The Ultimate Guide to All Types of Truck Tool Boxes

Looking for a truck tool box? You may be surprised to learn there are actually several different types of tools boxes available for your truck, not just cross-bed tool boxes. In fact, it can be overwhelming with the number of options out there.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every type of truck tool box available -- what they do, where they mount and how they’re best used. The key to adding effective storage to your truck is choosing a box or boxes that best suit your needs and preferences, and it all starts with knowing what makes each box unique.

We'll cover the following topics:

• Benefits of a truck tool box
• Three basic types of boxes
• Options for crossover tool boxes
• Types of side truck tool boxes
• Types of utility chests
• Considerations for choosing the right box

No matter which type of box you choose, we’re here to tell you it’s worth the investment. There’s nothing quite like having the security and convenience of extra storage space in your truck bed. It’s invaluable for hardworking trucks and truck owners.

And tool boxes aren’t just for tradesmen and fleet trucks! Extra space and security are beneficial no matter what your line of work.

1. Hand tools, like wrenches, screwdrivers and pliers
2. Power tools, like drills, saws and handheld sanders
3. Socket sets, drill bit sets and other tool sets
4. Fasteners and hardware, screws, nails, bolts, etc.
5. Automotive fluids (in bottles) like motor oil, brake fluid and coolant
6. Safety equipment, such as gloves, goggles and a first aid kit
7. Electrical supplies, wire, connectors and electrical tape
8. Lubricants and sprays, such as WD-40, silicone spray and lubricating oil
9. Tarps and tie-downs, bungee cords, ratchet straps and the like
10. Flashlights and portable lighting
11. Tent stakes, camp stove, lanterns and other camping gear
12. Emergency supplies, e.g. jumper cables, tire repair kit and roadside assistance tools
13. Pruning shears, spades, trowels, gardening gloves and other gardening tools
14. Fishing gear like a tackle box, fishing rod and bait
15. Sporting equipment, such as balls, bats, pumps, rackets, pads and cleats
16. Vehicle maintenance items, e.g. a small air compressor, tire pressure gauge and jumper box
17. Microfiber towels, car wash soap, glass cleaner and other cleaning supplies
18. Spare parts for your truck, such as fuses, belts and hoses
19. Personal protective equipment (other than the safety equipment listed above: hard hat, safety vest, ear plugs, etc.
20. Pretty much any miscellaneous item: duct tape, zip ties, multi-tool and beyond!

In general, there are three basic types of truck tool boxes: crossover, side-mount and utility chests. As you read through the following definitions, start to think about your own pickup truck and the equipment you haul.

A crossover tool box or cross-bed tool box is a truck tool box designed to be mounted across the width of a pickup truck bed, typically positioned just behind the cab. These tool boxes are commonly used by tradespeople, contractors and outdoor enthusiasts to securely store and transport tools, equipment and other items.

Crossover boxes are often made of durable materials such as aluminum or steel to withstand the rigors of transportation and frequent exposure to the elements. They typically feature a hinged lid that opens upward, providing easy access to the contents inside. Most also come with locks or other security features to prevent unauthorized access.

Crossover tool boxes are available in various sizes and configurations to accommodate different truck bed sizes and configurations and user needs. They can be mounted directly to the bed rails of the truck using brackets or clamps, providing a secure and stable storage solution while still allowing full use of the truck bed for other purposes.

The standard-profile truck tool box is perhaps the most common on the road today. It features a spacious interior for storing a variety of tools and equipment.

One of the key features of the standard-profile box is that the top portion stands higher off the bed rails of the truck. Unlike the low-profile design, the standard box’s extra height maximizes the available storage space inside.

Standard-profile truck tool boxes are great for all kinds of truck owners, anyone who interested in adding secure storage capacity and versatility.

The low profile truck tool box is engineered for users who prioritize visibility, and aesthetics without compromising on storage space.

In contrast to standard profile boxes, the low profile tool box stands lower on the bed rail of the truck. This design choice ensures that the tool box sits well below the line of sight out the rear cab window, providing a better view for the driver of the truck bed.

Additionally, the lower profile design can enhance the overall aesthetics of the truck, providing a more integrated and cohesive look with the vehicle's body lines.

Notice the difference in the side-by-side comparison of the two profile types below. Both would rest on the bed rail at the same height, but the standard profile on the right stands noticeably taller than the low profile on the left.

Secure lock handles are engineered for both security and convenience. They feature a dual-locking T-handle that uses a twisting action to operate. A lock cylinder in the center of the T-handle allows for key-operated security.

What makes UWS Secure Lock handles unique is a connecting rod on the inside of the box. This connection between the two handles allows for convenient operation from either side of the truck. Turn one of the handles, and they both turn to unlatch the lid. So, for example, if you’re loading tools from the driver side, you don’t need to climb into the truck bed to reach both latches at the same time.

The handles on these UWS boxes are also widespread, making it even easier to access from either side of the vehicle.

