6 Best Heavy Duty Storage Trunks For Horse Show Gear
Keep your equestrian equipment organized and protected with our top 6 picks for heavy duty storage trunks for horse show gear. Shop our favorites today!
Arriving at a show grounds with a chaotic trailer full of loose bridles, saddle pads, and grooming supplies is a quick way to derail a productive day. Serious riders understand that the trunk is not merely a container, but the mobile command center for the entire operation. Choosing the right storage solution dictates whether the morning is spent focused on the horse or frantically searching for a missing polo wrap.
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Stanley 50-Gallon Mobile Chest: Best Overall
This massive chest serves as the workhorse for most hobby farmers and riders who prioritize pure volume. With 50 gallons of internal capacity, it swallows tall brushes, heavy winter blankets, and spare boots without requiring complex geometry to close the lid. The integrated wheels and pull handle make moving it from the trailer to the stall aisle effortless, even when fully loaded.
The heavy-duty resin construction holds up well to the inevitable bumps against trailer walls and metal gate latches. Because it lacks internal organizers, users often supplement with small plastic bins or mesh bags to keep smaller items like hoof picks and twitch chains from getting buried.
This is the ideal choice for those who need a large, reliable, and affordable “catch-all” trunk. It isn’t for riders who need segmented storage for delicate items, but for general gear storage at the show, it is unmatched in value.
Rubbermaid ActionPacker 48-Gal: Most Rugged
When the environment demands durability—such as outdoor stalls, wet grass, or dusty, uneven terrain—the ActionPacker is the industry standard. Its thick, double-walled construction is virtually indestructible and weather-resistant, shielding tack from moisture and grit. The lockable latches are incredibly secure, preventing the lid from popping open during travel on bumpy, unpaved ranch roads.
Unlike many sleeker trunks, this box is built for abuse rather than aesthetics. It sits low and wide, providing a stable surface to sit on while putting on tall boots or braiding a mane.
For the rider who frequently travels to rustic, outdoor shows or keeps gear in an open-air trailer, this trunk is the clear winner. It will likely outlast every other piece of equipment in the barn, making it a sound long-term investment.
DeWalt ToughSystem Rolling Box: Best Modular
Modularity is a game changer for riders who prefer to keep their grooming kits, first-aid supplies, and training equipment in separate, organized layers. The DeWalt ToughSystem allows for stacking, meaning the grooming box can be separated from the heavier blanket trunk upon arrival at the barn. This reduces the weight carried at any one time and keeps the trailer floor organized.
The build quality is professional-grade, featuring IP65-rated seals that keep dust and moisture away from expensive leather bridles. The heavy-duty wheels are designed to handle gravel and cracked pavement, moving seamlessly between the parking area and the wash rack.
Choose this system if organization and efficiency are the primary goals. It is an excellent choice for those who want to transition from “just storing gear” to “mastering a workflow.”
Plano Sportsman’s Trunk: Great Budget Option
The Plano Sportsman’s Trunk offers the most straightforward, no-nonsense storage for riders on a budget. These trunks are lightweight, stackable, and surprisingly resilient for the price point. While they lack the bells and whistles of high-end rolling chests, they are perfectly sized to fit securely in the tack compartment of most standard horse trailers.
Because they are simple, they can be easily modified with DIY dividers or foam inserts to create custom compartments for specific gear. The latches are secure enough to keep gear contained during transport, though they may not survive heavy, repetitive industrial-level abuse.
If the goal is to get gear organized without overspending, this is the best path forward. It provides a clean, uniform look in the trailer without the high price tag associated with equestrian-specific branding.
Pelican 1650 Protector Case: Ultimate Security
For riders hauling custom-fitted saddles, high-end electronics for timing, or expensive medical equipment, a standard plastic bin is insufficient. The Pelican 1650 provides a crush-proof, airtight, and dust-proof environment that is essentially a mobile vault. The automatic pressure equalization valve also makes it perfect for equipment that might travel through varying altitudes or climates.
