Maximize Your Van’s Potential with Avatar Offroad Storage Boxes

So, you’ve bought your dream van, hit the road for a few miles, and suddenly—uh oh—the space inside is filling up faster than expected. What’s next? If you're just vacationing, you might be able to leave some things behind, but why compromise your trip? And if you're a full-time vanlifer, the space challenge becomes a whole new ball game. That's where external storage comes in.

Luckily, your van’s exterior has some prime real estate for storing all the gear you need to keep your adventures rolling smoothly: the rear doors. Read below to discover the different options for Minimalists, Sport enthusiasts, or those trying to squeeze use out of every last inch of space they have!

Rear Door Storage: Daily Essentials

The rear doors are your best friend when it comes to daily use. Store camping gear, cookstoves, skis, propane, tools, tire chains, or even pet food—basically anything you use often. What’s even better? Rear door storage is perfect for wet, muddy, or dirty items. Imagine wrapping up a great day of mountain biking, but a little rain turned your clothes into a muddy mess. No worries—just toss them into the rear box along with your dirty boots, and keep the interior of your van fresh and clean.

Why Choose Avatar Offroad?

At Avatar Offroad, we’ve designed storage solutions that work as hard as you do. Our products are built to last and designed with your adventure in mind. Avatar Offroad storage boxes stand out not only for their durability and reliability but also because they come from a family-run business that truly understands the adventure lifestyle. Everything about our products is personal, with each design being thoughtfully crafted to meet the real-world needs of adventurers. The team behind Avatar Offroad actually lives the vanlife, giving us firsthand experience in creating storage solutions that work in the most rugged conditions. Our ski boxes, in particular, are a nod to our childhood spent skiing, and are designed with a deep understanding of the sport and its needs. When you choose Avatar Offroad, you're not just getting a storage box—you're supporting a family that genuinely lives and breathes the lifestyle they cater to.

Avatar Box Features

Secure Storage

Avatar boxes are "duel locking". All come with key-locking handles with the option to add padlocks for additional security! Additionally, the boxes are designed to handle the worst of conditions. The box bodies are durable aluminum, have a rain channel, and a powder-coat finish to keep a sleek look in all weather.

Shelving

While the Deka box is the perfect minimalist solution, the other boxes accommodate Avatar Offroad's shelves. As you go up in size, the more shelf options you have. This is perfect for adjusting your storage as your adventures and needs change. If you have some small bike tubes or snacks, separate it from all of your shower hoses. Avatar's shelves are designed as a tray to prevent your smaller items from spilling out when you open the doors.

Accessory Mounting Panels: Keep It Simple

Some might ask about adding external panels for more mounting options, but at Avatar Offroad, we keep things streamlined. We avoid extra panels because they add unnecessary weight and bulk to your box. Instead, we’ve designed our boxes with the ability to mount accessories like shovels, fuel cans, and traction boards directly to the sides, keeping everything secure and organized.

Universal Mounting

It all starts with the Massif—our heavy-duty mounting platform that’s both sturdy and versatile, with horizontal and vertical mounting rails. Need a quick, secure setup? Our "keyways" and stainless steel carriage bolts make it easy to mount your storage box of choice. The Massif has several optional accessories that allow you to completely customize your setup! From there, it’s all about finding the combination of boxes that suit your needs. In addition to "Massif Accessories," we also offer the Sir Packs-a-lot and the Outpost carriers for those seeking a simpler and low-cost solution! However, if you have an attachment to your current carrier, we offer adapters or options for additional drilling to insure you still get the best boxes on the market!

How to Choose the Right Box for You

Avatar Offroad offers the widest selection of van storage boxes on the market! With so many options, how do you pick the right one? Our lineup of boxes takes inspiration from metric prefixes, with names like Deka, Kilo, Mega, and Giga to help you choose based on size. The Deka is the smallest option, while the Kilo, Mega, etc. get progressively bigger for larger adventures.

Break It Down

Firstly, lay out the gear you're wanting to consistently store. How much of it do you want taking up space inside of your van? How much would be just as or even more convenient on the rear doors? Are you needing wet/dirty storage? Do you just need some hoses out of the back or have a bunch of gear for your dog? Are you planning to barbecue? Are you looking to hit the slopes with some friends? Take a peak at our sections below to help you decipher the differences between door style, different box widths, and even which sports best align with each box. Mix and match between varied sizes boxes and use your Passenger and Driver side doors for different things.

24” vs. 28” Wide Options

Deciding between a 24” or 28” wide box has never been easier. On the Passenger side door, the 24” width is ideal for rear door storage. Allowing you to easily access the door handle while still having plenty of room for your gear, our Kilo, Niko 24, Mega 24 boxes give you that perfect balance of space and accessibility. The 24" is especially ideal for anyone wanting to mount a "Road-shower" next to their box!

If you're mounting your box on the Driver's side, no hesitation—go with the 28". The 28" wide options like the Niko 28, Mega 28, and Giga maximize the capacity of your rear door and give you the biggest bang for your buck. You won't regret having extra space. And, unless you're transporting gold bars, your van will handle the few extra ounces of weight for a larger box. Plus, if you're a Sprinter or Transit owner, our Handle Extension, when combined with our Massif Carrier, allows you to maintain handle access on the Passenger Side and still have the widest box options available!

Clam-shell vs Standard Swing

When choosing between the Clam Shell and Standard Swing storage boxes from Avatar Offroad, it comes down to your preference. The Standard Swing is perfect for van lifers and overlanders who want quick access to frequently used gear like tools, helmets, and repair kits. With its side-hinged door, heavy-duty aluminum construction, and weatherproof design, it's a reliable and durable option. Available in the Kilo, Centi, and Ski Box lineups, the Standard Swing is ideal for those who prioritize simplicity and convenience.

