What Is the Best Truck Tool Box? (2021 Reviews)
Anyone who uses their truck to transport tools regularly can benefit from a high-quality truck toolbox. This addition is the best way to keep your truck bed organized and protect your tools from the elements. But the sheer number of options available can be overwhelming—so how do you choose the best toolbox for your truck?
Today, we’re going to go over everything you need to know. We’ll review the top models and discuss key considerations in our handy buyer’s guide. Without further ado, let’s dive in.
Page Contents
- Compare Our Top 3 Favorite Truck Tool Boxes
- Truck Toolbox Reviews
- Best Aluminum Tool Box – Weather Guard 117502
- Best Heavy-Duty Plastic Toolbox – Undercover SwingCase Toolbox
- Best Value – Dee Zee DZ8546B
- Key Features to Look For
- Weatherproof
- Lock
- Material
- Size
- Cargo Capacity
- Lid
- Are Truck Tool Boxes Worth It?
- Organization
- Security
- Space saving
- Final Thoughts
Compare Our Top 3 Favorite Truck Tool Boxes
Now let’s take a closer look at the three best toolboxes available.
Truck Toolbox Reviews
Best Aluminum Tool Box – Weather Guard 117502
Our first choice is the Weather Guard 116502, a traditional toolbox that will give your tools a happy home. It’s the priciest option on our list, but it has lots of features that are ideal for professionals.
This robust black toolbox is made of aluminum, and it has a powder coating on the exterior that protects from rust and damage. It’s easy to install, and the toolbox does an excellent job of resisting the elements, so you won’t have to worry about moisture damaging what’s inside. Plus, it features a locking system that will keep your tools safe from theft.
The cover opens 90 degrees for easy access, and the interior is very roomy. At 101 cubic feet, most people will have more than enough space for their tools. The downside is that it will require a bit more space from your truck bed, though it does have a saddle design. The saddle design of the toolbox means it sits slightly above the truck bed, giving you space below it to store long items.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Lots of space
- Latches and joints are high quality
Cons
- Several reviewers mentioned that boxes arrived with small dents or dings
- May be too large for some trucks
Best Heavy-Duty Plastic Toolbox – Undercover SwingCase Toolbox
The Undercover SwingCase Toolbox is another highly popular option, but with a slightly different design. You install it on the side of your truck (either on the passenger’s side or the driver’s side), and the toolbox swings out toward you. This setup is convenient for anyone who wants unrestricted access to their tools, as you don’t need to climb into your truck to grab anything.
The Undercover Swingcase takes just a few minutes to install and holds up to 75 pounds of tools or cargo. Its body is made from high-impact ABS plastic, which makes it both weatherproof and durable. Unlike its steel or aluminum counterparts, it’s much lighter and easier to transport—a critical feature considering that this model is portable. It also has a locking lid and includes a sliding tray for more organization.
Overall, the Undercover SwingCase’s popularity has a lot to do with how well it does its job: it has an innovative design, it’s weatherproof, and it offers convenience and security.
Pros
- Easy access
- Allows for full use of truck bed between the wheels
- Made in the US
- Includes a one-year warranty
Cons
- The curved design may not allow for larger or oddly-shaped tools
- May not be the best for contractors with lots of tools
Best Value – Dee Zee DZ8546B
Our third option is the Dee Zee DZ8546B. This model could be an excellent solution for anyone looking for a slightly smaller truck toolbox than the traditional options available. It’s also more economical than some of the professional-grade models we considered.
The Dee Zee is made from aluminum, which means it’s corrosion-resistant, and it also has a protective powder coat in gloss black for further rust resistance. While it doesn’t come with a built-in locking mechanism, you can purchase a padlock separately to secure your tools.
The design is more on the plain side, but the body is made of three pieces, which helps increase sturdiness. It features a crowned lid, with a latch made from contractor-grade stainless steel. We like that the toolbox has a dampened gas shock that helps the top open smoothly and in a controlled manner. The toolbox also includes side handles, a handy feature to help transport it.
Overall, for the price, we feel it does an excellent job of keeping your expensive tools well organized and protected from the elements.
Pros
- More economical price than other comparable truck toolboxes
- Fantastic value for money
Cons
- Some users complained about receiving products with dents
Key Features to Look For
Toolboxes may all seem similar, but there are several key features to pay attention to before purchasing one.
Weatherproof
A high-quality truck toolbox must be weatherproof. It will live outside, and it must protect what’s inside by keeping the elements out. This feature is arguably one of the most critical ones, which is why we recommend researching this aspect of any toolbox you consider.
Most models will do a reasonably decent job of keeping out rain and moisture. But what distinguishes the good models from the great ones is the ability to keep out snow and sand. And depending on where you live, a brand that offers dust resistance may be a plus.
Lock
If you store valuable tools, a lock is another critical feature. Some toolboxes come without a lock, so be sure to check for one.
Those that do have locks may have different types. Some are built directly into the toolbox, while others allow you to use a padlock or combination lock to secure your items. If the lock is built into the box, it should operate smoothly and be easy to use.
Material
The most common material types for tool truck boxes include plastic, steel, and aluminum. There are pros and cons to each, mostly with regard to weight and durability.
Plastic models are usually the lightest, but they offer the least amount of protection from the elements.
Steel boxes are the best for theft protection, but they are heavy and subject to paint damage from road salt or salt spray—which eventually causes problems with rust.
Aluminum models offer the best of both worlds. They’re lighter, cheaper, and don’t suffer from rust issues.
But overall, the right material for you depends on your preferences for security and portability, plus your budget.
Size
This point may seem obvious, but you have to check the size of the toolbox to make sure it will fit in your truck. They are typically built in size classes that correspond to different classes of trucks. A few quick measurements will ensure that you receive a product you can use.
You should also consider how much space it will take up. Some models are larger, which is excellent for holding lots of tools, but they represent a considerable space investment in your truck. If you want something lower profile (and don’t have a lot of tools), a side truck box might be right for you.
Cargo Capacity
Some of the bigger models are best for people transporting large power tools, extensive collections, and lots of equipment. However, if this doesn’t sound like you, buying a massive truck toolbox is a waste of space. Make sure to consider the size of your tool collection and choose accordingly.
Lid
Finally, it can be easy to overlook, but a lid that opens and closes easily is vital. Especially for contractors, you don’t want to have to exert a ton of force every time you need a tool. Lots of models include gas lifts to make lids easier to open. A good gas lift supports the weight of the lid and controls its movement.
Are Truck Tool Boxes Worth It?
Before we share our picks for the best truck toolboxes, we wanted to go over some ways you can benefit from having one.
Organization
Especially when you have lots of tools, leaving them floating around a truck bed can make staying organized a problematic task. Not only do they move around as you drive, but they can also suffer damage in the process. A storage box allows you to corral all your tools and give them the space they deserve. Additionally, finding what you need is much easier, saving you time (and money) if you’re at a worksite.
Security
At some point or another, you’ll have to leave your truck unattended. Keeping tools in plain sight in your truck bed increases the risk of them being stolen, but a truck toolbox eliminates this worry. The majority of models offer robust enough protection to deter opportunistic thieves and keep your items secure.
Space saving
When not adequately organized, smaller items like tools encroach on valuable space you need to transport more oversized items. Truck tool boxes save space, and some even sit above the floor of the truck bed, allowing you to fit longer items while taking advantage of their organization benefits .
Final Thoughts
Whatever your truck toolbox needs, we’re confident that one of our top options could be right for you. As long as you carefully consider the points in the buyer’s guide, you should have no problem finding an excellent solution for your truck and your budget.
