The Best Truck Tool Box – Complete Buying Guide & Reviews

When you’re on the move, you need a safe, secure and convenient place to store your tools and a truck tool box can provide exactly that. A good quality truck tool box will not only fit easily into your vehicle but will be robust enough to protect your tools from a variety of damage, and secure enough to prevent theft.

When it comes to keeping your tools secure when going mobile, a truck tool box is the best storage option you can find. Let’s take a look at our top choices for a truck tool box that works for you, no matter the size or make of your truck.

In a Hurry? Here’s Our Top Choice:

This lightweight, durable truck tool box locks securely into place on the side of your truck and swings to almost 180⁰ with a quick release latch for easy access. The Undercover SC300D SwingCase Truck Storage Box makes transporting your tools easier than ever.

Give yourself one less thing to worry about by purchasing one of our recommended truck tool boxes and keep your tools safely with you, wherever you go.

Our 5 Best Truck Tool Box Options Reviewed

1. Undercover SC300D SwingCase Truck Storage Box

Top of the pack is the Undercover SC300D SwingCase Truck Storage Box, which we’ve scored highly thanks to its security features and easy portability.

Currently claiming to be the only swinging, removable and portable toolbox available for truck owners, this toolbox pretty much does it all. It can hold up to 75 pounds of tools and keeps them safe and dry with a secure moisture seal.

The toolbox is constructed from extra-tough yet lightweight ABS material making it robust and resistant from wear and tear and the lockable lid keeps your tools securely fastened away when not in use.

Our favorite feature of this product is how easy it is to fit the side of your truck. Within five minutes it can be installed and secure; the quick release latch allows the toolbox to swing almost to a 180⁰ angle, helping you reach your tools easily from the tail end of the truck and then easily locking it back in position when done.

Inside you will find plenty of space for your tools and a sliding tool tray for easy organization and to avoid losing smaller or more fragile items.

Things We Like:

  • Holds up to 75 pounds
  • Moisture seal
  • Lockable lid
  • Swinging, removable and portable
  • Installation in just five minutes

Things We Don’t Like:

  • A little expensive for a plastic build
  • Doesn’t work with all bed covers

2. TMS Aluminum Tool Box Tote Storage for Truck Pickup Bed

EXTRA LARGE – 49” length to fit long tools

  • HEAVY DUTY ALUMINUM – Helps keep tools safe and protects from impact
  • FULLY WELDED – No weak spots

We strongly believe in the need to get good value for money, so we’ve searched through all the options and come up with our best overall value truck tool box. This aluminum toolbox from TMS is a fraction of the cost of some other products on the market, yet still delivers excellent all-around performance.

Measuring 49″ x 15″, there’s plenty of room inside to fit a wide range of tools, meaning you only need one box to carry all of your kits.

The heavy-duty aluminum tread construction is designed to be thrown into the back of your truck and to withstand everyday wear and tear without compromising its structure or the safety of your tools.

The sides of the toolbox are all fully welded, meaning that there are no weak spots to let it down and the heavy-duty hinge will ensure this product lasts for years to come.

The product comes with one lock and two keys, so you can share with a colleague or keep a spare for emergencies. Overall, we’re impressed with this tough truck tool box and at under $150, we’re sure you will be too.

Things We Like:

  • Heavy duty aluminum tread plate
  • Weather resistant
  • Heavy duty hinge
  • Fully welded
  • Lock and two keys

Things We Don’t Like:

  • Very specific size means it’s not the most compatible with all trucks

3. Lund 288272 Challenger Series Brite ATV Front Storage Box

  • SUITABLE FOR ATVS – Secure tools at the front of your vehicle
  • SCRATCH RESISTANT – Black powder coat protects the paint
  • STAINLESS STEEL LATCHES – Provide extra security

Transporting toolboxes of a range of different shapes and sizes is relatively easy when you’re driving a truck, but what about if you own an ATV? Secure toolboxes for these vehicles can be hard to come by, so we were particularly impressed with the Lund 288272 Challenger Series Brite ATV Front Storage Box.

Although the size of the toolbox is smaller than most general truck tool boxes, this product is designed to sit securely at the front of your ATV without obscuring your view or causing a safety hazard.

The durable diamond plate aluminum provides a tough product that will be sure to keep your tools safe and stainless steel latches offer extra security and theft prevention when closed. The smart design is finished with black powder coat paint, for a durable and great looking product.

Things We Like:

  • Designed to fit ATVs
  • Durable diamond plate aluminum
  • Black powder coat finish
  • Stainless steel latches

Things We Don’t Like:

  • Not to be used with a regular pickup truck
  • Pretty specific to just ATVs

4. Brait BR302 Aluminum Tool Box for ATV Storage Truck Pickup RV, 30” L, Silver

  • STAINLESS STEEL T BAR LOCK – Added security to keep your tools safe
  • WEATHER RESISTANT – Rubber seal to keep out dust and water
  • FOR ATV / TRUCK / PICKUP – Take your tools in any vehicle

If you liked the look of our TMS Aluminum Tool Box but are after something a bit smaller, then the 30” Brait BR302 Aluminum Tool Box could be just what you’re looking for.

