The Different Types of Truck Tool Boxes

Truck owners who use their pickup for business or DIY projects will benefit from a secure storage solution for their vehicles. Truck tool boxes are the ideal option because they offer solid storage space for tools and equipment. Since there are many toolbox models available, let’s get the hang of the common types of truck tool boxes. This way, you can find out what options to choose from and easily pick the right type of tool boxes for trucks.

Crossover Tool Boxes

Crossover tool boxes are some of the most common types designed to fit in pickup trucks. These storage boxes are positioned at the rear of the truck. They can run across the entire width of the bed. Crossover box is designed to fit within the truck’s cargo area and, hence, does not interfere with bed functionality. It is able to provide extra storage space.

One of the primary reasons that many people are attracted to crossover tool boxes is because of the easy access. These boxes have lids that can be opened from the side of the truck. It can provide easy access to tools and equipment without having to get into the truck. This feature is specifically relevant to those who often have to pick up instruments during the work process. Crossover tool boxes can enhance security since their lids can be locked. They cannot be easily stolen due to their size and location on the truck.

However, crossover tool chests do have some drawbacks that may affect their overall effectiveness. They occupy a part of the truck bed, and this may be disadvantageous to those who often need to utilize the full length of the bed. Some models may interfere with rear visibility, which can pose a risk to the drivers.

Side-Mount Tool Boxes

Side mount tool boxes are also a favorite among truck owners who want to have additional storage area but don’t want to lose a lot of bed space. These pickup truck tool boxes are mounted on the sides of the truck bed or on the rail just above the wheel wells.

The main advantage of a side-mount tool box for truck is that they can take the most out of the space above the truck bed sides, which is typically not used. Truck owners can retain most of the volume of their truck beds while getting significant, safe space. Side-mount boxes are also typically less cumbersome to load and unload than some other models. This is because you don’t have to climb into the bed of the truck to get the toolchest.

The disadvantage, however, of side-mount tool boxes is that they may restrict the overall width of items that can be transported in the truck bed. They also usually have lesser overall storage volume in comparison to crossover or chest style boxes. Still, if you value the bed space and require easy access to small tools and equipment, side mount boxes is a nice option to consider.

Chest-Style Tool Boxes

Chest-style tool boxes are a classic model that resembles a traditional toolbox but on a larger scale. These pickup tool boxes are typically placed at the front of the truck bed, against the cab. They offer a substantial amount of storage space. This storage option is often favored by those who need to carry a large number of tools or equipment.

The main advantage of chest-style tool boxes is their generous storage capacity. They usually feature a deep main compartment that can accommodate larger tools and equipment. Many models also include smaller compartments or trays for organizing smaller stuff. Chest-style boxes are also known for their durability. Generally, they are made from heavy-duty materials that can withstand harsh conditions.

However, chest-style tool boxes do take up a significant portion of the truck bed. This may be a concern for those who need to use their full bed regularly. This truck tool box type can also be more challenging to access. It often requires users to climb into the truck bed or reach over the side of the vehicle to open the box.

Underbody Tool Boxes

Underbody tool boxes present truck owners with the opportunity to create additional storage space while at the same time having a secure compartment. A storage box for truck bed, also known as a truck toolbox, is installed below the truck body. It’s positioned usually behind the cab and ahead of the rear wheels.

The key benefit of underbody tool boxes is that they occupy no space on the truck bed. It can be utilized to its full capacity. They are also not as conspicuous as other types of tool boxes. This is good for those who are worried about theft. Underbody boxes are best used to store items that are used infrequently, like spare parts or safety equipment.

However, like all other storage solutions, underbody tool boxes do have their demerits. They usually have limited storage capacity compared to other truck tool boxes. It can also be more difficult to access since the users have to bend or crawl under the truck to get to the box. Such boxes may lower the ground clearance of the truck, which may not be desirable for off-road drivers.

Wheel Well Tool Boxes

Truck storage compartments, also known as wheel well tool boxes, are meant to be mounted over or around the wheel wells of a truck. These metal tool boxes for pickup trucks provide an opportunity to store equipment and tools in the truck in a special way that does not compromise much space in the truck bed or ease of access.

A great perk of wheel well tool boxes is the fact that they do not consume a lot of space. These boxes fit around the wheel wells. They offer storage space without occupying the actual bed space. They are also usually positioned in a manner that makes them easily accessible from the side of the truck. This is important if you are regularly having to pull out a tool.

Still, you may find that wheel well tool boxes provide less storage space than other kinds of tool boxes. They may also restrict the dimension of the load that can be transported on the truck bed. Nonetheless, for owners of trucks who wish to have additional storage space with a little compromise on the bed, wheel well tool boxes are an excellent option.

Tailgate Tool Boxes

Tailgate tool boxes can be considered as a relatively newer type of tool boxes made for trucks. These are special storage systems intended for being placed inside the tailgate. This way, that storage space does not even exist in the truck bed at all.

The first and biggest advantage of the tailgate tool boxes is that they are concealed. When the tailgate is shut, these boxes are not visible at all. This feature makes them very secure for storing expensive tools and equipment. They also don’t occupy any space on the bed which means that the truck’s bed can be fully utilized.

Nonetheless, tailgate tool boxes are often smaller in terms of storage space compared to other types of truck tool boxes. They may also have to be modified to fit the tailgate for installation, something some truck owners may be reluctant to do. However, for those who are considering purchasing tailgate tool boxes to store items that are not supposed to be noticeable, then the above-mentioned drawbacks may not be very significant.

Material Considerations

When selecting a tool box for your truck, the material used in construction is a critical aspect to look at. Most truck tool boxes are made from one of three materials: aluminum, steel, or plastic.

Aluminum tool boxes are preferred by many people because they are light in weight and do not get affected by rust. They are sturdy enough to be used daily and, at the same time, do not contribute to the overall weight of the truck. On the other hand, steel tool boxes provide maximum protection and security due to their sturdiness. These are more massive than aluminum boxes. Thus, they can withstand more damages and are commonly used where tough handling is expected.

The lightest type of the tool boxes is the plastic ones. They do not rust or get corrupted. That being said, they are probably not as strong as metal options. Plastic models may be more inclined to chip or break when subjected to heavy loads or under conditions of temperature extremes.

Conclusion

When selecting the ideal truck toolbox, there are several factors to consider, such as the storage space necessary, the size of the truck, security, and cost. A crossover tool box, side-mount, chest-style, underbody, wheel well, or tailgate box are all available, each having specific advantages depending on the use. Knowing the types of truck tool boxes available will help you make a decision that complements your vehicle and protects your valuable tools.