Hey there my fellow travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we will check out my three best travel trunks to handle your bulky items as you move this year. Commonly known as “trunks,” these are large, robust containers historically used for transporting personal belongings during extended journeys or relocations.
riginating centuries ago, they gained significant popularity in the 19th and early 20th centuries, especially among travelers embarking on long voyages by ship or train. However as suitcvases have advanced, these options are now generally used for bulky items or if you are moving items for a longer period – such as students off to college etc.
So for those of you in the market for a good travel trunk, I have had a bit of look around and come up with three decent options below. Let’s check them out…
My Three Recommended Best Travel Trunks
I will review these in more detail below. Still, if you want to get moving without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:
What are travel trunks?
Travel trunks are sturdy, spacious, and secure containers designed specifically for the purpose of transporting and storing belongings during journeys and expeditions. These trunks are distinguished by their robust construction, often made from durable materials like wood, metal or hard plastic, ensuring their resilience against the rigors of travel.
With a focus on spaciousness, travel trunks offer ample storage capacity to accommodate a diverse range of items, making them ideal for extended trips or relocation. Their primary function revolves around safeguarding possessions from damage and theft, with many models featuring reliable locking mechanisms to bolster security as well.
Many also typically incorporate handles or wheels for easy transportation as well.
What Should You Be Looking For?
The following factors should be considered as you look around for a good trunk to suit your travel needs.
- Size and Capacity
- Material and Durability
- Security Features
- Portability
- Weight
- Interior Organization
- Additions
Size and Capacity
The dimensions and internal storage space of the trunk play a pivotal role in determining its suitability for your travel needs. A travel trunk that is too small might leave you struggling to fit all your belongings, leading to a disorganized and cramped packing experience.
Conversely, a trunk that is excessively large might result in unnecessary weight and inconvenience during your travels. To strike the perfect balance, evaluate your typical travel requirements and the duration of your trips. If you tend to embark on extended journeys, a larger trunk with generous capacity will be indispensable to accommodate your essentials comfortably.
Material and Durability
Opting for a travel trunk made from high-quality and robust materials such as hard plastic, metal or sturdy composite materials, ensures superior resilience against rough handling, external impacts and varying weather conditions. These durable materials safeguard your possessions during transit, providing a reliable shield against potential damage and wear and tear.
Moreover, trunks crafted from top-notch materials are less prone to cracks, dents or deformations, offering long-lasting performance and durability that withstands multiple journeys over time. Additionally, check for features like water-resistant or weatherproof properties, which are especially crucial if you expect exposure to rain, humidity or other challenging environmental conditions during your travels.
Security Features
Travel trunks equipped with reliable locking systems, such as combination locks, key locks or TSA-approved locks protect against unauthorized access and safeguard your belongings from potential theft or tampering during transit. Additionally, consider trunks with reinforced latches and hinges that fortify the overall security, ensuring that the trunk remains securely shut and impenetrable, even under duress.
Some trunks also come with innovative security measures, such as tracking devices or hidden compartments, which further augment the trunk’s ability to deter theft and provide added peace of mind. And finally, for air travel, ensure the trunk is TSA-compliant, facilitating smoother security checks as well.
Portability
A portable travel trunk is one that seamlessly integrates convenience and ease of transportation, providing a hassle-free journey from the moment you leave your doorstep to the final destination. When seeking a portable trunk, seek those equipped with sturdy handles and wheels, which allow you to effortlessly maneuver the trunk through crowded airports, bustling train stations, and uneven terrains.
Weight
The weight of the trunk itself significantly impacts the overall weight of your luggage, and finding the right balance is crucial to ensure ease of transport during your journeys. Invest in a lightweight travel trunk since this item leads to effortless mobility, allowing you to navigate through crowded airports, navigate public transportation, and handle stairs or uneven terrains without feeling burdened.
A lightweight trunk is especially advantageous if you plan to fly frequently or embark on multi-destination trips, where weight restrictions and luggage fees may apply.
Interior Organization
A well-organized interior provides designated compartments, pockets and adjustable dividers that enable you to neatly arrange and categorize your belongings. This level of organization not only saves valuable time during packing and unpacking but also minimizes the risk of items shifting and getting damaged during travel.
Look for travel trunks that offer versatile storage options, allowing you to separate and secure different types of items, such as clothing, shoes, electronics and toiletries. An intelligently organized interior enhances accessibility, making it easy to retrieve specific items without disrupting the entire contents of the trunk.
