by Joshua Thomas
If you drive a regular truck the chances are that it did not come with a canopy or even designated storage space for your tools. And so you will need to find the best truck tool box for your vehicle.
Truck tool boxes are a vital accessory for part-time handymen, plumbers, carpenters, electricians and even for professional contractors.
They are a tough case that comes in different styles and material that is designed to make it easy and secure to store and organize your tools, protect the expensive tools from damages and also ensure sharp tools do not damage your truck bed.
A truck tool box ensures that the tools you need are fast and easy to access and that you do not have to leave anything behind.
And to help you choose one for your truck, here we review 7 top rated tool boxes and also explain the factors to consider when shopping for one.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Bestop 42640-01 (Best Overall) |
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 | 2. Undercover SC201D |
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 | 3. Weather Guard 127502 |
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 | 4. Dee Zee DZ8546B |
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 | 5. Better Built 63012334 |
|
 | 6. TMS ATB3-944 |
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 | 7. Better Built 73010911 |
|
Sometimes the best truck tool box for you is one that is easily concealable, and this is often the case when you want to use it to carry and store valuables.
Bestop makes this one exactly for that, and it is physically a super strong tool box made from heavy-duty carbon steel to prevent tampering. And it also has a textured black powder coating to improve its aesthetics and prevent corrosion.
This truck tool box is meant for use on the 2007 to 2018 Wrangler JK but some models will require minor modifications during the bolt-on installation.
You also do not have to worry about keeping your goods safe as it will come with a pick-resistant lock and with a couple of keys just in case you were to lose one.
When compared to others on our list, this truck tool box seems to have a relatively smaller capacity, but for most users it should still hold more than enough.
Pros
Cons
For the truck owners with 2007 to 2017 Silverados and 1500 to 3500 Sierra models, this will be an excellent tool storage box to have in your car.
Its most impressive feature is the swing case design that makes accessing your tools quick and convenient. It will install on the driver's side of the truck in just a few minutes, and you will not need a lot of tools to do it.
If you want more storage space you can also get two of these tool boxes as they are also available in a version for installation on the passenger's side.
The tool box is lockable to provide extra security for your tools, and it is made with a tough and rugged ABS material, and with moisture seals to ensure the tools remain dry.
For a relatively small plastic tool box, this one seems a little pricier but you get what you pay for as it is very convenient and still quite rugged.
Pros
Cons
If you drive a full-size pickup with an 8-foot bed, the Weather Guard 127502 will be a perfect choice. It is designed with an extreme protection lock system that will give you some confidence that your tools will always be safe.
The roomy interior is also easy to organize as it comes with an adjustable metal tray, a parts bin that is also removable and a level holder.
Opening it should also be straightforward and smooth when you need to access your tools fast as it uses an automotive style rotary latch.
There are also some convenient attachment points that will make it easier to secure materials and tools on the truck's bed. And the truck tool box is also fully weather-sealed to protect the tools from the elements.
While this tool box might be quite pricey, it is worth every buck you pay for it as it is spacious and almost indestructible to ensure the best value for cash.
Pros
Cons
Given the size and capacity and mid-range price tag, the Dee Zee DZ8546B is the best truck tool box for the money on our list as you would need to spend more to get something better.
Also, it has a universal fit as it will work for a variety of trucks from the small 5-foot bed pickups to the larger 8-foot trucks.
The tool box comes in an easy-to-use design that combines gas shocks for smooth and controlled lifting, self-centering latches for perfect alignment and handles on each side for easy carry.
There is a removable plastic tray inside to make the tools easy to organize. Also, the tool box is made from rust-proof aluminum for long service life.
And while the aluminum gauge is not the best, for the price of this tool box it is hard to get anything better.
Pros
Cons
Better Built is one of the best truck tool box brands out there if the popularity of their products is anything to go by, and so you can be sure that this side-mounted truck box will work well for you.
It comes in a universal fit which means that it is not meant for a specific truck as it will work for any provide it fits the side rail. And it is made from heavy-duty diamond tread aluminum for maximum durability.
The side mount truck tool box is straightforward to install, and it should only take a few minutes to do it. Also, it comes with mounting legs for better stability when mounted on your truck.
There is also a locking paddle that makes it easier to open, and the interior comes with a small parts partition for extra storage space.
Also, the lid is weather-sealed to keep the elements out which is vital for protecting your tools from moisture as it can cause corrosion.
Even with the absence of detailed instructions, this is still a super easy truck tool box to install and it will only take a few minutes.
Pros
Cons
The tough and secure 49-inch TMS pickup truck box is designed to ensure you never have to leave anything behind or lose your expensive tools. It is spacious enough and is designed to make the tools easier to organize.
