Truck Tool Box Storage Solutions

What Is A Truck Tool Box?

A truck toolbox is a storage box specially designed to fit in a truck. It is a welcome alternative to trailers if you need an easy, convenient way to transport your tools. Truck tool boxes can be in two styles: side truck boxes, cross bed truck boxes (also known as saddle truck boxes), and sliding truck tool boxes. Each style is designed for different purposes and uses, depending on the user’s needs and preferences.

How To Choose A Truck Tool Box

The utilitarian nature of pickup trucks makes them highly desirable vehicles for people who work with tools or machinery. You can further enhance your trusty truck by adding accessories, especially those that solve potential problems such as a lack of storage. One of the best and most reliable solutions is the truck toolbox, which many pickup truck owners consider essential. This good investment allows you to store tools and other items required for tradesmen and contractors.

One good reason to buy a good toolbox built for pickup trucks is to secure your tools and other equipment. This is an additional space in the back of your vehicle dedicated to one purpose; protecting anything you put inside. These boxes are sturdy, and even though they are generally large, they still leave plenty of room on the truck bed. The following information will help you to choose the right type for your truck.

What Makes Each One Different?

Like the various pickup trucks on the market, toolboxes come in different designs. The finish, material, and color will also influence your buying decision. Some buyers prefer one type of lid configuration over others. Open up a few different types, and you will also see differences. The size and number of shelves and trays vary, so some types will undoubtedly be more suitable for some types of equipment. The main material options available are:

• Rigid Plastic: This is one of the less expensive options, but these boxes are still known for their durability and ability to withstand weathering. They generally stand up to most weather conditions and are relatively inexpensive to replace if they fall apart.
• Stainless Steel: This is costly, but it is usually worth the expense because it lasts longer than plastic boxes and resists corrosion. The biggest downfall of the stainless steel truck bed toolbox is that it is pretty heavy.
• Aluminum is usually the most popular choice due to its cost, strength, and corrosion resistance. It is also lighter than steel, making it easier to move when necessary and less of a strain on the truck. A lighter toolbox means you can carry more equipment, tools, and supplies for the job site.

Toolbox Designs

Knowledge of different toolbox styles is always helpful in making the right buying decisions. The design style may be nearly as important as the material it’s made from. You may prefer a side-mounted toolbox box, whereas others prefer a cross-bed or sliding toolbox. The style determines the way the boxes are mounted. Look at these standard truck bed toolboxes before making your final decision.

Side Tool Box: This box is attached to the side rail and usually does not reach the floor, providing room underneath to haul long boards or other items that require the entire length of the truck bed. The design offers easy access to your tools and equipment while you’re standing beside the pickup.

Hitch Toolbox: This type works with trucks with trailer posts, which is more portable than other types. The hitch-mounted toolbox allows you to use your entire truck bed to haul other equipment, materials, and supplies. The biggest drawback to this type of toolbox is that you can’t really haul a trailer with it because it does use the hitch.

Cross Bed Toolbox: This toolbox is also called a saddle box. It is positioned behind the cab and supported on the truck’s sides, leaving space below for additional storage for other necessary items. Saddle toolboxes are as wide as most truck beds and latch into place securely.

Tailgate Toolbox: This is an excellent little attachment to the tailgate that provides easy access to the toolbox’s contents.

Sliding Toolbox: You can quickly move this box along sliding rails, giving you more control over your truck bed use. Slide the toolbox forward to make more space in the back, or slide it to the back to secure large items in the truck bed more effectively.

Truck Toolbox Guide

Many tradesmen, contractors, handymen, and others who need truck bed toolboxes choose a tool chest that mounts into the truck bed to haul a trailer as needed. Before you go toolbox hunting, know how much your truck can carry. You never want to overload the car by installing a heavy toolbox, loading it down with heavy tools, and then attaching it to a trailer to haul even more heavy equipment. Overloading your truck past its tow capacity and payload is very hard on the engine and transmission and can cause your vehicle to be ready for the junkyard more quickly than you’d prefer.

Choosing the proper toolbox will first be influenced by how much equipment you need to store. After considering the different sizes, you should consider factors like the lid design. Do you want single lids, double or gull-style lids? Will installation require creating holes in the truck? This is something that some people might prefer not to do because they worry that it will cause rust or other problems with the truck. Look at the type of lock to ensure thieves will not have easy access to your possessions. When closed, the lid should seal properly to prevent water from reaching your tools when it rains.