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Apr 13, 2024

Best Truck Tool Box (2023 Guide)

Will Moore has been driving since he was first allowed behind the wheel of a golf cart. He’s written for several major auto sites including Motor1 since 2020, unraveling the intricacies of auto

Will Moore has been driving since he was first allowed behind the wheel of a golf cart. He’s written for several major auto sites including Motor1 since 2020, unraveling the intricacies of auto insurance policies and products for the everyday driver. Will has logged hundreds of hours researching and testing products ranging from child car seats to torque wrenches. After completing a PhD at the University of Missouri, Will moved to North Carolina with his wife, daughter, and two semi-obedient beagles. Will is also Certified by Safe Kids Worldwide as a Child Passenger Safety Technician (#T836339).

A basic truck toolbox that is secure, spacious, and simple to install.

A large toolbox that will fit underneath a tonneau cover.

An easy-access toolbox for those that work out of their truck.

An inexpensive and space-efficient truck tool box.

A side-access tool box with a lot of storage capacity.

The best truck tool box is durable, secure, and easy to use. But truck toolbox designs can differ in size, method of access, and tonneau-cover compatibility. For example, a swing box takes up less space, but a side-mount box is easier to access. Here, we explain the advantages of each type and recommend our top picks based on durability, capacity, organization, and security.

To select the truck tool boxes featured in this buyers guide, our team first combed through dozens of resources such as DIY mechanic and auto enthusiast forums, manufacturer and truck-specific websites, instruction manuals from manufacturers, and reviews from online retailers. We pay particularly close attention to quality reviews and recommendations that highlight the quality of warranties, customer service support, build quality, materials, and overall reliability.

We also factored in the quantity and quality of online retailer reviews from websites such as Amazon, RealTruck, Advance Auto Parts, and more. We looked at factors such as standout customer reviews, prices, meaningful superlatives, and discount shipping eligibility.

Since 2020, we have published over 200 auto product reviews in an effort to make shopping for auto products easier. Our team of writers, editors, researchers, and product experts collaborates to thoroughly vet top products. We try to perform in-house testing on real vehicles whenever possible before making our recommendations.

When testing is not feasible, however, our aim is to make your life easier by doing all the online research for you and presenting that research in the form of easy-to-read product comparisons and buyers guides, rather than outright recommendations. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.

When selecting a truck tool box, some relevant features to consider are durability, capacity, organization, and security.

You should also keep in mind that truck tool boxes can be model-specific. So above all, be sure to pick a truck tool box that will fit in your truck bed.

Different truck tool boxes attach to different parts of your truck. This impacts the size, holding capacity, and how you access the toolbox. Some truck tool boxes can be accessed without opening the tailgate, and others can only be opened after climbing into the truck bed.

If you have a tonneau cover, you’ll need to choose a toolbox that sits below the bed rails when installed.

Most truck tool boxes are constructed from either steel, aluminum, or plastic. Plastic truck tool boxes are lightweight and inexpensive, but can wear quickly and are less secure.

Aluminum tool boxes are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, but often less durable than steel tool boxes. Steel truck tool boxes are the most heavy-duty, but often the most expensive type of truck tool box.

A truck tool box can cost anywhere between $100 and $1,000 or higher. Prices range depending on model size as well. Cheaper truck tool boxes will dent easier, and the latches will wear out faster. For a quality truck tool box made from durable materials that isn’t easy to break open, expect to spend between $700 and $800. The cost of your toolbox will be less if you have a smaller truck (and buy a smaller toolbox).

If security isn’t a big concern, a workable truck tool box can be had for between $200 and $300 – particularly if you choose a smaller design that uses plastic, like the Undercover Swing Case.

Installing a truck tool box is relatively simple, and can easily be accomplished with minimal tools. You will need to drill holes into your truck to attach a truck tool box, though some trucks have pre-capped holes for this purpose.

The most common reasons that someone would install a truck toolbox are convenience, weatherproofing, and security. Rather than lugging a heavy toolbox in and out of your truck bed, a dedicated toolbox offers a dry place to store tools that won’t slide around and damage your truck bed.

A truck toolbox can add some security if you choose a durable box with quality locks. That said, nothing will be as secure as taking your tools inside with you overnight or when you park your truck.

The UWS Low-Profile Crossover Toolbox is a durable, easy-to-use toolbox that offers a lot of tool space. It is constructed from extra-thick aluminum that is backed by a lifetime warranty. The interior of the UWS Crossover is coated with a BedRug liner that prevents tools from sliding around while you drive. There is also a tool tray for added organizational capacity, and the crossbed design frees up space for hauling long objects.

Choose this tool box if you need something that is durable, secure, and has a lot of space for tools. The UWS Crossover can also help keep your tools dry as it features microseal gaskets to keep out unwanted moisture and debris.

Amazon Review Score: 4.5 out of 5 based on over 140 ratings

Amazon review scores for UWS Crossover tool boxes are divided among the different sizes, but reviews are generally favorable. People like this toolbox because it is large, spacious, and simple to install. Many say they like that it feels sturdy and reliable.

Some people have complained about receiving dented boxes. UWS appears to have addressed this complaint, however, as more recent reviews comment about the exceptional packaging.