Despite the relatively low-profile design, this is still quite a spacious tool box made from heavy-duty aluminum trade plate to ensure maximum durability.
The truck tool box will fit most pickup trucks on the road today, and it also comes with heavy-duty side handles and a tough hinge, and a weather resistant door to keep your tools safe from the elements.
Besides use in your truck, this tool box will also be ideal for storing tools at home or garage.
The lock mechanism may need some improvement for those that want something highly secure but this is an easy problem to fix with an aftermarket lock.
Pros
Cons
If you are a truck owner that is looking for the best low profile truck tool box that will still allow you to use
The low-profile design ensures greater visibility through the backcab window, but there is still more to it than this as it also comes with self-adjusting strikers that will never need readjustment.
Better Built will provide a 5-pocket plastic organizational tray for this tool box to make the interior easier to organize and a locking paddle handle latch that provides better security and easy opening.
Durability is also guaranteed thanks to the rust-resistant diamond tread plate aluminum construction of the lid and tub.
The weather seal on this truck bed tool box might not offer as much humidity protection as others on our list but it should still offer enough to protect your tools.
Pros
Cons
A truck tool box is always a great buy for a truck owner, but if you are going to buy one you should never settle for anything less than the best. But, finding a great one should not be a laborious task as you only need to watch out for the following things.
If you want to make a more informed decision when buying a truck tool box, you need to understand the different styles or types available.
The style of the tool box dictates how it will sit on the truck bed and also how you will access your tools. Here are some of the most common styles currently in the market.
Crossover Box
Crossover or cross-bed tool boxes are a simple and basic model and undoubtedly the most common type. And as their name suggests, they are the type that will cross over from one side of the truck to the other while resting on the bed rails.
Most will have one lid that opens towards the back window of the cab but there are also some double lid styles that ensure you do not always have to open the entire tool box. And gull wind style crossover tool boxes which have two lids that open towards the center of the box.
These tool boxes allow for better access without having to get into the truck bed, they are relatively more affordable and do not touch the bed which means they leave some extra storage space below.
However, if you do not get something with a low profile, it can hinder visibility through the back cab window.
Side-Mount
With the side-mounted truck tool boxes, you will never have to get into the truck bed to access your tools. Also, they can be used together with the crossover boxes.
They will mount on either side of the bed rail and facing outwards. If you want something with large storage capacity, they can be a good pick as you can find them in sizes that span the entire length of the truck bed.
These are also more ideal if you will be carrying larger and longer tools and when you have to keep going in and out of your tool box to switch tools.
Chest
With the chest style boxes, the truck tool box will sit right on the truck bed, unlike the crossover style boxes that are mounted on the bed rails.
Chest truck tool boxes are generally more versatile and with a larger capacity than most crossover types.
Because they do not mount on the rails, they are often the best choice for use in combination with a truck bed cover. However, the fact that they sit on the bed means that they will be essentially reducing the length of the truck bed or at least the usable space.
Other Tool Box Styles
There are some other truck tool boxes that might have the characteristics of one or more of the styles above, but they also have different design features which mean that they will not fit in any of the above categories.
These other tool box styles include the L-shaped wheel well tool boxes, the fifth wheel tool boxes and the underbed toolboxes that are quite common for those with flatbed work trucks.
Buying Advice: The right truck tool box style for you will depend on where and when you will be using it, and also what you intend to use it to carry or store.
However, if you want something basic and relatively affordable, the crossover box is always the best option. The side-mount, on the other hand, is the right pick if you will be carrying longer and more tools as they often have a large capacity.
If you are also planning to use a tonneau on your truck, the chest style boxes will be your best choice as they sit on the truck bed and not on the rails to make it possible to have a truck bed cover.
The construction of the pickup truck tool box matters a lot as it will determine durability and also how effective it will be in protecting your tools from theft and the elements.
And the material is always the most important factor to watch out for when it comes to the construction. The most common truck tool box materials are aluminum, steel, and stainless steel and each will have merits and demerits.
Aluminum
By far the most common truck tool box material. Majority of the truck tool boxes currently on the market are made from bent sheet aluminum which comes with a diamond-shaped pattern for maximum ruggedness. Besides being stylish, aluminum tool boxes are highly durable and do not rust or deteriorate.
Steel
Steel is the toughest and most traditional truck tool box material. While steel boxes weigh much more than aluminum, the heavy material will offer more protection from dents as the tools bump around inside. Most will also have a powder coating to prevent the walls from corroding, but this coating chips off over time and so rust can still creep in.
Stainless Steel
Many high-end truck tool boxes are made from stainless steel. And this is because the material can be polished to create a sleek look and will not require powder coating for rust and corrosion prevention. However, most stainless steel truck tool boxes tend to be quite pricey.
