First time I loaded The Hijet's bed with loose tools, a 10mm socket bounced off the tailgate into a storm drain on Route 307. Obviously the 10mm. That was the last day I drove without a toolbox.
Standard US truck toolboxes are too wide for kei beds. ATV boxes are too small. Here's what fits, tested on The Hijet and The Cab.
Option 1: Compact crossover toolbox
Best all-around solution. Look for ATV/UTV-sized crossover boxes — 36-42 inches wide. Kei beds are ~54 inches, so these leave room on both sides.
Recommended: Dee Zee DZ6134NB (34" narrow crossover). Fits most kei truck beds without modification. Most recommended box on r/keitruck. Mounts to bed rails or secures with J-hooks under the bed edge.
Other options: Better Built and UWS both make narrow-profile boxes that work.
Option 2: Side-mount boxes
Two small rectangular boxes, one on each side of the bed wall. Leaves the center open for cargo.
Bolt through the bed floor or use L-brackets against the wall. Good for keeping tools accessible while still hauling. I ran this setup on The Cab for six months before switching to the crossover.
Option 3: Ammo cans and surplus gear
Budget option. Popular for a reason.
- Ammo cans: $10-20 each at surplus stores. Waterproof, stackable, nearly indestructible.
- Pelican-style cases: Waterproof hard cases in various sizes.
- Jerry can holders: Bolt to bed sides for fuel or water.
Secure with ratchet straps or bolt a mounting plate to the bed floor.
Option 4: DIY bed divider
Plywood or aluminum. Here's the basic layout:
┌──────────────────────┐
│ Tools │ Open │
│ │ cargo │
├─────────┤ │
│ Parts │ │
│ bins │ │
└──────────────────────┘
Materials: 1/2" plywood or 1/8" aluminum sheet. 2x4 or aluminum angle for the frame. Carriage bolts + wing nuts for easy removal.
Key detail: make dividers removable. Use stake pockets or slot-and-pin connections. You will need the full bed eventually.
Option 5: Drawer system
Most organized, most expensive. DECKED makes truck bed drawers but they're sized for full-size trucks — you'll need custom or DIY.
DIY version: Plywood platform with two sliding drawers underneath. Top stays flat for cargo. Materials: $100-200. Build time: one afternoon.
Option 6: Bed rack + bed storage
Combine a bed rack for long items on top (lumber, ladders, rods) with boxes and tools below. Mount hooks on the rack for bags and quick-grab items. Two-layer storage in a 6-foot bed.
Don't forget under the seats
Most kei truck cabs have space behind or under the seats. Flat toolboxes, first aid kits, registration docs, small parts bins. Free storage you're probably not using.
Mounting notes
Whatever setup you choose:
- Ratchet straps: Cheap, effective. Good for boxes you want to remove.
- Bolt-through: Permanent. Drill through bed floor, apply sealant to prevent rust.
- Stake pocket mounts: No drilling. Use existing pockets to anchor accessories.
- Rare earth magnets: Works for light items. Stick tool holders to bed walls.
Watch your payload. Kei trucks max out at 770 lbs. A full toolbox setup runs 100-200 lbs. That's a quarter of your capacity before you load any cargo.
What the community runs
- Dee Zee crossover + ratchet straps — simplest, most popular
- Ammo cans + bungee net — cheapest, most rugged aesthetic
- Custom plywood dividers + small bins — best organization per dollar
- Small rolling cart (Kobalt/Craftsman) — fits in the bed, rolls out when needed
Total cost: $50-300 depending on the route. Total time: 1-3 hours. Difficulty: 2/10.