets must always be as hard or as tough as the material they are held together. Therefore, aluminum rivets that hold a steel box together will eventually fail and fall apart. Steel rivets must be used for steel boxes. If you are not sure which fasteners are used on your toolbox, contact the manufacturer.
Steel Boxes
Steel is a good material to use because it is strong and reasonably priced. Unfortunately, it can also rust like crazy. Steel boxes must be coated in some way. A paint or bed liner covering the toolbox will help avoid rusting, but it will only buy you time. Plain mild steel will eventually rust after years of sitting outside – that’s the way it is with this material.
Stainless Steel Boxes
Stainless steel is certainly the answer to preventing rust when a toolbox might get wet or be left outdoors. It is more expensive than mild steel, but stainless steel will last tens (or hundreds) of years longer in the rough elements than mild steel. Stainless steel would be my material of choice for strength and durability.
Aluminum
Lighter like plastic, but more rust resistant than stainless steel, aluminum is basically a win-win. In most cases, the biggest disadvantage of aluminum is that it costs more than other materials. Depending on its construction, alloy and thickness, aluminum can range in strength from weak to almost as durable as steel. Overall, it’s a very solid choice for truck bed toolboxes.
Plastic
Because you will be storing tools in your truck (heavy tools, metal tools, etc.), I would avoid plastic toolboxes altogether. Plastic can take it and it is rust proof, which is a big win over steel. However, your tools can scratch and dig out of the box. Also, if you throw things in and out of bed (or load heavy objects), the chances of damaging a plastic toolbox are greater than damaging a sturdy steel box.
One of the big advantages of plastic is that it tends to be much lighter than steel, so if weight reduction is a priority, plastic may be the case. Another thing to remember is that plastic toolboxes can easily melt or burn if you perform hot work such as welding.
Who makes the best truck toolboxes?
There are several well-known brands that make high-quality truck toolboxes, and our picks for the best brands come from Truxedo and Jobox.
Do I have to get into the truck bed to use the tools?
With most cross bed truck toolboxes, you have to climb up into the truck bed to get to your tools. This is a real pain and for many people with health issues or mobility problems, it is impossible to climb up there every time they want a tool. The SwingCase Series toolboxes on our list are perfect for easy access. Side mounted boxes are also easier to reach than cross bed boxes.
Will stainless steel or aluminum rust over time?
Aluminum does not rust like steel does. Technically, aluminum forms an oxide layer so quickly under atmospheric conditions that every piece of aluminum you’ve ever seen has “rusted”.
Stainless steel is also rust resistant due to its high chromium content. But that doesn’t mean you can leave it forever without maintenance. Stainless steel, especially cheap alloys, does rust over time. It only takes longer than mild steel.
How do I mount my toolbox to the chassis of my truck?
Most toolboxes come with a mounting kit. Some hardware, a few nuts and bolts, that sort of thing. Sometimes the toolbox requires custom installation, which means drilling, tapping, etc. In that case, you are better off taking it to a truck parts store and having them install it properly.
Can I still use the toolbox for a full sheet of plywood on my truck?
If you have an extended bed truck and you are used to installing 4×8’s of anything in it, then the toolbox will probably screw up. Often, the truck bed toolbox sits all the way to the floor and will partially block the bed. On our list, there are several toolboxes parked not far from the bed. This means you can still use the full size bed to slide in the sheets. We also have a toolbox that sits on the side at the same depth as the wheelhouse, so it doesn’t get in the way of the main part of the truck chassis.
What is the most secure type of locking system?
While it’s hard to recommend one, you need a lock that will lock the lid in multiple places. Cheap locks only need to hold the lid in one place. The most secure type of lock slides a solid bar or multiple contact points onto the lid. This makes it difficult for anyone who tries to pick the lid open. Look for a lock with a double locking system or a bar system with an enhanced locking mechanism.
