Things to look for in a pickup bed toolbox. If you work in an industry that demands tools or equipment and expect to operate from your pickup truck on a regular basis, investing in a quality bed-mounted toolbox is a wise decision. A toolbox is intended to protect your tools and equipment from theft, damage, and the elements, while also leaving your bed free to haul anything you may need. Before making your pick, you should think about the toolbox’s style, placement, size, and materials. This is what you should know.
PICKUP-BED TOOLBOXES COME IN MULTIPLE STYLES.
Every box design has benefits and drawbacks, but many people prefer the crossbed saddle box due to its versatility. This type of toolbox sits against the passenger compartment and drapes over the floor from the bed’s edges. This leaves a gap beneath the box through which you may slide sheet materials like plywood, drywall, or lumber.
Crossbed saddle boxes cover the width of the vehicle, allowing owners to access the tools from either the driver’s or passenger’s side. They are not, however, compatible with the majority of tonneau coverings. Fortunately, standard chest-style boxes (and flexible bed covers) are available for these uses.
If you require more tool storage than a crossbed box can give, try adding one or two side-mounted boxes. Some side boxes, similar to saddle boxes, rest atop the bed rails. Others are tucked against the wheel well and fall below the top of the bed. Side-mount boxes may even swing out on a hinge, allowing you to reach their contents from either the side of the vehicle or the tailgate.
There are units available (such as Montezuma’s triangular box) for specialized applications, as well as underbody boxes that leave the entire bed open for transporting, although they may not fit your truck or your demands as well as more popular designs. These are frequently fitted on vehicles with flatbeds, such as those used in agricultural applications.
TOOLBOX FEATURES ARE AVAILABLE FOR MANY APPLICATIONS.
Once you’ve decided on the type of toolbox you want, consider the features. For starters, any box you buy for a truck should be watertight and lockable. It should also be able to hold the tools you intend to transport, so pay special attention to capacity and how the inside space is organized.
Next, consider material. Most aftermarket choices will be composed of aluminum or steel, which can handle a lot of punishment. An aluminum-alloy box weighs less than a comparable steel box and will never rust, but it will most certainly cost more. The same is true for stainless-steel toolboxes. You may also come across composite (plastic) boxes during your search. These are less common but gaining popularity because they are lightweight, inexpensive, and rustproof, but they are not as durable as metal choices.
Read: What You Should Look for in a Pickup Truck BedLiner
While it may appear trivial at first, box color is an important consideration. Direct sunlight can quickly heat up a black metal box, making it necessary to wear gloves when retrieving your equipment.
Most boxes have a single lid that hinges along the length of the box, but gullwing lids hinge in the middle and feature two apertures. The optimum toolbox style for you will be determined by the types of tools you need to keep.
Speaking of lids, some have railings on top to secure extra cargo, while others open using gas struts. Struts are a convenient feature, especially if you plan on opening and closing the box regularly.
Prices increase in accordance with features and design.
Pricing for truck-bed toolboxes varies significantly, as expected. Professional-grade toolboxes can cost thousands of dollars, depending on style, brand, material, and amenities. Assuming you don’t need the most robust model with every bell and whistle, you can get a solid basic device for under $200. Heavy-duty crates might cost anywhere from $500 to $750 or more.
