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Decked, the company best known for its truck bed drawer systems, released the Decked Tool Box in January, and I was fortunate to receive one of the first ones off the line. At a glance, it may not appear noteworthy, but after carrying it around and using it for a couple of months, I have to say I am impressed. If you need a virtually indestructible storage solution for your full-size pickup, keep reading. In this Decked Tool Box review, I will share my own experience in order to help you decide if this is the right tool box for you.
Best Truck Tool Box
Photo: Amazon
What We Like
- Heavy-duty build quality
- Lockable and completely waterproof
- Hands-free opening
- Available in 3 colors
What We Like
- Latch sometimes sticks
Product Specs
-
Type:
Saddle -
Material:
Compression-molded SMC -
Capacity:
10.2 cubic feet
Testing the Decked Tool Box
It’s one thing to do your research, but another thing to field test a tool box. I mean, it’s a box that holds stuff. How hard can that be? I homed in on two of the most important areas where I’ve experienced failures from other truck tool boxes: dent resistance and water tightness. Before I elaborate, let me describe the box.
Durability
The new Decked Tool Box is a saddle-style box that clamps onto the bed rails. Instead of aluminum or steel, it is made of compression-molded SMC—a high-impact polymer resin reinforced with glass-fiber that is lighter than aluminum and stronger than steel. It’s dentproof, rustproof, and completely waterproof. The tool box is available in three UV-resistant color-molded options: black, industrial white, or fender dirt (an olive-tan color). Decked Tool Boxes fit nearly every full-size pickup built since 2001, and many older trucks as well.
Setup
I had to remove my ladder rack before installing the Decked Tool Box, but it is compatible with some back rack designs. Be sure to check your setup before ordering. Installation only took about 20 minutes in my truck (with a helper when it was time to set it in place). The kit came with all the necessary hardware and gaskets, as well as a set of tiedown D-rings that go under the latch rail facing the bed. The D-rings functionally replace the truck’s built-in tiedown points, which are now blocked by the tool box.
The tool box space is a blank slate—one large open compartment with narrow trays in the spaces over the bed rails. Dimension-wise, it is compatible with Decked D-Co storage cases. I like the saddle design and the moderate depth of this box for a couple of reasons. First, I can stand on the ground beside my truck and easily reach anything lying in the bottom of the box. Also, there is a 10-inch gap from the bottom of the box to the floor of the truck bed to accommodate hauling long objects like plywood and lumber.
Performance
To test dent resistance, I put a knobby 11-inch diameter 48-inch long oak log into the box. It was still green and very heavy—just under 200 pounds—and it had plenty of room to slide and bump around inside the box. I also put a couple of bigger logs in the bed, where they could slide and ram into the box. Then I went for an afternoon drive on some rough mountain roads in the national forest near where I live. After an incredibly noisy ride, I couldn’t find a single dent.
My other concern was water tightness, which was much easier to test. I just took my truck through an automated carwash five times in 2 months, including immediately following the dent test. Again, no issues. The box interior stayed bone dry.
After 2 months, I have zero complaints. I especially like the large “push-button” style latch releases. They are lockable (the kit comes with two keys) and they allow me to open the lid by pressing with an elbow or shoulder if my hands are full. The hinge and gas pistons provide a good amount of rigidity to prevent racking and the latching mechanism is centered, so it works smoothly from both sides of the truck. I am also happy to say that, after driving through at least three strong downpours and sitting through several others, no moisture has found its way into the box.
Product Comparisons
This is why I think the Decked Tool Box is a great buy. Check out how it stacks up against similar-size boxes from other manufacturers.
| Decked Truck Tool Box | Weather Guard Low Profile Truck Tool Box See our review. |
Tractor Supply Co. Crossover Tool Box | RealTruck Truxedo TL TonneauMate Tool Box | UWS 72-Inch Truck Tool Box | |
| Type | Saddle | Saddle | Crossover | Tonneau-compatible | Crossover |
| Material | Compression molded SMC | Aluminum | Aluminum | ABS Plastic | Aluminum |
| Capacity | 10.2 cubic feet | 11 cubic feet | 10.6 cubic feet | Varies by truck model | 8.6 cubic feet |
| Price | $1,099.99 | $1,264.99 | $629.99 | $529.99 | $689.95 |
Why I Think the Decked Tool Box Is Worth Every Nickel
The Decked Tool Box is not the cheapest or most expensive truck tool box around, but it is value-priced at $1,099.99. The build quality is exceptional. It has yet to show a scratch or dent, and appears more durable than other saddle type tool boxes I’ve used. Time will tell when it comes to wear and tear on the hinge, pistons, latch, and lock.
There is a lot to like about this tool box. Installation is uncomplicated, fast, and easy with no drilling or reaching at awkward angles required. The tool box keeps everything inside secure, dry, and accessible, with plenty of open space to configure however you want. Although it is not as deep as some other truck boxes, the somewhat shallower depth leaves more usable space below the box for oversize cargo in the truck bed.
So, is the Decked Tool Box right for you?
Saddle type truck tool boxes use up valuable cargo space, so they may not be ideal for those who frequently fill the entire bed with bulky items like lumber or landscaping supplies. They also impede rear view visibility in the lower portion of the back window. If these are your major concerns, then this tool box might not work for you.
On the other hand, if you’ve determined that a saddle style tool box is in order, then you cannot go wrong with a Decked tool box. This thing is built like a tank but doesn’t really weigh that much. It has a low profile top to maximize visibility and a deep-enough box to carry all sorts of tools and gear while allowing a good amount of cargo space below. It is strong, secure, and weatherproof, and you can’t ask for more than that.
Where to Buy
Photo: Amazon
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer, product tester and serial DIYer. When he isn’t writing, he spends his time upgrading, repairing, and replacing anything and everything in his home, yard, and garden. He tests and writes reviews about hand and power tools, lawn care and home repair products, and outdoor living goods.
The post The New Decked Tool Box Is the Most Durable Truck Tool Box We’ve Ever Tested appeared first on Bob Vila.