Pull handles, as the name suggests, are operated by pulling outward on the handle. However, as an upgrade to the traditional paddle handle, pull handles are all about comfort and ergonomics. They provide ample clearance for your hands, allowing you to grip and pull the levers with ease, even while wearing gloves or in situations where manual dexterity may be limited.

Typically made of stainless steel, UWS pull handles are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use and exposure to various weather conditions without compromise.

Paddle handles are perhaps the most common handle type on tool boxes today. They are characterized by their basic yet functional design, operating by pulling outward and upward. The hinging motion of the “paddle” releases the latch within the tool box, allowing the lid to open.

One of the drawbacks of paddle handles is their limited clearance. The relatively small area may only allow two or three fingers to grip the paddle, making things slightly more difficult if your hands are full or if you have impaired dexterity.

While lacking the additional features of other handle types, paddle handles are still effective for securing tools and equipment during transportation and storage, making them a popular choice for a wide range of users.

The single-lid truck tool box is a standard and widely used design, characterized by a single hinged lid that opens towards the truck bed.

This type of lid provides easy access to the entire storage compartment, allowing users to efficiently organize and retrieve their tools and equipment.

Single-lid tool boxes are popular for their simplicity and functionality, offering ample storage space without compromising on accessibility.

The gull wing truck tool box features a unique design with two separate lids that open independently, resembling the shape of a seagull's wings when fully extended. This configuration allows for convenient access to either half of the tool box, providing users with flexibility in organizing and retrieving their tools and equipment.

Gull wing lids are particularly useful for users who frequently access specific items stored within the tool box, as they can open only one side without disturbing the contents of the other.

Additionally, the gull wing design may offer improved access in tight spaces, as it requires less clearance above the tool box compared to a single lid when fully open.

This type of tool box incorporates a rail along the perimeter of the lid, providing a secure anchor point for tying down cargo on top of the box.

This design is especially beneficial for users who need to transport additional equipment or materials on top of the tool box, such as ladders or other oversized items.

However, it's important to note that the presence of the rail may require users to remove any cargo on top of the tool box before opening the lid fully. Despite this limitation, the lid with rail design offers added versatility and functionality for users who require the extra tie down point.

The standard-tub truck tool box is the most common type, featuring a rectangular shape that maximizes internal storage space.

This tub type offers a versatile solution for storing a wide range of tools and equipment, providing ample room for organization and accessibility.

Standard tub tool boxes are well-suited for various truck bed sizes and configurations, making them a popular choice among many truck owners.

The deep-tub truck tool box is designed with an extra-tall (that is, extra-deep) height to maximize storage space for larger tools and equipment.

This tub type requires more vertical clearance compared to standard tubs, but it also allows users to store taller items.

As with all tubs types, the deep tub may also be available with other tub options such as angled and extra-wide configurations, providing users with additional customization options to suit their specific requirements.

The angled-tub truck tool box is specially designed to accommodate unique bed sizes and wheel well shapes commonly found in trucks.

Featuring an angled shape on the bottom, this tub type is meant to avoid obstruction with the wheel wells, where a standard squared off corner might not fit. This allows for a more precise fit within the truck bed, optimizing available space and ensuring a proper installation.

Angled tub tool boxes are ideal for users with trucks that have shorter truck bed configurations or a unique truck bed layout, providing a tailored storage solution.

The slim-line tub is specifically designed for mid-sized trucks with limited space in front of the wheel wells.

Characterized by its narrow width, this tub type allows for installation without encroaching into the space occupied by the wheel wells, maximizing available storage area in the truck bed.

Slim-line tool boxes offer a practical solution for users who require storage space for tools and equipment but have limited room to spare in their truck beds.

The extra-wide tool box tub features an increased width compared to standard tubs, providing maximum storage area. It’s important here to understand the difference between tool box length and width. Length refers to the distance from truck bed rail to truck bed rail. Width refers to the front-to-back measurement of the box.

The extra-wide tub type offers enhanced capacity for those who need to store larger or bulkier items. These boxes take up more space in the truck bed, but they provide more lock-and-key tool storage.

When it comes to optimizing storage and organization in your truck, side-mount tool boxes are another key option to consider. These versatile boxes are designed to mount along the sides of your truck bed, providing easy access to tools from the side of the truck, without having to climb into the truck bed.

Side tool boxes come in several different styles, whether you want extra storage space within the truck bed, above it or below it.

Wheel well boxes or truck fender boxes are a type of side-mount tool box that is installed within the truck bed over the wheel well. They’re a great way to utilize bed space that can be otherwise awkward or difficult to use.

Wheel well boxes typically feature a door on top of the box, providing access to the main storage compartment for larger items. Additionally, UWS wheel well boxes have a door at the rear to access drawers, offering more storage and organization options for small tools and accessories.

Wheel well tool boxes come in right- or left-side configurations to properly fit the driver or passenger side of the truck, so be sure to pay attention to that detail when shopping around.

