A truck box is a truck box, right? There has actually been quite a bit of innovation over the years. You've probably seen boxes built in for extra safety or wired into the truck's wiring system to power integrated lighting. Today, we'll be talking about a mod that rethinks what a truck box can be and what it should be made of: the Decked Truck Tool Box.
advantage
- easy installation
- Metal reinforced construction won't sag over time
- easy open end
- Optional ladders provide easier access to gear than other chests
- Wide range of optional accessories
- lifetime warranty
- made in America
shortcoming
- Not compatible with Decked drawer systems on full-size trucks with short or full-size beds
Want to take a closer look? Check out our video review!
Install
With the truck tool box, installation is a breeze. Lay out the protective rubber mat and place the box on top. The four brackets have a V on the bottom for grabbing under the sides of the rail and threading the upper side.
We mounted the box on my Ram 1500 and there was enough room under the box to hold each bracket in place when we put the bolts through the washers and into the brackets from inside the box. You don't need to drill any holes, and Tom Gaige and I took about 15 minutes total to set it up. You can install it yourself, but do yourself and your truck a favor and ask someone else to help you.
Deck Truck Toolbox Construction
When I first heard about this box, I was concerned about its high-strength resin construction. On the one hand, resin is a great material because you can do a lot more with design than you can with steel or aluminum.
However, resin cartridges can sag over time, and the negatives outweigh the positives. However, the Decked team took a different approach and reinforced it structurally using galvanized steel and aluminum.
As far as the environment is concerned, the box is watertight thanks to the overlapping edges and the EPDM gasket. The way the lid fits into the tub is also very difficult to break into, even if you pry it open with a spudger. Just put the lock on the driver's side and put your fears aside.
Decked is so confident in its construction that it rates the truck tool box with a 500-pound capacity and backs it with a lifetime warranty.
Don't miss the fact – this box and all Decked storage systems are made in the USA .
basic
- Weight: 103 lbs without ladder, 114 lbs with ladder
- Storage Area: 9.82 sq. ft., 73.4 gallons
- Capacity: 500 lbs
- External Dimensions (L/D/H): 76.1 x 22.3 x 20.6 inches
- Height above bed rail: 5.8 inches
The base truck box includes a snack tray and a sliding tool tray. For those who take things literally, this isn't really a snack box. If you're going to leave the sandwich in, make sure to wrap it tightly.
opening ceremony
While many truck boxes use gas struts to support the weight of the lid and assist in opening, the Decked does not. Instead, torsion springs make it possible. Whether you're pressing the release button from the driver's side or the passenger's side, the springs make the opening action easier than most struts. No need to reach into the middle of the box, or even use your other hand to do it. Just press the release and lift the side handle.
ladder
What sets the Decked apart from all other truck boxes we've used is the integrated ladder option. It's a telescoping design that unfolds from the box, sticks out over the side of the truck to avoid scratching it, and reaches down to the ground.
The two base rung sections lock into place, ensuring you stay on your feet. Your total telescoping reach is up to 5 feet high. I have 20" wheels on my Ram and still have 6" or so of flex room to use.
When you're done, fold the rung section first. You need two hands to do this, I rest my hips on my thighs so I can press both release buttons at the same time. Repeat this process for the second rung, then fold the main section and fold the ladder back into the box. It's really easy.
So is the ladder worth adding? Absolutely! Reaching into the box from the side was difficult due to the wheels on my truck, even though I'm over 6 feet tall. I can climb into bed, but that's a big improvement, and my knees aren't what they used to be. Having a ladder makes access so much easier and totally worth it, in my opinion.
Can I use a deck truck tool box with a drawer system?
To use a full-size truck box with a Decked drawer system, you must have an 8-foot bed. There isn't enough clearance on a truck with a short or standard bed.
The basic full-size truck kit we're reviewing costs $899. With the ladder, the price is $999. As we mentioned before, Decked backs it with a lifetime warranty.
You can also buy many other accessories.
- Snack Plate: $20
- D-Box Hanger Kit: $20
- Toolbox Fixture (mounts to the front base of the case): $25
- Super Snack Plate: $30
- Toolbox Tray: $30
- Core Clamp (connects gear to front of box – requires Core Trax): $55
- Box D: $60
- Core Trax (attaches to the front of the box, includes eye ring): $80
Decked has many other accessories that you can place inside your truck box or drawer storage system that you can add. Click here to view the full collection.
If you prefer, you can order it online or visit one of Decked's dealers. There are plenty around and we found half a dozen within a 30 minute drive of our store.
the bottom line
At first, I thought the Decked's design was interesting, but was skeptical about the resin construction. Now that I've installed it on my own truck, it's clear that the concept is executed brilliantly and it should be fine for as long as I own my Ram 1500 – and probably longer. Best of all, the Decked Truck Tool Box does a great job of storing and securing my gear, and it's easier to use than any other design I might have installed.