Suppose you're driving a big rig or semi. In that case, you're regularly puzzled by this familiar conundrum: you've got a lot of gear to carry to get you from job to job, and even though you're driving around a massive vehicle, secure storage space is maddeningly scarce. There's just no place to put your tools and equipment. As a result, you're constantly searching for what you need, your tools are lost or damaged, and you're wasting time and money.
The solution to this dilemma is to add high-quality, durable truck toolboxes from Chandler Truck Accessories to your rig. CTA manufactures and sells the toughest toolboxes on the planet. All our toolboxes start at our headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, where we build and ship industrial-strength products to truckers all over the USA and the world. For over 40 years, CTA has created toolboxes that withstand the intense demands of heavy-duty industrial jobs and the toughest conditions.
We've got the box for you if you want a toolbox that can take anything you throw at it.
First, Consider the Material
When shopping for truck toolboxes, two materials stand out as being the industry standard: steel and aluminum. Which one is best?
As it turns out, one isn't really better than the other. Both steel and aluminum are great for truck toolboxes, which is why you'll find both throughout the trucking industry. That said, the materials are different and each brings distinct advantages to the table.
Aluminum
Aluminum is perhaps the most common toolbox material for good reasons. It's strong, durable, and won't rust. Aluminum doesn't become brittle when exposed to low temperatures, and it's malleable, which makes it easy to work with. Aluminum toolboxes can be exposed to wind, snow, and rain, withstand bangs, dings, and even direct hits, and still be good to go. Aluminum is also very lightweight, so that it won't interfere significantly with GVWR or gas mileage.
However, aluminum toolboxes are generally more expensive than steel. But, while the box will cost more initially since it won't drag you down or require any maintenance, that extra cost becomes less relevant over the long term.
Steel
Steel is strong, crazy strong. Nothing you're carrying can penetrate a sturdy, well-constructed steel toolbox. But that strength comes at a price: steel is heavy. In fact, steel is about three times heavier than aluminum. That extra weight can be a big deal. Here are a few examples:
- A single door, 24x12x24 aluminum toolbox weighs about 40 lbs. That same toolbox in steel would be closer to 120 lbs.
- An average large, double door aluminum box that's 24x36x72 weighs roughly 160 lbs. A similar model in steel would weigh nearly 500 lbs.
It's clear that managing GVWRs with steel toolboxes will be more of a challenge when compared to aluminum. And all that weight doesn't harm your fuel economy, either.
And let's not forget about rust. Just like the man of steel is vulnerable to kryptonite, actual steel is vulnerable to water. The slightest exposure to water will cause steel to rust and weaken, which is why steel toolboxes have a powder coating. But that powder coating can get dinged and scratched by road debris or sharp tools; owners of steel toolboxes need to maintain them carefully to guard against corrosion.
So, which is best? Most folks opt for aluminum because of its weight and resistance to rust. But there are a handful of reasons steel might be the right choice. Suppose you're regularly driving your truck over really rough terrain and using your toolbox to carry exceedingly heavy tools and equipment that can damage aluminum. In that case, steel might be the way to go. But, if you want to keep your weight down and avoid maintenance, it's aluminum all the way.
A Great Toolbox
Toolboxes protect your valuable gear and make it easier to find what you need. CTA has a variety of exceptional toolboxes to choose from so you can equip your truck with the storage solutions you need to make your life easier. CTA's toolboxes are also weatherproof and sealed tight, so nothing gets in unless you want it to.
In addition to standard toolbox configurations, CTA offers a number of space-saving options, including the following:
Underbody Toolbox
Underbody toolboxes are perfect for maximizing efficiency without taking up limited space. Whether you choose a barn door or drop-down door model, these versatile boxes can be mounted securely under your truck frame to give you extra storage capacity just where you need it. We have aluminum and steel versions available, as well as smooth or diamond tread surfaces.
Step Toolbox
Step toolboxes give you additional storage space and make accessing your truck easier, something your body will thank you for. Our frame-mounted box lets you step up with ease and adds valuable storage room for your tools and gear. The aluminum body is totally weatherproof and is available in three different sizes.
Save Money and Make Life Easier
Good, solid truck storage saves money and makes life easier. Avoid losing tools, damaging tools, and searching for tools with effective semi-truck and big rig toolboxes from Chandler Truck Accessories.
CTA is here to help you get the truck storage you need. We know that no two truckers are the same, which is why we take the time to listen and get to know you so we can help you get the right storage solutions for your rig. Talk to a member of our team today about styles, materials, sizes, and options to get a sense of possible storage options. Don't wait, call today to upgrade your truck.