When you spend time exploring trails or getting work done on your property with an ATV, you quickly realize the need for secure, accessible storage. I remember struggling to carry essentials – tools, straps, a snack, perhaps a light jacket – without them bouncing around or getting lost. This wasn’t just an inconvenience; loose items could pose a safety hazard, and not having necessary gear readily available meant wasted time or cutting trips short. Finding a reliable ATV cargo box became a priority to enhance both safety and efficiency on the trails.
What to Weigh Up Before Getting an ATV Cargo Carrier
For anyone who uses their ATV for recreation, utility, or both, adding storage is often a crucial upgrade. An ATV cargo carrier solves the perennial problem of needing to carry gear, whether it’s recovery equipment, tools for trailside repairs, hunting supplies, fishing tackle, or just personal items like food, water, and extra clothing. Without adequate storage, you’re often limited to carrying items in a backpack or strapped precariously to racks, neither of which is ideal for security, weather protection, or accessibility.
The ideal customer for an ATV storage box is someone who frequently uses their ATV and needs a dedicated, protected space for their gear. This includes trail riders, hunters, farmers, and anyone who uses their ATV for work on their property. If you only ride occasionally on well-maintained trails with no need to carry anything beyond what fits in your pockets, you might not need one. However, for most users who venture off-road or use their machine for practical tasks, a cargo box is invaluable. Before buying, consider the following: size and capacity needs, mounting location (front or rear rack, and potential clearance issues), whether you need waterproof storage, security features like lockability, durability of materials, and how it might affect passenger capacity or visibility.
- 18 cubic foot (510 L) internal cargo capacity
- Functional rooftop cargo box provides 16 cubic feet of additional packing space
- Secure & protect your gear in this 18 cubic ft. HDPE plastic hard shell vehicle cargo carrier; high-capacity interior dimensions 57 L x 38 1/2 W x 17 3/4 H inches; aerodynamic design for fuel...
Introducing the Open Trail R000003-20056T Box
The OPEN TRAIL ATV Small Cargo Box R000003-20056T is designed to provide a compact yet useful storage solution for your ATV. It promises durable construction and a weather-resistant seal to protect your gear from the elements and trail dust. What you get with the purchase is the box itself, made from sturdy rubber material, and the necessary hardware for mounting it to your ATV rack. Compared to some bulkier, traditional ATV boxes on the market, this Open Trail offering stands out for its relatively low profile, which can be a significant advantage depending on your specific ATV model and riding style. While it might not boast the absolute largest capacity compared to some high-end, oversized boxes, it focuses on providing functional, secure storage without overwhelming the machine’s footprint. This specific ATV box is best suited for riders who need storage for essential items – maybe a small cooler, recovery gear, tools, or extra layers – but want to maintain a lower profile and potentially retain space for a passenger. It might not be ideal for someone needing to carry a massive amount of bulky camping gear or large tools regularly.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons I’ve noted during my time using it:
Pros:
* Relatively low-profile design.
* Seems durable and holds up well to trail abuse.
* Rubber seal effectively keeps out dust and moderate water.
* Provides enough capacity for essential gear like tools, straps, and snacks.
* Easy to install with basic tools.
* Lockable for added security.
Cons:
* Lid can be stiff and difficult to close fully, creating tension on latches.
* Latches may require occasional adjustment or seem less robust under pressure.
* Lid doesn’t stay open on its own.
* Mounting hardware is functional but basic.
Diving into the Features and How They Help
Having used the Open Trail R000003-20056T for a decent amount of time across various trail conditions, I can speak to how its features perform in the real world and the benefits they provide.
Low Profile Design
One of the first things that drew me to this particular ATV cargo box was its dimensions: 34″L x 18″W x 8″H. At only 8 inches tall, it sits quite a bit lower on the rack than many other boxes on the market. This “low profile” aspect is more than just aesthetic; it has practical benefits. For riders who use their rear rack to carry a passenger, this lower height is critical. It doesn’t impede legroom or lean-back space as much as a taller box might. It also helps maintain a lower center of gravity on the ATV, which can slightly improve handling, especially on uneven terrain or when carrying heavier items. For me, it meant I could carry my gear securely without making the back of the quad feel overly bulky or top-heavy. It just feels more integrated into the machine’s design rather than looking like an afterthought.
Durable Construction and Material
The product description lists the material as “Rubber,” and while it feels more like a tough, impact-resistant plastic or composite that’s quite flexible, it lives up to the promise of durability on the trail. ATVs get bounced around, hit with branches, and subjected to vibrations. A flimsy box won’t last. This Open Trail box has handled being rattled over rocks and roots without any signs of cracking or significant wear. The construction feels solid enough for typical off-road use. It’s certainly not bulletproof, but for carrying tools, straps, and supplies, it provides ample protection from physical impacts you’d encounter on a normal ride. This robustness is key because you don’t want to worry about your storage breaking open or getting damaged miles from anywhere.