The interior customization is the standout feature, as the “pick-and-pluck” foam allows for a perfectly snug fit for every single item. This ensures that nothing shifts or rubs during transit, keeping delicate leather and hardware in pristine condition.
This is not a general-purpose trunk for dirty halters and spare buckets. It is a specialized tool for protecting the highest value assets, and for that specific purpose, it has no peer.
Horsemen’s Pride Tack Trunk: Built for Riders
Designed specifically with the horse show circuit in mind, this trunk bridges the gap between agricultural utility and equestrian aesthetics. It usually features integrated handles, lid stays, and a design that prioritizes the dimensions of standard saddle racks and grooming totes. It looks appropriate sitting on the aisle of a high-end stable, providing a professional presentation.
Most versions come with a removable tray for small items like treats, scissors, and show numbers. The internal dimensions are intentionally deep to accommodate heavy-duty coolers and turnout rugs, which often prove too bulky for standard industrial trunks.
This trunk is for the serious competitor who wants a cohesive, barn-appropriate look while maintaining functionality. It trades some of the extreme industrial ruggedness of a construction box for refined, rider-centric usability.
Sizing Your Trunk: How Much Space Do You Need?
- Small (20-30 Gallons): Ideal for personal grooming kits, helmets, and individual bridles. Perfect for junior riders or those who keep their main tack in the barn.
- Medium (40-50 Gallons): The sweet spot for most riders. Fits a saddle, a couple of pads, and basic cleaning supplies.
- Large (60+ Gallons): Necessary for riders bringing multiple horses, heavy winter gear, or professional-grade competition tack.
Always measure the floor space of the trailer or the trunk area of the truck before purchasing. A 50-gallon trunk is impressive until it prevents the trailer door from closing, which is a common oversight. Account for the width of the wheels and handles, as these often add several inches to the footprint.
Packing Your Trunk for a Stress-Free Show Day
Effective packing relies on a “first-out, last-in” strategy, ensuring essential items for the morning routine are at the very top. Place the grooming tote or the emergency first-aid kit in a tray or a top-level compartment. Heavy, bulky items like blankets belong at the bottom to lower the center of gravity and provide stability.
Use soft bags or laundry-style mesh bags to separate wraps from metal hardware, as this prevents rattling and keeps delicate fabrics from snagging. Periodically review the contents to remove items that haven’t been used in three shows. A heavy, unorganized trunk is merely a burden, while a well-packed one is a tool for efficiency.
Trunk Security: Keeping Your Expensive Gear Safe
Most high-end storage trunks come with reinforced padlock holes for a reason, as horse shows can be high-traffic environments. Invest in a weather-resistant, heavy-duty padlock that fits the trunk’s specific hole diameter. For maximum security, use a combination lock to avoid the inevitable disaster of losing the key while on the road.
If using a trunk in an open-stall area, consider tethering the trunk to a structural beam of the stall using a vinyl-coated steel cable. While this won’t stop a determined thief, it prevents opportunistic removal of the entire trunk. Always maintain a clear inventory list inside the trunk for insurance purposes, including photographs of saddles and bridles.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Horse Gear Trunk
Even the most rugged trunks suffer from the accumulation of stall dust, manure particles, and spilled supplement powders. Every few shows, empty the trunk completely and wipe out the interior with a mild detergent and water solution. Ensure the interior is bone-dry before re-packing, as trapped moisture is the primary cause of mold on leather tack.
Check the wheels and handles on rolling chests for debris or hair caught in the axles. A bit of silicone lubricant on the moving parts ensures the wheels remain smooth rather than seized. Taking ten minutes to maintain the storage equipment preserves the life of the gear inside, saving time and money in the long run.
Investing in a high-quality trunk is one of the most effective ways to simplify show day logistics. By selecting the right size and durability level for your specific needs, the setup moves from a source of frustration to an asset that keeps the focus where it belongs: on the horse. Consistent maintenance and intentional packing further ensure that your gear remains in top condition for years of competition.
