Types of Truck Tool Boxes | Pick The Right Bed Storage

Choosing among the types of truck tool boxes comes down to one thing: how you use your bed. A crossover box keeps gear behind the cab but blocks the front of the bed, while a side-mount frees the center for cargo. Knowing which style matches your truck and your work is the difference between a box you love and one you fight. Here’s what each type does, what it’s made of, and what to check before you mount anything.

Crossover and Saddle Boxes

Crossover boxes, also called saddle boxes, span the bed width directly behind the cab. They’re the most popular style for pickup owners because they keep tools within arm’s reach of the tailgate or the side, and they leave the rest of the bed open for hauling. The trade-off: they block the front of the bed, so long items like lumber won’t slide all the way forward.

Installation matters more than most people think. Northern Tool’s manual for its crossover boxes says to leave a small gap between the box and the cab or front bulkhead. Without that clearance, the lid can contact the cab when fully opened, which chips paint and jams the lid. The same guidance tells you to use only the supplied hardware — one hole and J-hook assembly per side — and to fully tighten only after you’ve confirmed the lid clears the cab.

If you’re shopping for a smaller truck, the bed dimensions change which crossover box fits. Our tested roundup of tool boxes for small trucks covers models that fit short beds without eating cargo space.

Side-Mount, Wheel Well, and Underbed Boxes

Side-mount boxes bolt along the bed rails, giving you access from the side without climbing into the bed. They work well when you need to keep the center of the bed completely clear for cargo. Most are narrower than crossover boxes, so they’re a solid pick for smaller tools and frequently used gear.

Wheel well boxes fit between the wheel well and the tailgate, using otherwise dead space. They’re compact, so they suit lighter items like straps, chains, and small parts. Underbed boxes mount beneath the bed itself, which keeps the bed surface fully open. These are common on work trucks and trailers where ground clearance isn’t a concern.

For trucks with a 5th wheel hitch, a crossover box won’t work. A 5th wheel box is shaped to leave room for the hitch plate, so you can keep storage without giving up your towing setup.

Drawer Systems, Utility Chests, and Specialty Boxes

Drawer systems are full-bed units that slide out for organized access. They’re heavier and pricier than a simple crossover, but they beat digging through a pile of tools when you need a specific socket. Utility chests are the classic chest-style boxes that sit in the bed and can be moved out when you need the full floor. Foot locker boxes are the compact version — small enough for a handful of items, light enough to lift out.

Two more specialized categories round out the field. Trailer tongue boxes mount on the A-frame or straight tongue of a trailer, giving you storage right at the hitch. Transfer tank and tool box combos pair storage with a fuel tank, so work crews can carry diesel and tools in one unit. ATV and UTV boxes are rugged, smaller units built for off-road vehicles rather than full-size pickups.

Materials and What To Check Before Buying

Tractor Supply’s buying guide lists four common materials for truck tool boxes: aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and plastic or composite. Aluminum is light and resists rust, which is why most crossover boxes use it. Steel is heavier and stronger but will rust if the finish gets scratched. Stainless steel is the premium option for salt-belt winters. Plastic or composite boxes are the lightest and cheapest, though they don’t take abuse the way metal does.

Before you buy, confirm three things. First, lid clearance: check that the lid doesn’t hit the cab when fully opened — the most common install mistake. Second, mounting hardware: use only what the instructions specify; one Northern Tool guide limits fastening to one screw at each end, and adding extra holes can void the fit. Third, bed compatibility: some aluminum boxes are engineered to fit “virtually all trucks on the road today,” but your bed’s width, depth, and rail style still decide the actual fit.

For a visual overview of every style, Adrian Steel’s breakdown of truck tool box types is a solid reference for how each mounts and where it lives on the truck.