Types of truck bed tool boxes

Chest tool boxes never rise above the side of the bed. Allowing it to fit underneath a standard tonneau cover; if the truck bed has one. These types of boxes offer zero rear view hindrance — but, they do restrict useable bed space. These types of storage boxes takes up the entire floor of your pickup bed, with a horizontal roof type section taking over the job as your new loading bed.

Usually, sliding drawers are wedged in between the bottom and top areas of the storage drawer itself. These reduce the capability to fit large or cumbersome items in the trucks bed area, they are easily accessed and does not hinder visibility. These types of tool boxes are tall and narrow.

Wheel well boxes are installed on the floor of the truck bed, and take up the area behind the rear wheel wells. Some types are designed to swing out towards the back of the truck for easy access.

Based on the installation technique required for the truck box, truck boxes can be categorized under different types:. Crossover boxes for tool storage are installed behind the cab. They run through the entire width of the truck bed. They rest on the sides of the truck bed. Crossover boxes do not extend till the floor.

In some cases, a slide may be mounted on the sides of the floor bed which allows the box to slide through the length of the truck bed. Side mounted truck boxes are installed on either right or left side of the truck bed. They are mounted on the bed rail and run along the length of the truck bed. They extend down into the bed but do not touch the floor. You can easily access the box while standing next to the truck.

Chest tool boxes are installed behind the cab. They are placed on the floor of the truck bed. Unlike crossover boxes and side mount boxes, they are not installed on the side bed rails. They cause zero obstruction of the view from the rear view mirror. The only drawback of this type of tool box is that it limits the space on the floor of the truck that can be used. These tool boxes are mounted on the top of side bed rails.

They do not extend into the floor area of the truck bed. They extend upwards instead. They are extremely accessible. They do not take up any space on the truck bed. However, one major drawback with these types of tool boxes is that they can cause blind spots for the driver. Storage drawers sits on the floor bed. They are a flat, horizontal assembly that is placed on the floor bed. The upper flat surfaces serve as the new floor for the storage of items.

There are drawers between the top and bottom surfaces of the assembly. A drawback of storage drawers is that they can not accommodate any bulky items. A plus point of storage drawers is that they cause zero hindrance for the driver in the rear view mirror. These kinds of storage boxes are narrow and tall. They are mounted on the floor bed and occupy the space behind the rear wheel well humps.

Some Wheel Well boxes are designed as such that they can swing on the hinges, which make access from behind easier. Fifth wheel boxes are designed in such a way that they are not a hindrance when a trailer needs to be attached. They are designed to be placed on the floor of the truck bed. Stainless steel is also known for being non-corrosive and strong, but they are heavier and can be expensive. Tool boxes typically come in a neutral or metallic color.

Powder coatings can also be applied to boxes, giving it extra protection from corrosion. Many truck bed tool boxes have either single, double, or gull-wing lids that are divided but hinged inside the box. Another thing to think about when considering your tool box is the installation. Consider whether a box can be installed without drilling bolt holes, how secure the box locks, and whether the lid opening is pneumatic or manual. Many boxes have shelves, dividers, and trays inside to hold your tools.

But some boxes are open for customization. When choosing a truck bed tool box, consider the job it will be doing. Think about the size of the objects that will be stored in the truck as well as the size and type of cargo that will be carried in the remainder of the bed.

Choosing the right truck bed tool box for your lifestyle should be given careful thought and consideration.