TransQuip Toolbox Buying Guide_ How to Choose the Right Toolbox

May 29, 2025
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Aluminium vs Plastic vs Steel Toolbox Comparison, Materials, Strength, and Use Cases

How to Choose the Right Toolbox, TransQuip Vehicle Toolbox Guide

TransQuip is the UK’s trusted supplier of commercial vehicle toolboxes, built for every trade and terrain.

Choosing the right toolbox for your vehicle is essential for keeping your tools secure, organised, and easy to access. This toolbox buying guide from TransQuip covers everything you need to know, from measuring your mounting space to selecting the best material and toolbox style for your work vehicle.

Choose the Right Toolbox for Your Vehicle

Selecting the right commercial vehicle toolbox depends on your vehicle type, working environment, storage requirements, and weight considerations. Whether you need a lightweight storage solution for a van, a heavy-duty toolbox for demanding environments, or a corrosion-resistant option for long-term durability, TransQuip offers a range of vehicle toolboxes designed for different applications.

Toolbox Type Best For Main Benefit
Plastic Toolboxes Vans and light commercial vehicles Lightweight and corrosion resistant
Steel Toolboxes Heavy-duty applications and HGVs High strength and durability
Aluminium Toolboxes Weight-sensitive vehicle builds Lightweight with corrosion resistance
Basic Steel Toolboxes Cost-effective commercial storage Practical and economical

Plastic Toolboxes, Ideal for Vans and Light-Duty Use

Plastic truck toolboxes are a practical choice for vans, service vehicles, and general day-to-day use where lightweight storage and corrosion resistance are important.

For larger storage capacity, the Daken Arka 81209 and Daken Welvet 81008 provide additional space for tools, equipment, and accessories while maintaining a durable and lightweight design.

If you need a compact storage solution for smaller tools and limited installation spaces, the Daken Just 81102 and Daken Welvet 81002 are suitable for commercial vehicles requiring efficient day-to-day storage.

Steel Toolboxes, Built for Heavy-Duty Applications

Steel truck toolboxes are commonly used on HGVs, tankers, tippers, and demanding working environments where strength and durability are essential.

The TransQuip steel toolbox range is available in multiple finishes, including polished stainless steel, matt stainless steel, flowered plate styles, and black powder-coated options to suit different operational and vehicle requirements.

Aluminium Toolboxes, Lightweight and Corrosion Resistant

Aluminium truck toolboxes are suitable for operators looking to reduce vehicle weight while maintaining strength and resistance to corrosion.

They are commonly used on commercial vehicles operating in exposed environments where long-term durability and rust resistance are important.

Basic Steel Toolboxes, Cost-Effective Storage Solutions

Basic steel toolboxes provide a reliable and economical storage solution for demanding working conditions.

They are suitable for businesses looking for practical commercial vehicle storage while maintaining cost efficiency across fleet and vehicle installations.

How to Measure and Choose the Correct Toolbox Size

Choosing the correct toolbox starts with accurate measurements. Here’s how to get it right:

  • Measure the available mounting area on your vehicle, including length, width, and height.
  • Take into account the volume of tools or equipment you plan to store.
  • Allow additional clearance space for easy lid opening and safe access.
  • Consider how the mounting position, such as underbody, trailer-mounted, or behind-cab installation, may affect fitment, accessibility, and the type of mounting brackets required for secure installation.

A properly sized toolbox helps ensure secure installation and convenient access to tools without interfering with normal vehicle operation.

Toolbox Mounting Guide:

Underbody Storage Boxes

Mounted beneath the vehicle chassis, underbody toolboxes are ideal for HGVs, tippers, and service trucks. They provide secure and weather-resistant storage without taking up deck space, making them suitable for heavy-duty tools while helping keep the load area clear.

These toolboxes are typically installed using heavy-duty mounting brackets that secure the unit directly to the vehicle chassis. Proper bracket installation is essential to ensure stability, safety, and long-term durability under load and road conditions.

To see a full step-by-step guide on how underbody toolboxes are installed and fixed securely using mounting brackets, visit our installation guide: How to install underbody toolboxes using brackets.

Tool Pods (Behind-Cab Mounting)

Mounted directly behind the cab and spanning the width of the chassis, tool pods and retrocabs provide additional front-of-body storage for tools and equipment. They are commonly used on flatbeds and tippers where space behind the cab is available.

Side-Chest, Wheel-Well & Truck Bed Toolboxes

Commonly used on pickup trucks and service vehicles, these toolboxes mount along the bed rails, over rear wheel arches, or directly on the truck bed to provide secure and accessible tool storage. 

Truck bed toolboxes are typically installed across the front or side sections of the pickup bed, helping maximise storage space while keeping tools organised and easy to access. These storage solutions are commonly used by tradespeople and service operators who require quick and practical access to equipment throughout the working day.

