Do you need a truck tool box to make the most out of your truck’s bed space and stay organized? If you are looking for how to install a truck tool box, then you’ve come to the right place. Truck tool box installation is normally a fairly simple process once you know what to do.
Step 1: Choose the Best Truck Tool Box for Your Needs
To install a truck tool box, you need to find the perfect one. Consider where and how you want to store your tools before you purchase a tool box, let alone start to install it.
- You might want a truck tool box like our ADAPT Single Lid tool box for your truck bed.
- Our ADAPT Lo-Side tool box is another great option.
- If your truck has a flatbed, you can look at our Underbody Carbon Steel option.
To find the best tool box for your truck, you should first measure the length, width, and height of your truck bed.
Next, you should consider the make and model of your truck to ensure that it is compatible with the type of tool box that you are considering.
Take note of the internal cargo room as well as any dividers or organizational features the box contains. Always take into consideration what you need your truck tool box for. The size and type of items will play a role in what type of tool box you need. We have tons of options for you to choose the right tool box.
Step 2: Prepare Your Truck
Clean out your truck bed or wherever you decide to place your truck tool box before you begin to install your truck tool box. You can also add a protective lining of high-quality foam padding before you install your truck tool box that will create a nice cushion between your truck bed and truck tool box during installation.
Step 3: Properly Align Your Truck Tool Box
Many trucks now come with pre-drilled holes, making it easy to install a tool box. In addition, this ensures that you can get the job done quickly. You will need to remove all of the rubber plugs you may find from the pre-existing holes on your truck. The bottom of your tool box should align with these pre-drilled holes.
Some truck models don’t have existing holes for installing a truck tool box. First, you will need to measure the tool box and drill holes that align with the holes at the bottom of the truck tool box. Use a durable metal drill bit to drill holes based on your measurements. Depending on the type of tool box, you may need to drill four to six holes. Luckily, our ADAPT truck tool boxes at Chandler Truck Accessories don’t require holes to be drilled in order to install one.
Step 4: Lift and Guide the Truck Tool Box
Once your truck is prepared, it’s time to lift and guide the box into place. One of the many benefits of our truck tool boxes is that they’re made with quality aluminum; in most cases, truck boxes are heavy and made with steel, requiring more than one person to lift and install. Our aluminum design makes it possible to install the box on your own.
To install the box seamlessly and successfully, start by putting down the tailgate. Then, lift the box onto the tailgate and slowly guide it over the bedrails. Before you guide it in place, make sure your rubber strip or foam padding is in position on the bed rail.
Step 5: Secure the Truck Tool Box During Installation
Install any mounting hardware that may have come with your truck tool box. You will need to hold the truck tool box in place. Align the holes of the truck tool box with the pre-drilled holes. You can use standard nuts and bolts or even J-hooks to secure the box in place. Just be sure not to overtighten J-hooks and other necessary hardware; since bed rails are generally hard plastic, overtightening hooks can cause bending in the rails.
The total number of bolts you’ll need will depend on your truck and the type of tool box you have, so be sure to check first before you start your truck tool box installation.
Chandler Truck Accessories Tool Box Installation Instructions
Looking for information on how to install one of our truck tool boxes or other products? Refer to our installation instructions page, our YouTube channel or even give us a call and we will be happy to assist you.