Looking for the best storage solution for your truck? A truck box is a good option as it offers a wide range of benefits. These boxes are versatile as you can use them to store a wide range of items. They also come in multiple mounting styles, designs and sizes. You can also customize the truck box to suit your needs.
With so many truck bed storage box models on the market, choosing the right one is not easy. If you make the wrong choice, you might end up with a sub-standard box which could compromise the safety of your valuables. Such truck boxes could end up damaging the truck bed while at the same time hobbling your truck’s performance.
This guide offers crucial tips to help you choose a reliable truck box to suit your work vehicle. With these tips, you will get good value for your money.
1. Assess Your Storage Needs
Before shopping for a truck storage box, you need to evaluate your storage requirements. It will help you identify a storage box that will solve these needs.
If you are in the contracting business, for instance, you need a sturdy box to handle your tools and equipment. Such a box should withstand the elements and requires strong construction. You should also consider the size of items you intend to store on the truck bed.
One more thing to consider is the type of items you will store. This helps determine the mounting style of the storage box you choose. Whatever your storage needs, there’s a suitable truck box on the market.
2. Weather Resistance
The truck bed in most vehicles is open, and this exposes your storage box to the weather elements. It is thus important to choose a toolbox material that is weather resistant.
If you want a metal storage box, go for treated material which can withstand extreme weather. You don’t want your expensive toolbox to start rusting after a few months. You should always look at the specifications for any truck box you wish to buy to confirm it is weatherproof.
3. Consider the Mounting Style
There are multiple storage box mounting styles on the market. The mounting style you choose will depend on the type of truck you have and the items you intend to store.
Some of the common mounting styles include:
- Crossover
- Side mount box truck equipment boxes
- Chest tool boxes
- Trop mount boxes
- Storage drawers
- Wheel well truck boxes
- Fifth wheel truck boxes
- Hitch cargo carriers
4. Choose the Right Box Material
The main materials used for toolbox construction are aluminum, steel and plastic. Steel boxes are strong, sturdy and durable. However, there’s a problem with corrosion unless you go for corrosion stainless steel boxes which are more expensive.
Aluminum truck storage boxes are the most popular on the market. They are lightweight, corrosion-resistant and durable. Working with aluminum is also easier, meaning you will find a wider range of these box styles on the market. It is easier to install and operate these lightweight boxes, and you will find them on most work trucks on the road.
Plastic and polyethylene storage boxes are also popular with truck owners. They are cheap, lightweight and easily customizable. However, this material is not durable and cannot withstand rugged use.
5. Consider the Storage Box Closing System
Most of the storage boxes on the market come with an attached lid system for secure storage. Some of the common closing systems are single, double, or gull-wing lids.
When choosing the best lid for your storage box, you have to consider the kind of items you intend to store. The lid will also affect the ease of access to your stored items.
6. Warranty
The best storage boxes for a work vehicle are costly. As such, you need to look for products that come with the best warranty. Most manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty on their products. This assures you that the construction is reliable and you will not have to worry about repairs.
7. Durability
If you are on the market for a good storage box for your truck, you should consider the most durable unit. Look for a storage unit with the best construction and whose material is durable.
Every section of the storage box must be tough to withstand the elements and regular use. Don’t look at the box body only but instead consider the quality of hinges, lids and any other moving parts. These parts can compromise the quality of your storage box.
8. Read Reviews and Testimonials
The best thing about buying a truck storage box online is that you have a lot of information to use. Most customers write reviews and testimonials after buying and trying out different products.
When shopping for a storage box for your work vehicle, you should first look for such reviews and customer testimonials. These comments will provide valuable information to help you make an informed choice.
9. Consider Safety
It is important to consider your safety, the safety of other road users and the safety of your crew when buying a storage box for your work vehicle.
For a start, consider whether the storage box you buy will affect your vision when driving. A low-profile truck box, in this case, works best if you have a pick-up truck. You should also consider the quality of the material used and ensure it meets all safety standards required.
More importantly, go for a storage box that allows easy access to the stored items. This prevents accidents at work. The mounting style should also be secure to prevent accidents when the vehicle is in motion or during a sudden stop. This prevents injuries to other road users.
10. Customizable Tool Box
Look for a storage box that will easily fit your work vehicle. Most manufacturers offer customizable products to suit different types of customers. A good storage box should suit your storage needs.
Final Thoughts
A good storage box for your work vehicle will help maximize available space, improve safety on your vehicle and protect your valuable items on the truck bed. These boxes complement the box truck ladder rack by increasing your truck’s storage capacity.
If you want to improve the performance of your truck, use these tips to find the right storage box.