What Toolbox Is Best for My Vehicle? Compare Plastic, Aluminium & Steel

Plastic Toolboxes

Plastic toolboxes are lightweight, corrosion resistant, and suitable for light-duty commercial applications. They are commonly used on vans, trailers, and enclosed service vehicles where reduced weight and weather resistance are important.

Plastic Trailer Toolbox-Daken Blackit Lite-24L
Daken Just 750R (model 81105) 47.5L truck toolbox for commercial vehicles, dimensions 750 x 350 x 300mm.
Daken ARKA 685 Truck Toolbox (ARKA 81205) measuring 685mm x 500mm x 500mm
Code Series External Dimension (mm) L x H x D Weight (kg) Capacity (Lt) Optimal Load (kg)
81000 Welvet 410x348x340 2,8 28,8 40
81002 Welvet 480x400x400 4,7 39,5 50
81100 Just 500x350x300 3,0 27 40
81102 Just 500x350x400 3,5 40 40
82201 Blackit 550x250x295 2,8 23 20
82202 Blackit 550x250x295 2,9 23 20
82210 Blackit Lite 550x255x310 2,3 24 20
82211 Blackit Lite 555x250x310 2,2 24 20
81104 Just 600x415x460 5 70 50
81004 Welvet 630x450x480 7,7 78,5 60
81204 Arka 655x450x470 7,6 74 80
81205 Arka 685x500x500 6,8 109 50
82203 Blackit 750x300x355 4,5 50,6 30
81105 Just 750x350x300 4,4 48 45
81106 Just 750x350x450 5,2 75 45
81108 Just 826x500x470 7,8 127 50
81006 Welvet 830x500x470 10.5 120 50
81206 Arka 858x522x500 10,5 134 80
81109 Just 900x367x300 5,4 58 50
81110 Just 900x367x450 6,6 90 50
81008 Welvet 1030x500x455 12,4 147 70
81208 Arka 1062x522x500 13,3 169 80
81209 Arka 1250x522x500 15,4 203 80 or 115

Aluminium Toolboxes

Aluminium toolboxes combine strength with corrosion resistance while remaining lightweight. They are suitable for commercial vans, HGVs, trailers, and campervans where durability and vehicle weight are important considerations.

Aluminium Truck Toolbox
Daken Aluminium Toolbox
DakenAluminum Toolbox -1200x500x500-270L
Daken Toolbox with Aluminium Tread Plate
Code External Dim. Weight (Kg) Capacity (Lt) Finishing Closing System
8Z7200 400x300x300 4,2 32 Aluminium Stainless steel NexT handle
8Z7400 Aluminium NexT handle in nylon
8Z7800 400x300x300 5 32,4 Aluminium tread plate NexT handle in nylon
8Z7600 Aluminium tread plate Stainless steel NexT handle
8Z7210 500x350x400 6,1 63 Aluminium Stainless steel NexT handle
8Z7410 Aluminium NexT handle in nylon
8Z7810 500x350x400 7,2 63 Aluminium tread plate NexT handle in nylon
8Z7610 Aluminium tread plate Stainless steel NexT handle
8Z7220 600x400x500 8,6 108 Aluminium Stainless steel NexT handle
8Z7420 Aluminium NexT handle in nylon
8Z7820 600x400x500 10 108 Aluminium tread plate NexT handle in nylon
8Z7620 Aluminium tread plate Stainless steel NexT handle
8Z7240 800x500x500 12,2 180 Aluminium Stainless steel NexT handle
8Z7440 Aluminium NexT handle in nylon
8Z7820 800x500x500 14,3 180 Aluminium tread plate NexT handle in nylon
8Z7640 Aluminium tread plate Stainless steel NexT handle
8Z7260 1000x500x500 14,5 225 Aluminium Stainless steel NexT handle
8Z7460 Aluminium NexT handle in nylon
8Z7860 1000x500x500 17 225 Aluminium tread plate NexT handle in nylon
8Z7660 Aluminium tread plate Stainless steel NexT handle
8Z7280 1200x500x500 16,9 270 Aluminium Stainless steel NexT handle
8Z7480 Aluminium NexT handle in nylon
8Z7880 1200x500x500 22 270 Aluminium tread plate NexT handle in nylon
8Z7680 Aluminium tread plate Stainless steel NexT handle

Steel & Basic Steel Toolboxes

Steel toolboxes provide increased strength, security, and durability for demanding working environments. They are commonly used on HGVs, tankers, tippers, and commercial vehicles operating in harsh conditions.

