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.
What’s Covered in This Guide:
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.
| 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.
| 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.
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.
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.
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.
Which toolbox is best for vans?
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.
What type of toolbox is best for towing and trailer applications?
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.
Are underbody toolboxes waterproof?
Most underbody toolboxes are designed with weather-resistant seals to help protect tools and equipment from water, road spray, and debris.
How do I measure for a truck toolbox?
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.
Where should a toolbox be mounted on a trailer?
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.
What are tool pods used for?
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.
Can toolboxes be fitted to trailers and horseboxes?
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.
Explore the full range of:
- Plastic Truck Toolboxes
- Steel Truck Toolboxes
- Aluminium Truck Toolboxes
- Truck Bed Tool Box
- Tool Pods and Retrocabs
Looking to order in bulk? Apply for a trade account to access trade pricing and business support.