The best ATV rear storage box depends on what you carry and how your rack is built: choose a molded hard box with a positive latch for gear that must stay dry and secure, a rack-mounted trunk with a passenger pad for two-up trail riding, or a soft cargo bag for lighter loads and quick removal. Before buying, compare usable capacity, mounting hardware, seal design, lock provisions, and how much room the box leaves for a passenger.
Our top picks
Kolpin Rear Trail Box- Contoured design allows for maximum sight reduction while…
- Lockable box fits up to (2) XL-sized helmets…
- Double wall lid construction for added rigidity allows…
Black Boar ATV Rear Storage Box &- Combines Comfort & Storage: Upgrade your ATV gear…
- Universal Compatibility: This product is compatible with most…
- Ample ATV Storage: Store your belongings in (2)…
ATV Trunk & Lounger- Massive 31 Gallon (117 Liter) storage capacity
- Seamless hinge and gutter design keeps inside dry…
- Durable roto-molded construction
| Product | Key specs | |
|---|---|---|
| Kolpin Rear Trail Box | Contoured design allows for maximum sight reduction while… Lockable box fits up to (2) XL-sized helmets… Double wall lid construction for added rigidity allows… | Check price |
| Black Boar ATV Rear Storage Box & | Combines Comfort & Storage: Upgrade your ATV gear… Universal Compatibility: This product is compatible with most… Ample ATV Storage: Store your belongings in (2)… | Check price |
| ATV Trunk & Lounger | Massive 31 Gallon (117 Liter) storage capacity Seamless hinge and gutter design keeps inside dry… Durable roto-molded construction | Check price |
 Kolpin ATV Rear Helmet Box | Heavy duty, rotomolded and UV-stabilized construction. Opens in rear with access to arm cavities Easily mount to most tubular ATV racks using… | Check price |
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Quick picks by riding situation
- For frequent wet-weather rides: A rigid, gasketed polyethylene or polypropylene trunk with compression-style latches. It offers more dependable weather protection than a soft bag, though no lid should be assumed fully waterproof unless its manufacturer specifies that rating.
- For carrying a passenger: A rear trunk designed with an integrated passenger pad and grab points. Confirm the ATV’s passenger-seat setup and the box’s intended position; a box that crowds the seat can make the ride uncomfortable or unsafe.
- For tools and recovery gear: A hard box with a flat, broad base, reinforced mounting points, and room for dividers. Keep heavy tools low and centered rather than piled against the lid.
- For occasional use or easy removal: A soft cargo bag or a compact universal box. These are often lighter and easier to store, but usually provide less impact protection and security.
Compare common rear-storage formats
Product dimensions and capacities vary by model, and advertised volume is not always usable volume: rounded corners, molded ribs, and lid geometry can reduce the space available for rectangular items. The figures below are practical category ranges, not specifications for a particular product. Check the individual manufacturer’s current listing before purchase.
| Storage type | Typical capacity | Typical empty weight | Mounting approach | Best fit | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact molded rear box | About 25–40 L | About 4–8 kg | Bolts, U-bolts, or included rack brackets | Day rides, rain layers, snacks, basic tools | Limited room for bulky gear |
| Large molded trunk | About 50–90 L | About 7–14 kg | Bolted rack plate or model-specific mount | Long rides and larger loads | Can obstruct passenger space and add substantial weight |
| Hard box with passenger pad | About 35–70 L | About 8–15 kg | Rack-mounted base with padded backrest | Two-up riding where the ATV is designed for a passenger | Fit and comfort depend on the ATV’s seat and box position |
| Soft rear cargo bag | About 20–50 L | About 1–4 kg | Straps or buckles around rack bars | Light loads, occasional use, quick removal | Less rigid protection; seams and closures need care |
What separates a good box from a frustrating one
Capacity: buy for the load, not the largest number
Think about the shape of your regular cargo. A 40-liter box may suit a first-aid kit, rain gear, water, and a compact tool roll; a larger trunk is more practical for helmets, bulky clothing, or several days’ supplies. But extra volume encourages overpacking. That can shift the ATV’s balance, stress the rack, and make handling worse on uneven trails.