On the other hand, the Clam Shell storage box is best for adventurers who need extra storage space for bulkier gear like recovery tools and camp stoves. The split "clam shell" design gives you unobstructed access, and the drop-down door doubles as a workspace. If you're looking for a more versatile storage solution, the Clam Shell is perfect for you. It’s available in the Niko, Mega, and Giga Box lineups, making it a great choice for those who need both storage and a workspace on the go.

Minimum vs Maximum

When it comes to vanlife storage, Avatar Offroad offers solutions for every kind of traveler, whether you’re embracing minimalist living or packing for a big adventure. For those who prefer a sleek, minimalist setup, the Deka Box or Kilo Box are perfect. They provide a compact, streamlined storage solution, keeping your gear organized without taking up too much space. You can use the Deka as a "cherry-on top" box and fit it above another large storage box! With it's raise-up or pull-down options, the Deka door can be used as either a work surface or even rain cover! The Kilo's ideal for someone looking for a "classic" door and allows for multiple shelves that can help organize your gear!

On the other hand, if you're someone who needs to carry larger equipment or wants maximum storage capacity, the Ski 6 or Giga Box are your go-to options. These larger storage boxes are ideal for those who need to haul everything from camping gear to sports equipment, offering plenty of space to store your essentials while maintaining the durability and ruggedness Avatar Offroad is known for. Whether you need just the basics or the full vanlife experience, Avatar Offroad has a storage solution that fits your style!

Minimalist Storage

Deka: For those with only a few essentials, the Deka (or Double Deka option of having two Dekas stacked) offers a compact option that is perfect for small storage options. Pairs perfectly with larger storage boxes or another Deka!
Kilo: If you're looking for a simple, reliable box, the Kilo is your go-to. It’s compact and efficient, with integrated L-track and a shelf. Its easy one-handed access is perfect for those needing a quick storage solution.
Niko 24": A step up from the Kilo, the Niko, while similar in size, has a double front door (clam-shell design) that opens to reveal a working surface—perfect for cooking or resting your gear.

Bigger Isn’t Always Better, But Sometimes It Is

If you're looking for the Goldilocks size—not too big, not too small—Mega is the fan favorite. Its clamshell design opens up to reveal tons of storage, while the thoughtfully placed L-track makes organization a breeze.
If you need massive storage, the Giga is the must-have for every adventurer. Take all of your camping gear and tools including BBQs. Use the drop down door to BBQ right off the back of your van!
If you want the largest and most versatile box for sports and seasons, the Ski 6 is a true game-changer. It's the largest van storage locker available, capable of holding everything from skis to your mother-in law, so you’ll never run out of room.

When in doubt, commit to the bigger boxes. They will accommodate any changes in gear and allow for more shelving to help you organize!

By Sport: Tailored for Adventure

Skiing/Snowboarding

Ski 6: The original! Fits a minimum of 6 skis or snowboards (with bindings), with custom dividers to keep them safe and organized.
Ski 4: Fit at least 4 pairs of skis, 4 snowboards, or any combo thereof. Plus poles!
Ski 8: The "coach's box". Designed for cross-country ski teams, it holds up to 20 pairs of cross-country skis or 8 alpine, making it the go-to box for ski team travel.

Biking/Golfing/Fishing

Centi: Built for bikers, this 58” tall box fits up to 2 vertically mounted bikes, plus all your biking gear—helmets, shoes, tools, and more. Pair with a Pedal Guard to keep your box scratch-free! Golfers, throw in your clubs and tees, this is a perfect solution for solo putters!
Mega: Get this perfect medium-sized box and mount some Avatar Bike Posts above it to have a horizontal mounting solution!
Ski 4: Essentially a larger Centi, the Ski 4 is ideal for multiple golf bags, or all of your bike or fishing gear. Built for versatility, it fits 4 skis or snowboards while leaving room for a vertical bike rack on either side. Ski in winter, bike in summer!
Giga: You can't go wrong with this jumbo size. Maximize your rear door and throw in some golf clubs, biking gear, or tack boxes!

Kayaking/Kite Boarding/and More

Ski 6: Offering the best all around storage for year-long use! Pack inflatable kayaks, kites, kite boards, all of your camping gear, and more. This is the most versatile and largest box offering on the market for every sport and adventure!
Mega: Fit several Kites, or an inflatable kayak in this Goldilocks-sized box! Perfect for small miscellaneous items or all of your big gear!
Giga: This is the perfect large storage for any sport. Load up inflatable kayaks and paddle boards, or all of your motocross gear!

Mix and Match

One of the best things about Avatar Offroad’s storage solutions is how easily you can mix and match different sized boxes to fit your unique needs. Whether you want to combine the compact Deka Box for your smaller essentials with the larger Ski 6 or Giga Box for bigger gear, the options are limitless. Maximize storage on your Driver's side with the 28" boxes, while maintaining a lighter door swing and handle access on the Passenger side with some of our smaller options! This customizable approach lets you optimize your van’s storage by keeping smaller items organized and easily accessible, while still having the space to pack for longer trips or adventures. The versatility of mixing and matching ensures you can maintain a clean, efficient van without sacrificing storage capacity—giving you the flexibility to adapt your setup as your needs evolve!

Ready to Level Up Your Storage?

Whether you're hitting the slopes, cycling through rugged trails, or just need more room for your everyday gear, Avatar Offroad storage boxes have got you covered. Built tough, easy to access, and designed to make your adventures smoother, these boxes are the perfect addition to your van setup. Don’t let limited space hold you back—gear up for your next adventure today!