Quick answer: This ute tool box buying guide comes down to six steps. Measure your tray. Choose how the box opens: from the side, from the top or under the tray. Pick checker plate or flat plate aluminium, and a colour. Check the lock, the seal and the hinge. Then plan the mounting. Most of our side opening ute tool boxes are 600mm wide and 820mm high, in lengths from 900mm to 2,100mm.
Each step below uses the sizes and specs from our own range, so you can compare like with like.
Step 1: Measure your tray before you shop
Ute trays are not all the same. The size changes with the make, the model, the year and the tray brand. A factory tub and an aftermarket tray can be very different, even on the same ute.
Grab a tape measure and write down:
- Inside length, from the front wall to the tailgate.
- Inside width, at the narrowest point.
- Width between the wheel arches, if you have a tub.
- Depth, from the floor to the top of the side wall.
Leave 20–30mm of clearance on each measurement. That gives room for mounting hardware. Our guide to tool box dimensions for popular utes lists rough tub sizes for common models. Treat those as a guide only, and measure your own ute.
Also think about what you carry. Long tools need length. Power tools need depth. Small parts need drawers or shelves.
Step 2: Choose how the tool box opens
How you reach your gear matters a lot. Think about what you grab every day, and what stays packed for weeks. Our guide to the types of ute tool boxes compares them in detail.
Side opening tool boxes
Side opening boxes sit on the tray and open along the side of the ute. You can reach in from the ground, without climbing up. Our full opening tool boxes open along most of the side. We also carry 3/4 opening tool boxes.
Common sizes are 1,400mm, 1,700mm and 2,100mm long, 600mm wide and 820mm high. For trucks, there are taller 1,400mm and 1,900mm truck tool boxes that stand 1,200mm high.
Want drawers? Our tool boxes with drawers come in lengths from 1,400mm to 2,100mm. Drawers keep small parts sorted and easy to find.
Top opening and chest tool boxes
Top opening tool boxes have a lid that lifts up. They suit bulky gear that you lift straight out. They are also lower. Our chest boxes are 500mm high, against 820mm for most side opening boxes. Lengths run from 860mm to 2,000mm.
Under tray tool boxes
Under tray tool boxes bolt in under the tray, so the deck stays clear for loads. Ute sizes run from 580mm to 940mm long. Truck sizes run up to 1,200mm long. Check the space under your tray first. Parts like the exhaust can get in the way.
Part canopies and gullwing boxes
Want full-height storage behind the cab? Look at our ute canopies. Most are 1,770mm long and 820mm high. Our ute canopy sizes guide explains how to measure for one.
Step 3: Choose the material and finish
Our tool boxes are aluminium. Our FAQs page quotes 1060 grade aluminium, 2–2.5mm thick depending on the model. Each product page lists its own thickness, so check the "Thickness" line before you buy.
Checker plate
Checker plate has a raised pattern on the surface. Many of our checker plate boxes list 3mm including the checker and 2.5mm excluding it. The right way to measure is at the thinnest part, not across the raised pattern. Most checker plate boxes come in raw aluminium. A few come in black.
Flat plate
Flat plate is smooth. Most of our flat plate boxes list 2.5mm. They come in three colours: raw aluminium, black powder coat and white powder coat.
If you want white, choose flat plate. Our guide to checker plate vs flat plate has the pros and cons.
Step 4: Check the locks
Locks differ across the range. The product page tells you which lock each box has.
- Whale tail locks come with a barrel and key, plus the option to padlock. Most of our side opening boxes and part canopies use them.
- T-handle locks are common on top opening and chest boxes. Many of these listings offer an upgrade to a compress pad lockable T-lock.
- Push locks with keys are fitted to some smaller top opening and under tray boxes.
Buying more than one box? We can key the locks alike, so one key opens them all. Ask for it in the delivery instructions at checkout.
For extra security, see our locks and lock parts and toolbox alarms. There is also a 12V central locking attachment for our whale tail locks. It only suits the whale tail locks we supply. If you are unsure, send us a photo of the back of your lock.
Step 5: Check seals, struts and hinges
Look for these lines in the spec list:
- Rubber seal. Our side opening boxes mostly use a steel pinch rubber dust and water seal. Top opening boxes mostly use a curved dust and water seal.
- Gas struts. These hold the lid or door open while you work.
- Hinge. Look for a full length piano hinge. Many of our boxes use stainless steel.
- Welding. Look for fully welded seams.
- Keys. Our boxes come with between two and eight keys, depending on the model.
Step 6: Plan the mounting
Plan how the box will be bolted down before you buy. Our tool box mounting kit has four M10 countersunk hex bolts, four Nyloc nuts, four 10mm washers and four 65mm fitting washers.
We do not offer fitting in store. Our team can suggest an installer about 50 metres from our Prestons warehouse.
One tip: check the box over before you drill. To return an item for a change of mind, it must be in its original condition, not drilled or altered.
Also think about weight. Every box you add uses part of your ute's payload. Our guide to GVM, payload and toolbox weight explains how.
Questions people ask
What size tool box fits my ute?
Measure the inside of your tray or tub and leave 20–30mm of clearance. Then compare with the box size on the product page. Most of our side opening boxes are 600mm wide, so check your tray has the room.
How do I install a ute tool box?
Sit the box where you want it, mark the holes, check underneath, then drill and bolt through with large washers and locking nuts. For boxes under the tray, see how to mount an under tray tool box. If you would rather not do it yourself, we can suggest an installer near our Prestons warehouse.
Can I get a tool box for a ute tub?
Yes. Top opening and chest boxes suit a tub, and we also have tub liner toolboxes. Measure between the wheel arches first.
Can the locks on two tool boxes be keyed alike?
Yes. Ask for keyed-alike locks in the delivery instructions at checkout.
Your ute tool box checklist
- Tray length, width and depth measured, plus 20–30mm clearance.
- Opening style chosen: side, top, under tray or canopy.
- Checker plate or flat plate picked.
- Colour picked: raw, black or white (white is flat plate only).
- Lock type checked, and keyed alike requested if you need it.
- Seal, gas struts and hinge checked on the spec list.
- Mounting planned before you drill.
- Weight checked against your payload.
Ready to compare? Browse all our ute tool boxes.
Delivery, pickup and our showroom
Tools In A Box is a family-owned Australian business. We started in Belfield in 2012 and moved to Prestons in 2013.
We deliver Australia-wide from our Prestons warehouse in NSW. About 98% of products are dispatched within one business day. Allow 1–5 business days for delivery, and up to 10 for some places. Items go by courier or Australia Post, depending on size and weight. You get a tracking number.
Prefer to see it first? Visit our showroom inside the warehouse at Unit 13, 340 Hoxton Park Road, Prestons NSW 2170. You can view and buy on the spot. We are open Monday to Friday 9am–5.30pm and Saturday 9am–1pm. Pickup from Prestons is also available. Bookings are essential.