75Built Overland Storage Crates & Accessories – Everything you need to know about these affordable Overland storage boxes
These crates were originally manufactured as ammo utility boxes by MTM Case Guard in Dayton, Ohio. However, they are also now being sold under the 75Built brand from San Diego, California, and they aim to please the outdoor, off-road, overland adventure industry in three different sizes.
For this product review, I tested the 5” and 8” models with camping and backpacking gear loaded on the inside.
I wasn’t too sure about these crates at first, but after putting them to the test on our adventure, I found them to be useful and durable. Read on to find out more about these great overland storage crates that have a simple, yet very functional design.
Price & Specs
- 75Built Overland Storage Crates: Check Price
- Compatible Foam Inserts: Check Price
- Overland Insert Gear Bags: Check Prices
- Colors: Tan
- Sizes: 5”, 8”, 12” Tall
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Lightweight, Stackable, Easy to use design.
- Cons: Lack of color choice
Ratings
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) Versatility
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) Durability
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) Value
- Overall Rating: 5.0
Take these ratings as my own personal experience with little experience running the other more common Overland storage boxes such as Front Runner, Roam Adventure Co, or even some of the more high-end options like the Zarges storage boxes. I think it is well known at this point that the Zarges Overland storage boxes are some of the most high-end aluminum storage cases you can possibly buy. If the budget permits, then you may want to take a look let some of these other options.
If you are looking for a budget Overland storage box, however, the 75 Built Brand should fit your needs just right. There was another review on the 75 built brand of storage boxes on the sister website Trail Tacoma. In that review, the guy running the storage boxes had nothing but good things to say as well.
Initial Thoughts
Using these overland storage crates was a great experience overall.
The lightweight, stackable design was incredibly easy to use and there was ample room for storing adventure essentials in the back of my 5th Gen 4Runner.
In the next product design revision, I would like to see additional colors produced to give consumers more variety.
Overall Review
These storage crates were tested while traveling to Rocky Mountain National Park for a day hike in my local area during the COVID-19 pandemic. The crates were stacked on top of my DIY sleeping platform and storage compartment in the back of a 5th Gen 4Runner.
Versatility
These storage crates can be used for a variety of storage needs like bug-out crates, emergency kits, first aid kits, outdoor gear storage, and many others.
They can hold up to 65 lbs of gear, but are very lightweight when empty and are extremely easy to stack using the bump-outs and grooves. The grooves allow for a snug fit when stacked.
The strong latch design is genius because it keeps them in tight on the front corners of the crates. This keeps them from coming open inadvertently on bumpy, off-road excursions.
The side handles are beefy and easy to grip with heavier loads. They can also be used with straps or tie-downs in the back of trucks or on top of roof racks. In addition, the padlock tabs on both sides give the consumer the option to lock up your gear as needed.
Durability
The 75Built Overland Storage Crates are water-resistant and have an O-ring seal that allows for dry storage. Although I did not have an opportunity to perform a specific wet test, they seem durable enough to withstand the elements when strapped to the top rack of a vehicle.
These crates are constructed from polypropylene plastic and do not buckle when loaded under the max weight limit of 65 lbs.
However, they are not made to stand on, as the lids will definitely collapse under the weight of a person. Make sure you do not use these as a step stool when loading up your roof rack. From common reviews, you will find online this is where you will really find the difference in something like a Front Runner Wolfpack storage box. With stronger more durable Overland storage boxes and cases, you will often find specs where you can literally stand on the box. This may or may not be important to you but you should know that these boxes are not designed to stand on.
Value
At $21 – $27 depending on the size purchased, these crates are offered at an affordable price compared to their industry competitors. They have just the right ratio of quality to price. Their price point ends up somewhat on the lower end of the spectrum, but the quality and durability of these crates are impressive at this price point. I really liked this product because it offers a generally affordable option for consumers without sacrificing durability.
Pro Tip: If you have a photo and video equipment that you like to use to document your off-road adventures, store that expensive gear securely in these overland storage crates. Here’s how…
Add some Kaizen foam with cutouts for your camera, lenses, and accessories that you want to keep safe. Then use the double padlock tabs with the lock of your choice to keep it all secure.
Toss it under your seat or in another hidden area of your vehicle to keep it out of sight.
Accessories
In addition to the storage crates, I was sent a few accessories that are also distributed by 75built. The accessories included the following:
- Utility EDC Essentials 3-Pack
- Tire valve caps
The Utility EDC Essentials 3-Pack consisted of a D-ring carabiner, survival whistle, and a mini can opener.
Although being plastic, the carabiner sure worked well for attaching things to our backpacks during our hike. For some reason, the design of the carabiner and the feel of plastic was extremely satisfying. I can definitely see using it as an everyday carry item in the future.
I tested out the 100+ decibel survival whistle before the trip as to not alarm anyone out on the trail. It is definitely a survival tool that will stay clipped to my backpack from now on. Just in case.
The mini can opener, which is not much bigger than a thumbnail, went untested as I just didn’t have a need for it on this adventure. However, in a pinch, it would be a very useful item to have on a keyring when overland camping.
Custom Tire Valve Caps
As far as the tire valve caps go, well.. they are tire valve caps! Not a whole lot to get excited about here, but I will say that they are much better than the basic, black, plastic, caps. The red ones would definitely be my next purchase as they would add some additional flair to my 4Runner and would match the red TRD accents of the vehicle.
Definitely pick up the Utility EDC Essentials 3-Pack as well as the Tire Valve Caps when you order the Overland Storage Crates. You will be glad you did.
Now back to some more information about the crates.
Here’s a quick list of features for the Overland Storage Crates direct from the 75Built website:
Features
- Multi-use utility storage box
- Color: Flat Dark Earth
- 5” tall exterior 19” x 15.75” x 5.25”
- 5” tall interior 14.75” x 14” x 4.5”
- 8” tall exterior 19” x 15.75” x 8”
- 8” tall interior 14” x 13.5” x 7.25”
- 12” tall exterior 19” x 15.75” x 12.25”
- 12” tall interior 13.5” x 13.25 x 13.5”
- Water-resistant
- Easy-carry clamping side latches
- 4 lockable tie-down points
- Stackable ridges
- Made in the USA
Materials
- High-impact polypropylene plastic
Tech Specs
- Ammo style utility box
- Holds up to 85 lbs
- Tongue and groove O-ring seal for maximum water-resistance
- High-impact polypropylene plastic
- Item weight: 3.2, 3.7, 4.1 lbs
- Minimal waste/recyclable materials during the design and fabrication process
Final Thoughts
So what do we think about the 75Built Overland Storage Crates?
Lightweight, plastic crates that can help you efficiently organize all of the gear for your next adventure. Use them for hauling your stuff to the trailhead, packing recovery kits when Overlanding, or for your bug-out kitchen gear.
