There are many types of truck tool boxes on the market, but the best ones share some specific attributes, including superior durability, security, and ease of use. Not all truck tool boxes work for every situation, however. For example, size, access, and compatibility with a truck bed cover are all considerations.
Before you add any tool box to your truck bed, it’s a good idea to install a bed liner first. The DualLiner truck bed liner system is an ideal addition to your truck bed to keep it dry and protected against damage.
Truck Tool Box Features
When considering a truck tool box, there are a few features to keep in mind. Durability is always a good feature to have, and it’s especially important if you know that your tool box will see heavy use. In this case, pick something with strong construction and quality latches.
Another consideration is capacity. Obviously, the larger the tool box, the more room you’ll have for your tools. However, it will also take up more space in your truck bed. Aim for a tool box that fits your needs but isn’t too oversized.
If you want some organization in your tool box, you’ll want to look for boxes with internal storage options to keep your tools in place. If you only plan to store a few tools, this feature might be less critical.
Security is an important feature of any tool box. A steel box with a strong lock provides the best security, but you can also add a custom locking system.
Crossover Truck Tool Box
A crossover truck tool box, also known as a cross box, lays across your truck bed and is installed near the cab. This type of tool box is not compatible with a tonneau cover and isn’t the best choice for storing long items. However, the cross box is usually lifted above the truck bed, which leaves more bed space for other items.
For this category, we’ve chosen crossover boxes by CamLocker and UWS.
CamLocker
The CamLocker box ranges in price from $649 to $1,029, and the price largely depends on vehicle fitment. CamLocker crossover boxes are constructed of heavy-duty stainless steel and come in either a chrome finish or a black finish. Some of the specific available options depend on your vehicle. To find the box that fits your vehicle, you’ll need the year, make, model, and cab layout.
UWS
UWS crossover tool boxes are assembled in the USA and come in a wide variety of different sizes and styles. Its main claim to fame is the patented RigidCore lid for extra security, as well as extra-thick aluminum construction. UWS cross boxes offer low-profile and angled styles as well as the traditional straight-across style. The best way to find the box for you is to enter your vehicle information at the top of the page.
Truck Side Tool Box
Truck side tool boxes attach on the side of your truck, along the side rails. This allows you to access them easily from the side of the truck. The downside of this type of tool box is that it usually has less storage than a crossover or chest box.
However, if you often work out of your truck and don’t want to climb in every time, these are very convenient. Some can also accommodate tonneau covers.
Our choices for this category include boxes by Buyers Products Topsider and Weather Guard Hi Side.
Buyers Products Topsider
The Topsider tool box line from Buyers Products offers a few different options to keep tools safe from theft, weather, and damage. You can choose from gloss black steel, diamond tread aluminum, gloss white steel, and various other finishes. These tool boxes also come in some different styles such as one with flip-up doors or one with lower drawers.
Weather Guard Hi Side
The Weather Guard Hi Side model line is not quite as varied in styles compared to the Topsider line above, but it does offer different sizes and finishes. All models feature quick-release doors and a secure latching system to resist break-ins. A removable parts bin keeps smaller items organized and a full weather seal keeps moisture out.
Jobsite Job Box
Jobsite job boxes are a little different from the average truck tool box in that they’re meant to be removed from the truck and used at a job site. When you need something to use on a job site that’s sturdy and resistant to break-ins, a job box is a good choice.
For this category, we’ve included top choices from Knaak and Crescent Tool.
Knaak
The Knaak job boxes come in various sizes and styles. The main thing you’ll want to know is how much your truck can haul so that a full job box is manageable. All models of Knaak job boxes feature pre-punched skids for easy caster installation, heavy-duty recessed side handles to make the box easier to transport, and a powder-coat finish for durability and rust resistance.
Crescent Tool Jobox
Crescent Tool also offers a wide variety of job boxes, from large field office boxes, rolling clamshell cabinets, heavy-duty chest-style boxes, and long piano boxes among others. The type and size of the job box you’ll need depends on your job site.
Some boxes are simple vault-style chests, while others offer fully adjustable interiors with plenty of organization compartments and drawers.
Small Truck Tool Box
If you only need a small tool box, the wheel well or pork chop box is a good choice. These are also sometimes called swing boxes. This type of tool box installs near the rear of the cab over the wheel well. It makes the most efficient use of your truck bed by giving you plenty of space in the rest of the bed.
You’ll need to open the tailgate to access these boxes, but you won’t need to climb into the truck bed.
For this category, we’ve chosen some top options by DeeZee and UnderCover’s Swing Case.
DeeZee Wheel Well Tool Box
DeeZee offers a few different styles of wheel well tool boxes that range in price from $213 to $613. If you’re looking for something to organize small items, the wheel well tool box with drawers features several stacking drawers that slide out. The other choices include a poly plastic box and a box made of strong aluminum.
The latter box comes in a black finish or a raw aluminum finish. The lockable lift-up lid on these boxes allows access without having to open your tailgate.
UnderCover Swing Case
The UnderCover Swing Case tool box mounts to the interior sides of your truck bed. The boxes swing out 180 degrees over your lowered tailgate for quick access. The case then swings back and locks in place.
The Swing Case also offers a tool box organizer that can be lifted out of your truck bed to use as a portable tool box. You can get two Swing Case boxes for the driver and passenger side for less than most single traditional tool boxes.
Plastic Truck Tool Box
Plastic truck tool boxes are simply versions of traditional truck bed tool boxes that are constructed from heavy-duty plastic. The main benefits of these tool boxes are that they’re often inexpensive and tend to be lighter than boxes made of steel or aluminum.
We’ve chosen options from Decked and DeeZee to represent this category.
Decked
Decked offers a very comprehensive crossover plastic tool box. Compared to other plastic tool boxes, the Decked one is at the higher end of the price spectrum, but it also features heavy-duty construction, a number of interior organization options, and complete waterproofing.
The molded polymer construction won’t rust or corrode and it’s 100% dent and ding proof. If you want a plastic tool box with several benefits over a metal one, this is the one to get.
DeeZee
DeeZee offers a nice economical and efficient option with a strong and lightweight plastic box. Hardened poly plastic is tough against damage and corrosion, and the box comes with a rotary keyed lock for added security. The DeeZee box comes in two lengths to fit either a midsize truck or a full-size truck.
No matter which tool box you choose, DualLiner’s truck bed liners should always be installed first to ensure that your truck bed is fully protected against scuffs and moisture. Compared to other bed liners, the DualLiner system has no drawbacks and installs securely with a custom fit.
