The Best Truck Tool Box Organizers Revealed
On-the-go handymen know just how messy the back of a truck can get—especially on days with back-to-back projects. A messy cargo bed not only yields a negative reflection of your handyman business but also reduces efficiency since you’ll have to sort through your mess every time. To avoid getting a cluttered, disorganized truck bed, we suggest looking into toolboxes.
The best truck tool box organizers can help truckers remain efficiently organized. These cargo management storage units can carry different tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, and hammers. Options range from large, spacious crossover trunks to small, compact compartments with stacked drawers.
What Are the Different Types of Tool Boxes?
The first thing you need to consider is the type of truck bed tool you need. Contrary to popular belief, there’s more than just one toolbox variant, and these differ in size, function, and design.
Here are some of the most popular classifications on the market:
Crossover Trunk
The crossover trunk is just how it sounds. It’s a large toolbox that stretches horizontally on both ends of the truck bed. It’s massive, and most options measure around 60 to 70 inches (152.4 to 177.8 cm) wide and 20 inches (50.8 cm) tall.
Who should use crossover toolbox trunks? They’re ideally best suited for seasoned handymen who drive full-sized trucks and take on multiple projects on a day-to-day basis. They’re quite spacious, so you won’t have trouble fitting in any type of tool or equipment.
Most models are deep and wide enough to accommodate larger equipment such as hydraulic floor jacks and tire wrenches, among others.
Plus, crossover trunks leave plenty of room in the truck bed for other equipment. Other toolbox options often eat up so much space that truckers can’t use the cargo bed for anything else anymore.
Although, bear in mind that these trunks are very heavy. If you install them on the back of your truck, expect your fuel consumption to drop by at least a mile or two per gallon/liter.
Reports indicate that most trucks consume an average of 10.5 miles per gallon (4.46 kilometers per liter). So, if you add a loaded crossover trunk to your cargo bed, the fuel consumption rate may stagger somewhere around 7 miles per gallon (3 kilometers per liter).
Side Mount Trunk
As the name suggests, the side mount trunk is a toolbox mounted on the trunk bed’s side. They extend vertically from the front to the back. As opposed to crossover trunks, a side-mounted toolbox is easier to use and may even be more functional in the long run.
- You can easily reach into the truck bed from the side of your vehicle. On the other hand, crossover toolboxes require truckers to climb onto the vehicle and crawl to the end of the trunk bed.
- Most side-mount tool boxes can store more items than crossover trunks do. Trunk beds have better lengths than widths.
- You can fit up to two side-mounted toolboxes in your trunk bed. This setup is ideal for seasoned handymen who regularly take on multiple heavy-duty jobs that require different tools and equipment.
Chest Toolbox
Is the crossover trunk too large for you? If you’re looking for a similar toolbox option that’s a bit more compact but doesn’t compromise on storage space, try the chest toolbox. As you might see, it’s a chest-style trunk that closely resembles crossover toolboxes, only much smaller.
What makes them so cool is that you can still place a tonneau cover over the trunk bed even if you already have a chest toolbox installed. This feature can help prolong the lifespan of your trunk by reducing exposure to harsh weather conditions.
Plus, covering the truck bed makes cleanups a lot easier. Cleaning a truck bed after a long day of heavy rain is not something you’ll look forward to.
Swing Case Toolbox
A swing case toolbox is compact and discreet. It’s the perfect option for newbie handymen who need to carry tools around but still want to use their trucks for recreational purposes. After all, larger toolbox options often take up so much space. For example, if you install a crossover or side mount trunk on your truck, you’ll be limiting your cargo bed to professional handyman use only.
Multi-Layer Compact Toolbox
For hobbyists who simply need to carry a few small tools and bolts in their trunk bed, opt for a compact-multi layer toolbox. As the name suggests, it’s a small storage compartment unit that consists of multiple drawers.
You can use these drawers to divide your tools into different categories. For example, store heavier tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, and hammers at the bottom for stability, while lighter equipment like screws, bolts, and nails belong to the top layers since they’re not as heavy or stressful to support.
How To Choose The Best Truck Tool Box Organizer?