Topside boxes or topsiders are a type of side-mount tool box that mounts on top of the truck bed wall, leaving the bed fully open for other cargo. They feature a vertical door that hinges along the top and opens upward to reveal the storage compartment, providing easy access to tools and equipment.

Topside tool boxes are a popular choice for tradesmen and commercial vehicles because they add secure storage for tools on the jobsite without taking up any of the precious truck bed space. Topsider boxes come in single-door and double-door options with various sizes to accommodate different storage needs and truck bed configurations.

Bed side boxes or simply “truck side tool boxes” are a type of side-mount tool box that overhangs the truck bed wall, mounting on top of it with legs inside the truck bed.

They typically feature a lid on top to access the storage compartment, providing convenient storage for tools and equipment while maintaining accessibility to the truck bed.

Bedside boxes are designed to maximize storage capacity while still maintaining much of the usable space within the truck bed.

Underbody boxes are a type of side tool box that mounts underneath the truck bed or trailer bed, providing storage solutions for flatbeds, dump trucks and trailer bodies.

They typically feature a door on the front, similar to topside boxes, allowing easy access to the storage compartment.

Underbody boxes are commonly used to store tools, equipment and accessories securely while keeping them easily accessible from ground level. Also like topside boxes, underbody boxes are a popular choice for commercial trucks and fleets.

The standard utility chest is an alternative to the crossover tool box. It is designed to fit down into the truck bed, resting directly on the truck bed floor instead of being suspended or attached on top of the truck bed walls.

Besides being suitable for truck bed storage, utility chests are extremely versatile and can also be utilized for other storage needs, such as in a shop, garage, basement, boat house or elsewhere.

They are available in various sizes and configurations to accommodate different spaces and user requirements, making them a practical choice for a wide range of applications.

The notched utility chest is a type of truck tool box designed to optimize capacity while avoiding interference with wheel wells and other bed accessories.

Similar in principle to the angled crossover tool box, the notched chest features "notched" out sides in the tub, which provide additional clearance around the wheel wells, allowing the tool box to fit snugly against the sides of the truck bed.

Notched tool boxes are ideal for maximizing storage space while maintaining a secure and stable fit within the truck bed, ensuring efficient use of available space.

The wedged utility chest is another design that maximizes storage capacity while avoiding interference, similar to the notched style. However, instead of notched sides, the wedged tool box features an angled bottom, which can be angled at the front edge, on the sides, or both.

This angled bottom design allows the tool box to fit more closely against the wheel wells and other bed accessories — including other storage boxes within the truck bed — optimizing available space in the truck bed.

An under tonneau chest box is a specialized type of truck tool box designed to fit underneath a tonneau cover, allowing for the full closure of the cover.

Unlike traditional utility chests, under tonneau boxes are not very tall, typically around 16-1/2” in height, to ensure compatibility with most tonneau covers.

Despite their reduced height, under tonneau chest boxes still offer ample storage space for tools and other items, making them a practical solution for truck owners who prioritize both security and cargo protection.

A 5th wheel box is a specialized utility chest that is meant to work seamlessly with a 5th wheel hitch installed in the truck bed and a 5th wheel trailer hooked up, without causing obstructions or interference.

Unlike standard utility chests, 5th wheel boxes have a much lower profile to accommodate the unique configuration of trucks equipped with 5th wheel hitches and trailers. These tool boxes can be strategically positioned in the truck bed to ensure clearance of the 5th wheel hitch and pin box.

Despite their reduced storage capacity compared to other tool box options, 5th wheel boxes are great for storing 5th wheel accessories, other towing gear and any tools you may need for your RV excursion.

When it comes to selecting the right truck tool box for your needs, it's essential to consider a variety of factors to ensure you make the best choice. Take into account the specific requirements of your truck, such as bed size, configuration and any existing accessories like tonneau covers or hitch installations.

Additionally, think about the type and amount of tools and equipment you need to store, as well as your preferences for accessibility and organization.

Two key aspects to remember when shopping for a truck tool box:

1. Most boxes come with a combination of the features listed in this guide. Just because one particular box has Secure Lock handles, doesn't mean that's the only feature it has to offer. Most boxes come with a combination of several features, such as the UWS #SLD69-A-LP-MB-R. It has Secure Lock handles, a deep-angled tub, low-profile lid and a rail on top.
2. You don't have to settle for just one box on your truck. True, some boxes are designed to occupy the same space within your truck bed, but oftentimes, multiple boxes can be installed on your truck to maximize storage and security options.

So, whether you opt for a standard crossover tool box, a versatile side-mount option, an underbody box or a combination of all three, each type of truck tool box offers unique advantages to suit different use cases. By carefully weighing these considerations and exploring the diverse range of options available, you can find the perfect truck tool box to enhance your storage capabilities and streamline your workflow on the road.

Disclaimer: These photographs, recommendations, and approximations are intended for demonstration purposes only and do not reflect the specifications of any particular truck, recreational vehicle, or trailer. Always consult the manufacturer’s Owner's Manual.