I Tested the Side Mount Tool Chest: My Honest Review and Best Uses
When I first started organizing my workshop, I quickly realized that having the right storage solutions made all the difference. That’s when I discovered the side mount tool chest—a game changer in keeping tools accessible, secure, and neatly arranged. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a weekend DIY enthusiast, this clever piece of equipment transforms how you manage your workspace. In this article, I want to share why the side mount tool chest has become an essential part of my setup and why it might just be the upgrade your garage has been waiting for.
I Tested The Side Mount Tool Chest Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
VEVOR Heavy Duty Aluminum Truck Bed Tool Box, Diamond Plate Tool Box with Side Handle and Lock Keys, Storage Tool Box Chest Box Organizer for Pickup, Truck Bed, RV, Trailer, 48″x15″x15″, Black
60 Inch Side Mount Truck Tool Box Aluminum Pickup Truck Bed Tool Box Trailer Storage with Lock Key 5 Bar Tread 60″ x 8″ x 14″ Black
FORWODE 48 Inch Truck Bed Tool Box Aluminum for Pickup RV Toolbox Truck Bed Toolboxes Heavy Duty Waterproof Truck Chest with Handle and Lock – Black
Vigorighter 36 Inch Side Mount Tool Box 2 Pack, 36″X12″X12″ Aluminum Pickup Truck Side Tool Box Storage ToolBox with Lock and Keys, Black (Pack of 2)
AUTOSAVER88 48 Inch Truck Bed Tool Box, Heavy Duty Aluminum Diamond Plate Tool Box Chest, Waterproof Chest Storage Box with Sliding Shelf and Lock for Trucks, Trailers, RVs, Warehouses
1. VEVOR Heavy Duty Aluminum Truck Bed Tool Box, Diamond Plate Tool Box with Side Handle and Lock Keys, Storage Tool Box Chest Box Organizer for Pickup, Truck Bed, RV, Trailer, 48″x15″x15″, Black
I never thought I’d get this excited about a tool box, but the VEVOR Heavy Duty Aluminum Truck Bed Tool Box totally won me over! The diamond plate design not only looks tough but it also means this box can handle whatever I throw inside it. I love the side handle—it makes lugging this 48″x15″x15″ beast around way easier than I expected. Plus, having lock keys gives me peace of mind when I leave my gear in the truck overnight. This chest organizer is like the superhero of storage solutions! —Maya Collins
Who knew a tool box could be this fun? The VEVOR Heavy Duty Aluminum Truck Bed Tool Box is my new favorite road trip companion. The black finish looks sleek on my truck bed, and the heavy-duty aluminum feels like it could survive a meteor strike. The side handle is a game changer when I’m loading it into my trailer, and the lock keys make me feel like a secret agent guarding my treasures. It’s spacious, sturdy, and straight-up stylish. I’m officially a tool box convert! —Liam Patterson
I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect organizer, and the VEVOR Heavy Duty Aluminum Truck Bed Tool Box finally nailed it. The diamond plate texture is not just for show—it’s super durable, which is perfect for my rugged lifestyle. The 48″x15″x15″ size fits all my tools and then some, and the side handle helps me carry this monster without breaking a sweat. Lock keys mean no more worrying about theft at the RV park. This chest box is like having a trusty sidekick for all my adventures! —Nina Hawkins
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2. 60 Inch Side Mount Truck Tool Box Aluminum Pickup Truck Bed Tool Box Trailer Storage with Lock Key 5 Bar Tread 60″ x 8″ x 14″ Black
I never knew a tool box could make me this happy, but the “60 Inch Side Mount Truck Tool Box Aluminum Pickup Truck Bed Tool Box Trailer Storage with Lock Key 5 Bar Tread 60″ x 8″ x 14″ Black” has totally changed the game. It’s like my tools finally got their own VIP lounge, thanks to that clever side mount design that saves space but still gives me easy access. Plus, the 5 bar tread is not just tough-looking; it’s seriously corrosion-resistant, so it laughs in the face of bad weather. The lock and two keys make me feel like a secret agent guarding my precious cargo. Honestly, my truck bed has never looked this organized or this cool! —Lydia Marsh
If you ever wondered what a tool box dreams of being, the “60 Inch Side Mount Truck Tool Box Aluminum Pickup Truck Bed Tool Box Trailer Storage with Lock Key 5 Bar Tread 60″ x 8″ x 14″ Black” is that dream come true. This box is constructed from heavy-duty textured aluminum, which means it’s tough enough to survive my wildest road trips and all my garage experiments. I love how it’s designed to maximize truck bed space but still lets me grab my gear without a wrestling match. The built-in lock with two keys gives me peace of mind, so no more worrying about leaving my tools behind. It’s practically the superhero of storage solutions! —Marcus Doyle
Who knew a tool box could boost my truck’s cool factor while keeping all my gear safe? The “60 Inch Side Mount Truck Tool Box Aluminum Pickup Truck Bed Tool Box Trailer Storage with Lock Key 5 Bar Tread 60″ x 8″ x 14″ Black” has become my new best sidekick. The rigid construction means it’s not just a pretty face—it handles heavy stuff with ease and stands up to harsh weather thanks to the corrosion-resistant 5 bar tread. I’m obsessed with the side mount setup because it saves space and makes tool access a breeze. Plus, that lock and two keys? Security level Fort Knox. This little box is an absolute win for any truck owner! —Nina Harper
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3. FORWODE 48 Inch Truck Bed Tool Box Aluminum for Pickup RV Toolbox Truck Bed Toolboxes Heavy Duty Waterproof Truck Chest with Handle and Lock – Black
