UWS Truck Tool Boxes: The Ultimate Guide to Secure and Organized Truck Bed Storage

For anyone who relies on their truck for work or adventure, a robust and reliable tool box is more than just an accessory—it’s an essential partner. In the world of truck bed storage, UWS (United Welding Services) stands out as a leading American manufacturer, renowned for crafting durable, high-quality aluminum truck tool boxes designed to withstand the toughest conditions. With a decade of experience in the field, I’ve seen countless storage solutions, and UWS consistently delivers on its promise of security, convenience, and lasting performance. This guide will delve into what makes Uws Truck Tool Boxes a top choice, exploring their popular types, innovative features, and offering practical advice to help you select the perfect one for your needs.

Popular UWS Truck Tool Box Types

UWS offers a comprehensive range of tool box styles, each engineered to maximize storage and accessibility based on your truck’s configuration and your personal demands. Understanding the distinctions between these types is the first step to finding your ideal storage solution.

Crossover Truck Tool Boxes

The crossover tool box, also known as a saddle box, is arguably the most popular style, designed to rest across the width of your truck bed, behind the cab. This design suspends the box above the bed floor, leaving valuable space underneath for longer items like lumber or ladders. UWS crossover boxes come in several variations:

• Standard Profile: Offers a generous storage capacity.
• Low Profile: Sits approximately 2 inches lower on the bed rails, providing enhanced visibility out of the rear cab window and a sleeker look. This is a favorite for those who prioritize rear-view safety and aesthetics.
• Gull Wing: Features two lids that open upward from the center, allowing easy access from either side of the truck.
• Deep, Angled, Slim Line, and Extra-Wide: These variations cater to specific dimensions and storage volume requirements, ensuring a snug fit for various truck models and bed shapes.

Crossover boxes are excellent for general tool storage, offering quick and convenient access to frequently used items. Their placement keeps essentials within reach without occupying the entire bed.

Side Mount Truck Tool Boxes

Side mount tool boxes are designed to be installed along the side rails of your truck bed, providing additional storage while keeping the main bed area open for larger cargo. UWS offers several configurations within this category:

• Wheel Well Boxes: These ingeniously utilize the often-wasted space over your truck’s wheel wells. They often feature multiple compartments or drawers, perfect for organizing smaller tools and parts.
• Topside Boxes: Mounted on top of the bed rails, these boxes offer easy, ground-level access. They are a popular choice for tradesmen and commercial vehicles, providing secure storage without impeding bed access.
• Bed Side Boxes: Similar to topside, but may sit slightly into the bed, maximizing storage capacity while still allowing reasonable access to the bed floor.
• Underbody Boxes: Primarily used for flatbeds, dump trucks, or trailers, these mount underneath the truck or trailer bed, keeping tools secure and out of the way, accessible from the ground.

Side mount options are ideal for those who need to maintain an open truck bed for hauling larger items but still require secure, organized storage for tools and equipment.

Utility Chest Boxes

Unlike crossover boxes that suspend across the bed, utility chest boxes are designed to sit directly on the truck bed floor. This makes them highly versatile, not only for truck beds but also for garages, shops, or trailers. UWS utility chests come with various features:

• Standard Chests: Simple, robust boxes that offer ample storage directly on the bed floor.
• Notched and Wedged Chests: These designs feature cut-outs or angled bottoms to accommodate wheel wells or other bed accessories, optimizing space utilization.
• Under Tonneau Chest Boxes: Specifically designed with a lower profile to fit underneath most tonneau covers, providing secure storage while keeping your cargo protected from the elements and out of sight.
• 5th Wheel Chest Boxes: These are specialized, lower-profile chests built to work seamlessly with 5th wheel hitches, ensuring clearance for towing while still offering valuable storage.

Utility chests are perfect for users who need flexible, heavy-duty storage that can be easily moved or adapted to different environments.

Drawer Truck Tool Boxes

For unparalleled organization, UWS also offers drawer truck tool boxes. These are specialized units, sometimes integrated into utility chests, that provide multiple lockable drawers. They are perfect for neatly separating small parts, hand tools, and sensitive equipment, ensuring everything has its place and is easily accessible on the go.

Comparing UWS Truck Tool Box Types

Choosing the right UWS truck tool box involves weighing the unique advantages of each style against your specific storage needs, access preferences, and truck setup. Below is a comparison to help clarify these choices.

