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Can I Install a Toolbox with My Tonneau Cover?

5 minute read

Can I Install a Toolbox with My Tonneau Cover?

Wondering if you can have a tonneau cover and a toolbox in your truck bed? You’ve landed in the right place. Many truck owners assume the two don’t mix, but the truth is a little more nuanced. Luckily, at Parts Via, we specialize in all things automotive—including truck bed accessories—so we can help guide you to the right setup for your truck.

So, can you install a toolbox with a tonneau cover? Yes, but it depends on the model.

Not all tonneau covers and toolboxes are compatible, so choosing the right combination is key to making both work together in your truck bed.

Key Factors Affecting Compatibility

In most cases, compatibility issues come down to how each accessory interacts with your truck bed. One issue is placement. Toolboxes typically sit on the bed rails, either against the cab or along the bed sides. This can interfere with traditional tonneau installation, which also mounts to the rails and runs from cab to tailgate.

Even if a toolbox doesn’t cross the bed rails, it might sit too high to fit neatly under a tonneau, introducing another potential issue: clearance. The last thing you want is a sharp-edged toolbox damaging your bed cover.

Because of these incompatibilities, pairing a standard toolbox with a tonneau cover often requires either modifying an existing product (which can void warranties and create DIY headaches) or choosing a specially-designed accessory built specifically for this purpose.

Toolbox-Tonneau Compatible Products

Manufacturers recognize that truck owners want their vehicles to do a little bit of everything, so they’re constantly innovating new products that let you enjoy the best of both worlds. With that in mind, let’s look at some options.

Tonneaus That Work With Toolboxes

If you already have a toolbox installed in your truck bed, finding a tonneau that fits properly behind it can be tricky. The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice weather protection or performance to make both work together. The covers below are designed specifically for toolbox compatibility—and deliver a tight, secure fit that keeps water and debris out while maintaining easy access to your gear.

  • ACCESS Toolbox Roll-Up Cover: Designed to fit behind most 19–21" over-the-rail toolboxes, this soft roll-up cover combines convenience with all-season protection. Premium weather seals block out moisture and dirt, while easy-grip tension dials make fine-tuning cover adjustments simple and precise.
  • Extang Trifecta Toolbox 2.0: Built for most 18–20" crossover toolboxes, this soft-folding cover features a patented L-Channel bracket that bonds the cover and toolbox with a weather-tight seal. Triple-fin seals, self-locking EZ-Lock clamps, and a sturdy aluminum frame wrapped in premium leather-grain vinyl make it as tough as it is easy to use.
  • Extang Solid Fold Toolbox 2.0: Sharing the same L-Channel design and sealing technology as its Trifecta sibling, this hard-folding cover (pictured above) adds extra strength with rugged 1-in. thick EnduraShield panels for dent-, fade- and scratch-resistant coverage of your cargo and gear.

Toolboxes That Work With Tonneaus

If you’re looking to add a toolbox to your truck bed without interfering with a tonneau cover, the trick is to find something low-profile that doesn’t impede the bed rails. The toolboxes below work alongside your bed cover to provide secure, weather-resistant storage without getting in the way.

  • TruXedo TonneauMate: Compatible with select TruXedo tonneau covers including the Pro X15, Lo Pro, TruXport, Sentry, and Deuce, this composite plastic toolbox holds up to 200 pounds of gear and features adjustable mounting, a no-drill installation, and key-lockable twist lock to keep your valuables safe and sound.
  • DU-HA Tote: Offering over 5 cubic feet of storage, this rotomolded chest with sealed, weather-resistant lid (pictured above) features a convenient, four-wheeled design for easy loading and transport. Three padlock-compatible latches provide added security, and included utility trays plus a removable gun rack/organizer make it organization-friendly compliant with most state regulations. Made in the USA.
  • Ecoological AeroBox: Functioning like a trunk for your truck, this durable storage box mounts at the rear of the bed and provides 11 cubic feet of interior space. Its seamless roto-molded construction resists corrosion and impact, while the portable design with integrated wheels and handle ensures you can easily transport it to your garage or campsite when needed.
  • UnderCover Swing Case Truck Bed Toolbox: Perfect for maximizing underutilized bed space, this compact toolbox carves out 75 pounds of storage capacity between the rear wheel well and tailgate. Heavy-duty steel hinges allow it to swing open for easy access, while a sealed lid and key-lockable handle keep out dust, moisture, and theft.

Tonneau and Toolbox Combos

If you’re looking for a no-compromise solution, consider an integrated system that combines a toolbox and tonneau cover in one unit. These products are designed to work seamlessly together—no fitment guesswork and no modification needed.

  • Truck Covers USA American Work Cover: Built for heavy use, this manual-retracting tonneau features double-walled aluminum panels with a 550-lb. weight capacity and a slim, 8-inch canister housing an integrated galvanized steel toolbox. Both are finished in a textured black powder coat for long-term durability and feature a low-profile, flush-mount look. The cover latches every 12 inches for flexible access and can be upgraded with powered lock actuators, LED cargo lighting, and chrome handles. Made in the USA.
  • Truck Covers USA American Work Cover Jr.: A more compact version of the American Work Cover, this retractable tonneau delivers the same rugged aluminum construction in a lighter, more streamlined build. Its matte black finish and ultra-slim 8-inch canister provide a clean, modern look, while the automatic latch system allows flexible positioning and secure closure anywhere along the rails. Integrated drain tubes keep water out, and a pull strap makes operation smooth and simple. Made in the USA.
  • Stowe 2-in-1 Cargo System: Combining secure storage and full bed protection in one sleek package, this dual-compartment system prioritizes convenience without compromising on durability or style. The front toolbox section is tall enough for a five-gallon pail, long enough for a set of golf clubs, and holds up to 400 lbs. of gear. Plus, it sits about five inches above the truck bed floor, so you can fully utilize floorspace in the rear tonneau compartment, hauling lumber, plywood, and other long cargo. Both parts are key-lockable and supported by gas struts for smooth, easy access. Built with heavy-duty composite panels and a powder-coated aluminum frame, this system resists corrosion and impact damage while maintaining a low-profile design that won’t obstruct your rear view. Made in the USA.

Get the Best of Both Worlds at Parts Via

Ready to outfit your truck bed with the perfect toolbox and tonneau combination? Browse the full selection of compatible covers and toolboxes on Parts Via, where you’ll find top brands, reliable designs, and detailed product information to help you make the right choice. Don’t forget to take advantage of our fast, FREE ship-to-store option at checkout—especially for larger, heavier items like these that can otherwise rack up shipping costs. Your truck upgrade is just a few clicks away!

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