DAKEN ZEN10
DAKEN ZEN30-Black powder coated electro-galvanized steel Truck Toolbox
Aluminium toolbox
Steel Retrocab
TransQuip-DAKEN ZEN22 Toolbox
Retrocab Toolpod with NexT handle and hinged door

Steel toolboxes

Code External Dim. Weight (Kg) Capacity (Lt) Finishing Closing System
8Z1200 400x300x300 8,9 32 Polished stainless steel Stainless steel NexT handle
8Z2200 Matt stainless steel Stainless steel NexT handle
8Z3000 Electro-galvanised coated steel NexT handle in nylon
8Z1210 500x350x400 14,6 63 Polished stainless steel Stainless steel NexT handle
8Z2210 Matt stainless steel Stainless steel NexT handle
8Z3010 Electro-galvanised coated steel NexT handle in nylon
8Z1220 600x500x400 22,3 108 Polished stainless steel Stainless steel NexT handle
8Z2220 Matt stainless steel Stainless steel NexT handle
8Z3020 Electro-galvanised coated steel NexT handle in nylon
8Z6220 Flowered stainless steel NexT handle in nylon
8Z1020 BA polished ZEN Polished
8Z2020 Matt stainless steel Matt stainless steel ZEN handle
8Z1240 800x500x500 28,1 180 Polished stainless steel Stainless steel NexT handle
8Z2240 Matt stainless steel Stainless steel NexT handle
8Z3040 Electro-galvanised coated steel NexT handle in nylon
8Z3040002 800x400x400 28,1 Electro-galvanised coated steel NexT handle in nylon
8Z1260 1000x500x500 33,4 225 Polished stainless steel Stainless steel NexT handle
8Z2260 Matt stainless steel Stainless steel NexT handle
8Z3060 Electro-galvanised coated steel NexT handle in nylon
8Z1060 BA polished ZEN Polished
8Z6260 Flowered stainless steel NexT handle in nylon
8Z1280 1200x500x500 38,6 270 Polished stainless steel Stainless steel NexT handle
8Z2280 Matt stainless steel Stainless steel NexT handle
8Z3080 Electro-galvanised coated steel NexT handle in nylon
8Z1290 1450x500x500 45,1 326 Polished stainless steel Stainless steel NexT handle
8Z2290 Matt stainless steel Stainless steel NexT handle
8Z3000 Electro-galvanised coated steel NexT handle in nylon

Basic Steel toolboxes

Code External Dim. Weight (Kg) Capacity (Lt) Finishing
8B1000 400x300x160 4,3 17 Galvanized steel
8B2000 Matt Stainless Steel AISI 304 2B
8B3000 Electro-galvanised coated steel
8Z6000 AISI 304 flowered stainless steel
8B1001 400x300x300 6 32 Galvanized steel
8B2001 Matt Stainless Steel AISI 304 2B
8B3001 Electro-galvanised coated steel
8B6001 AISI 304 flowered stainless steel
8B1010 500x300x300 7 40,5 Galvanized steel
8B2010 Matt Stainless Steel AISI 304 2B
8B3010 Electro-galvanised coated steel
8B6010 AISI 304 flowered stainless steel
8B1011 500x300x400 8,2 60 Galvanized steel
8B2011 Matt Stainless Steel AISI 304 2B
8B3011 Electro-galvanised coated steel
8B6011 AISI 304 flowered stainless steel
8B1020 600x400x500 12,7 108 Galvanized steel
8B2020 Matt Stainless Steel AISI 304 2B
8B3020 Electro-galvanised coated steel
8B6020 AISI 304 flowered stainless steel
8B1040 800x400x400 13,7 115 Galvanized steel
8B2040 Matt Stainless Steel AISI 304 2B
8B3040 Electro-galvanised coated steel
8B6040 AISI 304 flowered stainless steel
8B1041 800x500x500 18 180 Galvanized steel
8B2041 Matt Stainless Steel AISI 304 2B
8B3041 Electro-galvanised coated steel
8B6041 AISI 304 flowered stainless steel
8B1060 1000x500x500 21 225 Galvanized steel
8B2060 Matt Stainless Steel AISI 304 2B
8B3060 Electro-galvanised coated steel
8B6060 AISI 304 flowered stainless steel

Retrocabs

Code External Dimension (mm) L x H x D Weight (kg) Capacity (Lt) Closing System
8Z5100 600x900x1900 125 923 Shutter door
21446 600x900x1900 97,2 923 NexT handle in nylon
8Z5110 600x900x2000 146 972 Shutter door
8Z5010 600x900x2000 101,3 972 NexT handle in nylon
8Z5111 600x1200x2000 140 1296 Shutter door
8Z5011 600x1200x2000 126,3 1296 NexT handle in nylon
8Z5112 600x1450x2000 163 1566 Shutter door
8Z5012 600x1450x2000 150,4 1566 NexT handle in nylon
8Z5131 800x1200x2000 163 1728 Shutter door
8Z5031 800x1200x2000 142,0 1728 NexT handle in nylon
8Z5122000 800x1450x1950 163 1984 Shutter door
8Z5032 800x1450x2000 167,4 2088 NexT handle in nylon
8Z5132 800x1450x2000 174 2088 Shutter door

Best Toolbox Options by Vehicle Type

• Toolbox Solutions for Campervans

Aluminium and plastic toolboxes help maintain a lightweight vehicle setup while providing secure and practical storage solutions.

