Dee Zee

About Dee Zee

Dee Zee was founded in 1977 in Des Moines, Iowa, introducing twelve custom-fit Brite-Tread aluminum running board applications at that year's SEMA show under the tagline "The Running Board People." The company grew by staying ahead of the market's demand for truck accessories that combined function with a finished, professional appearance — a combination that was unusual in the aftermarket industry at the time. From that original running board focus, Dee Zee expanded into tool boxes, transfer tanks, bed protection, mud flaps, grille guards, and dozens of additional product lines, eventually growing to over 2,000 SKUs.

The Des Moines facility remains the center of Dee Zee's production, with approximately 90% of materials sourced from American suppliers. Dee Zee was among the first aftermarket manufacturers to adopt powder coat finishing on aluminum products — a decision that improved corrosion resistance and visual longevity significantly over the bare or painted aluminum that was standard at the time. That commitment to finish quality carries forward in specific product lines: the NRT (No Rust Technology) powder coat on steel products and the Brite-Tread diamond plate aluminum on their box and tank lineup are both proprietary Dee Zee specifications.

Dee Zee's footprint in the automotive industry extends beyond the aftermarket. The company is an OEM supplier to major automakers including Ford, GM, Chrysler/Stellantis, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota — manufacturing products that are sold under those brands' nameplates as factory-installed or dealer-installed accessories. That OEM relationship reflects the manufacturing standards Dee Zee operates to and is one reason their aftermarket products carry a limited lifetime warranty on most items. Kelli Gallagher, president of Dee Zee, leads the family-owned company today.

Dee Zee Tool Box Series — Which Is Right for Your Truck?

Dee Zee's tool box lineup is deep enough that choosing between series is genuinely worth a moment's consideration. Here's the quick version:

For maximum weather protection and premium appearance: Platinum Series — textured black aluminum, drop-down lid with rubber seal, removable tray.

For daily commercial use that needs to outlast the truck: Blue Label Series — the Alumaguard channel and internal bend construction make this Dee Zee's most structurally rigid aluminum option for contractors who open and close the box dozens of times a day.

For short-bed crew cabs or tight bed configurations: Specialty/Narrow Series — 69-inch profile fits where standard-width boxes won't, in bright aluminum or black.

For absolute corrosion resistance or lighter weight: Poly Series — won't dent, won't rust, lighter than equivalent aluminum, foam gasket seal. The right choice for coastal environments or anyone who's had enough of rusting steel and pitting aluminum.

For value without sacrificing build quality: Hardware Series — 20-gauge steel with NRT powder coat at a lower price point than the aluminum tiers. The same crown lid design and gas shock operation as the premium series.

Need help narrowing it down for your specific truck? Contact our team — we can confirm fitment and walk through the right series for your application.

Dee Zee Products by Truck Model

• Ford F-150
• Ford F-250/350 Super Duty
• Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• Chevrolet Silverado HD (2500/3500)
• GMC Sierra 1500
• GMC Sierra HD (2500/3500)
• RAM 1500
• RAM 2500/3500
• Toyota Tundra
• Nissan Titan

Frequently Asked Questions — Dee Zee

What is the difference between Dee Zee's Platinum, Blue Label, and Hardware Series tool boxes?

Platinum is the premium aluminum tier — heavy-gauge diamond plate, textured black powder coat, drop-down lid with rubber seal. Blue Label is commercial-grade Brite-Tread aluminum with Alumaguard channel and internal bends for maximum structural rigidity under daily use. Hardware Series is 20-gauge steel with NRT black powder coat — most affordable, same quality lid operation. All three are available in crossover and side mount configurations. All tool boxes ship free.

What is the Dee Zee Poly tool box and who is it for?

A tool box made from hardened poly plastic — won't dent, won't rust, lighter than aluminum. Double-wall lid with foam gasket seal, metal striker plates with full-length locking rod for security. Best for coastal environments, truck owners watching payload, or anyone who wants a truly maintenance-free box.

What is the difference between Dee Zee's auxiliary transfer tanks and fluid transfer tanks?

Critical distinction: auxiliary transfer tanks (SKUs with "X" designation — DZ91752X, DZ91767X, etc.) are DOT and FMCSA compliant, pressure-tested to 29 PSI, certified for diesel, and approved for use as an auxiliary fuel system. Standard fluid transfer tanks (without "X" — DZ92747, DZ92556NS, etc.) are private-use only, for non-flammable liquids, NOT for diesel or gasoline, and do NOT meet Title 49 of the US Federal Registry. Check the product listing's compliance statement or contact our team before ordering any Dee Zee tank.

What is Dee Zee's Brite-Tread aluminum?

Dee Zee's branded diamond plate aluminum — raised tread pattern for grip and visual appeal. Used across tool boxes, tanks, and running boards. Gauge varies by product (.125 on tanks, .056 on box lids). Available in natural bright finish and black powder coat versions across different lines. Non-rusting.

What is Dee Zee's NRT (No Rust Technology)?

Dee Zee's proprietary textured black powder coat formulation applied to steel products including Hardware Series tool boxes and Rough Step running boards. Resists rust and corrosion on steel surfaces exposed to moisture, road salt, and weather. NRT-coated products carry a limited lifetime warranty.

Are Dee Zee running boards hard to install?

Most use existing OEM mounting holes with vehicle-specific brackets — no drilling on most applications. Dee Zee uses laser measuring and CAD data for each year/make/model combination. The Louvered Step may require minor drilling on a small number of vehicles — confirm on the product listing for your specific truck.

What warranty do Dee Zee products carry?

Limited lifetime warranty on most products. Dee Zee is manufactured primarily in Des Moines, Iowa with approximately 90% American-sourced materials, and is an OEM supplier to Ford, GM, Chrysler/Stellantis, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota — the same manufacturing standards apply to their aftermarket lineup.