Travelling with an RV is one of the most exciting things you can do to explore the outdoors. This way of exploring allows you to park the RV near water or campsite and enjoy all the perks nature can offer. However, staying prepared when on the road is paramount so that you can take the most out of it.
Carrying all the needed RV accessories with you is very much needed, but instead of tossing them in some corner, they should be carried and protected in a special storage toolbox. Finding the one you need should be done depending on the type and number of tools you need to carry with you.
What’s the Purpose of a Tool Box?
Well, the most basic and obvious reason for investing in such a box is to provide a safe and secure way to transport all of your tools. Being made from sturdy and durable materials means that they will provide safe and secure transportation to all of your belongings without posing a danger of being damaged. Speaking of materials, nowadays you can choose from three main types of materials used for designing storage boxes for tools.
Plastic
Also known as poly boxes, the popularity of plastic boxes for tools has rapidly grown and nowadays, they are one of the most commonly used types. Aside from being lightweight, this trailer storage box is versatile as well as durable and impossible to corrode which is something that cannot be said about the ones made from stainless steel and aluminium. A plastic storage box will stay unaffected by the elements even when exposed to rain and moisture.
Even though in the past poly tool boxes were the least used option, nowadays this has changed thanks to the advanced technology. Today’s boxes are lightweight but heavy-duty, robust and available in different sizes, shapes, colours and even designs. Plus, cleaning them is super easy and convenient as all you need is water and soap. You can clean them as many times as you want without fearing that the material will rot, corrode, or rust.
Aluminium
Aluminium is another type of material used for this purpose. Unlike steel, aluminium is lighter in weight which is one of the main reasons why people prefer it over stainless steel. Even though aluminium boxes are way lighter than stainless steel, they certainly aren’t lighter than plastic. The main reason for their popularity is that they can last a longer period of time without rusting and deteriorating. However, if exposed to moisture and rain for a prolonged time, the chances are high that toolboxes made from aluminium will start deteriorating.
Steel
Steel toolboxes are the heaviest which makes them tougher. When comparing toolboxes of the same size and shape made for aluminium and steel, the steel ones are way more durable, they can bear more weight and are more resistant to wear and tear. These toolboxes are mainly designed for those of you who need them to work in harsh environments, but to improve their protection and prevent rust and corrosion, you’ll need to cover them with a special protective coat.
Types of Toolboxes
Truck Mounted
As the name suggests, these tools storage box cases are designed to be mounted on trucks, trailers and UTEs. Usually, they are made from heavy-duty plastic because they are lighter in weight and can be exposed to the elements without a problem. With a box of this kind, you’ll be able to carry all of your belongings anywhere with you and use them in remote locations. Depending on your needs, you can choose from rail-top mounted, side-mounted and cross-bed mounted toolboxes.
Hand-Carry
These storage cases are perfect for carrying around a few essential tools that can come in handy when in need to make some small repairs. These boxes are extremely compact, easy to carry around and they’re mainly made from plastic in order to aid to their convenience and ease of transport.
Roll-Around
These storage boxes are usually upright and feature several drawers and compartments for better organisation. Unlike the other two, these ones are mainly used in commercial garages where car mechanics need to move from one vehicle to another in order to repair it. Aside from these, you can also choose from portable trolley boxes which are quite similar to the roll-around, and they are mainly made from plastic.
Some Other Things to Consider
Design
Aside from the regular type of toolbox, nowadays you can also choose from several others that feature multiple compartments and drawers. You can also invest in the ones that resemble a belt with pockets in which you can keep smaller tools and items.
Size
Generally speaking, you should consider the size of your Ute to determine the size of the chosen storage case, but also its free space and how many tools you plan to carry with you. Keep in mind to leave some extra storage space for those times when you want to expand your tool range.