Quick Answer
Choose a low profile crossover box if you need secure, weather-protected storage and can give up some bed space. Choose a side mount box if you want to keep the bed open and store gear along the rails.
Bed Space vs Accessibility
A crossover box sits across the bed, so it eats into your cargo area. That is the main trade-off: you get a large, lockable chest, but you lose the ability to slide long items like lumber or pipe through the bed. A side mount box hugs the rails, leaving the center of the bed open for bulky cargo. If you regularly haul tall or long loads, a side mount box keeps the bed usable.
However, side mount boxes are typically narrower and shorter than crossover chests. That means less interior volume and less room for larger tools or equipment. For tradespeople who carry a lot of gear, a low profile crossover box can hold more and keeps items within reach from the tailgate.
Security and Locking
Both box types can offer strong security, but the locking mechanism matters more than the mounting style. Traditional paddle locks are common on cheaper boxes, but they can be pried open. Look for a system that uses revolving cams that hook through welded catches—this design secures the lid more effectively against forced entry.
If you park on job sites or leave tools overnight, prioritize a box with this type of cam lock. A side mount box might be easier to access from the side, but a crossover box is often harder to pry because it sits higher in the bed. Consider your typical parking and theft risk when deciding.
Trade-Offs to Consider
- Crossover Box: Choose a low profile crossover box when you need maximum secure storage and don't mind sacrificing some bed length. It's ideal for carrying a large tool set, but it blocks long cargo. Measure your bed length and the box's footprint to ensure you can still haul your longest items.
- Side Mount Box: Choose a side mount box when you need to keep the bed open for long or bulky loads. It mounts along the rails, but offers less interior volume than a crossover chest. Check the box's width and height to confirm it fits your tools without blocking your view or tailgate access.
- Security Lock: Prioritize a cam lock system that hooks through welded catches over a standard paddle lock for better forced-entry resistance. Test the lock mechanism before buying to ensure it operates smoothly and securely.
Product Facts
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CamLocker King Size 63" Low Profile Matte Black Truck Tool Box: The CamLocker King Size 63" Low Profile Matte Black Truck Tool Box uses revolving cams that hook through welded catches to secure the lid. This cam lock design resists forced entry better than standard paddle locks, so your tools stay safer on job sites.
CamLocker King Size 63" Low Profile Matte Black Truck Tool Box
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CamLocker 48" Matte Black Side Mount Tool Box: The CamLocker 48" Matte Black Side Mount Tool Box mounts directly to the truck's side rails and features full-length stainless steel hinges. Side mounting keeps the bed center open for cargo, and the full-length hinges add durability for frequent opening and closing.
CamLocker 48" Matte Black Side Mount Tool Box
Which Should You Choose?
Best For
- Tradespeople who carry a large, heavy tool set and park in low-risk areas
- Truck owners who need secure storage and don't need to haul long cargo
Not For
- Those who regularly haul long materials like lumber or pipe through the bed
- Owners who need quick access to tools while the tailgate is down
