A loose bungee net is not a storage plan. If you ride trails, hunt, plow, or just haul tools to the back forty, a proper rear storage box turns your ATV into a workhorse that actually keeps your gear dry, locked, and where you left it. We spent weeks bolting boxes to rear racks, loading them with chainsaws and lunch coolers, and bouncing them down washboard trails to see which ones rattle loose and which ones hold tight.
Below are the seven rear cargo boxes that earned their spot. We weighed real-world capacity, how well the lids seal against rain and dust, whether the mounting hardware survives vibration, and whether the lockable models actually deter theft at the trailhead. Every pick here is something we would mount on our own machine, and we flag the honest weaknesses so you buy the right one the first time.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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Kolpin 4485 Trail Box Best Overall Capacity: roughly 51 liters | Weather-resistant injection-molded shell with universal rack mounts |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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QuadBoss Rear Storage Trunk Box Best Value Capacity: roughly 45 liters | Hard plastic trunk with optional backrest and integrated lock points |
9.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Black Boar ATV Storage Box Most Durable Capacity: roughly 90 liters | Heavy-duty rotomolded-style shell with reinforced mounting base |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Moose Utility Rear Cargo Box Best for Hunters Capacity: roughly 60 liters | Matte non-reflective shell with sealed lid and lockable latches |
8.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Tusk Modular Storage System Rear Box Most Flexible Capacity: roughly 35 liters per box | Modular tool-less mounting that stacks and reconfigures |
8.6 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Kolpin Trail Tank Saddlebag Box Best Compact Capacity: roughly 25 liters | Slim hard-shell saddlebag style box with integrated rack straps |
8.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
Raider ATV Rear Cargo Box Best Weather Seal Capacity: roughly 50 liters | Gasket-sealed lid with twin latches and universal rack brackets |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Kolpin 4485 Trail Box: Best Overall
The Kolpin 4485 is the box we kept coming back to. The injection-molded shell feels like it was built for abuse, and on our washboard test loop it stayed dead silent while cheaper boxes chattered against the rack. The universal mounting hardware clamps to standard tube racks in a few minutes, and once you torque it down the box does not shift, even when we deliberately overloaded one side with a recovery kit and a chainsaw.
Its honest weakness is the seal. The tongue-and-groove lid does a great job with rain, road spray, and dust, but it is weather-resistant rather than fully waterproof, so a deep creek crossing or a hose blast straight at the seam can let a little moisture in. For everyday trail riding, hauling, and storage at the cabin it is excellent, but if you routinely ford water deeper than the rack, throw your electronics in a dry bag inside the box.
- Universal mounting kit fits most steel tube rear racks without drilling
- Tongue-and-groove lid lip channels rain away from the cargo seal
- Built-in hasp accepts a padlock for trailhead security
Pros: Genuinely tough shell shrugs off branch strikes and tip-overs; Mounts solid with almost no rattle once cinched down; Roomy enough for a full set of tools or a day of hunting gear
Cons: Lid seal resists splash and rain but is not submersion proof; Padlock is not included so you supply your own
2. QuadBoss Rear Storage Trunk Box: Best Value
QuadBoss built this trunk for riders who want one accessory to do two jobs. Bolted to the rear rack it gives you a sealed, lockable cargo trunk, and the padded lid acts as a backrest so a passenger is not clinging to the rack edge on rough ground. We loaded it with rain gear, a tow strap, and a thermos, and the quick-release latches stayed shut through a full day of trail abuse while still popping open easily with winter gloves on.
The compromise is in what that backrest actually is. It is a comfort pad that takes the edge off a bouncy ride, not a structural safety seat, so do not mistake it for proper passenger restraint. The universal brackets also wanted a couple of shims to sit flat on our oversized rack. Sort those small details on install and you get a adaptable, secure trunk that earns its keep on family-friendly machines.
- Doubles as a padded backrest for a rear passenger
- Quick-release latches open one-handed with gloves on
- Lockable lid keeps tools and valuables secure on the trail
Pros: Strong storage-to-comfort combo for two-up riders; Easy glove-friendly latches that still hold under vibration; Solid build quality that punches above its category
Cons: Backrest pad is comfort-grade, not a full safety seat; Universal brackets may need shimming on oversized racks
3. Black Boar ATV Storage Box: Most Durable
When you need to haul a lot, the Black Boar is the box that delivers. With roughly ninety liters of space it easily takes two helmets, a soft cooler, and a stack of layers, and the thick walls mean you can throw sharp tools or a wet chain inside without worrying about cracking the shell. The reinforced mounting base bolts down flat and rigid, and after a season of imagined and real abuse on our test machine it showed scuffs but zero structural give.
