
How to Choose the Best Trailer Tool Box for Your Flatbed or Semi-Truck
When hauling freight, time and organization are priorities. The right trailer tool box doesn’t just hold gear – it protects your tools, speeds up your workflow, and helps you stay ready for whatever the road throws at you. However, with numerous options available on the market, it can be challenging to determine which tool box is the best fit for your flatbed or semi-truck.
US Cargo Control stocks a range of high-performance tool boxes designed for professional haulers. Whether you need a step box for quick deck access or a heavy-duty underbody tool box for maximum secure storage, this guide will help you choose the right style, size, and mounting solution for your rig.
Sturdy-Lite Trailer Tool Boxes: High Quality, Made in the USA
All the trailer tool boxes we stock at US Cargo Control are made by Sturdy-Lite, one of the most trusted names in the industry. All these tool boxes are:
- Built in the USA from .125” thick high-strength aluminum
- Manufactured with precision CNC machining and laser cutting to ensure maximum build consistency
- Welded by AWS-certified welders for optimal durability
- Fully waterproof, thanks to one-piece rain gussets and rubber water seals
- Backed by a 1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
These features guarantee that any style you choose provides reliable, professional-grade longevity.
Types of Trailer Tool Boxes
Wrecker Boxes: Load-bearing trailer tool boxes
If your job involves frequent curbside stops or working up close with your trailer, a wrecker box might be the choice for you. These boxes mount under your trailer and feature a load-bearing drop-down door you can stand on, making them ideal for reaching gear or stepping up onto your deck.
Why Choose a Wrecker Box?
- Built for flatbed wrecker operators
- Ideal for tight curbside jobs where swing-out doors aren’t practical
- Quieter, high-strength cable supports that won’t catch on your tools.
- Unique tool box keys for added security (unlike competitors)
Available sizes:
- 24” x 24” x 36”
- 24” x 24” x 48”
- 24” x 24” x 60”
Double Mirror Tool Boxes for Flatbed and Semi-Trucks
Our double mirror tool boxes are designed for drivers who need secure, accessible, and flexible storage under their trailer. The double doors swing outward and use a stainless-steel lock rod that mimics your trailer door and can be padlocked. Plus, we offer both standard (24” x 24”) and compact (18” x 18) models to suit your trailer setup.

Why choose a double mirror tool box?
- Low-profile options are available for trailers with tight clearance, like step decks and drop decks
- Heavy-duty stainless steel lock rod with padlock capability
- Swing-out double door design that alerts you if left open.
Available sizes:
- 24” x 24” x 36”
- 24” x 24” x 48”
- 24” x 24” x 60”
- 18” x 18” x 48”
- 18” x 18” x 60”
Flush Door Tool Boxes: Secure, Streamlined Storage
If you want the functionality of a double-door tool box but with a sleeker profile, the flush door tool box is the ideal choice. It closes flush with the body of the box for a clean appearance, while maintaining the same padlock-ready security as the double mirror models.
Why Choose a Flush Door Tool Box?
- Functionality of a classic double-door tool box, but with a more streamlined look.
- Heavy-duty stainless steel lock rod with padlock capability
- Swing-out double door design that alerts you if left open
Available sizes:
- 24” x 24” x 48”
- 24” x 24” x 60”
Step Boxes for Semi Trucks: Gator Boxes for Deck Access
The Gator Box is designed for drivers who need a secure step onto the trailer deck and a place to stash frequently used gear. Mounted between the cab and trailer, these boxes feature non-slip tread plates, a diamond plate finish, and an air-shock-assisted lid that opens upward and stays open.
Why Choose a Gator Box?
- Mounts on the driver’s side for fast deck access
- Great for storing gloves, straps, and small tools
- Diamond plate finish hides wear and adds grip.
Available sizes:
- 22” x 28” x 12”
- 22” x 28” x 18”
- 22” x 28” x 24”
Which Trailer Tool Box Width is Right for You?
While height and depth are fairly standardized for underbody tool boxes (either 24”x 24” or 18” x 18”), the width of an underbody tool box can vary depending on your style of trailer and storage needs. Here’s what you need to know about different underbody tool box widths:
- 60” wide tool boxes are the most common. They offer ample space to store items such as winch bars and fifth wheel pin pullers.
- 48” wide tool boxes are less popular than 60”, but they are still large enough to hold winch bars, fifth-wheel pin pullers, and plenty of other gear.
- 36” wide tool boxes are more popular on straight trucks and lumber trucks than semi-trailers. They are more compact yet still able to handle gear like fifth wheel pin pullers.
For step tool boxes, the width you need will depend on the available mounting space between your cab and trailfer.
Mounting Brackets for Trailer Tool Boxes
Mounting your tool box correctly is just as important as choosing the right style. US Cargo Control offers Sturdy-Lite mounting brackets specifically matched to each tool box type. Built from A36 hot-rolled steel and sold in sets of two, these brackets ensure safe and secure installation.
Bracket Name |
Compatible Boxes |
Mounting Placement |
Sturdy-Lite Truck Box Bracket 23" x 22" | Any 24" x 24" Underbody Boxes | Truck Frame |
Any 24" x 24" Underbody Boxes | Trailer | |
Any 18" x 18" Underbody Boxes | Trailer | |
Any 22" x 28" Gator Step Boxes | Semi-Truck |
SHOP: Trailer Tool Box Mounting Brackets
Flatbed Gear for Your Trailer Tool Box
Truck tool boxes are just the beginning. At US Cargo Control, we have all the trucking gear you need, in stock and ready to ship. Pair your new box with Sturdy-Lite Headache Racks, flatbed tarps, winch straps, transport chain and binders, corner protectors, and more.
Need Help Choosing a Trailer Tool Box?
Have questions about trailer tool boxes? Our team of trucking experts is ready to help. Call us at 866-444-9990, or email us at customerservice@uscargocontrol.com, and we’ll help you find the tool box that fits your rig and your style.