HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TRUCK TOOL BOX FOR YOUR NEEDS

A Guide to Choosing the Best Truck Tool Box

Truck tool boxes come in different types and sizes. Here, we'll share some tried & tested tips so you can choose the best truck tool box that suits your needs.

The National Museum of American History has a Model T tool box from 1915 in its' collection. It was made to last with sheet metal construction and looks good too with a black gloss finish. The best truck tool box should be built to last too.

Back in 1915, the owner of a Ford Model T would expect to make repairs using basic tools and improvise some materials too. Fixing the Model T was a practical necessity and part of the fun of owning this state of the art vehicle.

Whether you own a truck for leisure or work a tool box is a great accessory. What the best truck tool box is depended very much on what you need it for. In this guide to choosing a tool box, you will learn how to decide what is best for you.

Choosing the Best Truck Tool Box

Making your selection of the best truck tool box for you is difficult. There are so many options it's easy to get confused. Even some of the names are strange. For example, what is a "pork chop tool box"?

If you own a truck, you've already been through a decision-making process to get the right truck for you. Here's what you need to consider when choosing the best truck tool box for you.

Do You Really Need a Truck Tool Box?

Clear some of the trash out of your cab. Put the few tools you use in a tool bag. If that's all you need don't go to the expense of buying a truck tool box?

If you have more than a few tools and you need your tool box to do more than carry them, read on.

Decide What's Important

What is important to you? Think through both your present and future needs. Draw up your criteria for selecting your best truck tool box.

• Security
• Protection
• Organization and convenience
• Cost
• Style
• Construction
• Finish

Assess each of these factors to help your decision making. Some patient research at this stage will save you money and effort in the future.

Security

The best security is not to keep your tools in your truck. A removable tool box means you can keep your tools with you or in a safe place overnight.

If you need your tools to be secure in the box then look for a top of the range, reinforced construction. Lockable boxes are great but if you can easily remove the tool box and walk off with it you don't have a secure box.

The quality of locks varies so if security is important to you choose a high-quality lock with high-quality fittings.

Protection

If protecting your tools is important, look for a weatherproof design with seals and well fitting hinges and latches.

Tools tend to move about in your tool box and this can lead to wear or damage. Well-fitting trays and dividers can protect your tools and the inside of the box too.

Organization and Convenience

Think about what tools you need to store in your tool box. How many and how big are they. You need a box that will accommodate them and give you access to the tools without having to empty the box every time you need to get something out.

Check the lid will close smoothly and you can open it easily. Locks should be easy to use.

Cost

There is a tool box for just about every budget. If you want more security, protection or convenience you need to spend more money.

If you are on a restricted budget consider a crossover tool box with a simple lid and construction. A little more money will buy you a tool box with better lid and twin struts and basic seals.

Money no object? The features you can add include special finishes, tool trays, and weatherproofing.

Style

Cross boxes (or saddle boxes) are the most popular style of tool box. They are easy to install and they offer the convenience of being able to access your tools from the side of the truck.

You can also use the space under the tool box for extra storage space but check how much it obscures visibility through the rearview mirror.

Chest tool boxes sit on the floor of your truck. They are your best choice if you have a tonneau cover as the chest box will fit under it.

Bolting the chest box to the floor means you have great security but no extra storage under the box. Generally, chest boxes sit under the field of view from your rearview mirror.

There are many other sizes and shapes to consider. Alternatives to cross boxes or chest boxes include:

• Underbody
• Drawer boxes
• Side mounted
• Wheel well
• Tailgate

The interestingly named porkchop tool box describes the shape, designed to fit around the wheel well.

Construction

A steel construction box provides durability and security but they rust if exposed to moisture and road salt or sea water. If your budget allows, you could consider a stainless steel box for corrosion resistance.

Aluminium is great if you want less weight and no rust. A well-made aluminium box can be very durable too.

Plastic might not be so durable or secure but it may be the right thing for you if what you store is not valuable. You may also save money.

Finish

Steel boxes are generally powder coated in either white or black. It's a matter of your taste which goes best with the paint job on your truck.

Polished finishes also look great and a machined finish certainly looks rugged.

Plastic tool boxes generally come in black.

Putting It All Together

The range of options is huge but the best truck tool box is the one that best meets your needs. Choosing the best truck tool box for you starts with assessing what's important to you.

Assess how much space there is on your truck and what you need to store. Work through your criteria and get a really useful accessory for your truck that will help you look after your tools.

It might not last 100 years but like the Model T tool box, it will be practical and look good on your vehicle.

Contact the people at 4 Truck Accessories to learn more about their range of truck tool boxes by clicking here.