5 Best Side Mount Truck Toolboxes For Hauling Feed On a Homestead Budget

Imagine pulling into the local feed store while dark clouds gather on the horizon and your truck bed is already half-full of fencing supplies. You need to keep those expensive organic crumbles bone-dry without sacrificing the floor space required for hay or equipment. A side mount toolbox solves this space crisis, providing a dedicated spot for grain bags while keeping the rest of your bed open for heavy hauling.

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Why Dee Zee and UWS Boxes Work for Small Homesteads

Side mount boxes are the unsung heroes of the small-scale farm because they utilize the "dead space" above the wheel wells. By sitting on the bed rails, they leave the floor open for standard plywood sheets or livestock panels. This setup maximizes every square inch of a standard pickup bed, which is vital when you are making one trip to town count.

Both Dee Zee and UWS have built reputations on providing accessible entry points for those who need professional-grade storage on a hobbyist budget. They offer a variety of sizes that fit both compact and full-size trucks. This flexibility ensures that whether you drive an older farm truck or a newer daily driver, you can find a fit that doesn’t overhang or interfere with your hitch.

• Space Management: Keeps the bed floor clear for hay bales.
• Accessibility: Allows you to grab a scoop or a small bag of grain without climbing into the truck.
• Versatility: Easy to remove if you need to install a ladder rack or a canopy later.

Dee Zee Specialty Series: Durable Aluminum Storage

Aluminum is the gold standard for homesteaders living in humid or coastal climates. These boxes won’t rust out after one salty winter, ensuring your feed stays clean and free of metallic flakes. The diamond plate finish also provides a bit of extra grip when you are reaching into the box with muddy gloves.

The Specialty Series is specifically designed to be lightweight so it doesn’t eat into your truck’s payload capacity. This is a crucial consideration if you are already pushing the limits with a bed full of wet compost or heavy T-posts. You get the protection of a hard shell without the weight penalty of traditional steel.

Better Built Crown Series: Reliable Feed Protection

The "Crown" lid is engineered to shed water like a duck’s back, using a curved design that prevents pooling. When you are hauling three bags of layer pellets through a sudden summer downpour, that overlapping lid design is the primary defense against a moldy mess. It is a solid middle-ground option for those who prioritize structural integrity over the lowest possible price.

These boxes feature a patented integral end design which makes the corners much stronger than simple welded seams. This means the box is less likely to warp or "smile" over time from the weight of heavy tools or dense bags of mineral block. It is a set-it-and-forget-it solution for a busy farm.

Buyers Products Side Mount: Heavy Duty Steel Build

Sometimes you need the sheer heft and impact resistance that only powder-coated steel can provide. If your truck doubles as a workhorse for hauling heavy timber or jagged stone, a steel box can take a beating that aluminum might not survive. The extra weight also helps slightly with traction if you have a light-ended rear-wheel-drive pickup.

You must keep an eye on the finish to prevent rust spots from creeping in over time, especially where the lid hinges. However, for sheer security against both the elements and potential theft, the thick walls of a Buyers Products box are hard to beat. It feels more like a permanent fixture of the truck than a temporary accessory.

UWS Side Mount Box: Secure Locking for Grain Bags

Security isn’t just about preventing theft; it is about keeping clever raccoons and squirrels out of your expensive grain. The micro-seal stripping and heavy-duty stainless steel paddle handles on UWS boxes create a vault-like environment. If your truck spends nights parked near the barn, this level of protection is non-negotiable.

The foam-filled lid on a UWS box provides extra structural rigidity, preventing the lid from twisting when you open it from one side. This ensures the seal remains even across the entire length of the box. It is the right choice if you find yourself opening and closing the box dozens of times during a busy weekend chore list.

• Foam-Filled Lid: Increases strength and reduces "flex" during operation.
• Stainless Steel Latches: Resists corrosion even in high-moisture environments.
• Micro-Seal Gasket: Blocks out fine dust and moisture effectively.

Lund Aluminum Side Mount: Affordable Gear Storage

Starting a homestead often means every penny is already spoken for by seeds, chicks, or fencing. Lund offers a functional, no-frills entry point that keeps your gear off the floor and out of the elements for a fraction of the cost of premium brands. While it might use a slightly thinner gauge of aluminum, it serves the essential purpose of organization.

This box is ideal for storing "dry" goods like fencing pliers, gloves, and spare hitch pins that don’t require a hermetically sealed environment. If you are just looking to get your cab decluttered and your basic tools out of the rain, this is the budget-friendly path. It allows you to invest the saved money back into your livestock or garden.

Comparing Better Built and Lund Weather Seal Quality

Weather seals are where the budget choice meets the reality of a thunderstorm. Better Built typically offers a more robust, automotive-grade gasket that compresses tightly when the lid is latched. Lund’s seals are functional but may require a bit of DIY weatherstripping reinforcement if you plan on storing sensitive items like paper-bagged chick starter.

Consider how often you will be driving in driving rain at highway speeds before choosing the cheaper path. Wind can force water into the smallest gaps at 60 miles per hour. If your route to the feed store is mostly low-speed backroads, the Lund will likely suffice, but highway commuters should lean toward the Better Built.

Mounting Your UWS or Dee Zee Box for Maximum Safety

A loose toolbox is a dangerous projectile on a bumpy pasture road or during a sudden stop. Use J-bolts to secure the box to the bed rails without drilling permanent holes into your truck’s sheet metal. This method provides a secure grip while allowing for easy removal if you ever need to switch to a different hauling configuration.

Always place a rubber shim or a piece of old horse stall mat between the box and the bed rail. This prevents the metal-on-metal vibration that can wear through your truck’s paint and lead to premature rusting. Taking ten extra minutes during installation will save your truck’s resale value and keep the box quiet on gravel roads.

Choosing the right storage means your feed stays fresh and your truck bed stays versatile for the many tasks a homestead requires. A well-chosen side mount box is a one-time investment that pays dividends every time the weather turns sour or the chore list grows long. Focus on the seal quality and mounting security to ensure your equipment lasts as long as your farm does.