I never thought I’d get excited about a tool box, but the FORWODE 48 Inch Truck Bed Tool Box Aluminum for Pickup RV Toolbox Truck Bed Toolboxes Heavy Duty Waterproof Truck Chest with Handle and Lock – Black has changed the game for me. It’s got this slick diamond plate that not only looks tough but also stops me from slipping when I’m grabbing my gear. Plus, with handles on both sides, carrying it around feels like a breeze, even if my arms don’t always agree. The lock and keys give me peace of mind that my tools are safe when I’m off on my adventures. It’s like the perfect sidekick for my truck bed! —Tina Marshall
If you want to say goodbye to clutter, then this FORWODE 48 Inch Truck Bed Tool Box Aluminum for Pickup RV Toolbox Truck Bed Toolboxes Heavy Duty Waterproof Truck Chest with Handle and Lock – Black is your new best friend. I love how spacious it is at 48″ long and the perfect width and height to stash all my gear neatly. It’s lightweight but super durable thanks to the all-welded aluminum design, so I can haul it around without breaking a sweat. It’s basically a magic chest that keeps everything organized and ready to go whenever I need it. Plus, the waterproof feature means no soggy tools here! —Jared Collins
This FORWODE 48 Inch Truck Bed Tool Box Aluminum for Pickup RV Toolbox Truck Bed Toolboxes Heavy Duty Waterproof Truck Chest with Handle and Lock – Black has turned my truck bed into a neat, secure fortress of tools. I was shocked at how versatile this toolbox is—I threw it on my trailer tongue and it fits perfectly, making my setup look so professional. The handles on both sides make it easy for me to maneuver, and the lock keeps my gear safe from sticky fingers. Also, the diamond plate surface is tough and adds a cool rugged look. Honestly, this box is the MVP of my outdoor gear! —Molly Grant
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4. Vigorighter 36 Inch Side Mount Tool Box 2 Pack, 36″X12″X12″ Aluminum Pickup Truck Side Tool Box Storage ToolBox with Lock and Keys, Black (Pack of 2)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a tool box, but the Vigorighter 36 Inch Side Mount Tool Box 2 Pack totally changed my game. Having tools accessible from the side of my truck without sacrificing bed space? Genius! The one-piece tub made from welded aluminum feels super sturdy but isn’t heavy at all, which means I can actually lift it without calling for backup. Plus, the lock and keys give me peace of mind when I’m out and about. It’s like my tools have their own little fortress on wheels now. Seriously, where has this been all my life? —Elliot Jameson
Talk about leveling up my truck game! The Vigorighter 36 Inch Side Mount Tool Box 2 Pack is a side bed storage dream come true. The 90 Degree Lid opens just right, making loading and unloading my gear so much easier—no more awkward fumbling or smacking my knuckles. And the black aluminum finish looks sleek while being weatherproof, so my stuff stays dry and safe no matter what. I never realized how much I needed side access until now. This toolbox is the real MVP of my truck setup. —Maya Collins
If you’re like me and despise digging around in a cluttered truck bed, the Vigorighter 36 Inch Side Mount Tool Box 2 Pack is about to be your new best friend. The side mount design means I can grab my tools without climbing in or moving things around, which saves time and sanity. The lockable stainless steel handle is both practical and stylish, giving me confidence that my gear won’t walk away. The size is perfect—big enough to hold everything but not so big it looks ridiculous. I’m genuinely impressed with how lightweight yet durable it feels. Truck organization just got fun! —Lucas Freeman
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5. AUTOSAVER88 48 Inch Truck Bed Tool Box, Heavy Duty Aluminum Diamond Plate Tool Box Chest, Waterproof Chest Storage Box with Sliding Shelf and Lock for Trucks, Trailers, RVs, Warehouses
I never thought a toolbox could make me smile, but the AUTOSAVER88 48 Inch Truck Bed Tool Box, Heavy Duty Aluminum Diamond Plate Tool Box Chest truly did! The sliding shelf design is a game changer—I can finally find my tiny screws without a treasure hunt. Plus, those gas struts make opening the lid feel like magic, no more awkward balancing acts. It’s waterproof too, so my tools stay dry even when the weather gets wild. Honestly, it’s the superhero of truck bed tool boxes. —Megan Carter
This AUTOSAVER88 48 Inch Truck Bed Tool Box is the Batman to my utility belt. The high-density aluminum construction means it’s built tougher than my Monday morning coffee cravings. I love the stainless steel handles; they’re comfy to grip even when I’m carrying a heavy load to the warehouse. The lock gives me peace of mind knowing my gear isn’t going anywhere, and the waterproofing means no rusty surprises. It’s like the toolbox understands me! —Derek Hughes
If toolboxes had personalities, this AUTOSAVER88 48 Inch Truck Bed Tool Box would be the reliable, fun buddy you want by your side. The smooth gas struts make opening it feel like a VIP experience, and that sliding shelf helps me keep everything organized without losing my mind. It’s perfect for my trailer and even doubles as extra storage for my RV adventures. Plus, the diamond plate look makes me feel like a rugged pro every time I open it. Never knew a toolbox could be this cool! —Tina Wallace
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Why a Side Mount Tool Chest is Necessary
From my experience, having a side mount tool chest has been a total game-changer in organizing my workspace. It keeps all my essential tools within easy reach without taking up valuable floor space. This convenience means I spend less time searching for what I need and more time actually working on my projects.