There are dozens of available truck bed toolboxes on the market. They range from small, compact toolboxes built to carry small tools to large crossover trunks capable of supporting even heavy equipment and replacement truck parts.
Having this many options is exciting. However, for first-time truckers who are new to shopping for truck parts, too many choices can feel overwhelming and intimidating. How do you even begin looking for a toolbox?
To make things easier for both newbies and seasoned truckers, we’ve made a complete list of factors to consider when shopping for a toolbox to install on your truck. After all, you can’t just go with what’s popular.
Durability
Whether you opt for a compact swing case toolbox or a large crossover trunk, durability is extremely crucial. Never compromise on the quality of the storage compartment you use simply to save a few bucks.
You generally need a tough, heavy-duty trunk resistant to harsh weather conditions. Remember, your unit will face heavy showers, snow, and harmful UV rays. If it does not consist of high-grade, industrial-strength parts and materials, expect the frame to rust and corrode within a few months of buying.
Although, it’s understandable that most truckers won’t be able to tell the long-term durability of a unit they’ve only seen once in-store, much less one they’re buying online. A good tip here would be to read user reviews. Scour the internet for real comments and narratives to get a clearer idea of what it’s like to use specific trunks on the road.
Storage Needs
The next factor that truckers should consider is their storage needs. As you might see in the above section listing the different types of toolboxes, your storage needs play a crucial role in determining the kind of trunk that suits you.
A hobbyist won’t have any use for a large crossover chest. Alternatively, seasoned handymen who regularly need to drive around with a chest full of tools and heavy equipment can’t settle for a compact two-drawer toolbox.
You can gauge your storage needs by reassessing your current tool collection. If you only have small tools like screws, bolts, and wrenches, stick to compact options. However, if you’re a professional handyman that stores heavyweight equipment in their truck, such as hammers, hydraulic jacks, and truck replacement parts, opt for either a crossover or side mount trunk.
Price Value and Budget
As mentioned earlier, truckers shouldn’t compromise on quality just to save a few bucks, but that doesn’t mean you can burn all your money just to get a high-quality toolbox. You need to set a budget.
- Do your market research. A common mistake first-time truckers commit when setting their budget plan is they have no idea what the true cost of the product their buying is. They simply throw around random numbers. The best approach here is to go online, browse through the available truck bed toolboxes, and see what price range your ideal options belong in.
- Assess your budget. Take a look at your finances and assess how much you’d be comfortable letting go of. High-quality trunks are great, but not at the expense of your entire life savings plan.
- Determine your goal. Why are you buying a trunk? If you’re buying a trunk for a hobby or recreational purposes, you might want to consider keeping the costs to a minimum. These trunks aren’t cheap. Meanwhile, professional contractors can afford to invest quite a larger amount if trunks are essential to their business and livelihood.
Overall Aesthetic
Functionality and durability are great but don’t forget about aesthetics. Contrary to what some might think, truckers cannot simply use a random trunk design for their truck. It has to match the overall look of their vehicle. Here are some factors to consider:
- Size: The bigger your trunk is, the more noticeable it will be. With that in mind, hobbyists who plan to use their truck for purposes other than handyman work might want to consider getting a more discreet option. Having a large crossover trunk sticking out of your truck isn’t a good look for your daily driver.
- Color: Most toolboxes come in either black or silver, so truckers don’t have much of an option when it comes to color. Silver trunks generally give off a more serious, professional look, while glossy black toolboxes look more discreet and classy.
- Design: Toolbox trunks come in all shapes and sizes. Find one that not only matches your tool storage needs but also fits the overall aesthetic of your truck. You wouldn’t want your trunk to stick out like a sore thumb, right?
Best Crossover Trunk: Dee Zee DZ8170 Red Label Crossover Compartment
The DZ8170 Red Label Crossover Compartment by Dee Zee is a spacious crossover toolbox that fits most full-size trucks. It measures a whopping 69.75 inches x 20 inches x 13.2 inches (177.2 cm x 50.8 cm x 33.5 cm). You can store a wide range of tools and equipment in these, from small screwdrivers to hydraulic floor jacks.
