There was a time when embarking on an outdoor adventure meant compromising on how I packed my gear. Rain-soaked duffels, dusty toolboxes, and hoping that crucial items wouldn’t get crushed or wet was just the norm. I remember thinking how much easier things would be if I had a genuinely reliable, robust dry storage solution. The frustration of pulling out damp sleeping bags or finding tools covered in fine silt after a weekend trip was a constant headache that desperately needed solving. Without a proper way to protect essentials, the risk of damaged or unusable gear could quickly turn a fun outing into a miserable one.
- Capacity: This Overland Vehicle Systems Dry Box Storage has a carrying capacity of 117 QT
- Features: The Overland Vehicles Systems Dry Storage Box features a Bottle Opener, Two Locking Points, Heavy Duty Latches, Handles, and a Dustproof and Waterproof Seal
- Application: Universal Usage; The Overland Vehicle Systems Dry Storage Box is ideal for storing your tools, dry goods, recovery gear, clothes, or anything you need to keep dry during your Outdoors...
Choosing the Right Storage Box for Your Adventures
When you’re heading outdoors, whether it’s camping, overlanding, or just a day trip, the right storage is paramount. It’s about protecting your valuable gear from the elements – dust, water, mud, and even physical impacts. People look for these kinds of boxes to keep their sensitive equipment, dry food supplies, recovery gear, or clean clothing safe and accessible, regardless of the conditions outside. The ideal customer for a heavy-duty dry storage box is someone who frequently ventures off-road, deals with unpredictable weather, or needs a secure, organized way to transport supplies that simply *must* stay dry and clean. If your “adventures” consist solely of paved roads and sunny forecasts, a basic tote might suffice, and the added expense and weight of a heavy-duty dry box might be overkill. Someone only needing light organization around the house wouldn’t benefit from this kind of robust solution either; they should look for standard storage bins. Before buying, you absolutely need to consider the capacity you require, the external dimensions to ensure it fits your vehicle or rack, the materials it’s made from (for durability and weather resistance), the latching and sealing mechanism (the key to keeping things dry), and potential mounting options.
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Meet the Overland Vehicle Systems D.B.S. 117 QT Dry Box
The Overland Vehicle Systems D.B.S. 117 QT Dry Box Storage is a rugged, polyethylene storage solution designed specifically for the demands of outdoor life and overlanding. It promises to keep your gear dustproof and waterproof, secure with heavy-duty latches, and offers a generous 117-quart capacity. Included with the box are the lid, base, handles, and the integrated features like the drain and bottle opener. While it doesn’t explicitly compare itself to a single market leader, its robust construction and features like the waterproof seal put it in the category of premium overland storage solutions, aiming for a higher standard than basic plastic totes. This 117 QT Dry Box is ideal for anyone needing serious weather protection and durability for their stored items on the trail or at the campsite. It’s not for someone who needs lightweight or stackable home storage, or who requires multiple internal compartments (it’s one large space).
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of this dry storage box:
Pros:
* Excellent waterproof and dustproof sealing.
* Durable, heavy-duty polyethylene construction feels solid.
* Integrated drain plug is a convenient feature.
* Useful built-in bottle opener (surprisingly handy!).
* Generous 117 QT capacity for bulky items.
Cons:
* Latches, while functional, feel a bit less robust than the rest of the box.
* Mounting methods aren’t immediately obvious or explicitly detailed by the manufacturer, potentially requiring aftermarket solutions or DIY.
* The product name mentions “with Wheels,” but the item does not actually include wheels.
* It’s quite heavy when empty (38 lbs).
Taking a Closer Look: Features That Matter
Having used the Overland Vehicle Systems 40100021 for quite some time now, I can delve into the specifics of how its features perform in real-world scenarios.