“Phenomenal packaging to ensure safe delivery.”

– Porter, via RealTruck

Choose the Dee Zee Red Label Utility Chest if you’re in need of a large tool box that’s also low-profile. This is a good option for those who have a tonneau cover on their truck. This chest-style tool box offers the greatest amount of truck bed storage, though it mounts near the cab and so can’t be accessed without opening the truck bed.

The aluminum material is lightweight yet durable, and Dee Zee provides a lifetime warranty with the Red Label Utility Chest. It has gas shocks for easy opening and both stainless steel paddle latches are lockable.

Amazon Review Score: 4.3 out of 5 based on over 290 ratings

Those who like this storage box say it is lightweight yet sturdy. The locking mechanism works well, and the chest can fit a large number of tools.

The aluminum design is less rigid than steel, and some have complained that their Dee Zee chest arrived with dents. Another common complaint is that this box isn’t totally weatherproof and may let in some rain.

The UWS Side Mount Truck Toolbox is a good pick if you regularly retrieve and remove tools from your truck as you work. The side-mounted design allows you to open this toolbox without opening your tailgate. It’s extremely convenient for contractors able to drive right onto the job site.

This toolbox is similar to the UWS CrossBox – it is made from the same aluminum material and has a similar latch design. However, the UWS Side Mount only has a single locking latch, making it a tiny bit less secure. The UWS Side Mount also lacks storage space compared to the UWS CrossBox. The main difference between these boxes is where they attach to your truck.

Amazon reviews for the UWS Side Mount toolbox are divided among size and color, and there is not a single option with a large number of reviews. Those reviews that have been written are mostly positive, as nearly all UWS Side Mount toolboxes have an average score of 4 stars or higher.

Positive reviews mention that this toolbox operates smoothly because of quality latches and hinges. It is easy to install and easy to access.

Some have complained about the lack of space. This design doesn’t have the depth to hold a large number of tools as a chest-style box does. At least one person said their UWS Side Mount pops open on bumpy rides, but this may be the result of a defect as it is not a complaint echoed by others.

If you’re looking for a low-cost, space-saving truck bed tool box, consider the Undercover Swing Case. It is made from plastic and is less durable than some of our other recommendations. However, The Undercover Swing Case is quite a bit less expensive than metal truck boxes. This storage system also sits below your trunk line and so can be used with a tonneau cover.

The Undercover Swing Case does come with a lock, but the plastic design of the case means it could be broken into without too much effort. You may not want this tool box if security is your primary concern.

RealTruck Review Score: 4.7 out of 5 based on over 1,100 ratings

Amazon Review Score: 4.4 out of 5 based on over 1,100 ratings

The Undercover Swing Case is convenient and easy to use, according to reviewers. Most are happy to have a truck tool box that provides a lot of storage space without taking up trunk space.

Those displeased with the Undercover point out that the plastic is not durable and will crack under heavy stress.

The Dee Zee Red Label Gull Wing Crossover Toolbox combines some of the best attributes of a crossover box and a side-mounting toolbox. It attaches like a standard crossover box near the cab. However, the dual-lid design allows for this truck tool box to be accessed from either side.

This crossover toolbox is made from the same material as the Dee Zee Red Label utility chest. Like other Red Label toolboxes, the Gull Wing Crossover has shocks for smooth lid operation. Choose this toolbox if you want something that you can access from outside of your pickup truck and need more storage capacity than a standard side-mounted toolbox can offer.

Amazon Review Score: 4.2 out of 5 based on over 160 ratings

Reviewers praise this toolbox for its convenient design. Many like that it is lifted so that there is room for sliding long objects into your truck bed.

Complaints about this toolbox largely involve shipping. Many have received dented toolboxes because of indelicate packaging.

If you’re looking for a truck tool box that is durable with decent security and a lot of storage space, we recommend one of the best truck tool boxes that our team reviewed. This buyer’s guide will help you find the right truck tool box for you and your vehicle.

We think the best truck tool box for most people is the UWS Low-Profile Crossover Toolbox. However, there are a number of truck toolbox designs, and the best for you depends on your needs. If you want a toolbox you can access without opening your tailgate, consider a side-mounted toolbox like the UWS Side Mount Truck Toolbox.

A truck tool box is worth it if you frequently carry tools with you wherever you take your truck. It is especially worth it for contractors who regularly work out of their trucks. A truck toolbox can provide weatherproofing and security for your tools, depending on the brand and model you select.

Nearly any truck tool box needs to be mounted to your truck so that it does not slide around. Some trucks have pre-drilled holes for toolboxes, but if yours does not, you will need to drill holes in your truck to install a truck tool box.

Truck tool boxes are size specific and must be compatible with the size of your truck bed. Depending on the design, some truck tool boxes may be more universal than others. Be sure to check the dimensions of any truck tool box that you order to ensure it will fit in your truck.

If you frequently work out of your truck, a truck tool box is a necessary investment. A small truck tool box may also be a good idea if you need to keep a few items handy. It may not be worth installing a truck tool box if you only occasionally use your truck to transport your tools.

*Data accurate at time of publication.