One of the first accessories that finds its way onto a work truck is a toolbox, or in some job applications, multiple toolboxes.
That’s why it’s important to choose toolboxes of the highest quality in construction and security features.
The good news is there are dozens of regional and national toolbox brands from which to choose, and plenty of styles to fit the need, whether it’s a conventional cross-bed toolbox or a custom-fabricated unit unique to your business.
There are also a number of combo tool/fuel boxes that are a great upfit for a work truck or trailer.
Combos work well when you need an extra 30 to 50 gallons of diesel on hand to keep a piece of equipment working when there’s no time to shut down and make a fuel run or wait for a fuel delivery.
When it comes to prices, toolboxes are a lot like the tools they carry: you usually get what you pay for in quality and performance.
If you are accessorizing a new work truck, or replacing an existing toolbox, here are some of the newest products that will keep those valuables secure and under cover.
Brute Flatbed Top Sider
Flatbed work trucks are always in need of secure, accessible, organized storage solutions. The new Drawer Flatbed Top Sider from Unique Truck Accessories does all those and more. Built from .100 brite diamond-tread aluminum, these modular tool boxes have drawers that glide on heavy-duty ball-bearing slides and secure with Strattec high-quality locking cylinders. www.uniquetruckaccessories.com; 800-239-2343
Highway Products High-Sider
These heavy-duty high-side boxes from Highway Products feature 1/8-inch-thick marine-grade aluminum construction and theft-resistant T-handle stainless steel locks to keep tools secure against break-ins. The doors double as a work space, and the weather stripping is “A”-grade automotive so what’s stored inside stays dry and clean. Lifetime guarantee; built to order. www.800toolbox.com; 800-866-5269
KSH Tool/Fuel
KSH Fuel Products designs and manufactures all of its Toolbox/Tank Combos out of high quality materials. Customization to fit your specific pickup application is not a problem; in fact, it is key to providing customers with an auxiliary tank that provides the fuel capacity/storage you need. www.kshmarine.com; 928-680-6610
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Information to advance your business from industry suppliers
Constructed with heavy-duty diamond plate aluminum and fully welded seams, LUND’s Storage boxes provide top quality performance. Reinforced dome style lid with weatherproof seal, high-grade locking handles, piano hinge and adjustable strikers protect contents from theft and weather. USA-made with limited liability warranty. www.lundinternational.com; 800-241-7219
Delta Tool/Fuel
Delta’s 74-gallon combo transfer tank/ toolbox is built with .125 tread-plate aluminum and includes two center baffles for strength and to prevent contents from shifting too quickly. Two 2-inch NPT-reinforced bungs allow for reversing the lockable filler cap for access from either side, and welded tie-down brackets secure the tank in the truck bed. www.deltastorage.com; 800-643-0084
Mirax Generator Box
This Generator Box from Mirax Fuel Products is custom made to fit the most popular portable gensets including the Honda 2000. Features include locking front lid and a removable plate on the side that provides air circulation while the generator is in use – and easy access to the pull cord and on/off switch. The removable plate on the front provides access to the control panel, cord outlets and air circulation while the generator is in use. www.miraxfuelproducts.com; 928-680-5670
Northern Tool Crossover
This Northern Tool + Equipment Deep Design Aluminum Crossover holds 30 percent more cargo than low-profile boxes. With weather-resistant seals, locking truck-style pull handles, self-adjusting strikers and a continuous piano-style hinge, this truck box will hold up everywhere you go. www.northerntool.com; 800-221-0516
Owens Products Ellipse XPL
All Owens Products toolboxes are made of thick diamond-tread aluminum that won’t rust, pit or corrode. The Ellipse Series boxes feature a domed lid for added storage space with convenient and easy to use push-button latching system. They are available in two standard finishes: bright aluminum or black powder coat, as well as 14 special order powder coat colors. www.OwensProducts.com; 800-726-9367
Thule UWS Crossover
Built two inches lower on the bed rail for a better view from the rear window, Thule’s UWS toolbox features patented fully foamed lid that creates a rigid wall between outer aluminum layers to help prevent bending or warping. Its .063 aluminum construction supports heavy-duty loads and tool drops, while built-in twin trays hold smaller tools. www.uwsta.com; 800-432-4685
Transfer Flow Combo Box
Transfer Flow’s 40-gallon toolbox and refueling tank incorporates a toolbox with more than six cubic feet of storage space. It fits domestic and imported full-size pick-ups, and comes pre-assembled with a 12-volt refueling pump, 12-foot hose/nozzle, wire harness with dash-mounted power switch and mounting hardware. The fuel fill neck is located inside the locking storage compartment for added security. www.transferflow.com; 800-442-0056
Weather Guard Low-Pros
These new Low-Profile Side Boxes from Weather Guard provide maximum secure cargo storage without compromising rear visibility. They are built with heavy-gauge aluminum construction and durable clear or black finishes. WG’s Extreme Protection Lock protects against break-ins while the automotive-style latch provides smooth “one-touch” opening. Three-year warranty. www.weatherguard.com; 800-456-7865
Westin HDX Series
Westin HDX Tool Boxes are commercial grade tool boxes made of heavy-duty .06-inch corrosion resistant aluminum with lids that sit flush with box body on all sides so there’s no lid overhang. The lid closure also features a closed cell U-Lock bulb that seals the closure. Lids can be opened from either end of the box with the anti-theft stainless steel folding T-handles. www.westinautomotive.com; 800-345-8476
