6 Best Storage Trunks For Harness Equipment For Tack Rooms

Stumbling into a tack room filled with tangled lines, damp leather, and displaced harness parts is the quickest way to turn a morning chore into a frustrating ordeal. Harness gear is a significant investment, and its longevity depends entirely on how it is housed when not in use. Selecting the right storage trunk creates a barrier against dust, pests, and the inevitable humidity that plagues most hobby farm outbuildings.

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Rubbermaid ActionPacker 48 Gal: Best Overall

The ActionPacker stands as the gold standard for versatility in the barn environment. Its double-walled lid and reinforced structure mean it can handle the weight of heavy synthetic harnesses or be used as a makeshift step-stool during a quick fix. The lockable latches provide enough security to deter pests and keep curious barn cats from nesting in your bridle bags.

This trunk is the ideal choice for farmers who need a balance between rugged durability and a manageable footprint. It fits easily into the back of a truck for transport to clinics or competitions without requiring a specialized trailer setup. It is a no-nonsense, high-impact storage solution that rarely fails.

Choose this model if long-term utility is the priority over aesthetic appeal. If your barn sees high traffic and a fair amount of grit, the ActionPacker remains the most reliable investment for keeping harness components clean and protected year-round.

Plano Sportsman’s Trunk 108 Qt: Top Value Pick

Budgeting for farm equipment often means making hard choices, but the Plano Sportsman’s Trunk offers essential protection without the premium price tag. While it lacks the heavy-duty walls of more expensive options, its deep capacity is perfect for bulky items like spare traces, breeching, or horse blankets that need to stay dry during the off-season.

The design is intentionally simple, making it easy to wipe down after a dusty harvest season. Because it is lightweight, moving it across the tack room floor is effortless even when filled to the brim. It serves best as a stationary storage vessel rather than a piece of gear intended for constant transit.

This trunk is perfect for the hobby farmer who needs to organize gear on a strict budget. If the goal is keeping dust and rodents away from backup lines and padding, the Plano provides everything necessary for success.

Stanley 50-Gallon Mobile Chest: Best for Portability

When harness equipment needs to move frequently between the stall, the grooming area, and the trailer, the Stanley Mobile Chest becomes an invaluable asset. Integrated wheels and a sturdy pull handle remove the strain of hauling heavy leather and steel hardware across uneven barn floors. It effectively turns a static storage space into a mobile tack station.

The large internal volume handles complex harness setups with ease, allowing for logical stacking. The design features a water-resistant seal that helps keep humidity at bay, a vital feature for protecting high-quality leather from early morning dew or damp conditions.

This is the right choice for the farmer who values efficiency and physical convenience. If the harness setup is swapped often or if the barn layout requires long treks between storage and hitching areas, this chest eliminates the heavy lifting.

DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0 Toolbox: Most Modular

The ToughSystem 2.0 is the tactical approach to harness organization. By utilizing a modular stackable design, you can separate specialized parts—such as bits, reins, and connectors—into different boxes that clip securely together. This prevents the “junk drawer” effect that happens when all your gear is thrown into one large, bottomless pit.

These boxes are built to withstand industrial-grade abuse, featuring a high IP65 rating for water and dust resistance. If your tack room is more of an open-air shed, the environmental protection offered by these boxes is unmatched. Each unit can be locked or removed independently, allowing for highly specific gear management.

Invest in the ToughSystem if you are a detail-oriented farmer who prefers a place for everything. It is a professional-grade solution that guarantees your harness hardware will stay organized, protected, and ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.

Pelican Cargo G40 Case: Ultimate Weatherproof Option

For those working in harsh, unpredictable environments, the Pelican Cargo case is the ultimate insurance policy. These cases are virtually indestructible and airtight, ensuring that delicate leather components remain untouched by moisture, mold, or extreme temperature fluctuations. The construction is geared toward longevity that far exceeds the standard plastic bin.

The cost is significantly higher than other options, but the trade-off is superior peace of mind. When storing expensive, custom-fitted harnesses, the premium seal provides a level of security that cheaper plastic cannot replicate. This is a “buy it once” item that will likely outlive the harness inside it.

This case is for the farmer who does not compromise on gear maintenance. If you operate in a high-moisture climate or prioritize long-term preservation of high-end equipment, there is no better choice on the market.

Horsemen’s Pride Tack Trunk: Classic Equestrian Style

Sometimes, form is just as important as function, particularly when maintaining the aesthetic integrity of a traditional tack room. The Horsemen’s Pride trunk offers a clean, professional look that fits seamlessly into a well-appointed barn. It is spacious enough to hold standard harness sets while maintaining a low profile.

This trunk prioritizes ease of access, often featuring hinged lids that don’t require total removal to reach your gear. It is sturdy enough to hold its own against regular use, though it is better suited for stationary life in the tack room rather than life on the road.

Select this option if the visual appeal of your barn is a priority. It provides a tidy, professional appearance that makes managing your harness equipment feel like a well-organized craft rather than a chore.

Choosing the Right Size Trunk for Your Harness

Size calculations should always account for the bulkiest parts of your harness, such as the collars or the main saddles. A common mistake is measuring for the current amount of gear while ignoring the potential for future additions. Always select a trunk with roughly 20 percent more volume than currently required to ensure you can pack items without forcing them.

Consider the depth of the trunk relative to the length of your reins and lines. A trunk that is too shallow will force you to coil gear too tightly, leading to permanent kinks in high-quality leather. Deep, wide bins are generally more forgiving for long-term storage of leather goods.

How to Organize Your Trunk for Quick Tack-Ups

Efficiency at the hitching post starts with how you pack your trunk. Place the heaviest, most frequently used items like the saddle or breeching near the top or in a designated upper tray. Keeping these items accessible reduces the amount of time you spend digging when the horses are ready and waiting.

Use smaller, clear containers within the trunk to house bits, snaps, and small hardware. Labeling these containers ensures that you aren’t wasting time searching for a specific buckle during a busy Saturday morning. A logical, layered approach to packing keeps your harness ready for immediate use.

Preventing Mold and Mildew on Stored Leather

Leather is an organic material that breathes; if it is trapped in a completely airtight container without ventilation, it will mold. Always ensure that leather harness parts are completely dry and free of salt or sweat before placing them in a trunk. If the trunk is airtight, place a few silica gel packets inside to absorb residual moisture and inhibit fungal growth.

Regular maintenance is the only true way to prevent deterioration. Once a month, remove all gear for a thorough inspection and let the interior of the trunk air out completely. Avoid storing leather directly against cold metal or plastic if you live in a high-humidity area, as condensation can accumulate in those spots.

Best Locking Features for Securing Your Gear

Physical security for your tack is essential, especially in barns that are accessible to the public or located on the edge of a property. Most of the heavy-duty plastic trunks listed above come with integrated holes for padlocks. Select a weather-resistant, keyed-alike padlock set if you are managing multiple trunks to reduce the number of keys required.

Beyond locks, ensure the trunk itself cannot be easily carried off by securing it to a wall stud or floor anchor if it remains in a detached building. While no trunk is theft-proof, a locked case acts as an effective deterrent against opportunists. Always prioritize a locking system that is easy to operate with gloved hands, as you will likely be accessing your gear in colder weather.

Properly stored harness equipment is the hallmark of a successful hobby farmer who respects both their animals and their investment. By choosing a trunk that fits your specific environmental needs and organizational habits, you turn a mundane storage task into a reliable system that keeps your farm running smoothly. Consistency in how you stow your gear today pays off with years of additional life for your harness.