Imagine this: You finally have your overlanding rig packed and ready for adventure. You’ve got the tent, the fridge, the recovery gear. But where does all the smaller stuff go? Those crucial tools, the extra snacks, the muddy boots – they need a safe, dry home. Finding the perfect storage solution can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, right?
Choosing the right overland storage box is more than just picking a plastic bin. You worry about it rattling loose on rough trails, or worse, your gear getting soaked in a sudden downpour. Durability matters, size matters, and keeping things organized on the move is key to a smooth trip. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the different features and materials out there.
Don’t let storage woes slow down your next epic journey. In this post, we’re cutting through the confusion. We’ll break down what makes a great overland storage box and help you figure out exactly what you need for your specific adventures. Get ready to lock down your gear with confidence!
Top Overland Storage Boxes Recommendations
- Capacity: This Overland Vehicle Systems Dry Box Storage has a carrying capacity of 95 QT
- Features: The Overland Vehicles Systems Dry Storage Box features a Bottle Opener, Two Locking Points, Heavy Duty Latches, Handles, and a Dustproof and Waterproof Seal
- Application: Universal Usage; The Overland Vehicle Systems Dry Storage Box is ideal for storing your tools, dry goods, recovery gear, clothes, or anything you need to keep dry during your Outdoors Adventures
- Dimensions: Width 31.10” X Length 18.31” X Depth 16.81”
- Buy with Confidence: This Dry Storage Box comes with a 4-Year Limited Warranty
- Capacity: This Overland Vehicle Systems Dry Box Storage has a carrying capacity of 117 QT
- Features: The Overland Vehicles Systems Dry Storage Box features a Bottle Opener, Two Locking Points, Heavy Duty Latches, Handles, and a Dustproof and Waterproof Seal
- Application: Universal Usage; The Overland Vehicle Systems Dry Storage Box is ideal for storing your tools, dry goods, recovery gear, clothes, or anything you need to keep dry during your Outdoors Adventures
- Dimensions: Width 47.00” X Length 19.00” X Depth 13.00”
- Buy with Confidence: This Dry Storage Box comes with a 4-Year Limited Warranty
- Capacity: This Overland Vehicle Systems Dry Box Storage has a carrying capacity of 53 QT
- Features: The Overland Vehicles Systems Dry Storage Box features a Bottle Opener, Two Locking Points, Heavy Duty Latches, Handles, and a Dustproof and Waterproof Seal
- Application: Universal Usage; The Overland Vehicle Systems Dry Storage Box is ideal for storing your tools, dry goods, recovery gear, clothes, or anything you need to keep dry during your Outdoors Adventures
- Dimensions: Width 26.00” X Length 15.56” X Depth 14.25”
- Buy with Confidence: This Dry Storage Box comes with a 4-Year Limited Warranty
- [Born for outdoor] Car special storage box for outdoor players to create exclusive, camping necessary, adaptable, equipment box design style is tough, with a strong fighting atmosphere, very suitable for hard off-road models
- [Fear of extreme weather] The equipment box is made of PE material, -40-90℃ ultra-wide temperature range, which can be used normally in extreme cold or extreme high temperature.
- [Excellent quality] Using the rotoplastic process, the wall thickness is uniform with heat and cold resistance, impact resistance, corrosion resistance, pressure resistance and other characteristics. Environmental protection grade thick seal, with super sealing, waterproof and dustproof.
- [Multi-specification and multi-scene] There are 58L, 98L and126QT three capacities to choose from, multi-scene use to meet different needs, suitable for a variety of scenarios, whether it is fishing, camping, off-road, tool storage or self-driving travel, this equipment box can easily cope with.
- [Additional functions] with external anti-theft lock, anti-theft protection; Hydraulic rod support, can be silent buffer; There is a drainage valve on the side of the bottom of the box, which is easy to clean and no water.
- Dimensions External: 47.2" x 18.5" x 12.8" Inner: 43.9" x 16.77" x 10.3" Weight: 34 Lbs, 110 liters.
- Meets TSA Requirements, easy to close lock down latches and quarter inch pad-lock fittings allowing for secure storage at home or on the go.
- Stackable design allows models of the same size to stack on top of each other. Holds up to 220 pounds easily with padded side handles and is heat resistant up to 212 degrees.
- IPX4 Water Resistant - Protects from splashing water, no matter the direction. A thick rubber gasket lining allows the case to close securely providing IPX4 waterproofing.
- Strap & Secure - Strapping anchor slots allow the cases to be tied down for secure transport.
- [Born for outdoor] Car special storage box for outdoor players to create exclusive, camping necessary, adaptable, equipment box design style is tough, with a strong fighting atmosphere, very suitable for hard off-road models
- [Unfear of extreme weather] The equipment box is made of PE material, -40-90℃ ultra-wide temperature range, which can be used normally in extreme cold or extreme high temperature.
- [Excellent quality] Using the rotoplastic process, the wall thickness is uniform with heat and cold resistance, impact resistance, corrosion resistance, pressure resistance and other characteristics. Environmental protection grade thick seal, with super sealing, waterproof and dustproof.
- [Multi-specification and multi-scene] There are 58L, 98L and126QT three capacities to choose from, multi-scene use to meet different needs, suitable for a variety of scenarios, whether it is fishing, camping, off-road, tool storage or self-driving travel, this equipment box can easily cope with.
- [Additional functions] with external anti-theft lock, anti-theft protection; Hydraulic rod support, can be silent buffer; There is a drainage valve on the side of the bottom of the box, which is easy to clean and no water.
- [Born for outdoor] Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, this car-specific storage box creates an exclusive, rugged equipment case ideal for camping. With a tough, combat-inspired style, it suits hard-core off-road vehicles perfectly
- [Extreme weather-resistant] Crafted from PE material, this equipment box withstands -40°C to 90°C, ensuring reliable use in freezing cold or extreme heat.
