What is the best tool box for Toyota Tacoma?
If you have a Tacoma, you probably want to have some excellent accessories for it. Before you buy the first tool box you see, you should consider the best tool box for your truck. That way, you can make sure it fits your needs.
According to our expertise and research, one of the best tool boxes for Toyota Tacoma is the Dee Zee DZ8163. It uses excellent construction and has security features to protect what’s inside the box. Other great options come from UWS and direct from Toyota. Compare a couple of boxes to choose the best for you.
Whether this is your first Tacoma or not, you should find a tool box that fits. Then, you can bring and store all of your tools and not worry about forgetting anything. Keep reading to learn more about the best tool box for the Tacoma.
Why Get a Tool Box for Your Tacoma
When considering the best tool box for a Tacoma, you may wonder why you should get a tool box to live in your truck. If you already have a regular tool box, you can use that in your truck. But there are some features and benefits that you get when you buy a truck bed tool box.
It doesn’t matter if you need a small box for a few tools or a bigger box with more storage. You should consider a couple of tool boxes to fit in your Tacoma. That way, you can enjoy the following benefits of the tool box.
Convenience
One of the most significant benefits is that a truck bed tool box is convenient. You can mount it in your truck bed and let it live there for as long as you own the truck. That way, you don’t have to move your tool box back and forth when you park your truck.
If you use tools for work, you can keep them in the truck so that they’re ready when you are. You won’t have to worry about driving to a job and forgetting all of your tools.
And if you don’t use tools for work, a tool box can be a great storage option. You may not want to leave things exposed to the elements or thieves, and a tool box lets you keep that stuff in your truck without risk.
Protection
Whether you store tools or something else in a truck bed, it’s at risk. Of course, you have the risk of people getting into your truck bed and stealing whatever you keep in there. That can be a serious problem if you don’t keep your truck in a garage.
It can also be a problem if you have inclement weather. The next time you have rain or snow, your truck bed and everything in it can get wet and cold. That can be bad if you have valuables, but even if you have things that can’t get wet.
A good tool box can protect those items without you needing space inside the truck. And you can still enjoy the convenience of keeping things in your Tacoma. That way, you won’t forget your essentials.
Durability
The best tool box for a Tacoma is also very durable. Even if you aren’t worried about weather or thieves, a truck bed is a vulnerable place to leave something. If a thief does try to get into your truck, they won’t always be able to open the tool box.
You don’t need the most expensive tool box out there because most use durable materials. The design can also keep out rain, so you don’t have to worry about rain slipping through cracks.
As long as you get a durable tool box, you can keep it in your Tacoma without worry. But you should consider what to look for. That way, you can make sure you choose the best tool box for your Tacoma.
What To Look for in a Tool Box
Fortunately, there isn’t just one best tool box for a Tacoma. Unfortunately, that can make it hard to choose a good one for your truck. Still, you can consider a few features to help with your decision.
Some of these features are non-negotiable, such as being able to fit in your truck. Others you may be able to compromise on, but they can still make a big difference.
Whether you’re looking for a basic tool box or one with more compartments, consider some essential features to look for. That way, you won’t waste time on tool boxes that won’t fit your needs.
Size
Of course, you need a tool box that fits your Tacoma. You should consider how big your truck bed is both in terms of width and length. It can also help to consider how tall the bed is and how far off the bottom the tool box will sit.
You should measure the inside and outside of your truck bed. Some tool boxes use one set of measurements over the other, so you should have a record of each. Then, you can eliminate tool boxes more easily when shopping.
You may also want to consider how much space you want the tool box to take up. If you want to keep most of the truck bed open, you may want a slimmer tool box to compensate. But if you don’t need as much open space, you can get something bigger.
Capacity
Along with size, you should consider a tool box’s capacity. Think about what you plan to store inside the tool box and how big or long the items are. If you want to store longer items, you may want a tool box that goes across the length of the bed.
But if you just need to store smaller items, like hammers or nails, you can look at smaller tool boxes. You can get a bigger tool box, but it might be too big and could allow the tools to slide around a lot.
But you can also consider if the tool box has different compartments. Then, you can have more than enough storage space, but you can also keep things from riding around as you drive the truck.
Compatibility
The next thing is a non-negotiable and that is model compatibility. If you buy a tool box online, you can usually input the year and specific model of Tacoma that you have. The website can tell you if the tool box you’re looking at will fit your truck.
That can be super useful if you can’t shop for tool boxes in person. And if you do shop in person, ask a sales associate about compatibility before buying a tool box. If you can’t tell if a box is compatible, then you can opt for a flexible return policy.
Then, you can try the tool box and see if it fits in your truck. If it does, and it fits your other needs, you can keep it. But you can send it back if it doesn’t work out.
Security
Another essential part of any tool box for a Tacoma is its security features. You should look for a tool box that either comes with a lock or has a way for you to use your own lock. That way, you can keep the tool box in your truck, and you won’t have to worry about people breaking into it.
It doesn’t matter if you use a code or a key to lock the tool box. So consider what you would prefer. For some people, memorizing a code is much easier than using yet another key. But a key can be nice if you don’t have the best memory.
Either way, choose a tool box with a security system that you like. That way, you can drive your Tacoma and leave it in a parking lot and know that your belongings will be safe.