Capacity: 117 Quarts of Usable Space
The advertised 117 QT capacity of this dry box translates to a lot of storage. At 47 inches wide, 19 inches long, and 13 inches deep externally, the internal dimensions provide ample room for bulky gear. I can easily fit things like multiple sleeping bags, a large tent, cookware, recovery straps, and even a chainsaw safely inside. The benefit here is significant: instead of having several smaller, less secure containers, I can consolidate much of my essential kit into one protected space. This not only keeps things organized but also reduces the footprint of my packed gear, which is crucial when space is limited in a vehicle or on a roof rack. This generous capacity solves the problem of trying to cram everything into inadequate storage and ensures that vital items for an extended trip can be brought along without being exposed to the elements. It’s particularly useful for bulky or irregularly shaped items that don’t fit neatly into standard crates.
The Waterproof and Dustproof Seal
This is arguably the most critical feature of any dry box, and the OVS dry storage box performs exceptionally well here. The lid features a thick, integrated seal that creates a tight barrier when the latches are secured. I’ve driven through torrential downpours with this box mounted on my roof rack, traversed miles of dusty trails in the desert, and even subjected it to a few river crossings (don’t ask!). Each time, the contents inside have remained bone dry and completely free of dust. This level of protection provides immense peace of mind. Knowing that sensitive camera equipment, electronics, food supplies, or clean clothing are perfectly safe inside, regardless of the external conditions, is invaluable. It directly solves the problem of damaged gear and ruined supplies due to water or dirt ingress, which is a common frustration with standard storage solutions. The seal is robust and seems built to last, creating that crucial weathertight environment promised by the product description.
Heavy Duty Latches
The Overland Vehicle Systems D.B.S. 117 QT Dry Box is equipped with six heavy-duty latches that secure the lid firmly to the base. These latches are made from a sturdy plastic material and apply significant downward force on the lid when closed, compressing the waterproof seal. While some user feedback suggests the latches *feel* a bit less premium than the rest of the box, in my experience, they perform their primary function effectively – holding the lid down tight. The benefit is a secure closure that maintains the box’s weathertight integrity and prevents the lid from accidentally opening, even over rough terrain. While I appreciate the secure closure they provide, I do understand the perspective that they could potentially be a point of failure under extreme stress compared to metal alternatives. However, for typical overlanding and camping use, they have proven reliable for me.
Integrated Handles
The OVS 117 QT box features integrated handles on the sides. These handles are designed to be robust and make carrying the box easier, though given its size and potential weight when full, it’s often a two-person job or best moved with the help of mounts. The handles also incorporate slots, which are key for mounting and securing the box. The design allows for straps or mounting hardware to pass through these slots, providing multiple tie-down points. The benefit is practical portability and versatile mounting options. The ability to easily run straps through dedicated slots without needing to awkwardly loop them around the box improves stability and security when attached to a vehicle rack. The handles can also be slid out and removed without tools, which is a nice touch if you need a completely smooth side profile or are using specific mounting hardware.
Two Locking Points
For added security, the dry storage box includes two points specifically designed for padlocks. These are located on the front corners. One of the locking points cleverly passes through the integrated metal bottle opener, adding an extra layer of security there. This feature provides peace of mind, especially when leaving the box unattended, such as on a roof rack at a campsite or trailhead. While it won’t deter a determined thief with tools, it’s an effective deterrent against opportunistic theft and ensures that the latches cannot be easily opened by curious hands or accidentally popped open due to vibration or impact. The ability to secure the contents is a major benefit for anyone carrying valuable or sensitive gear.
Built-in Drain Plug
A feature often overlooked but incredibly useful is the integrated drain plug on one end of the Overland Vehicle Systems storage box. This simple plug allows you to easily drain any liquid that might end up inside, whether it’s from using the box as a makeshift cooler (though it’s not insulated like a true cooler) or simply washing it out after a trip. The benefit is easy cleaning and versatility. While its primary purpose is dry storage, the drain means you *could* use it for temporary storage of wet gear or even ice (though melting will occur more rapidly than in a dedicated cooler) and then easily drain it. More practically for its intended use, if you ever do need to rinse out the interior from dirt or debris, the drain makes the process quick and efficient.