This toolbox is ideal for seasoned handymen looking for a durable, all-around toolbox. Bear in mind that it’s not discreet, so unless your goal is to turn your vehicle into a handyman shed on wheels, look for other options.
Durability
The DZ8170 Red Label Crossover Compartment features a thick, heavy-duty, industrial-grade 0.056 Brite-tread aluminum frame equipped with a double V-pan lid stiffener. This frame is resistant to daily wear and tear damages, including ones from harsh weather conditions.
Plus, the insides come protected with closed-cell gasket foam. The foam will immediately block and prevent moisture from entering the compartment in the very little chance that water trickles into the latch’s edges.
Security
With an industrial-strength three-piece aluminum-plated frame, you won’t have to worry about anyone busting into your compartment. It would take more than a saw or hammer to break through this toolbox’s thick frame.
Plus, the latch has a heavy-duty stainless steel paddle handler keeping it shut. You can try prying it open with a crowbar, but the hinges won’t budge unless you have the key to the lock.
Functionality
The trunk has a deep, spacious 8.4-cubic capacity. You can use this space to store a wide range of tools and equipment such as screwdrivers, wrenches, flashlights, a hydraulic floor jack, and truck replacement parts.
To prevent the large and small tools from mixing, use the dividers found in each compartment. Having the small bolts mix with the heavy equipment is not fun.
Overall Design
The DZ8170 Red Label Crossover Compartment has a standard Brite-tread, silver-coated aluminum body. Its serious, industrial appearance makes it glaringly obvious you’re a handyman.
The design’s not aesthetically appealing, but it is functional. If you’re in the market for something less loud and obvious, check out the more compact options. This compartment is for seasoned handymen only.
Product Specifications
| Dimensions | L- 69.75 inch, W- 20 inches, H- 13.2 inch |
| Materials | Stainless Steel, Aluminum |
| Weight | 54 pounds |
| Color(s) | Steel |
Best Side Mount Toolbox: Brute 80-TBS200-90D Pro Series Side-Mounted Aluminum Toolbox
Crossover trunks are already pretty large and spacious, but if you need more storage space, opt for the 80-TBS200-90D Pro Series Side-Mounted Aluminum Toolbox by Brute. It’s a rectangular compartment you attach to the sides of the cargo bed.
What sets it apart from crossover trucks is the fact that you can use two of these toolboxes at the same time. That means double the storage space. So, if you’re looking for a cargo compartment solution that can accommodate an extremely wide range of tools, check these side mount compartments out.
Durability
The 80-TBS200-90D Pro Series Side-Mounted Aluminum Toolbox comes reinforced with a 0.063 diamond-tread aluminum frame that’s resistant to wear and tear damages from daily long hauls, harsh weather conditions, and clanking heavy tools. On the inside, the compartment has a 0.080 aluminum plate that’ll keep the tools in place, no matter how rough or bumpy the drive is.
Security
Keep your tools safe and secure inside this diamond-tread, industrial-grade latches reinforced with heavy-duty locks and hinges. Crooks can try prying into the compartment with a crowbar or hammer, but the industrial-strength locks won’t budge. Plus, the latch itself is quite heavy. Even if someone did break the hinges, they still wouldn’t be able to open the compartment door freely.
Functionality
Side mount toolboxes give you double the tool storage space. However, having two large compartments on both sides of your cargo bed can be very stressful on the truck. Two empty 80-TBS200-90D Pro Series Side-Mounted Aluminum Toolbox trunks will already put a 120-pound (54-kilogram) loan on your truck. If this isn’t something you’re good with, opt for other options.
Overall Design
The 80-TBS200-90D Pro Series Side-Mounted Aluminum Toolbox has an overall serious, industrial aesthetic. It’s neither flashy nor eye-catching. This is ideal for truckers focused on turning their truck into portable storage sheds.
Bear in mind that the trunks will also take up a large amount of cargo space. Don’t expect a side mount compartment-equipped truck to work as your casual daily driver anymore.
