Cheap tack trunks

[Belmont]

My dad wants to make me a real trunk, so in the mean time I need something cheap and easy to hold all my junk. I’m moving to a training facility from a backyard DIY facility, and I don’t think my cardboard smartpak box is going to cut it.

What do you guys use?

[chardo84]

I have both of these. Much sturdier than most at tack stores, cheap and bonus -they fit in a 2h trailer tack room. If you search the forums, you can see how others have made them nicer. Not fancy, but if your dad is making you a nice one, I assume it shouldn’t matter.

http://t.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-37-in-Mobile-Job-Box-037025H/202300294

http://t.homedepot.com/p/Husky-37-in-Mobile-Job-Box-209261/203668066

[foursocks]

I have had both of those above and the Husky is a smidge more sturdy than the Stanley.

I actually have a Husky in my trailer that I use for a show trunk- I had Smartpak make a custom cover for it and when it is on and all zipped up it hides my low-rent shame. :lol:

[JenEM]

I just went from a barn with a big locker to one with a saddle-sized cabinet, and room for a trunk. I bought one of the Husky trunks, and love it! Nice and sturdy, easy to move, lots of room, comes with a “grooming tote” built in. I bought a vinyl monogram in like the 9" size and put it on the front, and it looks pretty sharp now, for a plastic tool trunk. There are several of these at the new barn, they seem pretty popular with horse folks :yes:

[Dewey]

I also have a tool trunk, but mine is a Kobalt. I love it. Like foursocks above, I have a Smartpak cover for it for shows. Here’s the Kobalt:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_395269-61896-395269_0__?productId=50065467

Before that, I used a wheeled Rubbermaid tote. It held everything and was inexpensive.

[shakeytails]

DH has made plenty of trunks that are about like this for me and others. They’re dirt cheap as well as quick to make. I think you can make 3 out of 2 sheets of plywood at this size, and definitely under a day of puttering in the shop. Cost complete depends on hardware and trim- from about $30 to $80 if you use oak or maple trim and the really nice handles and latch. Sand and paint before the trim is on, leave trim natural, poly the whole thing, put a brass name plate or vinyl graphics on it and they come close to looking like the expensive trunks.

[Justmyluck]

If you have used furniture, consignment stores or an active furniture section of Craigslist where you are. Check them out. I got a full cedar trunk for $20 that needed a little repair and I put a brass name plate on it and it looks fantastic.

[sarcam02]

Stanley 50 gallon with a cover from Hanson equestrian has replaced my beloved mcguinn for 95% of shows. So easy to handle by myself

[Simbalism]

I also have the Husky trunk and like it a lot.

[rizzodm]

I have this and love it. It has an extending handle and wheels so I can easily haul it around to horse shows. I can sit on it or use it as a mounting block too.

http://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-Stand-Tote-Rolling-Model/dp/B005Y1VJXC

[foursocks]

[QUOTE=sarcam02;8264066]
Stanley 50 gallon with a cover from Hanson equestrian has replaced my beloved mcguinn for 95% of shows. So easy to handle by myself[/QUOTE]

Right? I was feeling bad about bringing my plastic box to schmancy pants AAA shows until I remembered I usually have to unload by myself. A handle and wheels? Yes, please!

[sarcam02]

^ yes four socks. That is exactly why I bought the custom cover (they only make it for Stanley trunks at this stage). We don’t get relegated to the feed stall at shows. I swear by mcguinn but I can’t move that trunk alone at shows.

[Eclair]

I converted an old steamer trunk into a tack trunk. Works awesome for me! If I decide to move on from it, I can sell it or use as a coffee table

[Belmont]

[QUOTE=shakeytails;8263615]
DH has made plenty of trunks that are about like this for me and others. They’re dirt cheap as well as quick to make. I think you can make 3 out of 2 sheets of plywood at this size, and definitely under a day of puttering in the shop. Cost complete depends on hardware and trim- from about $30 to $80 if you use oak or maple trim and the really nice handles and latch. Sand and paint before the trim is on, leave trim natural, poly the whole thing, put a brass name plate or vinyl graphics on it and they come close to looking like the expensive trunks.[/QUOTE]

Thanks! My dad is really into woodworking as a side “old man hobby”. He wants to try his hand at one, so I will give him this idea as well! He is also a GC, so I imagine my trunk will be on the back burner a bit. That is fine with me! I can deal.

These “plastic” work trunks are great! I guess I will have to take a gander down the isles at Home Depot and Lowes! Thanks everyone. I will also take a look on CL for fun.

[ybiaw]

Another vote for the Stanley/Husky trunks with wheels and telescoping handle bar!!! My nice wooden trunk currently lives at home in my bedroom, but should I buy another horse, it will go to the barn and stay in the tack room and my Stanley will be my trunk for in the barn and going to shows. I used to haul my big wooden trunk to shows with me but its so cumbersome…it’s nice to be able to take the Stanley with me everywhere and not need a dolly (or helper) to move it!!

[joiedevie99]

I own two extremely nice wood show trunks, and have relegated them to my basement for blanket storage. They are so heavy to move that it just isn’t worth the effort.

I have a Stanley for each horse, and two Husky’s that I keep packed for shows. I prefer the latches on the Stanley. The ones on the Husky are tighter and harder to close/open until they break in. Otherwise, they’re basically the same.