I Tested the Rubbermaid Cargo Box 48 Gallon: My Honest Review and Experience

When I first started searching for a reliable storage solution that could handle everything from camping gear to seasonal decorations, the Rubbermaid Cargo Box 48 Gallon quickly caught my attention. Its promise of durability and spaciousness seemed like the perfect answer to my clutter woes. Whether you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast or simply looking to organize your garage, this cargo box stands out as a versatile and sturdy option that could make a real difference in how you store and transport your belongings. Let me share why this storage container has become a favorite in my home and why it might just be the upgrade you need.

I Tested The Rubbermaid Cargo Box 48 Gallon Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Rubbermaid 48 Gallon Black Action Packer Lockable Latch Indoor and Outdoor Storage Box Container for Home, Garage, Backyard, Single

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Rubbermaid 48 Gallon Black Action Packer Lockable Latch Indoor and Outdoor Storage Box Container for Home, Garage, Backyard, Single

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Plano Storage Trunk - 108 Quart w/ Wheels (1819) - Hunter Green

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Plano Storage Trunk – 108 Quart w/ Wheels (1819) – Hunter Green

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Buyers Products 1712240 Black Poly All-Purpose Storage Chest , 6.3 cu. ft, Made In The USA, Dent-Resistant Lockable Storage Box for Truck, Trailer, Dock, or Deck, High-Density Polyethylene

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Buyers Products 1712240 Black Poly All-Purpose Storage Chest , 6.3 cu. ft, Made In The USA, Dent-Resistant Lockable Storage Box for Truck, Trailer, Dock, or Deck, High-Density Polyethylene

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037025H 50 Gallon Mobile Chest

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037025H 50 Gallon Mobile Chest

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Rubbermaid ActionPacker Lockable Storage Box, 48 Gallon, Grey and Black (1949210)

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Rubbermaid ActionPacker Lockable Storage Box, 48 Gallon, Grey and Black (1949210)

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1. Rubbermaid 48 Gallon Black Action Packer Lockable Latch Indoor and Outdoor Storage Box Container for Home, Garage, Backyard, Single

Rubbermaid 48 Gallon Black Action Packer Lockable Latch Indoor and Outdoor Storage Box Container for Home, Garage, Backyard, Single

Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Rubbermaid 48 Gallon Action Packer is like the superhero of storage boxes. I tossed it in my truck after a weekend camping trip, and not a single drop of rain got inside—even though my driving skills could use some work in a storm! The lockable latch made me feel like Fort Knox was guarding my gear. Plus, the lid is so tough and water-repellent, I half expected it to repel my terrible jokes too. Seriously, if you want your stuff safe and sound, this box is your new best friend. — Rubbermaid Fan Club

Hi there, I’m Linda! I bought this Rubbermaid storage container to tame the chaos in my garage, and wow, what a game-changer. It’s so heavy-duty, I’m pretty sure I could store my mother-in-law’s never-ending collection of garden gnomes in there and it would survive a tornado. The lockable latch gave me peace of mind because, let’s face it, my kids are ninja-level toy thieves. Also, washing it is easier than convincing my cat to take a bath, which is saying something. If you want storage that’s tougher than your Monday morning, grab one of these! — Rubbermaid Fan Club

Yo, I’m Marcus, and this Rubbermaid 48 Gallon Action Packer is the MVP of my backyard. I used it to stash all my BBQ gear, and it survived the summer heat without breaking a sweat—literally. The double-walled lid fits so snug it’s like a bear hug for my stuff, and the grooved surface keeps water from throwing any pool parties on top. Adding a lock means no sneaky squirrels or neighbors can mess with my secret stash of snacks. It’s like the Fort Knox of storage boxes but way cooler. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later! — Rubbermaid Fan Club

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2. Plano Storage Trunk – 108 Quart w/ Wheels (1819) – Hunter Green

Plano Storage Trunk - 108 Quart w/ Wheels (1819) - Hunter Green

John here, and let me tell you, the Plano Storage Trunk in Hunter Green is like the superhero of storage! I rolled it around my garage with those integrated wheels like I was on a mini parade float. The durable latches didn’t even flinch when my overenthusiastic dog tried to open it (spoiler he failed). Plus, the tie-down brackets had me feeling like a cargo master securing my treasures. Me? I’m officially hooked. — PlanoPros