Material
You may also want to consider what type of material the tool box uses. Aluminum and steel are both popular options, and they can both be strong and sturdy.
But you can also consider if you want a specific color for your tool box, such as silver or black. Or perhaps you don’t want a metal tool box, so you look for plastic.
Consider what you plan to store in the box and what material would be best to protect what you put inside.
Mounting
Next, you may want to consider how hard or easy it is to mount the tool box. Consider if you want to put the tool box up and never take it off your truck. If so, you can choose a box that goes on well and won’t come off easily.
But if you want to take your tool box inside when working, you may want the mounting to be easier. That way, you can use all of your tools without transferring them to a different tool box just to do your work.
Mounting can also be important if you don’t have much experience with that. If this is your first truck, you may want a tool box that doesn’t require any special tools to install. Then, you can set up your tool box and use it in no time.
Price
Of course, you should also consider the cost. A good tool box can be expensive, but the price can be worth it if you will use the tool box a lot. It can also be worth paying more for things like security and durability.
But if you only need something small, you won’t have to spend as much money. You can get a good quality tool box for less by compromising on the size.
Before you start shopping for a tool box for your Tacoma, consider your budget. Think about how much you can afford and if you can justify spending more for more value. Then, you can narrow your search for the best tool box for a Tacoma.
The Best Tool Boxes for Toyota Tacoma
You could probably look at every truck tool box out there, but not all are suitable for the Tacoma. Different trucks have different dimensions, and that can be enough to make a model not work well for your truck.
Whether you need a simple or more complex tool box, consider a few options. Compare the features and benefits of each. Then, you can decide which is the best tool box for your Tacoma.
Dee Zee DZ8163
The Dee Zee DZ8163 tool box measures 64 x 22 x 14 inches (162.56 x 55.88 x 35.56 centimeters), so it can fit in a narrow truck bed. It features closed-cell foam that can keep rain and snow from getting inside the tool box. And you can use the stainless steel handle to lock the box to keep out thieves.
The rest of the box uses non-rusting aluminum, so it can withstand a lot. It has self-adjusting strikers and dampened gas shocks that also help with security and durability. You will get the mounting hardware you need, so you can keep the box from taking up space in the truck bed.
It’s a good option if you want something to extend side to side. But it isn’t perfect, so consider the pros and cons.
Pros
- Good value
- Easy installation
- Lightweight
- Works with different truck models
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not the most sturdy
- Can’t support a ton of weight
UWS TBS-63
Another low profile tool box to consider for your Tacoma is the UWS TBS-63. It is aluminum and has angled sides to save on space. The tool box weighs 5.9 pounds (2.68 kilograms), and it measures 60x 20.5 x 15.5 inches (152.4 x 52.07 x 39.37 centimeters).
Its lid has a secure design to keep people and elements from getting into the box. The material is thick, and it has a nice matte black finish. You can choose the right size tool box from this brand, so you can get one that meets your needs.
It’s also easy to install, and it features compartments you can use to organize your tools and supplies. The handles are also far apart, making it easy to access the tool box from the sides of your truck.
Pros
- Easy to mount
- Great organization
- Matte finish to prevent reflections
- Easy to access
- Thick material
Cons
- Quality control issues
- A bit expensive
UWS TBSM-36
The UWS TBSM-36 is an excellent tool box if you want to mount it on the side of your Tacoma. It measures 36 x 11.25 x 11 inches (91.44 x 28.58 x 27.94 centimeters), so it fits nicely in your truck bed. The aluminum design is secure and resistant to corrosion.
This tool box comes with a locking mechanism, so you can secure your belongings in it. You also don’t have to sacrifice any space in your truck bed because it doesn’t touch the bottom.
The box is also available in different sizes if you find you need something bigger or smaller. That way, you can get the best, sturdiest tool box for your truck. While this model isn’t cheap, it is more affordable than some models, and it still has plenty of storage space.
Pros
- Fits to a Tacoma easily
- Excellent quality
- Easy to install
- Works well
- Sturdy materials
Cons
- A little expensive
- Quality control issues
Undercover SwingCase
The Undercover SwingCase is an excellent tool box if you just need to store a few things. It can fit on the side of your truck bed just over the wheel, and it doesn’t take up much space. The box measures 16 x 8.5 x 34 inches (40.64 x 21.59 x 86.36 centimeters), so it can still store longer items.
This tool box can swing out 180 degrees, so you can easily access whatever you choose to store in it. It also doesn’t take very long to install, so you can get things up and running in a few minutes. Once you do use it, you can put up to 75 pounds (34.02 kilograms) worth of supplies in the box.
The box lies flush with the side of the truck bed, so you don’t need to sacrifice bed space. It’s a great option for anyone who needs a small amount of secure storage.
Pros
- It fits well
- Works nicely
- Easy to follow the installation instructions
- Swings out easily
- Stays in place
Cons
- Doesn’t work on the driver’s side
- Doesn’t work with some covers
Final Thoughts
The best toolbox for a Tacoma should fit your needs, from size and capacity to security and durability. While the Dee Zee model is great for many Tacoma owners, you should also consider the others on this list. That way, you can get a tool box that you will use.