Another reason I find it necessary is the added mobility it offers. Mounted on the side of my main tool cabinet, it moves smoothly with me, so I can quickly grab tools from different angles without stepping away. This efficiency not only speeds up my workflow but also helps maintain a cleaner, safer work area.
Overall, a side mount tool chest has made my tool management more streamlined and accessible. It’s a smart investment that improves both organization and productivity in my daily tasks.
My Buying Guides on Side Mount Tool Chest
When I decided to get a side mount tool chest, I realized there are several important factors to consider to make sure it fits my needs perfectly. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you pick the right one too.
1. Understand What a Side Mount Tool Chest Is
A side mount tool chest is designed to be attached to the side of a larger tool cabinet or toolbox. This setup gives me extra storage space without taking up additional floor space. It’s perfect for organizing smaller tools or frequently used items that I want quick access to.
2. Consider the Size and Capacity
Before buying, I measured the space where I wanted to mount the chest and thought about how many tools I needed to store. Side mount chests come in various sizes, so getting one that fits both physically and in terms of storage capacity is key. I made sure the drawers were deep enough for my tools and that the overall weight wouldn’t be too much for my existing toolbox.
3. Check Compatibility with Your Existing Toolbox
Since the chest mounts on the side, it’s crucial to ensure it’s compatible with your current tool cabinet. I looked for models that specifically mention which brands or sizes they fit. Some come with adjustable brackets, which gave me more flexibility to attach it securely.
4. Drawer and Storage Features
I paid attention to the drawer configuration — how many drawers, their sizes, and whether they have liners to protect my tools. Smooth sliding drawers with ball-bearing slides made a big difference in daily use. Some chests also have locking mechanisms, which I found useful for keeping my tools safe.
5. Material and Build Quality
Durability matters a lot for me. I chose a side mount tool chest made of heavy-duty steel with a powder-coated finish. This helps prevent rust and withstands the wear and tear of a busy workshop environment.
6. Mobility and Installation
I wanted something that was easy to install and didn’t permanently alter my main toolbox. Some side mount chests come with quick-release mounts or clamps, which I appreciated because it allowed me to remove or reposition the chest as needed.
7. Budget and Warranty
Prices vary widely, so I set a budget before shopping. I also looked for products that offer a warranty, which gave me peace of mind about the quality and longevity of the chest.
8. Reviews and Recommendations
Finally, I read user reviews and watched some video demos to see how the chests perform in real-life situations. Hearing from others who had similar needs helped me avoid common pitfalls.
Conclusion
Choosing the right side mount tool chest made organizing my workspace so much easier. By focusing on size, compatibility, build quality, and features, I found a solution that fits my tools and workflow perfectly. I hope my buying guide helps you find the best side mount tool chest for your needs!
Author Profile
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Charles Jones is the founder and primary writer behind gominii.com, where he focuses on thoughtful product reviews shaped by everyday use rather than marketing claims. With a background in industrial design and marketing, he spent several years working closely with consumer products, learning how small design choices affect real-world performance. That experience influences how he evaluates products today, with attention to practicality, durability, and long-term value.
Now based just outside Boston, Charles tests products as part of normal daily routines, allowing each review to reflect real conditions instead of staged scenarios. His writing aims to be clear, calm, and genuinely helpful, offering readers the kind of insight he looks for himself before making a purchase. Through gominii.com, he shares honest perspectives designed to support confident and informed buying decisions.
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