• Best Toolboxes for Commercial Trucks

Depending on available space, storage requirements, and working conditions, commercial trucks may benefit from underbody toolboxes, tool pods, steel toolboxes, aluminium toolboxes, or plastic storage boxes.

• HGVs Transporting Flammable Goods

Stainless steel and heavy-duty steel toolboxes mounted underbody are commonly used where additional durability and secure storage are required in demanding transport environments.

• Toolbox Solutions for Trailers, Horseboxes & Tow Vehicles

TransQuip offers practical storage solutions for trailers, horseboxes, tow vehicles, and utility transport applications. Products such as the Daken Blackit range and Daken Pitbox range are designed for secure external storage on trailer chassis, A-frame installations, and towing setups.

For compact tow vehicle and trailer applications, models such as the DAKEN Blackit 1 are commonly used where lightweight and weather-resistant storage is required. These toolbox options are designed to help store straps, recovery equipment, tools, and towing accessories securely while remaining easy to access during transport and daily operations.

Plastic tool box on a trailer
Plastic trailer toolbox installed on an A-frame
Trailer plastic tool box-Blackit 1 Plastic Toolbox
Trailer tool box on horse box_Blackit 1 Plastic Toolbox

Tips for Proper Toolbox Fitment and Clearance on Your Vehicle

  • Avoid obstructing the driver’s view or reducing ground clearance.
  • Read our toolbox installation guide to ensure correct mounting bracket alignment and secure toolbox installation.
  • Ensure lids and doors can open fully without obstruction.
  • Use stainless steel or corrosion-resistant fittings for improved long-term durability.
  • Confirm the toolbox capacity is suitable for daily operational requirements.
Tips for Proper Toolbox Fitment and Clearance on Your Vehicle

Top Toolbox Features for Security and Durability

When choosing a commercial vehicle toolbox, consider features that help improve durability, security, and long-term reliability:

  • Reinforced lids for additional structural strength

  • Secure locking systems and tamper-resistant designs

  • Protective finishes to help prevent corrosion and surface damage

  • Weather and shock resistance demanding environments

  • Resistance to temperature, fire, UV, and chemicals for lasting durability

  • Suitable internal capacity for tools and equipment storage

Toolbox Buying Guide FAQs

What is the best toolbox material for commercial vehicles?

Plastic toolboxes are lightweight and corrosion resistant, aluminium toolboxes help reduce vehicle weight while maintaining durability, and steel toolboxes are suitable for heavy-duty working environments.

Plastic toolboxes are commonly used on vans due to their lighter weight and corrosion resistance. The most suitable option depends on your available mounting space and storage requirements.

For towing and trailer applications, lightweight and weather-resistant toolboxes are usually preferred. Plastic and compact storage solutions such as the Daken Blackit 1 are commonly used due to their durability and suitability for external mounting in demanding conditions.

Most underbody toolboxes are designed with weather-resistant seals to help protect tools and equipment from water, road spray, and debris.

Measure the available mounting area on the vehicle, including the length, depth, and height. Allow additional clearance space for opening lids and accessing stored tools safely.

Toolbox measurement guide showing arrows for height (bottom to top), length (side to side across the front), and depth (front to back) to help choose the correct toolbox size

Toolboxes on trailers are typically mounted on the chassis rails, A-frames, straight drawbars, or trailer side boards using dedicated mounting brackets to ensure secure installation without affecting load space. Bracket systems such as the Blackit brackets for A-frame drawbars, Blackit brackets for straight drawbars, and Blackit brackets for car trailer side boards help provide stable and secure fitting while keeping tools protected and easy to access during transport and daily use.

Tool pods are mounted behind the cab and provide additional external storage for tools, straps, and equipment without reducing load space on the vehicle body.

Yes, many toolboxes such as the Daken Blackit range and Daken Pitbox  are commonly used on trailers, horseboxes, and tow vehicles. They are designed for secure external mounting on chassis rails and A-frame installations, providing weather-resistant storage for straps, tools, and towing equipment.

Whether you require lightweight plastic storage, corrosion-resistant aluminium toolboxes, or heavy-duty steel solutions for demanding environments, TransQuip offers toolbox options for vans, HGVs, trailers, tippers, and commercial vehicle fleets.

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