Pickup Truck Toolbox Installation

Looking for professional toolbox installation near Chicago? If you run your own business in Chicago or you’re in the trades—like construction, plumbing, landscaping, or snow removal—a truck bed toolbox is a must-have accessory for your pickup truck.

Honestly, who wants to keep digging for tools in and out of your truck bed all week? You already work hard enough. Luckily, the days of scrambling around your bed for the tool you need are over.

A properly installed pickup truck toolbox provides peace of mind. Over time, you’ll find that your toolbox becomes a trusty sidekick, always there when you need it. Leaving tools loose in your truck bed might seem budget-friendly at first, but you’ll quickly realize the value of a dedicated toolbox.

Since most pickups lack a trunk or similar cargo area, many truck bed toolboxes are also used for protection or storage of personal belongings—everything from shopping bags and groceries to emergency supplies like jumper cables.

Tool Boxes Prevent Theft

Without a truck bed storage system, your tools can crash into the walls and break. Thieves may try to steal your equipment, or Chicago’s harsh winters and summers can eventually damage your tools.

If you’ve ever had a cordless drill or circular saw stolen, you know how expensive and frustrating it can be. A durable toolbox with steel walls and rugged locks keeps your gear secure and out of sight, providing peace of mind.

Toolboxes are large, so shipping them can be tricky. LTL freight is costly, and shipping through UPS or FedEx risks damage. It’s usually easier and safer to purchase and install locally.

Tool Boxes Deter Moisture

Rain, sun, snow, and dust are all enemies of your tools. A truck toolbox shields your equipment from these elements and keeps your tools from rolling around during sharp stops, turns, and fast starts.

Most toolboxes have weather seals between the lid and box, often using rubber or foam tape to channel moisture away. Your tools will stay dry even in Illinois’ rainy season.

Tool Box Materials

Truck bed toolboxes are made from a variety of materials, each with its own benefits. The most common are aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and polyurethane. Many aluminum boxes feature diamond-plated patterns for durability, lightweight construction, and rust resistance.

Steel is traditional, heavier, and more durable, often powder-coated to prevent corrosion. Stainless steel is premium, highly corrosion-resistant, and polished for shine, but comes at a higher cost.

Tool Box Construction

Toolboxes use rotary latch locks, spring-loaded paddles, or push-button assemblies for security. Hinges may be twin, modest-sized, or piano-style continuous hinges for better weight distribution and durability. Struts help lift lids easily, and premium boxes have guards to protect struts from damage.

Types of Toolboxes

There are many types of truck toolboxes for front, sides, rear, underbody, and flatbed applications. Here are the most popular:

• All-Purpose Chest Tool Boxes: Sits below the bedrail, compatible with Tonneau covers. Opens to 90° for easy access.
• Cross-Box or Gullwing Tool Boxes: Dual lids, accessible from either side, with full weather seals.
• Hi-Side Tool Boxes: Mounted on either side of the bed, often paired with ladder racks for maximum storage.
• Lo-Side Tool Boxes: Mounted over bed rails, keeping tools within reach, usually shorter than Hi-Side boxes.
• Pork Chop Tool Boxes: Sits above/behind wheel wells, ideal for small parts and tools.
• Saddle Tool Boxes: Low-profile, mounted across the bed, widely used for ease of installation.
• Underbed Tool Boxes: Mounted under the bed, perfect for flatbeds, platform, or dump trucks.
• Floor Tool Boxes: Engineered flush with the lid to prevent leaks, sometimes with lock caps.
• Fifth-Wheel Tool Boxes: Low-profile design allows clearance for fifth-wheel hitches while providing secure storage.
• Dog Tool Boxes: Kennel-style boxes that carry pets safely along with tools.
• B-Pack Tool Boxes: For cab-over trucks, flatbeds, stake, dump, and utility bodies, designed for clearance around batteries and fuel tanks.
• Trailer Tongue Boxes: Mounted on A-frame trailers for extra protected storage.