Best Toyota Tacoma Toolbox
Need storage space for your tools and gear in your Toyota Tacoma? We get you. Leaving your tools out in the open on the pickup truck’s bed isn’t practical or wise, nor do you want to have them taking up room in the cab.
There are many toolboxes on the market that you can install on the truck’s bed to store your gear securely. We’ve rounded up the best Toyota Tacoma toolboxes for you.
Why You Need a Toolbox for Your Toyota Tacoma
A pickup truck is great for hauling large equipment and gear, but the open bed is not the best place to keep your expensive tools. A toolbox will give you the following benefits:
- Efficiently organize your equipment and gear. Most toolboxes have different compartments and racks inside that allow you to organize your tools. This makes it easy to store and transport the tools and find the ones you need quickly.
- Safeguard your gear from theft. Many toolboxes have a lock, so you don’t have to worry that someone will take off with your equipment from the back of the truck. Look for one with a built-in and sturdy lock.
- Protect them from the elements. Don’t leave your tools out on the truck’s bed where they can get wet from the rain and rust. Many toolboxes are watertight to further prevent your equipment from getting ruined. It will also protect them from getting battered by the wind and sun.
- Space efficiency on the truck’s bed. Storing your tools in the toolbox instead of loose on the bed or in random containers will keep the Tacoma’s bed free for your larger gear.
What to Look for in a Toolbox
When shopping for a toolbox for your Toyota Tacoma, keep in mind the following factors:
Material
You want a strong, sturdy, durable toolbox that can withstand heavy use. You’ll be tossing heavy tools and equipment into the box and don’t want one that will dent or crack from being hit on the side by a hammer.
You may think metal boxes are the strongest box, but make sure they are made from good-quality steel or aluminum. Some toolboxes are made of a thin layer of metal that can easily get dented.
Some plastic boxes can be stronger than metal. Ensure they’re made of a thick and strong material and won’t break down from constantly being exposed to the elements. Keep in mind that your toolbox will endure the wind, sun, rain, and constant movement of the truck.
Lock
Look for a toolbox that has a decent lock on it, both for security and durability. Your toolbox will never be Fort Knox, and we don’t recommend keeping your life savings in there, but it should be able to keep your tools and equipment safe.
Look for a lock that is strong and can’t be easily cracked open. You also don’t want a flimsy lock that will get stuck after a few uses. It should open and lock smoothly without catching.
Storage Capacity
Decide how much storage space you need in your toolbox. Is it going to be used just for tools, or are you planning to store other gear and equipment in there? Do you want one with built-in organizing racks or a larger storage area like a hi-side box?
Weigh your storage needs against the size of the truck bed and how much space you want it to take up. If you’re going to be hauling big and bulky cargo on the truck bed, you may opt for a smaller toolbox or one that takes up minimal space on the bed’s surface.
Installation and Fit
Before choosing a toolbox, make sure it is compatible with your Tacoma. Check the dimensions and configuration of your pickup truck’s bed and that of the toolbox. If you’re not sure if it’s compatible, we suggest asking the company if it fits your truck’s model so you’re not stuck with a pricey box that you can’t install.
Also, take the installation into account. Is the box easy to install on your Tacoma? Does it come with the installation kit, or do you need to buy your own tools?
Price
Your budget probably plays a factor in the toolbox you will buy for your truck. Toolbox prices vary greatly, from under $100 to several times that. The quality of the more expensive ones is better than the cheapest, but you can find very good-quality toolboxes in the mid-range price bucket.
Types of Tool Boxes
Not all toolboxes for the Toyota Tacoma are created equal. There are a few toolboxes for pickup trucks installed on different areas of the truck with verifying amounts of storage space.
- Crossover boxes are installed either behind the car’s cab or the truck’s sides. Crossover toolboxes are rectangular and usually have ample space to store larger gear.
- Hi-side boxes don’t have built-in shelves. Small tools can get lost in there, but on the other hand, there is more space to store larger equipment in them.
- Side-mount boxes are installed on either the driver or passenger side truck bed rails without sitting on the bed floor. This gives you the most room on your truck bed to transport other items while keeping your tools organized and secure on the side. It also allows for easy and quick access to the toolbox.
- Chest tool boxes sit on the floor of the truck bed. You’ll have to sacrifice some room on the bed for it, but it offers a lot of storage space. You can install the chest box in the cab bulkhead so it won’t get in the way of your rearview.
- Wheel well boxes, also known as pork chop boxes, are installed on the driver’s side over the wheel well. It gives you plenty of storage space while also freeing up most of the back for other cargo.
The Best Toolboxes for Your Toyota Tacoma
There are many tool boxes for pickup trucks on the market. We found these options the best for your Tacoma.
Undercover is known for its quality storage boxes. The SC401D model will fit a Toyota Tacoma 2005 – 2021 model. Choose either a driver’s side or a passenger-side box. The SwingCase fits under the tonneau cover on the truck bed, and it swings out 180° to give you easy access to the box.
The box locks with a key and can hold up to 75 pounds of gear. It has an organizational tray to keep your tools sorted and is watertight.
Pros:
- Swings out from the truck bed to give you easy access
- Watertight
- Locks with a key
- Easy to install
Cons:
- The lock can be picked
- Made from plastic and may not be as durable as other boxes
Last update on 2024-12-18 / If you click this affiliate link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
This toolbox from Better Built is made from rust-free aluminum. It is a slim case with a narrow design to take up minimal space on your truck bed. Its two front-facing handles make it easy to open. We like that this model is lightweight and easy to install, but it’s not ideal to store heavy equipment in it as it is not a very strong toolbox. If you toss a heavy tool into this Better Built model, it can easily dent the box.
Pros:
- Slim design if you want storage without taking up a lot of room
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Lightweight and can dent
- Not as strong as some other toolboxes
Last update on 2024-12-18 / If you click this affiliate link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
This toolbox from UWS is strong, durable, and made from aluminum. It can take a beating and will last a long time. It features secure stainless steel lock handles, and the box lid opens a full 90°, giving you easy access. Its compartment trays are perfect for storing small tools.
Pros:
- High-quality, durable, and a strong toolbox
- Includes two sliding organizing trays
- Water-resistant
Cons:
- The included J bolts aren’t powerful. We recommend you get your own.
Last update on 2024-12-18 / If you click this affiliate link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
This storage box from Toyota is geared for select Tacoma models. It’s made from lightweight aluminum and can hold up to 50 pounds. The lock seems sturdy to deter any unwanted visitors.
Pros:
- Sturdy box
- Manufactured by Toyota and compatible with its pickups
- Good organization system
Cons:
- LIghtweight and may not withstand as much as other toolboxes.
This box from Montezuma has a unique triangular design. It’s a solid and durable toolbox made from high-quality steel and has multi-tiered racks inside for easy organization. It’s waterproof and has a lock to keep your gear both dry and safe. We like the gas-powered lid.
Pros:
- Strong and durable
- Waterproof
- Excellent organization racks
Cons:
- Box is heavy
- It is meant to store small tools and doesn’t have space to store larger gear
Summary
Installing a toolbox in your Toyota Tacoma is a wise decision and a worthy investment. It will keep your tools safe, secure, and organized. Choose from one of our picks above for the best Toyota Tacoma toolbox.