Can You Use a Tonneau Cover with a Toolbox? 2023 Guide

If you own a truck, you know how convenient it is to have a tonneau cover. It helps protect your cargo from the elements, provides security, and enhances the look of your vehicle.

But what happens when you need to carry tools and equipment in your truck bed?

Can You Use a Tonneau Cover with a Toolbox?

The short answer is yes, and in fact, a tonneau cover and toolbox combo is a fantastic way to safely and conveniently store tools and equipment.

But there are some things to consider before purchasing a tonneau cover or toolbox.

Some tonneau covers don’t fit with some toolboxes and vice versa, so doing proper research will help you avoid making any errors when buying. If you want to jump straight to the easiest solution, read our article on the best tonneau cover with toolbox.

Why Use a Tonneau Cover with a Toolbox?

can you use tonneau cover with toolbox

A tonneau cover and toolbox can be a great combination for pickup truck owners who need to carry tools and equipment in their truck bed. Here are a few reasons why:

  1. Protection from the elements: A tonneau cover provides excellent protection from rain, snow, and direct sunlight, while a toolbox provides an extra layer of protection for your tools and equipment. This combination can help keep your cargo safe and dry, even in harsh weather conditions.
  2. Improved security: A tonneau cover and toolbox combination can also help improve the security of your truck bed. A tonneau cover can help deter thieves by concealing your cargo, while a toolbox can provide an extra layer of security for your tools and equipment.
  3. Increased storage space: A toolbox can provide extra storage space for your tools and equipment, while a tonneau cover can help maximize your truck bed’s storage capacity by keeping your cargo organized and secure.
  4. Better organization: A tonneau cover and toolbox combination can help keep your tools and equipment organized and easily accessible. By keeping everything in one place, you can avoid digging through a messy truck bed to find what you need.
  5. Enhanced aesthetics: Finally, a tonneau cover and toolbox combination can give your truck a sleek and stylish look. With so many different styles and finishes available, you can customize your truck to suit your personal taste and preferences.

Overall, a tonneau cover and toolbox can be a great investment for pickup truck owners who need to carry tools and equipment in their truck bed. By providing protection from the elements, improving security, increasing storage space, enhancing organization, and enhancing aesthetics, this combination can help you get the most out of your truck.

Types of Toolbox for a Tonneau Cover

Under the Cover Toolboxes

under tonneau cover toolbox

Under the cover toolboxes are installed inside the truck bed, beneath the tonneau cover. They are designed to fit snuggly against the side walls of the bed, leaving the middle section open for larger items. They are typically made of aluminum or steel and come in a variety of sizes to fit different truck bed dimensions.

Pros:

  • More secure than over the cover toolboxes because they are hidden from view
  • Provide better protection from the elements than over the cover toolboxes, as they are shielded from rain, snow, and direct sunlight
  • Often cheaper than over the cover options
  • More to choose from than over the cover

Cons:

  • Need to open the cover before you can access the toolbox

Here are some of our favorite under the cover toolbox options:

Best universal

TruXedo TL TonneauMate Toolbox

  • Can be positioned anywhere along the rails of your tonneau cover
  • Able to hold 200 lbs of tools and equipment
  • Compatible with most full-sized trucks
  • Easy, clamp-on installation
Best for BAK covers

BAKBox 2 Fold-Away Utility Box

  • Able to hold 200 lbs of tools and equipment
  • Can be positioned anywhere along the rails of your BAK tonneau cover
  • Cheap price

Over the Cover Toolboxes

Over the cover toolboxes are installed on top of the tonneau cover. They are typically made of aluminum and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Some over the cover toolboxes are designed to be easily removed, while others are designed to be permanently installed.

Pros:

  • Easy to access
  • Easy to install and remove
  • Often offer larger storage space

Cons:

  • More expensive
  • More visible than under the cover toolboxes

Here are some of our favorite over the cover toolbox options:

Best overall

Weather Guard Crossover Toolbox

  • Offers a high level of security for your belongings
  • Can be installed in about 30 minutes
  • Automatic latching panel system keeps belongings safe and secure
Runner up

CamLocker Crossover Tool Box

  • Lock assembly uses revolving cams that hook through welded catches to secure the tool box lid in the closed position
  • Easily-accessible T-handles and can be opened from either side
  • Fully-insulated and weather-sealed

Can You Use a Tonneau Cover with a Toolbox? – Conclusion

In conclusion, you can use a tonneau cover with a toolbox, but you have to check compatibility thoroughly.

If you’re in the market for a tonneau cover and want an over the cover toolbox, check out this guide on the best tonneau cover with toolbox.

Or, if you already own a tonneau cover and are looking to add a toolbox, check out our recommendations above.

About Author

Hi there, my name is Jack Reilly, and I'm a truck driver and writer. I've been driving trucks for over two decades now, and it's a passion that's only grown stronger over time.