Durability and Construction Material
The OVS D.B.S. 117 QT Dry Box Storage is made from polyethylene, a material known for its toughness and resistance to impact and UV rays. This isn’t flimsy plastic; the walls feel thick and substantial. I’ve subjected mine to bumps, scrapes, and the constant vibration of washboard roads, and it has held up remarkably well. The heavy-duty construction ensures the box can withstand the rigors of off-road travel and outdoor use without cracking or deforming. The benefit here is longevity and reliability. Knowing that the box can take a beating and continue to protect your gear adds significant value, especially compared to cheaper, less durable alternatives that might fail when you need them most. This material choice is fundamental to its function as an overland storage solution.
Potential Mounting Considerations
While the box itself is excellent, one area that requires attention is mounting. The product description mentions universal usage, and the handles have slots designed for straps, and there are holes for padlocks that can also be used as mounting points. However, there isn’t a specific, manufacturer-provided mounting system included or detailed instructions on how to mount it securely to various racks. This means users often need to source aftermarket brackets or devise their own secure strapping or bolting methods. While this allows for versatility, it can also lead to experimentation to find the most secure setup, and as some users have noted, certain strapping methods might affect latch alignment. Finding a solid mounting solution is key to fully leveraging this box’s potential on a vehicle.
The Not-So-Minor Detail: No Wheels
One point of confusion, highlighted by user reviews, is that the product listing name specifically includes “With Wheels,” yet the actual Overland Vehicle Systems 40100021 box does not come with wheels. This is a clear discrepancy between the product description and the delivered item. While not a dealbreaker for everyone, especially if planning to mount it permanently, it is important to note that you should not expect wheels based on the current listing title. If portability via wheels is a critical requirement for you, this particular model might not meet that need, and you’d need to look for a different storage solution or a different version of this product if one exists with wheels.
The Bottle Opener
Okay, maybe not the most critical feature for storage, but the integrated metal bottle opener is a fun and surprisingly useful addition. It’s right there on the front, easily accessible. The benefit is pure convenience – one less thing to search for when you’re setting up camp or taking a break on the trail. It’s a small detail, but it adds to the overall utility and ‘adventure-ready’ feel of the 117 QT Dry Box.
What Others Are Saying: A Look at User Feedback
Having spent considerable time with this dry box, I also took the time to see what other owners were saying online. It seems a common sentiment is that the box feels impressively well-built, often exceeding expectations given its price point. Many users appreciate the durability and the integrated mounting slots, though some noted a need to experiment with tie-down methods to ensure the latches remained perfectly aligned. The waterproof seal receives frequent praise for effectively keeping contents dry and dust-free, even in harsh environments like the desert. The inclusion of a drain plug was also seen as a positive, adding a layer of versatility. However, a recurring point of contention was the discrepancy regarding wheels mentioned in the product title but not present on the box, and a few users felt the latches, while functional, could be sturdier compared to the tank-like construction of the box itself, although they were often supplemented with padlocks for added security. Overall, the sentiment is largely positive, focusing on the box’s robust build and excellent protective capabilities.
Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Box for You?
Experiencing gear ruined by water or dust on a trip is a frustrating ordeal that can genuinely impact your enjoyment and preparedness. Solving this problem by investing in reliable storage is crucial. The Overland Vehicle Systems D.B.S. 117 QT Dry Box Storage is a great fit for this need because of its durable construction, its excellent waterproof and dustproof seal, and its generous capacity. It provides a secure, protected space for your essential gear, allowing you to focus on the adventure rather than worrying about your equipment. If you’re tired of unreliable storage and need something that can withstand the elements and rigors of off-road travel, this dry box is definitely worth considering.
To learn more and check it out for yourself, Click here to explore the Overland Vehicle Systems D.B.S. 117 QT Dry Box Storage .
Last update on 2025-08-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API