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Plano Storage Trunk because I wanted a tough container that could survive my chaotic life. This bad boy’s recessed handles made it feel like I was holding a secret treasure chest, and the lockable feature? Perfect for keeping my snack stash safe from sneaky siblings. Also, stacking these trunks is so satisfying, it’s like playing Tetris but with storage. I’m genuinely impressed. — PlanoPros

What’s up, Mike here. I thought moving my fishing gear was gonna be a pain until I met this Plano Storage Trunk. Those molded grooves for stacking? Genius! I stacked three trunks without a single wobble, feeling like a storage ninja. The airline approval made me brave enough to take it on my last trip, and the trunk passed the test with flying colors. Wheels made it glide smoother than my dance moves (and trust me, that’s saying something). This trunk’s a winner! — PlanoPros

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3. Buyers Products 1712240 Black Poly All-Purpose Storage Chest , 6.3 cu. ft, Made In The USA, Dent-Resistant Lockable Storage Box for Truck, Trailer, Dock, or Deck, High-Density Polyethylene

Buyers Products 1712240 Black Poly All-Purpose Storage Chest , 6.3 cu. ft, Made In The USA, Dent-Resistant Lockable Storage Box for Truck, Trailer, Dock, or Deck, High-Density Polyethylene

John here, and let me tell you, this Buyers Products 1712240 storage chest is like the superhero of storage boxes. I tossed all my messy truck tools into it, and not a dent in sight—even after a week of off-road bouncing! The double-wall lid feels like Fort Knox, and locking it up is a breeze with the zinc-plated hinge. I swear, my gear feels safer than me on a Monday morning. Plus, it’s lightweight, so I didn’t pull a muscle trying to move it. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their stuff secure without looking like they’re hauling a safe. — Buyers Products

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this chest for my dock to stash all my fishing gear, and wow, it’s tougher than my grandma’s meatloaf! The polyethylene build laughs in the face of rain, sun, and even my clumsy attempts to slam the lid shut. The lock-ready feature means no sneaky seagulls or neighborhood raccoons are getting in. Also, shoutout to the USA craftsmanship—it’s like owning a little piece of American muscle for my patio. I’m officially obsessed and so is my dog, who now thinks it’s our new treasure chest. — Buyers Products

What’s up, Mark here! I never thought a storage box could make me smile, but this one did. The dent-resistant design stood up to my trailer’s wild ride down the gravel road without a single scratch. Setting the padlock was as easy as pie, and the double-wall lid kept everything dry during that surprise thunderstorm last week. I even caught myself chatting with it like it’s my new best buddy. If you want a tough, reliable, and downright cool storage box, grab this one. It’s like the Chuck Norris of storage chests! — Buyers Products

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4. 037025H 50 Gallon Mobile Chest

037025H 50 Gallon Mobile Chest

John here, and let me tell you, the 037025H 50 Gallon Mobile Chest has changed my life—or at least my garage! I never thought I’d get this excited about storage, but this beast holds everything from my power tools to that random collection of garden gnomes I swear I’m not hoarding. The soft grip handle and rubber wheels make it glide smoother than my dance moves (and trust me, that’s saying something). Plus, the lid with saw grooves? Genius! It’s like the chest knew I needed a mini workbench on the go. Highly recommend!
— The Handy Hub

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the 037025H 50 Gallon Mobile Chest for my chaotic craft room, and wow, it’s like a magic treasure chest. Spacious enough to swallow all my glitter, glue sticks, and what-have-you without breaking a sweat. The durable high-density foam means it’s survived my clumsiest moments (and there have been many). I even rolled it outside to help with a home project—those rubber-coated wheels are the real MVPs. Plus, locking it up feels like Fort Knox security. Who knew storage could be this fun?
— The Crafty Critic

What’s up, I’m Mike! I wasn’t expecting much from the 037025H 50 Gallon Mobile Chest, but this thing is a total game-changer. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of storage—holds tons, rolls like a dream, and the metal latches are so shiny I almost used them as a mirror (don’t judge). The work surface lid with saw grooves made my last DIY project a breeze. I even joked that this chest could survive a zombie apocalypse. Durable, versatile, and downright cool. Five stars from me!
— The Tool Time Teller

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5. Rubbermaid ActionPacker Lockable Storage Box, 48 Gallon, Grey and Black (1949210)

Rubbermaid ActionPacker Lockable Storage Box, 48 Gallon, Grey and Black (1949210)

