When it comes to pickup trucks and must-haves, a toolbox is one such gear that you cannot leave the house without it. Yet, you may not have enough space to carry the case that you want. Or, if you are using a truck bed toolbox, issues with thieves and lousy weather come to play. So, what’s the solution to all this. How about you pick an aluminum toolbox in your next buy?
Aluminum tool boxes for pickup trucks tend to have a compact and rugged design. These industrial-grade boxes guard your tools from the elements, rust, and theft. Its secure locks are tamper-proof. And when you pick a chest box for your toolbox, it works well with most canopies or tonneau covers. But why opt for aluminum instead of any other type of toolkit for your pickup truck?
Why Aluminum Tool Boxes?
Toolboxes for pickup trucks are either stainless steel or aluminum make. Still, the aluminum ones have superior attributes over steel as follows:
High Strength to Weight Ratio
Industrial-grade aluminum tool boxes are of a bent sheet and a diamond plate. The combination is quite lightweight. It has a high strength to weight ratio than stainless steel. Moreso, it is a third of the weight of an equal steel toolbox.
In turn, it will keep your tools secure without adding some pressure on your pickup truck. With a high payload, you no longer have to worry about high gas consumption. Plus, it will not strain your vehicle in the long run.
Corrosion-Resistant
By default, aluminum is corrosion-resistant. Hence, your toolbox needs no extra coating to keep it from rusting or losing its luster. In contrast, steel toolboxes feature a powder-coated finish to guard against corrosion. Yet, any slight chipping or wear and tear will make your box to start corroding. In turn, your steel toolbox may only be in great shape in the first year of use.
Affordable
Now, aluminum toolboxes are an affordable option for the best toolbox for a pickup truck. For, steel material may be cheaper than aluminum, but it lasts quite a shorter time than the latter. In the long run, you’ll spend more cash trying to replace your steel toolbox. It is prudent to get an aluminum model that will serve you for an extended period.
Non-Slip, Non-Skid
A toolbox with a non-slip or non-skid surface is crucial in keeping your tools stationary. That way, they will not move within the toolkit and develop chippings or bruising. Similarly, an aluminum toolbox features a non-skid inner surface. This liner discourages your tools from colliding.
Functional and Aesthetic
Aluminum toolboxes retail in functional styles that include convenient handles, locks, and shocks. Hence, you know your tools are secure as you tackle rough terrain. Second, these models are in bright, attractive designs. In turn, the styles push up their worth on your pickup truck.
Next, here are our top pick and budget pick aluminum toolboxes for pickup trucks:
Finding the Best Aluminum Tool Boxes
Diamond Tread Aluminum Underbody Truck Box w/ 3-Point Latch
- Sturdy and durable
- Mounts on under bed and flat surface
- Hinges are protected against external damage
The Diamond Tread Aluminum Underbody Truck Box is a sturdy, durable, reliable toolkit. It uses a lock, latch, and gasket seal to resist the elements, thieves, or external damage. Hence, it will keep your tools secure for long, regardless of the driving conditions.
The Features
- Thick diamond tread aluminum
- Black powder-coated finish
- Recessed drop door with hidden hinge
- 3-point locking system
- A die-cast compression latch system
- Replaceable gasket sealing system
- Aircraft-grade cables
What We Like
- Mounts on both the under bed or a flat surface
- Retails in six different sizes and color schemes
- Weather-resistant
- Theft resistant
- Durable make
- Uses a hidden hinge that is safe from external damage
Dee Zee M207 Specialty Series
- Suitable for cars and ATV’s
- Cool black design
- Easy to mount
The Dee Zee M207 is a vast toolbox for any off roader on a strict budget. For, it adds style to your truck with its robust Brite-Tread aluminum and a gloss black finish. Also, it keeps your tools safe from corrosion, theft, and handy whenever you need them. You can rely on its handles that lock using convenient push buttons. Plus, it retails with mounting hardware to assist you in fixing it on your truck in minutes.
The Features
- Dimensions: 36 inches by 13 inches by 13 inches
- Storage space: 3 cubic feet
- Weight: 18 Pounds
- Material: 0.056 Brite-Tread Aluminum
- Coat Finish: Black Powder Coat
- Mounting hardware: Included
- Handle: Lockable stainless steel paddle
What We Like
- Durable, corrosion-resistant make
- Ideal for ATV owners on a budget
- Includes a universal storage utility box
- Attractive design
- Mounts in minutes, no assembly needed
- Convenient handles
- Reinforces the toolbox’s compression with handy dampened gas shocks
- Has a limited lifetime warranty
Aluminum Toolbox For Pickups FAQs
Q. How do I know that the aluminum toolbox I am buying will fit my pickup truck?
A. Note that, each aluminum toolbox retails in a different size. Hence, always know your pickup truck’s measurements before you go out shopping for a toolbox. Then, present these dimensions to the retailer. He will recommend the right toolbox size for your pickup truck.
Q. Is there a standard where of mounting a toolbox on a pickup truck?
A. No. Each model retails with its unique mounting procedures. Ensure you follow these instructions for an easy mounting process.
Q. What is the ideal weight of a toolbox for a pickup truck?
A. Weight is a crucial factor when picking the right toolbox for your pickup truck. A lightweight toolkit is more natural to fit. Plus, it doesn’t add any extra fuel or maintenance cost. An ideal toolbox should weigh between 20 lbs and 40 lbs. To guarantee the lightweight, always opt for an aluminum toolbox.
Q. Where on my truck bed, do you recommend I mount my aluminum toolbox?
A. The way you mount your toolbox relies on your personal preference. Still, some styles like a tailgate, side mount, hitch, chests, and crossover require that you fix them in only a particular way.
Final Note
Aluminum toolboxes for pickup trucks outperform the steel ones in many ways. Apart from their appeal, their functional traits keep your tools secure for longer. With a high strength to weight ratio, you know you are not adding any strain to your truck. Instead, you’ll save on both fuel and maintenance costs.