Trying to find a reasonably priced, waterproof, man-portable, lockable, storage box that can shrug off sitting and standing on it.

In the size range of minimum: 40" long, 15" wide, and 12" deep; and maximum 48" long, 20" wide, and 18" deep. Big enough to hold a long gun or two, for example. Small enough that at least a couple fit somewhere inside most vehicles. As light in weight as is consistent with other parameters.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

Pelican cases are a good place to start. There are other companies.

Standard Disclaimer.

My $.02

ActionPackers by Rubbermaid have worked for me for many years. I believe they have models within your parameters. They are durable, reasonably light (although one in your size range will be heavy when fully loaded), but not waterproof in the sense that they will not leak if fully immersed. I have used mine in wet environments (think surf landings) by duct taping around the lid. I have some that are more than ten years old that still work. They are not what I would call "cheap." but they are a good value. I have never been able to destroy one.

You might also look at military surplus. That is a good source for all kinds of unusual containers.

The pelican 1740 falls right into that size range at 44.16" x 16.09" x 14.00" and it's <$300.

I'm more of a fan of dry bags than boxes. Hard cases take up the same amount of room empty or full. They also tend to be heavy and expensive. Dry bags are lighter, compact when empty, and fairly inexpensive.

Another vote for Rubbermaid Actionpackers. You can, but I wouldn't sit on them. For rugged storage they're great.

We sat on ours regularly, but a rather large individual probably shouldn't stand on them. They do have limits.

"ActionPackers by Rubbermaid have worked for me for many years. I believe they have models within your parameters. They are durable, reasonably light (although one in your size range will be heavy when fully loaded), but not waterproof in the sense that they will not leak if fully immersed. I have used mine in wet environments (think surf landings) by duct taping around the lid. I have some that are more than ten years old that still work. They are not what I would call "cheap." but they are a good value. I have never been able to destroy one."


Do you have any experience with their performance in extended outdoor applications(UV degradation)? Do they have enough structural integrity to stack about 4 high with 40# in each? Do you use yours for long term storage or just to transport? Thanks.

How about the 036800R - Stanley® FatMax® Xtreme™ Portable Truck Box

Slighty fatter than your specs but very durable and secure and can carry quite a heavy duty load with its integral handle and wheels.

http://www.toolreviews.ca/reviews//Stanley_truckbox/Stanley_truckbox.html

You can easily stack them four high, fully loaded. I routinely placed mine in the bottom of large cargo bags, and they often stood up under loads in excess of 150 pounds. I have used them for long term storage quite successfully - I have one parked under the bushes right now loaded with supplies which is doing quite well.

I have observed that the red handles do fade with long term exposure to sunlight, but so far that hasn't affected their utility.

I was confident that they were mouse proof after considerable experience storing food within while in camp. Then on one trip I found a neat hole nibbled in one; I think what happened is that a mouse got inside when the lid was off and he gnawed his way to freedom.

In my experience, ActionPackers have been the most satisfactory container I have come across. Their rigidity provides protection for the contents, something not as likely with a drybag. I would agree with Art's drybag comments earlier in this thread. On most of my trips I used both APs and dry bags, both to good effect.