For contractors, staying organized on the job is non-negotiable. Whether you're tackling small projects or managing large-scale builds, having quick access to the right tools can make or break your day. If you think it’s time to upgrade your storage equipment, side-mount toolboxes are game-changers for boosting productivity.
Unlike other storage solutions, side-mount toolboxes allow for easy, immediate access to your gear without the hassle of climbing into the truck bed—and that spells time saved and profits maximized. Let’s dive into why these toolboxes are an essential investment for any contractor, and highlight some top-quality options you can find right here on Parts Via.
What Are Side-Mount Toolboxes?
Side-mount toolboxes install along a truck’s bed rails, offering easy access to tools, equipment, and other items from the side of the vehicle. Rather than scrambling into the truck bed, you need only reach over the side to get what you need.
The two most popular types of side-mount toolbox are topside boxes and bed side boxes.
- Topside boxes mount on top of the bed rail, leaving the truck bed available for larger cargo. These boxes feature a vertical lid that lifts up from a top hinge, opening 90 degrees for easy access.
- Bed side boxes, sometimes called truck side toolboxes, sit further inside the truck bed, with the tops of the boxes resting along the bed rail and the lids opening like a standard toolbox. They take up more cargo space than topsiders, but still leave the truck bed floor open for storage.
Both of these styles are incredibly useful for contractors and other workers in the trades. In addition to adding valuable storage without hogging the bed, these toolboxes also make it easier to access items while on the job. And when your day-to-day involves bending, reaching, leaning, pulling, and any other number of physical strains, those ergonomic selling-points really add up.
While not quite as popular, two other forms of side-mount toolboxes include underbody boxes and wheel well boxes. Underbody boxes are a common solution for workers who operate trucks without traditional beds, like flatbed trailers or dump trucks, because they install underneath the bed, providing extra storage and easy side access. Wheel Well boxes, sometimes called fender boxes or porkchop boxes, install within the truck bed over the wheel well, making good use of an otherwise wasted space.
For this article, we’re focusing on the first two types of side-mount toolboxes mentioned here.
Why Are Side-Mount Toolboxes Ideal for Contractors?
If you’ve ever so much as whispered “truck toolbox” near your smartphone, then you know how vast and varied the selection can be. From low-profile crossover toolboxes and notched utility chests, to the styles we noted above, the algorithm likely served you up more options than you knew what to do with.
So, why should you consider side-mount toolboxes, in particular?
Space-saving: First off, these side-sitting toolboxes greatly maximize truck bed space, ensuring you have plenty of room for large tools or materials while still keeping the essentials accessible.
Efficiency: Being able to open the toolbox from the side of the truck saves you the time (and hassle) of having to climb into the truck bed every time you need a tool. Topside boxes, in particular, have doors that open 90 degrees, so loading and unloading is as easy as placing items into a cubby.
Ergonomics: Eliminating the need to repeatedly stretch, lean, and climb helps relieve stress and strain on your joints.
Durability: Just like their crossover and utility-shaped siblings, these toolbox styles are built to last, featuring weatherproofing, rugged construction materials, and secure locks.
Security: Speaking of locks, these toolboxes offer serious protection against theft and damage, especially on job sites.
Traditional crossover toolboxes and utility chests, while popular, sit deep inside the truck bed, bumped up against the cab where they’re difficult to access. For contractors, a topside or truck side toolbox simply makes sense, saving you time, hassle, and in some cases, physical grief.
That said—if you're looking for the ultimate storage setup, then we recommend combining side-mount toolboxes with a traditional crossover or utility toolbox. This dual setup gives you maximum organization, allowing easy access to essentials from the side while reserving deeper storage space in the bed toolbox for larger or less frequently used items.
Top Picks: Best Side-Mount Toolboxes on Parts Via
Looking for the best side-mount toolboxes for your truck? Here are three highly-rated options from top brands available on Parts Via.
1. WeatherGuard Aluminum Lo-Side Box
For contractors seeking secure, ergonomic storage, the WeatherGuard Lo-Side Box is an excellent choice. With a design that sits low inside your truck bed rails, it features a sloped-lid design that complements modern truck styles, and a tamper-resistant, push-button lock that can be keyed alike across multiple boxes or even an entire fleet. Plus, its 90-degree cover opening and optimized latching system make closing the box effortless—ideal for busy job sites.
Built from durable aluminum with an ARMOR TUF Powder Coat finish, it’s made to withstand harsh conditions, and a full weather seal keeps your tools safe from the elements. Enhanced tie-down buckles offer more clearance for straps, and the no-drill mounting brackets make installation a breeze. Plus, with the WeatherGuard name attached, you know you’re getting a product that’s backed by decades of research, engineering, and happy customers.
2. TrailFX Aluminum Side Mount Toolbox
For contractors just starting out or those working within a budget, the TrailFX Aluminum Side Mount Toolbox offers a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality or features. This toolbox is designed with versatility in mind, as its universal fit allows works across multiple truck applications.
Made from durable aluminum with a polished diamond-tread finish, the box’s lid features two layers of metal with a higher-density foam fill for added strength. The latching system, which uses a stainless-steel latch and patented up-and-over rod, ensures lasting durability without obstructing the toolbox’s interior space. Plus, with the convenience of one-hand opening and the security of double-bitted steel keys, it’s a reliable option for any job site.
3. UWS Topside Toolboxes
For contractors looking to maximize storage space while keeping the truck bed clear for other cargo, UWS Topside Toolboxes are the ideal option. Installing on top of the bed rails, these toolboxes offer convenient access to tools and equipment without encroaching on your truck bed. Made from extra-thick, 0.058” aluminum, they’re built to handle heavy-duty tools and harsh environments.
The stainless steel T-handles offer convenience, security, and corrosion resistance, while the MicroSeal gasket ensures that moisture, dust, and dirt stay out, keeping your tools in top condition. With doors that open 90 degrees and heavy-duty stainless steel aircraft cables supporting the lids, loading and unloading is quick and easy. Available in various lengths and single or double-door configurations, UWS topside boxes are customizable for any truck setup. Plus, they’re assembled in the USA and backed by a limited lifetime warranty, giving you both quality and peace of mind.
Upgrade Your Truck with Parts Via
Side-mount toolboxes offer contractors the ultimate combination of convenience and security, ensuring tools are always within reach and well-protected. Explore top-quality contractor toolboxes on Parts Via, where you’ll find rugged, dependable storage solutions for your truck. Don’t forget to take advantage of our FREE ship-to-store option, so you can better invest in premium tool organization today.