- [Outstanding quality] Features uniform wall thickness via rotational molding, offering heat/cold resistance, impact resistance, corrosion resistance, and pressure resistance. Equipped with an eco-friendly thick seal for superior tightness, waterproofing, and dustproofing.
- [Multi-specification and diverse scene] Available in 58L and 98L, The equipment box suits multi-scene use - fishing, camping, off-road, tool storage or self-driving travel—to meet diverse needs effortlessly.
- [Additional functions] with external anti-theft lock, anti-theft protection; Hydraulic rod support offers silent buffer while drainage valve at the bottom side ensures easy cleaning and water discharge. With the pre-installed lock mounting positions , you can purchase external anti-theft locks for enhanced security.
- Truck Box: Perfect solution to keep your valuable gear, clothing, tools, and even dry food organized, secured, and protected on your roof rack, in your truck bed, or stored in your SUV
- Use As: Truck Box, Truck Tool Box, Outdoor Box, Storage Box, Gear Box, Field Box, Cargo Box
- Features: Extreme durability, weather resistant and dustproof, heavy duty lay-flat handles, tie-down plates, mounting kit interface plate, limited lifetime guarantee (case only)
- Dimensions (LxWxD) - Exterior 41.00" x 17.25" x 16.00" - Interior 36.80" x 12.25" x 13.20" - Weight Empty 28.70 lbs
- Secure Mounting: Designed to securely mount in your truck bed using the Pelican Cargo Cross-Bed Mount (sold separately)
Choosing the Best Overland Storage Boxes: Your Complete Buying Guide
Overlanding means adventure! You pack your vehicle and head off the beaten path. Good storage boxes keep your gear safe and organized. This guide helps you pick the right ones for your travels.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on features that make your life easier and your gear safer.
Durability and Protection
- Weatherproofing: Look for high IP ratings (like IP67). This means the box resists dust and water very well. Rain and mud should not bother your supplies.
- Locking Mechanisms: Strong latches keep the box shut, even on bumpy roads. Metal latches are better than plastic ones.
- UV Resistance: The sun fades and weakens plastic over time. Good boxes resist the sun’s rays.
Usability and Design
- Stackability: Boxes that stack neatly save valuable space on your roof rack or inside your truck bed.
- Handles: Sturdy, comfortable handles make lifting and carrying heavy boxes easy.
- Interior Space: Choose boxes that fit your needs. Some people need space for tools; others need space for food and cooking gear.
Important Materials Matter
The material of your storage box directly affects how long it lasts and how much it weighs.
Plastic vs. Metal
- Rotomolded Plastic (Polyethylene): This is the gold standard for many overlanders. It resists impacts very well and stays lighter than metal. It handles extreme temperatures better too.
- Aluminum: Aluminum boxes are very strong and lightweight for their strength. They resist rust. However, they can sometimes dent more easily than thick plastic if hit hard.
- Steel: Steel is the toughest but also the heaviest. It offers great security but adds significant weight to your vehicle, which uses more fuel.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all boxes are made the same, even if they look similar.
Quality Boosters
- Gaskets and Seals: Thick, continuous rubber gaskets around the lid create a waterproof seal. This feature significantly improves quality.
- Reinforced Corners: Boxes with thicker plastic or metal reinforcement at the corners survive drops better.
- Warranty: A long warranty shows the manufacturer trusts their product.
Quality Reducers (Watch Outs)
- Thin Walls: If you can easily press the side of the box in, the material is too thin.
- Cheap Latches: Flimsy plastic latches break easily when exposed to dirt or cold weather.
- Poor Fit and Finish: Gaps between the lid and the body let dust and water sneak inside.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where you will use the box most often.
Vehicle Mounting
If you mount the box on a roof rack, weight becomes very important. Lighter plastic boxes are often better here. If the box stays in the truck bed, you might choose a heavier, more secure metal box.
Organization Inside
Some users buy one huge box. Others prefer several smaller boxes. Smaller boxes allow you to organize gear by category (e.g., one for kitchen, one for recovery gear). This organization makes finding things much faster when you are setting up camp.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Overland Storage Boxes
Q: What is the most important feature for overlanding storage?
A: Water and dust resistance is the most important feature. Your gear must stay dry and clean no matter the weather.
Q: Should I choose plastic or metal?
A: Plastic (rotomolded) is usually lighter and handles impacts well. Metal (aluminum) offers better security and extreme rigidity.
Q: How do I know if a box is truly waterproof?
A: Look for an IP rating of IP67 or higher. Also, check that the lid has a thick, unbroken rubber seal.
Q: Can I lock these boxes easily?
A: Most good boxes have built-in slots for padlocks. Strong metal latches offer better security than plastic ones.
Q: Will extreme heat or cold damage the plastic?
A: High-quality, UV-stabilized polyethylene handles wide temperature swings well. Cheap plastic might crack in the cold or warp in the heat.
Q: Are these boxes heavy when empty?
A: Yes, heavy-duty boxes are always somewhat heavy. A large, rotomolded box might weigh 25-40 pounds empty. Check the specs before you buy!
Q: What is the benefit of stackable boxes?
A: Stackable designs save space on your roof rack or trailer, letting you carry more gear safely.
Q: How do I secure the box to my vehicle?
A: Most boxes have tie-down slots or anchor points molded into the base or sides. You use heavy-duty straps or specialized mounting hardware to secure them.
Q: Do I need special liners for the inside?
A: Liners are optional but helpful. They prevent items inside from sliding around and reduce noise while driving.
Q: How long should a good quality box last?
A: A premium, rotomolded or thick aluminum box, taken care of, should easily last ten years or more of regular overlanding use.