Product Specifications
| Dimensions | 94 x 24 x 15 inches |
| Materials | Aluminum |
| Weight | 63 pounds |
| Color(s) | Aluminum |
Best Chest Toolbox Trunk: Truxedo 1117416 TonneauMate Toolbox
Are you in the market for a universal toolbox you can use to carry not just tools but all kinds of equipment as well? Check out the 1117416 TonneauMate Toolbox by Truxedo. It’s a chest toolbox that comes with a tonneau cover companion—this means you can keep it hidden under the trunk cover.
The 1117416 TonneauMate Toolbox is ideal for casual handymen who don’t want to turn their trunk bed into a full-on tool shed. This chest box is casual, laid-back, and functional. You can easily use this as your daily driver without people thinking you’re some kind of on-call repairman.
Durability
The 1117416 TonneauMate comes equipped with high-grade waterproof, heavy-duty material resistant against daily wear and tear damages. You won’t even have to worry about tools damaging the compartment’s insides because the frame comes equipped with high-quality aluminum lining.
Durability also shouldn’t be a concern. As mentioned earlier, this toolbox fits under a tonneau. You can drastically reduce exposure to harsh weather conditions just by putting up the trunk bed cover.
Security
Chest toolboxes excel in security. First, they fit under tonneau covers, so for one to even get anywhere near the compartment, they’d have to break through the truck bed’s entire cover. Considering how heavy and tough most covers are, busting them open isn’t too realistic.
Second, the trunk itself comes equipped with a heavy-duty aluminum mount. Even if crooks break your tonneau cover, they still won’t be able to access the contents of the compartment.
Functionality
One issue truckers have with trunk toolboxes is that most options compromise cargo bed storage space, but that’s not the case with the 1117416 TonneauMate. The trunk hangs on the wall, so the area underneath it, as well as every other part of the cargo bed, can carry whatever you need to store. You can even take off the tonneau cover for extra space.
Overall Design
If I were to describe the overall aesthetic of this chest toolbox, it would be inconspicuous. At first glance, it doesn’t even look like a toolbox.
The black, glossy paint finish paired with the simple, rectangular frame makes the fixture look like a normal addition to your trunk bed. Most people wouldn’t even take a second look at it.
So if you want a trunk bed toolbox but are worried about looking like a professional repairman or contractor, this is the compartment for you.
Product Specifications
| Dimensions | 55 x 23 x 15 inches |
| Materials | high quality heavy duty material featuring a unique adjustable mounting design |
| Weight | 54 pounds |
| Color(s) | Black |
Best Swing Case Toolbox: Undercover SC500D SwingCase Truck Bed Toolbox
UNDERCOVER is well-known for creating durable, reliable, and overall high-quality swing case toolboxes, and SC500D SwingCase is no exception. It’s a compact, lightweight model that measures 16 inches x 8.5 inches x 34 inches (40.64 cm x 21.59 cm x 86.36 cm) and weighs only 20 pounds (9 kilograms).
This swing case toolbox is extremely popular among hobbyists and newbie handymen. It’s spacious enough to carry basic tools but not too large that it ruins the laid-back, casual aesthetic of your pickup truck. The swing case toolbox discretely sits in the corner. You won’t even see it unless you make an effort to lean into the trunk bed.
Take note that this specific model suits the 2004 to 2015 Nissan Titan truck’s specs. Although, you can use it on other trucks with a similar cargo bed size.
Durability
The SC500D SwingCase is a heavy-duty toolbox equipped with high-grade aluminum panels. It’s a lightweight option that weighs only 20 pounds (9 kilograms). However, its tough, industrial-grade mount and cables allow the compact compartment to carry a maximum of 70 pounds (34 kilograms) of cargo—that’s triple its weight.
If we’re being honest, it’s not the most weather-resistant option on this list. However, you don’t have to focus so much on its exterior toughness or resistance since it will stay hidden under your tonneau cover most of the time.
Security
The SC500D SwingCase excels in security. Aluminum panels line the insides, so you won’t have to worry about thieves breaking into the trunk’s tough, heavy-duty frame. The latch also has an aluminum automatic-locking mechanism. You can try to pound or pry your way into it, but the latch won’t budge unless you get rid of the sturdy, firm lock.
