Whether you’re a truck owner who completes a lot of projects or a professional in a trade, there are many reasons why you may need a truck tool box. Not only do they allow easy access to tools and equipment, letting you keep everything on hand for whatever job task comes your way, but they also protect expensive items from the elements and other factors. But before choosing a truck tool box, there are a few things you must consider. Tractor Supply is here to assist you in buying the right tool box for your specific truck setup, detailing four of the most important features to consider.
1. Compatibility with Your Truck
One of the first and most important aspects to look for when purchasing a truck tool box is how well it fits your truck’s make and model of bed. Trucks aren’t all one size and can come with different bed measurements, meaning you must find a tool box that fits well and works with the type of truck you own. The different sizes of truck tool boxes include:
- Universal: If you’re looking for a general-sized toolbox and drive a basic model truck, these can be great fit, as they’re made with general truck specifications in mind for use on a variety of makes and models.
- Full-size: These are designed larger, allowing you to carry more heavy-duty machinery, such as welding tools, air compressors or generators. They fit larger trucks with a bed length of eight to nine feet, a width of about 70 inches and 20-inch depth, including the Ram 2500, Chevy Silverado HD or Ford F-250.
- Mid-size: Made slightly smaller than full-size options, these fit trucks with a 12-inch bed depth, 60-inch width and six-to-seven-feet-length, including the Toyota Tundra, Chevy Silverado and Ford F-150. Use these tool boxes to store smaller-sized tools, such as wrenches, drills or saws.
- Compact: These are for smaller trucks, such as the Toyota Tacoma, Chevy Colorado or Ford Ranger, and can fit a variety of smaller hand tools for convenience. They’re made to fit truck beds measuring five to six feet in length, with several widths available for a snug fit.
Alongside the size type, think about the style of tool box that works with the kind of truck you own. For instance, standard-style truck boxes are a classic, traditional choice, featuring a design that hangs over bed rails slightly. These offer more space to store tools and other items safely and with ease.
But if you’re looking for something more inconspicuous, consider a low-profile-style box, which sits lower in the truck bed to give it an invisible appearance from afar, allowing trucks to stay looking clean and organized. Because they sit low, they won’t impact your visibility while driving, ensuring ample road safety. What’s more, they’ll still give you the space needed to store your items. These boxes come in a variety of sizes to accommodate many truck sizes and models.
2. Durable, Secure Locks to Hold Items
Now that you know the type and size of truck tool box you need, it’s time to consider other features, such as locking mechanisms and security. While you can use tool boxes without locks, doing so puts your items at risk of theft or damage.
Professionals in the trades may carry expensive, valuable tools and equipment in their trucks so they can carry them around and complete jobs. Without a lock, your items may become stolen or even fall out if you end up taking too sharp of a turn. So, having a truck tool box with strong, durable locking capabilities keeps your tools and equipment safe and sound in your truck bed, and provides peace of mind that your valuable items are secure.
Truck tool boxes can come with one of many lock types, and the one you choose depends on what you plan on hauling, how much security you need and the type of truck you have. The different lock types include:
- Padlock: These boxes come with loops and holes that allow you to hook on a padlock of your choice.
- Keyed: These require you to have a key to open them, offering enhanced security and safe storage.
- Latch: These keep doors closed via a latch, which can be moved up and down for easy access.
- Push button: These are usually found at the top of setups, where you push the button to release the door.
- Electronic: These feature either electronic keypads or remote technology, allowing you to open setups with ease.
3. Strong Materials That’ll Stand Up to the Elements
Many truck owners will need to drive their vehicles through a variety of weather conditions, from snow to rain. And while trucks are designed to make it through, you must think about the material of your truck tool box to ensure it withstands the elements just as well.
Plastic is an affordable and durable option, allowing lightweight convenience so you’re not hauling too much weight on the back of your truck. However, metal truck boxes, such as steel or aluminum, may be better for long-term use, as these materials are more heavy-duty to withstand scratches and dents from rocks and flying debris.
When shopping for a truck tool box, you must also consider its finish, as some materials, such as steel, may rust over time. Carbon, galvanized and powder-coated steel offers just the resistance you need. Meanwhile, other metal materials have existing resistant properties, such as aluminum or stainless steel.
4. Easy-Access Lids
The next feature you should think about in terms of the right truck tool box setup is the type of lid. While it may seem unimportant, the kind of lid you choose can make a difference in how easy your tools and equipment are to access.
Single Lids
Single lids are your most common, standard type of truck tool box lid, offering a single opening so you can access everything in your tool box. These lids feature one hinge on the backside of the box, allowing setups to open up toward the truck cabin. Single lids provide easy use and let you see everything in your box at once for simple organization and storing.
Lids with Rails
Are you looking for better ways to tie down and secure equipment in your truck bed? Then a truck box featuring a railed lid may be your next investment. These are designed as large, sturdy tool boxes, which sit in the back of beds. The top of the box has a secure, durable rail along the perimeter, making it easy to tie down accessories, such as ladders, for safe and secure transport.
Gull-Wing Lids
Gull-wing lids, or dual lids, come with two lids that open separately from each other. When both lids are up, they give the appearance of a flying bird, which is where they get their name. Dual lid options make it easy to access specific items, which is especially useful if you want to avoid digging through large setups and risk disorganizing tools. These are also great when you need to get to equipment but don’t have much overhead clearance, as dual lids won’t take up much space when open.
4. Interior Compartments and Trays for Organization
A tool box only works as well as it’s organized – meaning you must keep tools and parts separated and easily accessible to ensure efficiency on the job site. By having a tool box with interior compartments and trays, you can separate parts exactly where they need to be, and keep them there for convenient access.
Consider setups that already include multiple trays and compartments, allowing you to begin organizing tools from the moment you put them into your truck bed. Or, purchase your own separators to organize existing tool boxes. If you want to organize your items even further, you can label the containers and separators, especially those with smaller parts, such as sockets or drill bits. This makes it easy to keep setups contained, as you add new tools and parts or dig around setups to find what you need.
Having containers and trays in your tool box also allows you to customize setups, keeping frequently used items and tools in easily accessible areas. When setting up your compartments, be sure to put your most-used items on top, allowing you to grab what you need quickly.
Find a Variety of Truck Tool Boxes and Accessories at Tractor Supply
Whether you need something work-ready for the job site or simply want to haul your basic tools and equipment, look no further than our truck tool box options. From chests to crossover tool boxes to underbody box styles, we have everything you need to safely carry your items and keep them organized for easy access. To learn more about our truck tool boxes, visit your local Tractor Supply store today or browse online.