Additions
Other potential additions include:
- Expandability – Some travel trunks come with expandable compartments or sections that allow you to increase the storage capacity when needed. This can be particularly useful for those who tend to accumulate souvenirs or additional items during their trips.
- Interior Lining – A soft and padded interior lining can help protect delicate or valuable items from scratches and impacts during travel.
- Accessibility – Look for trunks with multiple openings or compartments that allow you to access your belongings easily, even when the trunk is packed tightly.
- Impact Resistance – Consider trunks with reinforced corners or shock-absorbing features to provide extra protection against rough handling and impacts.
- Collapsible – If storage space is a concern, consider trunks that can be collapsed or stacked when not in use.
My three recommendations broken down
So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:
1. Seward Trunk Traveler 30″ Trunk with Wheels & Lock
This first option is a classic and durable travel trunk crafted from engineered wood and covered in easy-care vinyl. The trunk’s portability is enhanced by two recessed wheels, making it easy to maneuver, and it features two lock-down latches with a push-button key lock latch, ensuring secure storage during travel as well. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Seward Trunks
- Material: Engineered Wood
- Color: Teal
- Capacity: 94 liters
- Weight: 18.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 15.75 x 30 x 13.13 inches
Other inclusions:
- Recessed wheels
- Padlock-compatible
Why have I chosen it?
The sturdy construction of this trunk is complemented by nickel-plated hardware, adding an elegant touch while reinforcing the trunk’s overall durability. Additionally, it comes equipped with two lock-down latches and a push-button key lock latch, providing multiple layers of security to keep your belongings safe and secure during transit.
Furthermore, the Seward Trunk Traveler allows for the addition of a padlock, providing an extra level of protection and peace of mind for your valuable possessions. This thoughtful feature allows you to customize the trunk’s security according to your preferences as well.
2. Rubbermaid ActionPacker 35 Gal Wheeled Lockable Trunk
This second option is a virtually indestructible and durable storage solution that can withstand extreme temperature changes, making it ideal for heavy-duty storage needs. With its versatile design and 35-gallon capacity, it can serve as a reliable truck cargo box, camping gear storage or tool organizer as well. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Rubbermaid
- Material: Plastic
- Colors: Black, Mica and Red
- Capacity: 132 liters
- Weight: 21 pounds
- Dimensions: 15.75 x 30 x 13.13 inches
Other inclusions:
- Lockable latches
- Water repellent
Why have I chosen it?
The double-walled lid of this trunk provides extra strength and a tight fit to protect your items from water and other elements, making it an ideal choice for travel with sensitive euipment (such as camera gear etc.) outdoor storage or tool organization. It also allows for easy transportability on rugged terrain, thanks to its built-in durable wheels.
Furthermore, the Rubbermaid ActionPacker offers practical features such as lockable latches enabling you to secure the contents and deter tampering and it also allows for the addition of a bungee cord to strap it down securely to a trailer, providing stability during transportation. With its 35-gallon capacity, it proves to be a spacious and efficient storage solution for a wide range of items, making it the perfect companion for travel, hunting, camping trips and fishing excursions.
3. Rhino Travel Trunk with Removable Wheels
This third option is a durable and versatile storage solution made iof Baltic Birch plywood and Rhino Armor exterior ensuring robust protection for belongings. With its water and scuff-resistant nylon fabric and tight-fitting steel closure, this trunk offers secure storage and protection for personal items, electronics and school gear as well. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Rhino Trunk and Case
- Material: Baltic Birch Plywood, Nickel Plated Steel
- Capacity: 30 liters
- Weight: 26 pounds
- Dimensions: 30 x 17 x 13 inches
Other inclusions:
- Water resistant
- With wheels
Why have I chosen it?
This versatile trunk serves as a secure storage solution with lockable features, keeping your personal items safe and protected. The exclusive soft close safety lid stay prevents the lid from slamming shut, adding an element of safety and convenience and the trunk’s sturdy design also allows it to function as a bench or step up to a bunk bed, providing additional utility beyond standard storage capabilities.
The inclusion of 2 removable wheels with genuine leather trunk handles offers easy transport and a comfortable grip, making it a breeze to maneuver the trunk wherever you need it. With its water and scuff-resistant nylon fabric and tight-fitting steel tongue and groove lid to base closure, this trunk is designed to withstand the elements and keep your belongings secure and well-organized too.
Conclusion
There you have it, my three best travel trunks. As usual, let me know how this article helped you and let me know of your experiences with them.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
