Truck Tool Box

Why a Truck Tool Box Belongs on Every Pickup

Whether you work a job site every day or simply like your gear organized and protected on weekend adventures, a quality truck tool box is one of the most practical upgrades you can make to your pickup. Mounted in the bed, these boxes keep tools, equipment, and supplies locked, dry, and within reach — without taking up space inside the cab or letting valuable gear slide around unsecured in the bed floor.

Beyond convenience, a truck tool box is a real security investment. Heavy-duty locking mechanisms and weatherproof seals protect thousands of dollars' worth of tools from theft and the elements. For tradespeople — electricians, plumbers, contractors, and oilfield workers — a dependable truck box is essentially part of the job.

Types of Truck Tool Boxes

Not all truck tool boxes are created equal, and the right style depends on how you use your truck. Here are the most common configurations to consider:

• Crossover (Saddle) Boxes: The most popular style, these span the full width of the bed just behind the cab. Low-profile crossover boxes are especially valued for preserving rear window visibility.
• Side-Mount Boxes: Mounted along the bed rails, these are ideal for trades professionals who need fast, easy access to tools at a job site without digging through a full-depth box.
• Underbody Boxes: Mounted beneath the truck frame or body, these are popular on work trucks, service vehicles, and commercial rigs where every inch of bed space must stay clear.
• Chest Boxes: Full-width, deep-capacity boxes that sit on the bed floor, great for overlanders or videographers needing maximum secure storage.
• 5th Wheel & Gooseneck Boxes: Low-profile designs that fit below the bed rails and allow trailers to swing freely without interference.

What to Look for When Shopping

Material is the first major decision: aluminum boxes are lightweight and rust-free, while steel boxes offer raw strength and dent resistance at a generally lower cost. Look for gas-shock lid supports, weather stripping, and secure locking hardware — quality latches and hinges make a measurable difference in long-term durability. Fit is equally important; measure your bed carefully and check that the box is compatible with any existing tonneau covers or bed liners.

Top Brands in Truck Tool Boxes

Westin is one of the most recognized names in this category, offering their popular Brute line of truck tool boxes. Westin's Brute boxes are proudly designed and manufactured in the USA and span a wide range of styles — from crossover and contractor boxes to underbody and chest configurations — with features like rain gutter systems and modular storage compartments.

For commercial-grade toughness, RKI (formerly Rawson-Koenig) has been building truck boxes since 1911. Their steel boxes use minimum 14-gauge construction with stainless steel latches and hinges, while their aluminum line features bright diamond tread plate and sealed gas-shock lid supports — backed by what the company calls the most comprehensive lifetime warranty in the industry.

Highway Products brings over 40 years of American-made craftsmanship to their aluminum tool box lineup. Built in Oregon from military- and marine-grade aluminum, every Highway Products box is hand-assembled and comes with a lifetime warranty. Their roster includes crossover, side-mount, underbody, chest, and 5th wheel styles, and custom builds are available for specialized needs.

Dee Zee offers one of the broadest selections in this category, with boxes to suit nearly every truck model and budget. Known for accessible pricing and wide fitment coverage, Dee Zee is a reliable choice for truck owners who want dependable storage without a premium outlay.

Rounding out the lineup, TrailFX provides solid entry-level and mid-range options that make quality truck storage accessible. Their boxes deliver clean styling and practical functionality for everyday drivers and light-duty work applications.