The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Semi-Truck Tool Box from Merritt

A well-chosen semi-truck tool box keeps your straps, chains, fluids, and PPE organized, protected, and easy to reach—while adding as little weight as possible. Merritt offers three heavy-duty aluminum families that cover nearly every frame layout and job type. Below, we break down the key differences so you can match the right box to the right application.

Tool-box family	Core strengths	Best for…	Typical sizes*
Aluminum Toolbox	Largest size matrix (40+ SKUs) · Bright or diamond-plate doors · Lap-joint welded corners for maximum water resistance	General freight, regional LTL, owner-operators who want a classic look with many length/depth options	H 18–24″ · D 18–30″ · L 18–72″
Cam-Lock Boxes	Wide, full-swing door for bulky gear · Smooth or diamond plate · Extra-strong cam-bar closure	Heavy equipment & ag fleets that load odd-shaped items or want fast one-hand access	H 18 or 24″ · D 18–30″ · L 24–60″
S-Series Aluminum Toolbox	Door clears whether the box is side-mounted, underbody, or deck-mounted · 42 SKUs · Reinforced hinges	Vocational or municipal fleets that remount boxes during chassis swaps; tight cab‐over frames	H 18–24″ · D 18–30″ · L 24–60″

*Common catalogue sizes; custom builds ship in ~10 days.

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1. Merritt Aluminum Toolbox – The All-Rounder

• Why pick it: You need a straight-forward, corrosion-proof box in the exact size you want—without extra lead time.
• Stand-out features: Extruded door frame, perimeter automotive seal, optional keyed-alike locks across multiple boxes.
• Ideal install: Side-frame on sleeper tractors, end-of-frame on dump trucks, or underbody on trailers where step plates aren’t required.

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2. Merritt Cam-Lock Boxes – Fast, Wide Access

• Why pick it: Operators are constantly grabbing larger gear—tarps, winch bars, DEF jugs—and want a door that swings clear.
• Stand-out features: Heavy-duty cam bar latches compress the seal along the door’s full height; fewer hinges mean faster open/close cycles.
• Ideal install: Flatbeds, RGN/low-boy tractors, and ag haulers who store chains and boomers in one spot.

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3. Merritt S-Series Aluminum Toolbox – Mount-It-Anywhere Flexibility

• Why pick it: You may start with a side-mount today but need the option to relocate under the deck, or vice-versa.
• Stand-out features: Universal hinge orientation lets the lid clear no matter which side faces out; reinforcement plates protect against frame-torque stress.
• Ideal install: Municipal plow trucks, refuse haulers, fuel transports—any fleet that repurposes chassis or swaps bodies seasonally.

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Matching the Box to the Job

Application	Key requirement	Recommended family
Long-haul sleeper	Maximum cubic volume with lowest possible weight	Aluminum Toolbox
Heavy-haul / logging	Extra-wide opening & cam-bar security	Cam-Lock Box
Day cab with limited frame space	Mount flexibility + compact depth	S-Series
Tanker / haz-mat	Single-hand door, smooth skin for easy cleaning	Cam-Lock or S-Series
Municipal / utility	Frequent body swaps, standardized sizes	S-Series

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Pro Installation Tips

1. Choose the right bracket: All Merritt tool boxes use laser-cut internal mounting brackets—pair boxes 30″ or longer with Merritt L-Brackets (frame-drill or no-drill) to prevent sagging.
2. Mind door swing: Verify clearance around fuel tanks, DEF tanks, and aero fairings, especially on top-hinged Cam-Lock boxes.
3. Seal maintenance: A light silicone wipe on the automotive gasket every service interval keeps dust and water out.

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Ready to Order Your Semi-Truck Tool Box?

• Browse all SKUs: Heavy-Duty Tool Boxes
• Get a quote in minutes: Call 800-525-0107 or email orders@merrittproducts.com
• Need custom dimensions? Merritt’s in-house fabrication ships made-to-order boxes in 10 days or less.

Equip your rig—or your customer’s entire fleet—with the tool-box solution built to last the life of the truck, not just the job.