Nowadays versatile and practical vehicles are more popular than ever as crossover SUVs are dominating the global market. The same goes for car sales in Australia, but there is one type of vehicle that is still popular and that's the ute. Utes have been one of the most iconic Aussie vehicles for a long time now and there are many reasons for it.
The main reason is that they can be used as a work vehicle and a daily commuter at the same time. Their unique chassis is what allows you to go camping with it during weekends and then daily it for work and grocery shopping during work days.
Benefits of Ute Toolboxes
Access
If you use your ute mainly for your trade, you can benefit from ute toolboxes in many ways. One of the most notable advantages of a ute toolbox is the access it offers to your tools and supplies. Instead of having them in plastic boxes, you can have them sorted in metal ute tool boxes that will make it easier to find what you need.
Protection
Another reason why you'd want to get a ute toolbox is to protect your tools from the elements and theft. Being made of metal, a ute toolbox keeps your most prized possessions safe as it prevents them from getting corroded or nicked.
Organise
With a toolbox made specifically for a ute, you can organise your tools and supplies so that it's easier to get the tool you need. Other ute tray boxes offer that but they don't make the most out of your ute's available storage space.
What Matters in a Ute Toolbox
Material
The materials you can have a ute toolbox made of are aluminium and steel. Steel ute tool boxes are the strongest and heaviest but they also require from you in terms of maintenance. Aluminium toolboxes are much lighter than steel ones but they are not as impact resistant. However, aluminium ute toolboxes are easier to keep clean and they have better anti-corrosive properties.
Capacity
The size of a toolbox determines its storage capacity there's no doubt about that. But what you should keep in mind is that larger toolboxes aren't always as well thought out. Meaning their design isn't as space-saving as that of smaller ones and sometimes their storage capacity isn't as big as you'd expect. Therefore make sure that the toolbox you go for makes the most out of its size so that you can store as many tools as possible.
Functionality
To get a toolbox that's more useful than most you should look for one that can accommodate certain accessories. Depending on the type and size of toolbox you go for it can also have mounting points for lights and some for a ladder or a small shovel.
Security
The last but equally as important factor you need to consider is the level of security. It should come with locks as well as weatherproof seals around all the crevices of the toolbox. Some ute toolboxes come with an alarm that works in the same way as that of your car.
Types of Ute Toolboxes
Cross-Bed
If you want a toolbox that sits across the bed of your ute and makes it easy to access your tools. Cross-bed toolboxes are quite common since they also have large capacities and thus they occupy a lot of space at the back. If you have a lot of frequently used tools a cross-bed toolbox is ideal.
Under-Tray
Under-tray toolboxes are able to fit under the tray of your ute. This may not make them as easily accessible as cross-bed toolboxes. Ute tray boxes are more secure since they keep toolboxes out of sight and are better protected than the elements.
Canopy
If your ute has a canopy or you plan to add one then you should consider pairing it with a canopy toolbox. This way you make the most out of your canopy and get a lot more storage space and have space left for your camping or outdoor equipment.
Drawer
With drawer tool boxes you get an even more organised storage space for your tools while on the go. A drawer toolbox comes with sliding drawers that make it easy to find your most frequently used tools. Make sure that if you decide to go for such a toolbox you get one with lockable drawers for the best level of security.
Conclusion
As practical and functional utes are they can be even more practical with a toolbox especially if you make a living out of your utility vehicle. No matter how many tools and supplies you work with on a daily basis the right toolbox will make it a lot easier to bring about the tools you use the most without having to search through them in order to find what you need.
