The Ford F-150 is a legendary truck known for its impressive capabilities and rugged dependability. With its powerful engine and spacious cargo bed, it’s no wonder that this pickup has been a favorite of truck enthusiasts for years. However, to truly make the most of your F-150’s cargo space, you’ll want to invest in the right toolbox.
The appropriate size of the toolbox will depend on the size of the F-150’s bed. For instance, a side-mounted toolbox for a 2022 F-150 with a 6.5-foot-long bed can measure around 71 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 19 inches tall.
In this guide, we’ll go over the different F-150 bed sizes, what a toolbox is used for, and the various toolbox styles.
How Big Is a Ford F-150 Bed?
The bed of a Ford F-150 is undoubtedly one of its most prominent features. It’s spacious, durable, and versatile, making it an ideal choice for truck owners who need to haul large items or equipment. The F-150’s cargo bed comes in three sizes: 5.5 feet, 6.5 feet, and 8.0 feet allowing drivers to choose the bed size that best suits their needs.
The shortest available bed length is 5.5 feet, making it ideal for those who regularly park in congested areas or who have limited space in which to maneuver. A good option for those who don’t require the extra space of a larger bed, this bed is still spacious enough to accommodate most standard-sized cargo.
When it comes to F-150 beds, the 6.5-foot length is what many people would consider the “standard” size. The size is adaptable, providing a happy medium between storage space and driving ease. Its longer bed makes it suitable for hauling larger items while still being manageable in most driving situations.
The longest available bed length is 8 feet, making it perfect for transporting bulky items. Construction workers, gardeners, and other professionals who frequently move heavy objects will find it to be an ideal feature for their line of work. It’s important to keep in mind that the truck’s long bed can make it trickier to maneuver in some settings.
What Is a Ford F-150 Toolbox?
If you need more room to store tools and equipment, a toolbox is a necessary bed accessory for your Ford F-150. It is built to fit snugly in the truck bed and is typically made of sturdy materials like steel or aluminum to withstand the elements and deter theft.
The purpose of the toolbox is to store various equipment and supplies in a safe and orderly manner. Those who regularly use their F-150 to transport tools and equipment for their profession or hobby will find this particularly useful.
Modular toolboxes for the Ford F-150 are available in a wide range of sizes and styles to meet the requirements of a wide range of professionals and enthusiasts. Some have built-in storage like drawers and shelves for keeping tools neat and tidy, while others are made to fit particular mattress sizes or wall bracket configurations.
What Size Toolbox for the Ford F-150
Now, for the crux of the matter: what size toolbox should you get for your Ford F-150?
Well, it ultimately boils down to the size of your particular F-150 bed. As I explained above, F-150 beds come in 3 distinct sizes, so you’ll need to know the measurements of your pickup’s bed before purchasing the correct toolbox size.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the 2023 Ford F-150’s bed dimensions:
| Parameters | 5.5 feet* | 6.5 feet | 8.0 feet |
| Inside length at floor | 67.1 in. | 78.9 in. | 97.6 in. |
| Width between wheelhouses | 50.6 in. | 50.6 in. | 50.6 in. |
| Inside height | 21.4 in. | 21.4 in. | 21.4 in. |
| Cargo box volume | 52.8 cu. ft. | 62.3 cu. ft. | 77.4 cu. ft. |
Source: Ford.com
*This also applies to the F-150 Lightning
As you can see from the table above, the main difference between each bed size is the length of the floor. As such, the main thing to consider when purchasing a toolbox specifically designed for F-150s is whether or not it can sit securely along the length of the bed. In terms of height and width, there’s virtually no distinction.
This also means that a toolbox designed to sit width-wise near the cabin will fit all F-150 bed styles, assuming you’re looking at F-150s from the same model year—i.e., the width of a 2023 F-150 may differ from that of 2002 F-150.
Bed Toolbox Styles
Before you settle on a particular toolbox size, you should also be aware of the various toolbox styles. Here’s a brief breakdown of each toolbox style for you to consider.
1. Mounted crossover
A crossover toolbox sits across the bed of the truck, between the wheel wells, and spans from one side of the bed to the other. It’s a popular style because it allows for easy access to tools and equipment from either side of the truck.
2. Side mount
A side toolbox mounts to the side of the bed and is a great option for those who need to access their tools without having to climb into the bed of the truck. It’s typically narrow and runs the length of the bed, which can limit the amount of storage space.
3. Chest
A chest toolbox is a large, box-shaped container that sits at the front of the bed against the cab. It offers a lot of storage space and is a good option for those who need to store larger items, but it can limit visibility out of the rear window.
4. Top-mount
A top-mount toolbox sits on top of the bed rails and is a great option for those who need to maximize their storage space. It’s typically wider than other toolbox styles, which can make it more difficult to access from the sides of the truck.
5. Storage drawers
A storage drawer toolbox is similar to a chest, but it features multiple drawers for organizing tools and equipment. It’s a good option for those who need to store a large number of smaller items.
6. Wheel well boxes
Wheel well boxes mount to the sides of the bed, behind the wheel wells. They provide additional storage space without taking up valuable bed space.
7. Fifth-wheel boxes
Fifth-wheel boxes are designed to sit in the bed of the truck, behind the cab, and in front of a fifth-wheel hitch. They’re typically narrower and taller than other toolbox styles and are a great option for those who frequently tow a trailer.
