Decked calls its newest model a tool box, but I have always known this style as a crossover box or saddle box. Great Lakes Builders has had a crossover box in almost every truck we have owned for more than 20 years, with one exception: an HD Ram short bed outfitted with a first-generation Decked drawer system. That system held up well for the eight years we owned the truck, so when I had the opportunity to test a pre-production model of Decked’s newest tool box—right as we were buying a new work truck for the crew—I jumped on it.
Decked offers the tool box in three colors: industrial white, black, and Fender Dirt, a tan finish. I requested industrial white for two reasons. First, I had read that it is a good match for the white work-truck finishes offered by the big three manufacturers, and I thought it would look sharp. Second, I worried that a black box might get too hot in summer and negatively affect cordless-tool batteries—though, to be fair, that never happened with my previous black Decked drawer system.
Installation
The tool box arrived at my home on time, well packaged and strapped to a pallet. Unboxing was easy, and installation was straightforward. One detail I liked—and one I believe is unique to Decked—is the set of thick rubber pads that index into the bottom of the box where it contacts the top rails of the bed. The pads help keep the box planted on the truck and should eliminate any chance of squeaks over the life of the box. I was also able to install the Decked box tight to the back of the bed while keeping the truck fully operational, which is not the case with an aluminum box we have on another company truck.
Jake Lewandowski
The Decked tool box provides 10 cubic feet of storage while still allowing for some material to fit underneath.
Construction and Durability
The biggest standout for the Decked tool box is its construction. According to Decked, the hardware is made from anti-corrosion-treated steel and aluminum, while the tub and lid are made from a glass-fiber-reinforced polyester sheet-molding compound. I am not exactly sure what that material is, but I can say it is thicker than I expected and extremely stout. Decked rates the box to carry up to 800 pounds inside and up to 300 pounds on the lid.
As someone who has damaged and had to replace a gas strut on a tool box, I appreciate that the strut that assists with opening and closing the lid is tucked tightly into the lid and protected. We work outside Chicago, so we see plenty of weather. A box that is weather-sealed, corrosion-resistant, and hard to dent is a real advantage for a construction company that can be rough on equipment.
Storage and Organization
So far, the Decked tool box has worked very well. The industrial white color is, in my opinion, a good match for our new Oxford White Ford. At 288 liters—just over 10 cubic feet—it is also a useful size for a work truck. Decked offers optional tool hooks that mount inside the box for cords, straps, and other items you want to hang. For everything else, Decked offers cases in three sizes, along with a bin, all designed to fit in the tool box and offered in multiple colors. The company also offers a robust first-aid kit and a roadside emergency kit, and slimmer Milwaukee Packout boxes fit neatly as well. All of this makes it easier to get organized and stay organized than was the case with other crossover boxes we have used.
Jake Lewandowski
Here, you can also see the white of the box matches pretty well with the truck. By fitting tighter to the cab than most other boxes the unit allows more room in your truck bed. Also, the lift pistons are tucked out of the way, which protects them from the elements and from damage when accessing the box.
Everyday Use and Drawbacks
The oversized latches that open the lid work well, and I like them more the longer I use the box. The lock is only on the driver’s side, and the key slides into the lock with a feel similar to a new Kwikset doorknob. My main complaint so far is glare: The tool box reflects more light than I expected. That has not been a deal breaker, but it is worth noting for anyone considering the industrial white finish.
Bottom Line
In my opinion, the Decked tool box is a solid option for anyone who is hard on equipment, values good customer service after the sale, and works in a climate where corrosion is a concern. At $1,099, it is priced in line with—or below—many similarly sized, American-made, professional-grade crossover boxes. For our use, its durability, weather resistance, organization options, and clean installation make it a strong choice, with glare from the white finish being the only notable drawback so far. Find it at Decked.com.
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