Work Truck Exterior Parts: Tool Boxes, Truck Bed Storage & Safety to Invest in

Imagine carrying unsecured equipment and tools in the bed of your truck. The possibility of them sliding around and breaking, as well as damaging the bed itself, is extremely high. A great solution to this issue is to fit one or several truck bed tool boxes and never have to worry about truck storage again.

There are various different truck bed storage options available on the market, and all of them come with their own pros and cons. This guide will help you buy the right option that will suit your specific needs and requirements.

What To Look For In Truck Bed Storage

When buying truck bed storage, the main thing you want to consider is capacity. Your bed storage box needs to be large enough to be able to accommodate all of your equipment and valuables. There’s nothing worse than buying a storage box only to later find out it won’t fit all of your equipment.

Another important aspect you need to consider is placement. Figure out whether you want a crossover configuration, a side mount, or even a top mount. Another less common but just as viable option is a wheel-well box where the box itself sits on top of the wheel arches on the side of the bed.

You can find storage boxes constructed out of metal, plastic, or even fabric. Each type of material has its pros and cons, so carefully consider what your intended use is before deciding which one to buy. Metal is the most reliable and durable, but it’ll cost more than plastic for instance.

Another aspect you have to consider is safety. Do you simply need a storage box that will hold items or do you want to be able to lock it and secure various tools inside? If so, you need to buy a box with a lockable system.

How To Install Your Truck Bed Tool Box

There’s no universal way to install a bed toolbox since they come in various different shapes and sizes, as well as mounting mechanisms, but the manual provided with your toolbox will be able to better assist you. There are, however, several steps that are pretty common no matter which toolbox you buy.

For starters, you need to consider where you’re going to install the toolbox. Crossover boxes will be mounted towards the front of the bed, closer to the cabin of the truck, while side-mount bed boxes will need to be placed on the sides of the bed. Before you bolt down the box, make sure that you can open the lid freely without hitting anything, such as the rear glass of the cabin.

If your truck’s bed doesn’t have pre-drilled holes to fit the bed rails, you might need to measure and then drill holes. Once that’s done, you can mount the box and bolt it down using the provided bolts and washers. Assuming you’ve done everything correctly, you should be left with a secure toolbox that is sturdy and strong enough to last you for years to come.

How To Maintain Your Truck Bed Storage 

Here are some tips for maintaining your truck bed storage:

1. Keep it clean. Regularly clean out your truck bed storage to prevent build-up of dirt and debris. Use a hose to wash out the bed, and consider using a truck bed liner or a bed mat to protect the surface from scratches and stains.

2. Inspect regularly. Check your truck bed storage for any damage or wear and tear on a regular basis. Look for any cracks, dents, or rust and address any issues as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

3. Protect from the elements. If you use your truck bed storage to store tools or equipment, consider investing in a cover or tonneau to protect your items from rain and other elements. Generally speaking, tonneaus are built from plastic or vinyl and usually provide one or multiple locking compartments. By comparison, a truck cap is much sturdier since it’s constructed out of plastic or fiberglass and it covers the entire bed.

4. Organize. Use dividers, bins, and organizers to keep your truck bed storage organized and easy to access. This will help you find what you need quickly and reduce the risk of items shifting or falling out while driving.

5. Repair any damage. If you notice any damage to your truck bed storage, whether it’s a lock that isn’t working or a dent that prevents it from closing properly, it's important to address it as soon as possible. Small issues can quickly turn into bigger problems if left unrepaired.

If you’re looking for quality truck bed accessories such as toolboxes or covers, XT has what you’re looking for. You can also find various upgrades for your truck such as lift kits and winches, as well as factory replacement parts at XT.