If you have a work truck, or just need extra secure storage in the bed of your truck, truck bed tool boxes are the accessory that you need.
There are a number of different styles and configurations that these can come in, as well as construction materials and finishes.
Each style and material offers something different, so you will need to know what you're looking for before you buy one.
Truck bed tool boxes are created out of two dominant types of material, plastic and aluminum.
Plastic is lightweight, durable and affordable.
Aluminum tool boxes are heavier duty, somewhat more expensive and more durable than plastic.
These are frequently embossed with diamond patterns, reminiscent of aluminum grip step material.
Over the Side: Over the side style tool boxes are a popular option in truck bed tool boxes.
These are mounted to the top of the bed frame and usually leave storage room below the tool box.
This style is great for those that want to maintain some storage throughout the length of their entire bed.
Both aluminum and plastic are available in this style.
Roll Bar Mounted: If you have a roll bar system in your truck or a headache rack, you can find a tool box configuration that mounts seamlessly with this system.
This allows you to have the tool box you need, without sacrificing more space than you have to.
Under the Side: While not as popular as over the side style tool boxes, these can be found on the market.
Usually, they will offer mounting to another unit, such as the frame of a headache rack, though they will sit lower in the truck bed than other tool boxes.
These usually sit flush with the floor of the truck bed, with no room left over beneath.
Tool Box/Fuel Containers: If you need to carry liquid fuel with you on a regular basis, as well as tools, this unique combination is right for your needs.
The tool box usually rests on top of the fuel tank (which can be accessed easily), allowing you to carry both tools and fuel in the same relative space.
Swing out Tool Boxes: These are relatively new on the accessory scene.
They operate by mounting on a swing arm behind your tailgate.
When they are locked, they take up the space between immediately behind the tailgate.
When the tailgate is lowered, the tool box can be swung out for immediate, easy access to all items stored inside.
Single and Dual Lid: In addition to the above listed options, you will find that many of these truck bed tool boxes come with either single or double lids.
Single lids offer a single locking point and easy opening, but dual lids are more convenient for a well organized tool box.
In addition, most dual lid systems will have a lock for each lid.
Rather than being hinged across the length of the back, these are hinged in the center and open like bird wings, towards each other.
The Aluminum or Plastic Question: As mentioned earlier, you can find many of these options available in aluminum or in plastic.
Each material offers something different to truck owners, though the question may be decided by price.
Some of the heavy duty plastic tool boxes are just as sturdy as their aluminum counterparts, as well.
Finding the best tool box for your needs will also depend on the size of your truck bed.
If you have a full size pickup, you will have many more options than a consumer with a smaller bed truck.
There are a number of different styles and configurations that these can come in, as well as construction materials and finishes.
Each style and material offers something different, so you will need to know what you're looking for before you buy one.
Truck bed tool boxes are created out of two dominant types of material, plastic and aluminum.
Plastic is lightweight, durable and affordable.
Aluminum tool boxes are heavier duty, somewhat more expensive and more durable than plastic.
These are frequently embossed with diamond patterns, reminiscent of aluminum grip step material.
Over the Side: Over the side style tool boxes are a popular option in truck bed tool boxes.
These are mounted to the top of the bed frame and usually leave storage room below the tool box.
This style is great for those that want to maintain some storage throughout the length of their entire bed.
Both aluminum and plastic are available in this style.
Roll Bar Mounted: If you have a roll bar system in your truck or a headache rack, you can find a tool box configuration that mounts seamlessly with this system.
This allows you to have the tool box you need, without sacrificing more space than you have to.
Under the Side: While not as popular as over the side style tool boxes, these can be found on the market.
Usually, they will offer mounting to another unit, such as the frame of a headache rack, though they will sit lower in the truck bed than other tool boxes.
These usually sit flush with the floor of the truck bed, with no room left over beneath.
Tool Box/Fuel Containers: If you need to carry liquid fuel with you on a regular basis, as well as tools, this unique combination is right for your needs.
The tool box usually rests on top of the fuel tank (which can be accessed easily), allowing you to carry both tools and fuel in the same relative space.
Swing out Tool Boxes: These are relatively new on the accessory scene.
They operate by mounting on a swing arm behind your tailgate.
When they are locked, they take up the space between immediately behind the tailgate.
When the tailgate is lowered, the tool box can be swung out for immediate, easy access to all items stored inside.
Single and Dual Lid: In addition to the above listed options, you will find that many of these truck bed tool boxes come with either single or double lids.
Single lids offer a single locking point and easy opening, but dual lids are more convenient for a well organized tool box.
In addition, most dual lid systems will have a lock for each lid.
Rather than being hinged across the length of the back, these are hinged in the center and open like bird wings, towards each other.
The Aluminum or Plastic Question: As mentioned earlier, you can find many of these options available in aluminum or in plastic.
Each material offers something different to truck owners, though the question may be decided by price.
Some of the heavy duty plastic tool boxes are just as sturdy as their aluminum counterparts, as well.
Finding the best tool box for your needs will also depend on the size of your truck bed.
If you have a full size pickup, you will have many more options than a consumer with a smaller bed truck.
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