How to Choose a Truck Toolbox
A truck toolbox keeps tools, straps and job-site gear locked up and out of the weather. The right style depends on how you use your bed:
- Crossover toolboxes sit across the bed rails right behind the cab. They are the most popular style and leave the bed floor open for cargo.
- Chest toolboxes sit on the bed floor against the front wall, a good fit for long tools.
- Side mount toolboxes ride along one bed rail and keep the center of the bed free.
- Underbody toolboxes mount below a flatbed or utility body for storage that doesn't use bed space.
What to check before you buy
Measure your bed's inside width and rail-to-rail width, and decide whether you need a low-profile box to keep rear-window visibility or clear a rack. Aluminum boxes are lighter and won't rust; steel boxes add weight and toughness. Use the vehicle selector at the top of the page to see toolboxes that fit your truck.
Truck Toolbox FAQ
What size toolbox fits my truck?
Full-size trucks (F-150, Silverado, Ram 1500 and heavier) usually take a 70 to 72 inch crossover box. Mid-size trucks like the Tacoma, Colorado and Ranger take a 60 to 63 inch box. Measure rail to rail at the front of the bed and compare it to the box's outside length before ordering.
Will a crossover toolbox fit under my tonneau cover?
Only with a toolbox-compatible cover, which is made shorter to sit behind the box. A standard full-length cover will not fit. Low-profile boxes are the best match for tonneau covers.
Aluminum or steel: which is better?
Aluminum is lighter, won't rust and is the most common choice for pickups. Steel is heavier and takes more abuse, so it is popular on work trucks and flatbeds. Diamond plate and powder-coated finishes are available in both.
Do I have to drill my bed to install a toolbox?
Most crossover boxes clamp to the bed rails with J-hooks and need no drilling. Chest, side mount and underbody boxes are usually bolted down, so some drilling may be required. Check the product page for what is included.
What is a low-profile toolbox?
A low-profile box has a shorter lid height that sits at or just above the bed rails. It keeps your rear-window view clear and works with most tonneau covers and racks. Standard-height boxes hold more but sit higher.
Are truck toolboxes weatherproof?
Quality boxes use a full-length weather seal and a lid that overlaps the body to keep rain out. No box is submersible, but a sealed lid keeps tools dry in normal weather.
How does shipping work on toolboxes?
Orders of $300 or more ship free to the lower 48; smaller orders pay shipping calculated at checkout. Many full-size toolboxes ship by freight and get a discounted freight rate at checkout. Freight and oversize items are not included in free shipping. Inspect the box for dents before signing for a freight delivery and report any damage within 48 hours.
Can I return a toolbox?
New, uninstalled toolboxes in original packaging can be returned within 30 days of delivery with a return authorization. A 20% restocking fee applies and the customer pays return shipping. Damaged, defective or incorrect items are replaced at no cost when reported within 48 hours.