Different truck models from different companies will have varying truck bed sizes. And so there is no such thing as a one size fits all when it comes to truck tool boxes.
It is important to make sure that you buy a tool box that will fit your truck bed size. Luckily, most manufacturers will indicate the trucks that their tool boxes will fit.
Also, you can easily measure your truck bed to determine whether the dimensions of a particular tool box will be a good fit.
Because the truck tool box will probably spend most of its life outside on your truck, it needs to be able to withstand the changing weather temperatures.
The most important element to look out for when it comes to weather resistance is waterproofing because some tools can get damaged when exposed to moisture or develop rust.
Also, make sure that the tool box is also able to withstand being left out in the sun for extended periods and will also not allow dust in.
A truck tool box is a simple fixture that should not necessitate you to pay a mechanic to install it. And so before you settle on any model, you should make sure it is easy to install.
However, it is also important to note that different models will require different installation procedures. Some will require you to drill holes on the truck bed while others will not.
Always go for what you find most convenient for you and also something that comes with detailed and simple to follow installation instructions and all the necessary hardware.
While the above factors are more important when it comes to choosing a truck tool box, the price is what will ultimately determine what you buy because you cannot get what you cannot afford.
Luckily, truck tool boxes come in a variety of price ranges to make it easier to get something high-quality that is within your budget.
For those looking for something basic that meets the bare minimum requirement, aluminum tool boxes are the cheapest option while stainless steel ones are ideal for those that do not mind spending more cash to get something premium quality.
Brute 80-TBS200-72 Pro Series 72" Contractor TopSider Polished Aluminum Tool Box with - Walmart Link
Chest Box, 47 in W, Bolt-On, Keyed, Black - Walmart Link
UWS EC10473 69-Inch Matte Black Heavy-Wall Aluminum Truck Tool Box with Low Profile, - Walmart Link
Montezuma Portable Triangle Toolbox - 41-Inch with Heavy-Duty Steel Construction - - Walmart Link
UnderCover SwingCase Truck Bed Storage Box | SC201D | Fits 1999 - 2014 Ford F-150 Drivers - Walmart Link
UnderCover SwingCase Truck Bed Storage Box | SC203D | Fits 2015 - 2020 Ford F-150 Drivers - Walmart Link
Better Built 73210096 Truck Tool Box - Walmart Link
UWS TBS-63-A-LP-BLK Black Single Lid Low Profile Aluminum Toolbox with Beveled Insulated - Walmart Link
39"X13"X10" Black Aluminum Heavy Duty Pick Up Truck Truck Bed Tool Box Trailer Storage - Walmart Link
Lund 79460T 60-Inch Aluminum Flush Mount Single Lid Truck Tool Box, Diamond Plated, Black - Walmart Link
Brute 80-TBS200-72 Pro Series 72" Contractor TopSider Polished Aluminum Tool Box with - eBay Link
Chest Box, 47 in W, Bolt-On, Keyed, Black - eBay Link
UWS EC10473 69-Inch Matte Black Heavy-Wall Aluminum Truck Tool Box with Low Profile, - eBay Link
Montezuma Portable Triangle Toolbox - 41-Inch with Heavy-Duty Steel Construction - - eBay Link
UnderCover SwingCase Truck Bed Storage Box | SC201D | Fits 1999 - 2014 Ford F-150 Drivers - eBay Link
UnderCover SwingCase Truck Bed Storage Box | SC203D | Fits 2015 - 2020 Ford F-150 Drivers - eBay Link
Better Built 73210096 Truck Tool Box - eBay Link
UWS TBS-63-A-LP-BLK Black Single Lid Low Profile Aluminum Toolbox with Beveled Insulated - eBay Link
39"X13"X10" Black Aluminum Heavy Duty Pick Up Truck Truck Bed Tool Box Trailer Storage - eBay Link
Lund 79460T 60-Inch Aluminum Flush Mount Single Lid Truck Tool Box, Diamond Plated, Black - eBay Link
While a truck might be a very useful and practical type of vehicle, it often does not have a mechanism or case for keeping all your tools well-organized and secure.
With our review, find the perfect one for your vehicle should be effortless.
But, also make sure that whatever you choose looks good on your truck or complements its overall appearance and serves you for long enough to ensure you get the best value for your bucks.
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About Joshua Thomas
Joshua Thomas just simply loves cars and willing to work on them whenever there's chance... sometimes for free.
He started CarCareTotal back in 2017 from the advices of total strangers who witnessed his amazing skills in car repairs here and there.
His goal with this creation is to help car owners better learn how to maintain and repair their cars; as such, the site would cover alot of areas: troubleshooting, product recommendations, tips & tricks.
Joshua received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University.
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