This sturdy tool box is made from 1.5mm aluminum tread plate with a stainless steel t bar lock to keep your belongings safe. To ensure that there are no weak points to compromise the structure, all sides of the toolbox are fully welded. The rubber weather seal keeps dust and water away from your tools, avoiding damage and rust in any conditions.

When open, two stainless steel chains support the lid, and flat style, heavy duty handles help you carry this portable toolbox around with ease.

One of the key selling points for this toolbox is that it is suitable for use with ATVs, trucks, and pickups, meaning that wherever you go and however you get there, your tools can come too.

Things We Like:

  • Extremely versatile – For use with ATVs, pickups, and trucks
  • Rubber weather seal
  • Fully welded seams
  • 2 stainless steel chain lid supports

Things We Don’t Like:

  • Aluminum is dentable
  • Lock isn’t as durable as others

5. Montezuma Portable Tool Box ME300B – 30” x 15” Truck Bed Storage Chest

  • MADE OF STEEL – Extra tough construction
  • FOR METRIC & S.A.E. TOOLS – Slots for excellent tool organization
  • SCRATCH RESISTANT – Durable powder paint finish prevents damage

At the top of our price bracket is this beautifully constructed Montezuma Portable Tool Box ME300B. Although this item is more expensive than some of our other top picks, if your budget is flexible then we’re sure you won’t be disappointed.

Measuring 30” x 15”, this compact 16-gallon case can hold a large number of tools thanks to its excellent inside storage pegs and layout. Designed to hold both metric and S.A.E. tools, this versatile product is great for anyone who needs their tools on the go.

When open, the lid is raised by a gas spring which allows easy access to your tools and the lid locks when closed. A weather tight seal protects your tools from wet or dusty conditions and for easy transportation, there is chrome plated side handles on both sides of the box.

Things We Like:

  • Holds both metric and S.A.E. tools
  • 16 gallons
  • Welded Seams
  • Gas spring raising lid

Things We Don’t Like:

  • Not as durable as others
  • Lid is a bit weak

Features to Consider for Your Truck Box

Unlike standard toolboxes, specially designed truck tool boxes are the right shape and size to be stored in or fastened to your vehicle and provide a number of features that make them great to transport by truck and remove for portability.

Another option to think about is whether you would like the toolbox to be secured to the bed or side of your truck. While some tool boxes stay loose when in the vehicle, others are able to clip into a fixed bracket for secure storage.

Size

One of the key things to consider when buying a truck tool box is the size that you need. Not only do you need to know the number of tools that you want it to hold, but also what size toolbox you can fit in your truck. Each product comes with full dimensions, so once you have measured the space in your truck then it should be easy to decide.

Whether you’re carrying a standard, starter set of tools or a fully functional workshop in the back of your truck, considering the size will be important in your purchasing decision.

Construction Material

The material that the toolbox is made from is also an important factor for you to consider. If it will be subject to significant wear and tear, or you want it to be as safe as possible from theft, then you need to look for the toughest, most durable product solution.

Aluminum is common in tool boxes, but it can be weaker than other alternatives such as steel. The key thing to look for is thick, good quality aluminum that won’t dent or damage easily. Steel tool boxes are generally stronger, but as a result can be heavier, so it’s worth checking out the weight of the box too.

High quality, durable, plastic construction such as ABS is increasingly common as it offers a lightweight, long-lasting toolbox.

Welding

Even if the construction material is tough, your toolbox may be weak if it is not welded properly. The ideal toolbox will be fully welded, with no spot welding as this can reduce the life of the product.

Vehicle Type

Even the best toolbox is no good to you if it won’t fit in your vehicle. Knowing firstly the vehicle type that your toolbox needs to be compatible with and then secondly the size that you can accommodate is key to making the right choice. Some toolboxes are specifically made for trucks, others designed for ATVs and a number of products are suitable for a range of vehicles.

Side Handles

If you’re taking your tools on the go, then you want to be able to move them around with ease. Good quality, comfortable and heavy-duty handles are a must and should be able to cope with the weight of the toolbox when full.

Good Quality Lock

Tools are valuable and unfortunately, theft can occur. The best way to prevent this is to find a toolbox with a good quality lock, preferably made from a strong metal such as stainless steel to avoid break-ins.

The last thing you want is for your tools to be sprawled out on the highway after a defective lock fails you. That’s a mess and liability nobody wants to deal with.

Wrap Up

So there we have it, our five best truck tool box picks. With a range of products and different features to choose from, you should be able to take your tools on the go with you wherever you go. By narrowing down the selection by vehicle type, size and budget, we’re sure that you’ll find one of the above products to be just what you need.

There is nothing more convenient and time saving than easing the portability of your tool set. Having a truck tool box that fits snugly in the back of your pick-up is going to save you a lot of time and offer you maximum productivity on the go.

Our favorite truck tool box is without a doubt the Undercover SwingCase Truck Storage Box.

About Gus Donaldson

I built houses for over 30 years and recently retired. I've made lots of mistakes and hopefully teach you not to make the same ones. I still love to build and have a garage workshop that I use for hobby projects like the walnut bookshelf I made for my wife. I like to write and let people know that working with your hands and tools does not need to be intimidating.

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