Feature	Crossover Box (Saddle Box)	Side Mount Box	Utility Chest Box	Drawer Truck Tool Box
Mounting	Across bed rails, behind cab	Along side bed rails, or underbody	On truck bed floor or elsewhere	Integrated into chests or stand-alone
Bed Space Impact	Minimal, leaves space underneath	Keeps main bed open (topside/underbody)	Occupies bed floor space	Can be space-efficient if integrated
Access	From either side of the truck	Ground level, from truck’s side	From top, often requiring reaching into bed	Front-facing drawers, excellent organization
Common Uses	General tools, equipment	Specialized tools, commercial use	Versatile storage, heavy items	Small parts, hand tools, sensitive gear
Visibility	Low profile options enhance visibility	Minimal impact on rear visibility	Can obstruct rear view if tall	Minimal impact
Capacity	Medium to high	Varies (small to medium)	High	Medium, with segmented storage

UWS: A Trusted Name in Truck Storage

UWS has carved out a reputation as one of the most reliable names in truck tool boxes, a testament to their commitment to quality and innovation. Assembled in the USA, UWS products are built with integrity, designed to perform under demanding conditions. The brand’s expertise is backed by years of manufacturing experience, focusing on solutions that serve both professional tradesmen and weekend adventurers.

Their robust construction is a key differentiator. UWS tool boxes feature extra-thick 0.058-inch aluminum, typically diamond tread, which provides superior strength and corrosion resistance compared to thinner materials used by some competitors. This durable material, combined with a one-piece welded tub design, ensures unparalleled longevity and a weather-resistant seal that keeps your tools safe and dry.

Top UWS Truck Tool Box Features and Models

UWS boxes are packed with features that enhance security, durability, and convenience. While specific models can vary, some core innovations define the UWS experience.

Patented RigidCore™ Lid

A cornerstone of UWS’s design is the patented RigidCore™ foam-filled lid. This innovative construction incorporates a robust foam core sandwiched between two aluminum plates, providing exceptional strength and rigidity. The RigidCore™ lid prevents warping and binding, ensuring smooth opening and closing even after years of heavy use. This design also significantly boosts security, making the lid resistant to prying and forced entry.

Secure-Lock Systems

Security is paramount for truck owners, and UWS delivers with its advanced locking mechanisms. Most UWS tool boxes feature dual locking twist handles crafted from heavy-duty stainless steel for corrosion resistance. A central connecting rod links these handles, enhancing pry resistance by locking the lid at multiple points. An interior rod enclosure further protects the locking system from bending or jamming, giving you peace of mind. Some models also offer convenient push-button locks for quick, easy access.

Weather Protection

To safeguard your valuable tools from the elements, UWS employs MicroSeal™ gaskets around the lid. This automotive-grade weather stripping forms a tight, secure seal that effectively keeps out moisture, dust, and dirt, ensuring your equipment remains protected in all weather conditions.

Internal Organization and Convenience

UWS understands that a tool box is only as good as its organization. Many models come equipped with built-in tool trays and screwdriver holders, allowing you to keep smaller items neatly arranged and easily accessible. Furthermore, select UWS boxes, particularly their premium crossover models, can include a removable BedRug liner. This soft, durable liner protects the box’s interior from dents and scratches while also dampening noise from tools shifting during transit.

Popular UWS Models and Series

While UWS offers hundreds of variations, some popular lines consistently receive high praise:

• UWS Low Profile Crossover (e.g., SL-69-LP-MB): A top seller, appreciated for its sleek look, improved rear visibility, and robust security features in a crossover design.
• UWS Gull Wing Crossover: Ideal for those needing access from both sides of the truck, offering excellent versatility for various job sites or recreational activities.
• UWS Heavy-Duty Chest Boxes: These utility chests are favored for their sheer storage capacity and rugged construction, perfect for heavy equipment or bulkier items.
• UWS Side Mount Boxes (e.g., Topside or Wheel Well models): Excellent for maximizing truck bed space, providing secure, accessible storage without cluttering the main bed area.

How to Choose the Right UWS Truck Tool Box

Selecting the perfect UWS tool box requires careful consideration of several factors, ensuring it aligns with your specific truck, work, and lifestyle.

1. Truck Compatibility and Fitment:

   • Measure Your Truck Bed: Before anything else, measure your truck bed accurately. Consider the width between the bed rails (for crossover boxes), the length, and any obstructions like wheel wells or fifth-wheel hitches. UWS provides detailed application guides and dimensions to ensure a perfect fit.
   • Clearance: For crossover boxes, ensure there’s sufficient clearance between the open lid and your truck’s cab to prevent damage. Low-profile designs are excellent for maintaining rear visibility.
   • Mounting Style: Decide if you need an over-the-rail (crossover, topside) or in-bed (chest, wheel well) solution, or even an underbody option for flatbeds.

2. Storage Needs and Capacity:

   • What will you store? Make a list of the tools and equipment you plan to keep in the box. This will help determine the necessary cubic footage and internal organization features (trays, dividers, drawers).
   • Frequency of Access: If you frequently need smaller tools, consider models with accessible trays or integrated drawers.