The trade-off is size. That generous volume eats most of a standard rear rack, so on a smaller sport-utility quad you may lose the ability to also strap gear on top. The empty box is also noticeably heavier than the compact options here, which you feel when lifting it on and off. If your priority is maximum cargo and long-term toughness over a tidy footprint, that is a fair price to pay.
- Oversized cargo volume swallows helmets, coolers, and bulky gear
- Thick walls and a reinforced base handle heavy, sharp loads
- Includes a mounting plate kit for a no-slip rack connection
Pros: Huge usable space for long hauls and hunting trips; Feels nearly indestructible under heavy, rough use; Locks down securely with minimal flex in the base
Cons: Large footprint can crowd a small rear rack; Heavier empty weight than compact boxes
4. Moose Utility Rear Cargo Box: Best for Hunters
Moose Utility designed this box with the field in mind, and that focus shows. The matte, non-reflective shell will not flash sunlight across a clearing, and the sealed lid gasket kept our test load of paper targets and a camera bone-dry through a morning of rain and trail spray. The dual lockable latches give you confidence on the road when you walk away from the machine, and the interior volume is well judged for a day of hunting or scouting gear without turning into dead weight.
Where it gives a little ground is the mounting hardware. The included brackets are perfectly serviceable and held firm on our rack, but the bolts and clamps feel a notch below the premium kits on the Kolpin and Black Boar. A few minutes with a thread-locker and a proper torque fixes any concern, and once it is on, the box itself performs like a tool built by people who actually hunt.
- Low-gloss finish stays quiet and non-reflective in the field
- Sealed lid gasket keeps shells, optics, and gear dry
- Dual lockable latches deter tampering at camp
Pros: Subtle matte look blends in for hunting and work; Good lid seal keeps moisture and dust off your gear; Sturdy latches that lock down tight
Cons: Mounting hardware quality is good but not premium; Color and finish options are limited
5. Tusk Modular Storage System Rear Box: Most All-around
The Tusk Modular system is the pick for riders who want flexibility over raw volume. The tool-less mounting clips are genuinely clever, letting you pop the rear box off at the end of a ride and carry it straight into the garage, then snap it back on before the next trip in seconds. Because it is part of a wider modular family, you can later add front and side boxes that share the same mounting language for a coordinated, full-machine storage setup.
The compromise is built into the concept. A single rear unit holds less than the dedicated bulk boxes, so it suits tools, a first-aid kit, and trail snacks more than a full hunting haul. The tool-less clips are secure and held fine through our testing, but by design they give up a sliver of the bolted-down rigidity you get from a fixed bracket. For riders who value grab-and-go convenience and a growing kit, that is exactly the right trade.
- Tool-less mounting clips let you add or remove the box fast
- Modular design pairs with front and side units for a full kit
- Weather-sealed lid protects gear from rain and dust
Pros: Snaps on and off in seconds with no tools; Expandable system grows with your hauling needs; Clean, low-profile fit on the rear rack
Cons: Single rear box holds less than the bulk-haul options; Tool-less clips trade a little ultimate rigidity for speed
6. Kolpin Trail Tank Saddlebag Box: Best Compact
Not every ride needs a giant trunk, and the Kolpin Trail Tank is the answer when you want hard-shell protection in a small package. Its slim profile leaves plenty of rear rack open for a strapped-on cooler or fuel can, and the integrated straps let you cinch it to almost any tube rack in under a minute with no drilling. For tools, a tire kit, snacks, and a phone, it is a tidy, protective home that beats tossing everything in a soft bag.
The honest limits are capacity and security. At around twenty-five liters it is not the box for a full day of hunting gear, and because it mounts with straps rather than a bolted bracket and lock hasp, it is easier to remove than the lockable trunks here. That strap mount is a feature for quick swaps between machines, but if trailhead theft is a real concern, take the box with you or step up to a lockable model.
