Choosing a truck toolbox

Short answer: Choose the box style by where it mounts, the size by the space you measure, and steel or aluminum by weight and budget. Then pick latches and locks your crew will actually use. We mount it as part of your build.

Who this is for

Flatbed and service body owners adding storage
Pickup owners who want tools locked up without a cap
Dealers and fleets that want the same boxes on every truck

How to decide

Step 1: Where will it mount?

Style	Mounts	Good for	Watch for
Underbody	under a flatbed or body frame	keeping the deck clear	ground clearance, fenders, brackets
Crossover (saddle)	across the pickup bed rails behind the cab	reaching tools from both sides	blocks some rear-window view
Chest	on the bed floor	big tools	takes bed space
Side-mount	along the bed rails	small tools in reach	narrows usable bed width

Underbody boxes are the usual choice on flatbeds, because the deck stays clear for cargo and the gooseneck. Crossovers are the usual choice on pickups that keep the factory bed. Chests and side-mounts fill gaps where neither works.

Step 2: Measure the space

Measure before you choose a size. Write the numbers down and send them with your quote request.

Underbody: measure the length between the cab or fender and the rear tire. Then measure the drop from the bed to the lowest point you can allow, keeping safe ground clearance for curbs, ramps and job sites.
Crossover: measure the bed width at the rails, and check for rail caps or tie-down tracks that could get in the way.
Chest or side-mount: measure the floor or rail length you're willing to give up.

Step 3: Common sizes

Buyers' black steel underbody boxes come in two common cross-sections, 18" x 18" and 24" x 24", plus a compact 14" x 16" box. The 18" x 18" boxes fit under many flatbeds. The 24" x 24" boxes hold more but need more ground clearance.

Box	Size (H x D x L)	Weight	Latches
Buyers 1702305	18 x 18 x 36"	92 lb	1
Buyers 1702310	18 x 18 x 48"	Ask us	2
Buyers 1702315	18 x 18 x 60"	143 lb	2
Buyers 1704305	24 x 24 x 36"	116 lb	1
Buyers 1704310	24 x 24 x 48"	145 lb	2
Buyers 1703303	14 x 16 x 30"	65 lb	1

Source: Buyers Products truck toolbox catalog (TBLIT_P), p.11. Specs change; we confirm fitment and weights on every quote.

Specs and weights are supplied by the manufacturer and may vary. Confirm details with VSI before ordering.

Step 4: Steel or aluminum

Steel boxes cost less and resist dents. Buyers' black underbody boxes are 14-gauge steel with a black powder coat inside and out. Aluminum boxes weigh less and don't rust. Weight adds up fast: two 60" steel boxes are close to 300 lb before you put a tool in them. That weight comes out of payload, so count it when you plan the truck.

Step 5: Doors, latches and seals

Underbody boxes use a drop-down door that doubles as a shelf while you work. Look for a latch and gasket that keep water and dust out. Buyers' black boxes use a stainless latch, a hidden hinge and a replaceable gasket, so a worn seal can be swapped instead of replacing the box. Longer boxes carry two latches. If one truck carries several boxes, ask us about matching keys.

Mounting

Underbody boxes need brackets made for the box size and the bed, sold separately. The bracket matters as much as the box: the wrong one can leave the box loose or too low. We mount to the box and bed makers' instructions, and check that doors open clear of tires, fenders and steps. We mount boxes on most beds and bodies, including ones we didn't sell. When you order a new flatbed, spec the boxes with it, so they go on in the same visit.

Planning a fleet

If you run several trucks, pick one box layout and repeat it. Crews find tools faster when every truck is the same. Send us the layout once, with the list of units, and we'll quote and install it across the order.

Fitment: Send a photo with a tape measure in it and the truck year, make and model. We'll confirm the box and bracket before we order.

Sources: Buyers Products truck toolbox catalog (TBLIT_P), underbody table p.11; Buyers toolbox mounting instructions (3000105_E).