Check the ATV’s rack load limit and the box manufacturer’s maximum load. The lower limit governs, and the box’s own weight counts toward the load. For example, if a rack is rated for 45 kg and a 10 kg box carries 25 kg of gear, the rack is supporting 35 kg before any additional accessories. Leave a margin for bouncing loads and avoid treating a static weight rating as permission to overload on rough terrain.
Mounting: universal is not the same as secure
Universal mounting hardware can work well when the rack has enough flat area and accessible crossbars. Look for multiple attachment points and brackets that spread force across the rack rather than concentrating it at one thin edge. Model-specific plates usually make alignment easier and may reduce wobble, but they limit flexibility if you change machines.
After installation, push the box from side to side and front to back. If it shifts, add the correct backing plates or adjust the fit; don’t rely on overtightening bolts against plastic, which can crack the shell. Recheck fasteners after the first ride and periodically thereafter, especially following rough terrain.
Weather sealing: inspect the whole closure
A molded shell does not guarantee a dry interior. Water can enter at the lid seam, hinges, latch cutouts, or mounting holes. A continuous gasket and latches that pull the lid evenly against it are more useful than a “weather-resistant” label by itself. If you ride through heavy rain or wash the ATV with a hose, keep electronics and essential dry items in separate waterproof pouches until you know how the box performs.
Soft bags can shed rain, but their seams, zipper flaps, and fabric wear are common weak points. Avoid aiming a pressure washer at any lid seal or closure.
Locks and security: useful deterrence, not a safe
A key-locking latch can deter casual access, but a plastic trunk is not theft-proof. Check whether the lock secures the lid, the box to the rack, or both; these are separate functions. If the mount is removable with exposed nuts, a locked lid alone does not prevent someone from taking the entire box. For tools or valuable gear, carry the most important items with you when leaving the ATV unattended.
Passenger comfort and trail durability
If someone will ride behind you, check pad width, backrest height, and the clearance between the box and the passenger seat. The passenger should be able to sit naturally, use the intended handholds, and avoid contact with sharp corners. A large cargo trunk may be a poor choice if it forces the passenger forward or blocks access to grab points.
On rough trails, the first problems are often loose mounting hardware, cracked tabs near attachment points, worn latches, and seals that have collected grit—not a puncture through the middle of the shell. UV exposure can also make plastic less forgiving over time. Choose a box with reinforced mounting areas, keep heavy items from slamming into the lid, and inspect hinges, straps, and latches during routine cleaning.
Choose by budget and frequency of use
| Your use | What to prioritize | A sensible choice |
|---|---|---|
| Occasional short rides; tight budget | Simple fit, low weight, easy removal | Soft bag or compact universal hard box |
| Regular day rides in mixed weather | Gasket, secure latches, stable rack attachment | Mid-size molded trunk with replaceable or serviceable hardware |
| Frequent long rides with bulky gear | Usable interior shape, reinforced base, load limit | Large hard trunk, provided the rack rating and fit allow it |
| Two-up riding on a passenger-capable ATV | Pad position, backrest, grab-point clearance | Passenger-oriented trunk matched to the specific ATV |
As a broad market guide, simple soft bags and compact universal boxes are generally the lower-cost options; larger molded trunks, passenger-backrest designs, and model-specific mounting systems usually cost more. Compare the complete setup, including any separate mounting plate or hardware, rather than the box price alone.
Before the first trail ride
- Check fit on the ATV: Confirm rack dimensions, seat clearance, exhaust clearance, and access to factory tie-downs.
- Install without stressing the shell: Use the supplied hardware and backing plates; tighten evenly and stop if the plastic begins to deform.
- Load with balance in mind: Put dense items low and near the ATV’s centerline, and secure loose gear so it cannot slam against the lid.
- Test the closure: Close every latch, check gasket contact around the perimeter, and do a low-pressure water check before trusting it with critical dry cargo.
- Inspect after riding: Clear dirt from seals, check fasteners and hinges, and replace damaged straps or cracked mounting parts promptly.
For most trail riders, a mid-size gasketed hard trunk with sturdy multi-point mounting is the best all-around starting point. Choose a passenger-specific model when comfort behind the rider matters, and choose a soft bag when low weight and easy removal matter more than rigid protection or locking.