The All-Important Seal and Weather Resistance
Officially, the product description lists “Water Resistance Level Not Water Resistant”. This might sound concerning, but based on my experience and what other users report, the rubber seal around the lid is surprisingly effective against dust and typical water exposure like splashes, puddles, and light rain. I’ve ridden through dusty conditions and crossed shallow creeks, and the contents inside remained clean and dry. The thick rubber gasket creates a good barrier when the lid is properly latched. While I wouldn’t submerge this box or expect it to stay dry in a torrential downpour or during extended exposure to heavy rain (which might be why the official rating is ‘Not Water Resistant’), for protecting gear from the usual trail crud and getting caught in a quick shower, it performs well. This feature is vital; nobody wants wet tools, soggy sandwiches, or a dust-caked jacket after a ride.
Capacity and Usable Space
With interior dimensions providing a volume of 4.2 cubic feet, the OPEN TRAIL ATV Small Cargo Box R000003-20056T offers a good amount of space for a “small” cargo box. It’s not cavernous, but it’s definitely bigger inside than it looks from the outside due to its efficient shape. I can comfortably fit my small soft-sided cooler, a tow strap, a basic tool kit, gloves, and still have room for a few other small items like snacks or a first-aid kit. It’s perfect for day trips or carrying essential utility gear. The fact that it’s not excessively large is actually a plus for some uses; you don’t have to fill it completely to prevent items from rattling around excessively. It holds just enough for what most riders need quick access to on the trail or while working.
Mounting and Installation
The Open Trail box comes with mounting hardware, typically a U-bolt system, which is a common method for attaching ATV boxes to existing racks. The installation process is straightforward. You essentially position the box, mark where the U-bolts need to go through your rack, drill holes through the bottom of the box, insert the U-bolts, and secure them with plates and nuts from the inside. It took me maybe 15-20 minutes total using a drill and a wrench. While the provided hardware is functional and gets the job done securely, some users might find the nuts a bit fiddly to tighten, especially if their rack design makes it hard to get fingers underneath. Also, drilling your own holes means you can customize the mounting position slightly, but it also means committing to those hole locations. I did choose to add a bead of silicone around the mounting bolts on the underside after installation, just as an extra measure to ensure no water could potentially wick up through the bolt holes, adding another layer of confidence to the seal.
Security and Lockability
For peace of mind when you need to leave your ATV parked while you hike, fish, or grab lunch, the ability to lock your cargo is important. This ATV cargo box is designed with integrated loops that allow you to use padlocks (padlocks are not included). I use two small padlocks, one on each latch loop, which feels adequate for deterring casual theft of contents. While the plastic construction wouldn’t withstand a determined attack with heavy tools, it’s sufficient to keep honest people honest and prevent someone from simply walking away with your gear when you’re out of sight. This feature adds a layer of practicality, making the box useful not just on the trail but also when parked at trailheads or on private property.
One minor point regarding the lid and latches, which falls under a disadvantage: the lid can be quite stiff, especially when new, and requires a firm push to fully engage the seal around the entire perimeter before latching. This stiffness puts significant tension on the latches when closed. While the latches are functional, I’ve noticed they can feel a bit strained or even loosen slightly over time due to this tension. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s something to be aware of and might require occasional checking or adjustment. Also, the lid doesn’t have any hinges or stays that hold it open, so you have to hold it up with one hand while accessing the contents, which can be a minor inconvenience when trying to rummage for something.
Hearing from Other Riders
I’ve checked out what other people are saying about the Open Trail ATV Small Cargo Box R000003-20056T online, and the feedback is generally quite positive, aligning well with my own experience. Many users appreciate its low-profile design, noting that it fits well on various ATV models without being overly large or blocking their view. The quality of the rubber seal is a frequently praised feature, with riders confirming it effectively keeps dust and water out, protecting their contents even in challenging conditions. People find it sturdy enough for trail use and value its capacity for carrying essential gear for day rides or quick trips. Some users specifically mention that it allows them to still comfortably carry a passenger on the back rack. A few comments echo my observations about the lid being a bit stiff to close or the latches being under tension, but overall, satisfaction seems high for a box in this category.
Final Thoughts: Is This the Box for You?
The problem of carrying essential gear securely and protected from the elements on an ATV is a real one, and not solving it can lead to lost or damaged items, inefficiency, or even safety concerns. The OPEN TRAIL ATV Small Cargo Box R000003-20056T offers a compelling solution for many riders. Its low profile is a significant plus, allowing for passenger space and better handling. The durable construction and, importantly, the effective rubber seal provide reliable protection for your contents against trail conditions. Plus, it offers enough usable space for typical day-ride or utility needs while being easily lockable. If you’re looking for a practical, well-built, and secure storage option that won’t make your ATV feel top-heavy, this cargo box is definitely worth considering. To learn more and see if it’s the right fit for your ATV, Click here to check out the Open Trail ATV Small Cargo Box R000003-20056T.
Last update on 2025-08-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API