Functionality
If you’re looking for a toolbox that’s simple and easy, you have to check out the SC500D SwingCase. It has smooth-gliding hinges that allow the toolbox to swing a full 180 degrees. That means you can access the compartment’s contents from the outside of the truck bed. You won’t even have to lean too far in once the trunk’s propped up.
The trunk also has a moisture-resistant compartment equipped with dividers. You can use these to prevent different tools from mixing while you’re driving—especially on bumpy roads.
Overall Design
It has a sleek, glossy black finishing that makes the toolbox look laid-back and casual. Unlike the other options on this list, it doesn’t look like a rugged industrial-grade toolbox. It doesn’t even look like a toolbox. This classy design makes it an even better option for newbies and hobbyists who don’t want to turn their truck into a full-on handyman shed.
Product Specifications
| Dimensions | 16 x 8.5 x 34 inches |
| Materials | high-quality heavy-duty material featuring a unique adjustable mounting design |
| Weight | 19.36 pounds |
| Color(s) | Black |
Best Compact, Multi-Layer Toolbox: UWS DS-22-BLK Multi-Drawer Compact Toolbox
Is a swing case toolbox too large for your liking? Opt for the UWS DS-22-BLK Multi-Drawer Compact Toolbox by UWS. Like the Swing case, it looks casual, discreet, and compact, but it’s much smaller.
The trunk frame measures at compact 22.8 inches x 19 inches x 8.5 inches (57.9 cm x 48.26 cm x 21.59 cm). Although, don’t underestimate its 22-inch (55.88 cm) depth. You can still use it to store a wide range of tools like flashlights, bolts/nuts, screwdrivers, and wrenches.
Durability
Most truckers assume that the UWS DS-22-BLK toolbox is weak and fragile, but it’s not. This storage compartment might be small, but it comes equipped with a 0.063 diamond-tread aluminum plate. It’s resistant against daily wear and tear damages and harsh weather conditions.
You also won’t have to worry about water ruining the way your drawers slide in and out. The UWS DS-22-BLK toolbox’s sliding drawers glide on zinc-plated, stainless steel bearings resistant to moisture damages such as rusting and corrosion.
Security
Apart from the heavy-duty diamond-tread aluminum frame, the UWS DS-22-BLK toolbox’s latch comes protected with a durable, industrial-grade stainless steel T-lock. It’s sturdy and resistant to external attacks. That means you can try pounding the lock all you want, but it won’t come off so easily. Plus, the airtight latch keeps moisture, dust, and other harmful elements out of the compartments.
Functionality
What makes the UWS DS-22-BLK toolbox so cool is its versatility. It comes with a durable, heavy-duty aluminum-plated mount, so you can attach it to the side of your cargo bed. This feature makes it suitable for travel.
If you have a project where you have to bring your multi-drawer box, you can easily remove it from the mount. Its lightweight body makes it easy for truckers to detach and reattach the trunk.
Overall Design
The UWS DS-22-BLK toolbox offers an overall sleek, compact, and classy design that’s inconspicuous, subtle, and at the same time, functional. You can keep it hidden in the back of your truck without anyone noticing.
It’s also only 20 inches (50.8 cm) long, so it won’t even eat up much cargo space. You can continue using your truck bed as you have been and transport all kinds of items.
Product Specifications
| Dimensions | 22.8 x 19 x 8.5 inches |
| Materials | Plastic |
| Weight | 0.16 ounces |
| Color(s) | Black |
Final Thoughts
Having a tool storage compartment in the back of your pickup truck is a must for any handyman or repairman. It can help:
- Keep your cargo bed neat and organized.
- Protect tools and equipment from harsh weather conditions.
- Reduce the possibility of theft, especially for expensive equipment.
- Improve the overall aesthetic of your cargo bed.
Make sure you also choose a toolbox that matches your needs and lifestyle. Newbie handymen and hobbyists who only need to carry around a few small tools can go with compact two-drawer toolboxes. Meanwhile, professional handymen should opt for larger crossover trunks and compartments.