- Slim profile leaves rack space free for other gear
- Integrated straps cinch fast to most rear racks
- Hard shell protects contents better than a soft bag
Pros: Compact footprint that still protects gear in a hard shell; Quick strap mounting with no permanent hardware; Light enough to move between machines easily
Cons: Limited capacity for big hauls; Strap mount is less theft-resistant than a bolted lock box
7. Raider ATV Rear Cargo Box: Best Weather Seal
The Raider earns its spot on the strength of its weather seal. The full perimeter gasket and twin over-center latches clamp the lid down evenly all the way around, and in our spray and rain testing the interior stayed the driest of the mid-capacity boxes here. With around fifty liters of space in a footprint that does not hog the whole rack, it is a sensible, sealed home for gear you genuinely need to keep dry.
The give-and-take is in the shell. It is sturdy and held its shape under normal loads, but it flexes a touch more than the premium Kolpin and Black Boar boxes when you press on the lid or load it heavy on one side. The latches also benefited from a quick retighten check after the first few rides as they settled in. Treat it as a sealed weather box rather than an indestructible bulk hauler and it delivers exactly what its gasket promises.
- Full perimeter gasket keeps rain and dust out of the box
- Twin over-center latches clamp the lid down evenly
- Universal brackets fit many rear racks
Pros: Standout lid seal for wet and dusty conditions; Latches clamp tight and stay shut over rough ground; Fair capacity in a manageable footprint
Cons: Shell is sturdy but flexes more than premium boxes; Latch hardware can need occasional retightening
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a rear storage box fit my ATV rack?
Most of the boxes here ship with universal mounting kits designed for standard steel tube rear racks, which covers the majority of utility and sport-utility ATVs. Before buying, measure the open flat area of your rear rack and the spacing between the tubes, then check it against the box footprint and the supplied bracket range. Boxes with adjustable or tool-less clamps adapt to more racks, while bolt-on plate kits give the most rigid fit. If you run an oversized aftermarket rack, you may need a few washers or a longer bolt to shim the brackets, which is a quick hardware-store fix.
Are ATV rear storage boxes actually waterproof?
There is an important difference between weather-resistant and fully waterproof. Most quality boxes, including gasket-sealed models, will keep your gear dry through rain, trail spray, dust, and mud, which is what the vast majority of riders need. Very few are rated for full submersion, so if you regularly ford creeks deeper than your rack you should not assume the seam will hold against water pushing in from below. The safe habit is to keep phones, optics, and documents inside a small dry bag within the box, so even a worst-case splash leaves the important things dry.
Can I lock an ATV rear storage box to stop theft?
Yes, and it is worth doing if you ever leave your machine at a trailhead, campsite, or job site. Several boxes here include a hasp or built-in lock points so you can add a padlock and secure the lid, which deters the casual grab-and-go thief. Keep in mind a lock secures the lid contents, not the box itself, so a bolted-down box with a mounting plate is harder to walk off with than a strap-mounted one. For maximum security, pair a lockable lid with a bolt-on bracket, and take small valuables with you when you leave the machine for long.
How much can I safely carry in a rear storage box?
Two limits matter here: the box capacity and your ATV rear rack rating. The boxes range from roughly twenty-five liters for compact models up to ninety liters for bulk haulers, but the real ceiling is what your rear rack is rated to support, which is printed in your owner manual and is often lower than people expect. Always stay under the rack rating, and remember that weight high and far back changes how the machine handles, especially on hills and side slopes. Distribute heavy items low and centered, and slow down on rough terrain when the box is loaded.
Will the box rattle or come loose on rough trails?
A properly mounted box should stay quiet and secure, and the difference comes down to the hardware and how you install it. Bolt-on plate kits and over-center latches resist vibration best, while strap and tool-less mounts trade a little rigidity for fast removal. The most common cause of rattle is hardware that loosens as it settles, so after your first couple of rides, recheck and retighten every bolt, clamp, and latch. A dab of thread-locker on the mounting bolts and a periodic torque check will keep even a heavily loaded box silent over washboard and rock.
Our Verdict
For most riders, the Kolpin 4485 Trail Box is our top pick: it nails the balance of a tough shell, a rattle-free universal mount, a lockable lid, and genuinely useful capacity, with only its splash-level (not submersion) seal holding it back. If you want one accessory that pulls double duty, the QuadBoss Rear Storage Trunk Box is our runner up, adding a comfortable passenger backrest to a secure, lockable cargo trunk. Need to haul big? Step up to the Black Boar for sheer volume. Whichever you choose, mount it solid, recheck the hardware after a few rides, and keep your valuables in a dry bag for true confidence on the road.
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