What To Keep In Your Truck Toolbox

Steel, aluminum, heavy-duty plastic. Crossover, underbody, saddle box, wheel well. The only thing more diverse than the potential combinations of truck toolboxes is the sheer variety of items that can fill it. But how do you decide what makes the cut?

What items should you keep in your truck toolbox?

While no two toolboxes will ever look the same (nor should they!), there are still certain items that every self-respecting truck owner should consider keeping on hand.

So, whether you’re a fleet operator for a plumbing company, the friendly neighborhood landscaper, or just a busy parent with somewhere to be, here are some good starter lists to help you transform that toolbox from a junk-catcher into valuable real estate.

Basic Supplies

There are certain items you just shouldn’t leave home without, so it’s likely many of these supplies already live somewhere in your vehicle. If not, consider them an ideal place to start when figuring out what to put in that shiny new toolbox.

• Flashlight with spare batteries
• Battery Jump Starter/Jumper Cables
• Zip ties
• Duct tape
• USB cellphone charger
• Plastic rain poncho
• Work gloves
• Paper towels and/or wet wipes
• Tire sealant
• Spare fuses
• Bungee cords/ratcheting straps
• First Aid kit
• Snacks!

Basic Hand Tools

Even if you aren’t the type to regularly engage in DIY activities, you are now a Truck Owner With A Toolbox – and that means the general public will simply assume you have Bob Vila levels of competency when it comes to fixing things. Consider keeping a few of these go-to hand tools within arm’s reach for on-the-road (and beyond) repairs.

• Mechanic’s toolset, complete with a variety of sockets, ratchets, adapters and extensions
• Combination wrench set
• Variously sized pliers
• Screwdriver and drill bit set
• Hex/Allen keys
• Hammer
• Pry bar
• Bolt cutters
• Variety of fasteners like screws, nails, nuts, bolts, and washers
• Utility knife
• Handsaw
• Measuring tape

Hot tip: If you can’t imagine a scenario where you’d need a full suite of hand tools, then we recommend investing in a quality multitool. These handy little devils pack a big punch, with some combining nearly two dozen unique tools into one portable gadget. Plus, the small footprint frees up plenty of space for other important items that may better suit your lifestyle.

Emergency Gear

The basic supplies listed above can help you when travel hiccups occur, but they probably won’t do too much if you find yourself in a real jam. These emergency items lend a little more peace of mind should you be stuck, stranded, or in an accident.

• Safety flares
• Reflective safety triangles
• Reflective safety vest
• ABC-rated fire extinguisher
• Hand-crank radio
• Tow strap
• Heavy-duty shackles
• Portable jack
• Folding shovel
• Medical kit
• Blanket or spare coat
• A few unopened bottles of water

Winter Weather Equipment

If winter occurs in your neck of the woods, make sure to carve out a little room in that truck toolbox to add in these must-have seasonal items.

• Tire chains
• Ice scraper with snow brush
• Traction aid like recovery boards, ice melt, or kitty litter
• De-icer spray
• Survival blanket
• Spare hats and gloves
• Old pair of winter boots
• Extra windshield wiper fluid
• Few packs of air-activated hand warmers
• Spare roll of toilet paper (Trust us on this one.)

With even just a handful of these supplies in your truck toolbox, you’ll be in better position to tackle any unwanted surprises on the road ahead – and you’ll be able to help any fellow motorists in need.

When rugged, reliable truck storage is a necessity, TrailFX toolboxes offer one of the best selections around.

Meet TrailFX

With a wide range of options for all types of owners, TrailFX has the truck equipment and accessories to outfit your vehicle for any occasion. The company’s toolbox lineup includes a variety of popular styles – like Gull Wing, Side Mount, Crossover and Underbody – in both steel and aluminum configurations.

TrailFX reinforces the lids of its aluminum toolboxes with two layers of aluminum and high-density foam, making them some of the strongest and flexible on the market. The body features fully TIG-welded seams and a patented built-in small parts storage bin for extra strength and convenience. To top it off, a high-quality stainless-steel latch makes opening, closing, and locking a breeze.

For steel boxes, TrailFX constructs its units with heavy-duty, 22-gauge steel coated in an electrostatically applied paint to maximize resistance to abrasion and corrosion. A domed lid helps make the box more aerodynamic and cuts down on drag. The easy-grip, double-latch lockable paddle handles to keep the contents secure. Weatherproof, pliable gaskets seal tightly around the box edges, locking out dirt and moisture.

To learn more about TrailFX toolboxes, as well as the brand’s other quality truck accessories, visit: https://www.trailfx.com/