How to Choose the Best Truck Tool Box: Key Factors to Consider
Table of Contents
- Why Do You Need a Truck Tool Box?
- Types of Truck Tool Boxes
- Truck Tool Box Comparison Table
- Choosing the Best Truck Tool Box: Key Factors to Consider Before Buying
- Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Truck Tool Box
- Match Your Needs to the Right Box
- What Can You Store in a Truck Tool Box?
- Truck Tool Boxes: GARVEE Product Recommendations
- Top Features to Look for in Premium Truck Tool Boxes
- Are Truck Tool Boxes Worth It? ROI and Long-Term Value
- Truck Tool Box Maintenance Tips
Why Do You Need a Truck Tool Box?
A truck tool box isn’t just for storing your tools and gear, it offers more than that.
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Protection: All your gear and tools are kept safe, protecting them from the weather and theft.
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Organization: Your tools and gear are all carefully and neatly arranged with a truck tool box organizer, saving you time and energy searching through a cluttered truck bed.
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Efficiency: Saves you a lot of time and effort to look through a cluttered truck, as you can grab what you need from an organized tool box quickly and get to work faster.
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Longevity: Your tools and gear have a longer lifespan as they protect them from damage and, in turn, also save you money.
- Professionalism: Gives a sense of professionalism when working on-site.
Types of Truck Tool Boxes
Before we understand how to choose truck tool boxes, let’s see which types are available for you to choose from based on your needs. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Crossover or Saddle Boxes: Crossover or saddle boxes are mounted across the bed rails behind the cab. Since these boxes don’t sit on the bed floor, you have space below. Ideal for general usage or storage.
Side Mount Tool Box: A side mount tool box is mounted on the inner sides of the truck bed rails. This tool box can be accessed easily without climbing in, hence it is perfect for contractors, service vehicles, or technicians who need to use their tools frequently.
Chest Tool Boxes: Chest tool boxes are placed directly on the truck bed. Additionally, they don’t obstruct the rear view. Since they are not mounted across the rails, they can be easily removed. They are perfect for storing larger or bulkier items.
Underbody Boxes: These boxes are mounted under the truck bed, saving a lot of space. These are perfect for heavy-duty setups.
Truck Tool Box Comparison Table
|
Type of Tool Box |
Mounting Position |
Key Benefits |
Best For |
Things to Consider |
|
Crossover or Saddle Box
|
Across bed rails behind cab |
Saves floor space, both side access, general use
|
Contractors, tradespeople, everyday truck users |
Can obstruct the rear view depending on the size of the truck |
|
Side Mount Tool Box
|
Mounted along the inner side of the bed rails |
Easy side access, maximizes side storage, no need to climb into bed
|
Service trucks, mobile technicians |
Bed space reduces for wide cargo |
|
Chest Tool Box |
Placed on the truck bed floor behind the cab |
No obstruction to rear view, removable, can fit odd-shaped tools
|
DIYers, flexible storage needs |
Takes up the bed floor space |
|
Underbody Tool Box
|
Beneath the truck bed or flatbed |
Complete bed space, hidden, secure |
Fleet vehicles, heavy-duty work, flatbeds
|
Requires compatible underbed mounting clearance |
|
Trailer Tongue Box
|
Mounted on trailer A-frame tongue |
Saves trailer space, secure access to tie-downs/towing gear
|
Trailer owners, RV users, landscapers, boat haulers |
Must match trailer tongue size, is exposed to road debris |
Choosing the Best Truck Tool Box: Key Factors to Consider Before Buying
Right Size and Fit
Material Matters
It’s important you choose the right material because it affects durability, weight, and weather-resistance.
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Aluminum Truck Tool Boxes: An aluminum tool box is naturally rust-resistant, lightweight yet strong, and perfect for everyday or moderate usage.
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Steel Truck Tool Boxes: Just the heavy duty truck tool boxes you need for all heavy-duty applications. If you need something strong, rugged, heavy with rust-proof coatings, then a steel tool box is the ideal choice.
- Plastic or Polymer Truck Tool Boxes: Plastic or polymer are not as durable as aluminum or steel, but they are lightweight, budget-friendly, and weather-resistant.
Weather Resistant
Security
Capacity and Organization
Ease of Installation
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Truck Tool Box
- Purchasing a truck bed without first measuring it.
- Ignoring weight limitations, particularly for trailers.
- Selecting the wrong material for the climatic conditions you live in.
- Ignoring compatibility with bed liners or tonneau coverings.
Match Your Needs to the Right Box
Which truck toolbox is best for you basically depends on how you utilize your vehicle. Whether you are someone who goes off on weekend excursions or you have to take those daily jobsite trips, every use case requires a different kind of box. Here's a brief guide to help you find the right tool box based on your needs.
|
User Type |
Key Needs |
Recommended Truck Tool Box |
|
Contractors |
Constant tool access, large capacity, secure storage |
Heavy duty truck tool boxes with reinforced locking systems and sturdy build
|
|
DIYers |
Occasional usage, easy installation and removal |
Low profile tool box or chest box that’s lightweight and removable |
|
Trailer Users |
Space-saving, trailer gear storage, easy external access |
Trailer tongue tool box for storing tie-downs, hitches, and other towing essentials |
|
Off-Road Enthusiasts |
Exposure to harsh weather, needed for rugged terrain use |
Dustproof and waterproof truck tool boxes with sealed, tough hinges |
What Can You Store in a Truck Tool Box?
|
User Type |
Suggested Items to Store |
|
Contractors |
Wrenches, socket sets, drills, saws, PPE kits, measuring tape, tool belts
|
|
Weekend Warriors |
Jumper cables, tire repair kits, bungee cords, duct tape, basic tools, emergency food packs
|
|
Trailer Owners |
Hitch pins, ratchet straps, towing gloves, trailer locks, spare bulbs, chocks
|
|
Outdoor Enthusiasts |
Camping gear, recovery tools, fire starters, multiple tools, compact stove, lanterns
|
Truck Tool Boxes: GARVEE Product Recommendations
Garvee 39 Inch Aluminum Truck Bed Tool Box with Sliding Shelf
GARVEE 20 Inch Waterproof Aluminum Diamond Plate Truck Tool Box
GARVEE 39 Inch Heavy Duty Aluminum Waterproof Trailer Tongue Tool Box
Top Features to Look for in Premium Truck Tool Boxes
- Look for 2 gas struts – this ensures a smooth lid operation and easy access.
- Diamond plate finish for durability as well as aesthetics
- Weather-sealed locking lids
- Anti-theft tamper-proof bolts
Are Truck Tool Boxes Worth It? ROI and Long-Term Value
If you are wondering whether you should or should not invest in a truck tool box, then here’s what you need to know. A truck tool box is a smart investment that pays you back every day. Here’s why:
Truck Tool Box Maintenance Tips
- Make sure to wipe the inside and out regularly with mild soap and water to remove grease, dust, and debris.
- Check the seals regularly, replace worn-out rubber seals to keep your tool box waterproof.
- Ensure you lubricate all moving parts – hinges, latches, and locks so that they operate smoothly.
- Prevent rust by touching up any scratches you see on the box, and to prevent mildew build-up, do not store wet tools; make sure to wipe them dry.
- Tighten all mounting hardware regularly so that the tool box is securely attached, particularly after driving through a rough terrain.