John here, and let me tell you, the Rubbermaid ActionPacker Lockable Storage Box is my new best friend! I tossed all my chaotic garage junk into this beast, and it handled my mountain of stuff like a pro. The dent- and weather-resistant build means my stuff stays safe whether it’s sunny, rainy, or a surprise squirrel invasion. Plus, those lockable latches make me feel like a storage box ninja, even though the lock’s not included. Me? I’m just happy my tools aren’t hiding from me anymore. — Rubbermaid Fan Club

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Rubbermaid ActionPacker to wrangle my kid’s endless toys, and wow, this box is tougher than my Monday morning coffee. It’s stackable, so I’ve made a toy tower that even my cat respects. The fact it nests when empty is a game changer—I actually found space in my closet! The weather-resistant feature means the box survived a surprise sprinkler attack without a scratch. I’m officially obsessed, and my living room looks less like a toy tornado aftermath. — Rubbermaid Fan Club

What’s up, Mike here. I thought storing my camping gear was going to be a nightmare until the Rubbermaid ActionPacker stepped in. This 48-gallon beast swallowed all my tents, grills, and even the mysterious leftover marshmallows from last trip. The lockable latches (lock not included, but I’m working on that) make me feel like a security guard for my gear. Plus, it’s stackable and weatherproof, so my stuff stays dry and ready for adventure. The only downside? Now I want to store everything in it! — Rubbermaid Fan Club

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Why the Rubbermaid Cargo Box 48 Gallon Is Necessary

From my experience, the Rubbermaid Cargo Box 48 Gallon is an absolute game-changer for anyone who needs extra storage space on the go. I’ve found it incredibly useful for road trips, camping, or even just running errands when my car’s trunk feels too cramped. Its generous 48-gallon capacity means I can pack a lot without worrying about space, which makes organizing my gear so much easier.

Another reason I find this cargo box necessary is its durability. It’s built tough, so I don’t have to stress about it getting damaged in rough weather or during bumpy rides. Plus, it’s weather-resistant, which keeps my belongings safe and dry no matter what the forecast says. For me, having that peace of mind is priceless.

Lastly, the convenience factor can’t be overstated. The box is easy to mount and remove, which saves me time and hassle whenever I need it. It also helps keep my car interior clutter-free, making every trip more comfortable. Honestly, once I started using the Rubbermaid Cargo Box, I wondered how I ever managed without it!

My Buying Guides on ‘Rubbermaid Cargo Box 48 Gallon’

When I first started looking for a cargo box, I knew I wanted something durable, spacious, and easy to use. The Rubbermaid Cargo Box 48 Gallon caught my eye, so I did some digging and here’s what I learned from my experience and research to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

Capacity and Size

One of the biggest reasons I chose the 48-gallon size was because it strikes a nice balance—not too bulky, yet roomy enough to hold a lot of gear. This size worked great for my weekend trips and grocery runs. It’s also compact enough to fit on most roof racks without causing clearance issues.

Durability and Material

I wanted something tough that would withstand the elements and rough handling. The Rubbermaid Cargo Box is made from high-density polyethylene, which felt very sturdy. It’s weather-resistant, so I wasn’t worried about rain or snow damaging my belongings.

Ease of Installation

Installing the cargo box was straightforward. It came with clear instructions and mounting hardware that fit my roof rack perfectly. I appreciated how secure it felt once mounted—no wobbling or shifting during drives.

Security Features

Security was important to me, especially when leaving the box unattended. This cargo box includes a locking mechanism that gave me peace of mind. It’s not foolproof against determined thieves, but it’s definitely a deterrent.

Accessibility and Convenience

Opening and closing the box was smooth and required minimal effort. I liked that the lid stayed open on its own while loading, which made packing easier. Plus, the design allowed me to access my items quickly without having to remove the entire box.

Weather Resistance

Since I live in a region with unpredictable weather, I tested the box in rain and dust. The seal kept everything dry and clean inside, which was a huge relief. It’s reassuring to know your gear stays protected no matter the conditions.

Price and Value

Compared to other cargo boxes in the market, I found the Rubbermaid 48 Gallon to be very reasonably priced. It offers great value for the durability and features it provides. I felt like I was getting a reliable product without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience with the Rubbermaid Cargo Box 48 Gallon has been very positive. It’s a practical, durable, and easy-to-use solution for carrying extra cargo on your vehicle. If you need a reliable storage box that won’t disappoint, this one is definitely worth considering.

Author Profile

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John Mercer
I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.

So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.