3. Security Requirements:

   • All UWS boxes offer good security, but models with Secure-Lock handles and the reinforced RigidCore™ lid provide maximum protection against theft.
   • Consider your environment: If your truck is often left in unsecured areas, prioritize enhanced locking mechanisms.

4. Material and Finish:

   • UWS primarily uses 0.058-inch thick aluminum, known for its lightweight strength and corrosion resistance.
   • Finishes: Choose between classic polished aluminum, stealthy matte black, or sleek gloss black to match your truck’s aesthetic. Diamond tread is standard for added grip and rugged appearance.

5. Budget:

   • UWS tool boxes are an investment in quality and durability. While they might be a higher initial cost than some entry-level options, their long lifespan and superior protection offer excellent value. Consider the lifetime warranty as part of that value.

Organizing and Maintaining Your UWS Tool Box

Proper organization and routine maintenance will extend the life of your UWS tool box and keep your tools in top condition.

• Smart Organization:

  • Utilize integrated tool trays and screwdriver holders for small, frequently used items.
  • For larger tools, consider modular bins or bags that fit within the main compartment.
  • If your box has a BedRug liner, take advantage of its protective and noise-dampening qualities.
  • Categorize your tools: Keep similar tools together to save time.

• Cleaning:

  • Regularly clean your UWS tool box with a mild automotive detergent and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners, pads, or wire brushes, as these can damage the aluminum finish.
  • For polished finishes, a suitable polish can help remove small scratches and scuffs.

• Maintenance Checks:

  • Periodically inspect and re-tighten all mounting hardware, especially J-hooks, to ensure the box remains securely fastened to your truck.
  • Check the MicroSeal™ gasket around the lid for any signs of wear or damage that could compromise the weather seal.
  • Lubricate the locking mechanisms and hinges occasionally to ensure smooth operation.

Where to Purchase Your UWS Truck Tool Box

UWS truck tool boxes are widely available through various reputable channels, ensuring you can find the right model and often benefit from competitive pricing and excellent service.

• Authorized Dealers: Many local truck accessory stores and automotive parts retailers are authorized UWS dealers. Shopping locally allows you to see the boxes in person, get expert advice on fitment, and often includes professional installation services.
• Online Retailers: Major online platforms like etrailer.com, Upfit Supply, Lowe’s, and Amazon (through the UWS storefront) offer an extensive selection. Online shopping provides convenience, customer reviews, and often competitive pricing. Look for retailers that offer specialized packaging (often referred to as “EC” or “e-commerce” versions) to guarantee damage-free delivery.
• Manufacturer’s Website: The official UWS website (uwsta.com) is an excellent resource for product information, application guides, and a “Where To Buy” locator to find nearby dealers.

When purchasing online, always verify the seller’s return policy and warranty support. Comparing prices and shipping options across different platforms can also lead to the best deal.

Conclusion

A UWS truck tool box is more than just a container; it’s a testament to robust American craftsmanship, designed to provide secure, organized, and weather-protected storage for your valuable tools and gear. With their patented RigidCore™ lids, heavy-duty aluminum construction, and versatile range of styles—from low-profile crossovers to functional utility chests—UWS offers a solution for every truck owner. By carefully considering your needs for fitment, capacity, and security, and committing to simple maintenance, your UWS tool box will serve as a dependable partner for years to come, ensuring your tools are always ready when you are.

What kind of adventures or tasks will your UWS truck tool box help you conquer?

Frequently Asked Questions

Are UWS truck tool boxes waterproof?

UWS truck tool boxes are designed with a MicroSeal™ gasket around the lid, which creates a tight, weather-resistant seal to effectively keep out moisture, dust, and dirt, ensuring your tools stay dry and protected.

How do I install a UWS crossover truck tool box?

Most UWS crossover tool boxes feature a no-drill installation using included J-hooks. This involves placing the J-hooks under the bed rail lip, threading them through slots in the box, and securing them with washers and nuts. It’s crucial to center the box and check for proper lid clearance before fully tightening the hardware.

What is the RigidCore™ lid and why is it important?

The RigidCore™ lid is a patented UWS feature consisting of a foam-filled core sandwiched between two aluminum plates. This design provides superior strength, prevents the lid from warping or bending, and enhances overall security by making it more resistant to prying, ensuring smooth operation for years.

Do UWS tool boxes come with a warranty?

Yes, UWS truck tool boxes typically come with a lifetime warranty, reflecting the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s durability and craftsmanship. It’s always advisable to confirm the specific warranty terms with your retailer or the manufacturer.

Can I get a UWS truck tool box to match my truck’s color?

UWS tool boxes are commonly available in various finishes, including polished aluminum (silver), gloss black, and matte black. While they are not color-matched to specific truck paint codes, these popular finishes often complement a wide range of truck aesthetics.