DC Cargo Mall Large E Track Storage Bin Review: The Ultimate Trailer Organization Upgrade?

There’s a certain kind of controlled chaos that lives inside every enclosed trailer. I know it well. It starts with a few loose ratchet straps tossed in a corner after a long day. Soon, they’re joined by a can of WD-40, a handful of bungee cords that have tangled themselves into a modern art sculpture, and a pair of dirty work gloves. Before you know it, the floor of your valuable trailer has become a minefield of trip hazards and lost equipment. Every time you need that one specific tie-down, it’s a 10-minute excavation project. This isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a drain on efficiency and, frankly, a safety risk. A cluttered trailer is an inefficient workspace, and finding a durable, secure, and space-saving organization system is paramount. We’ve all tried milk crates and flimsy plastic tubs, only to watch them slide, crack, and spill their contents at the first sharp turn. The search for a real solution, one that integrates seamlessly and stands up to the rigors of the road, is what led us to test the DC Cargo Mall Large E Track Storage Bin.

What to Consider Before Investing in a Vehicle Cargo Solution

A vehicle cargo solution is more than just a container; it’s a key component for maximizing your vehicle’s utility, ensuring safety, and protecting your gear. Whether you’re organizing the interior of a work trailer or expanding the carrying capacity of your SUV, the right system transforms your vehicle from a simple mode of transport into a highly efficient tool. The primary benefit is organization—knowing exactly where everything is saves time and reduces frustration. It also enhances safety by securing loose items that could become dangerous projectiles during sudden stops or turns. For those needing to haul more than their vehicle can hold, external carriers unlock new possibilities for road trips, job sites, and outdoor adventures.

The ideal customer for a product like the DC Cargo Mall Large E Track Storage Bin is someone who already utilizes an enclosed trailer with an E-Track system. This includes contractors, landscapers, powersports enthusiasts, and anyone who needs to keep tools, straps, and accessories tidy and accessible within their trailer. It’s for the person who values an integrated, modular system over makeshift solutions. Conversely, this specific product isn’t suitable for those without an E-Track system or for individuals looking to carry cargo on the *outside* of their vehicle. If you need to transport bulky items like luggage, camping gear, or coolers on your car’s roof or via a trailer hitch, you would be better served by external roof racks or hitch-mounted cargo carriers.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

  • Dimensions & Space: Measure your available space carefully. For internal solutions like this E-Track bin, consider how many you might need and where they’ll fit without obstructing larger items. For external carriers, think about vehicle height clearance with a roof rack or departure angles with a hitch carrier. The 13″ x 7″ footprint of this bin is designed for compact efficiency.
  • Capacity/Performance: Always check the weight capacity. The DC Cargo Mall Large E Track Storage Bin boasts a hefty 100-pound maximum capacity, which is more than enough for straps, small tools, and fluids. For larger external carriers, capacities can range from 150 pounds for roof baskets to over 500 pounds for robust hitch carriers, so match the rating to your intended load.
  • Materials & Durability: Material dictates longevity. This bin is made from a durable PVC, which we found to be impressively rigid and resistant to impacts, oils, and moisture—perfect for a trailer environment. External carriers are typically made of powder-coated steel to resist rust and weather, but always check the quality of the welds and finish.
  • Ease of Use & Maintenance: How easy is the product to install, remove, and clean? E-Track accessories are renowned for their quick, tool-free installation. The smooth PVC finish of this bin makes it simple to wipe clean. For external racks, consider the assembly process and how easy it is to load and unload your gear.

Understanding these factors will ensure you choose a cargo solution that not only fits your vehicle but also perfectly suits your specific hauling and organization needs.

While the DC Cargo Mall Large E Track Storage Bin is an excellent choice for internal trailer organization, it’s always wise to see how it compares to the broader world of vehicle cargo solutions. For a comprehensive look at all the top external models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Built Tougher Than It Looks

Upon unboxing the DC Cargo Mall Large E Track Storage Bin, the first thing we noticed was its surprising heft and rigidity. Weighing in at 2.4 pounds, the durable PVC construction feels substantial, not like the brittle plastic of a discount store tub. The walls are thick, and there’s very little flex, even when applying significant pressure. This immediately inspires confidence that it can handle being knocked around inside a trailer. The finish is smooth and uniform, making it easy to clean. The most critical component, the integrated E-Track fitting, is robustly built with reinforced steel. The spring-loaded mechanism is crisp and responsive, promising a secure lock into the track. Compared to other E-Track accessories we’ve tested, the quality of the clip mechanism on this DC Cargo Mall product is top-tier. There was no assembly required; it’s ready to use straight out of the box, a simple yet appreciated convenience. It’s a purpose-built tool, and that functional, no-nonsense design is evident from the moment you hold it.

What We Like

  • Extremely durable, thick PVC construction
  • Impressive 100-pound weight capacity
  • Simple, secure one-click E-Track installation
  • Versatile size perfect for straps, tools, and supplies

What We Dislike

  • Requires an E-Track system for use (not universal)
  • Open-top design means contents are not protected from dust

Deep Dive: Putting the DC Cargo Mall E-Track Bin to the Test

A product’s true worth is revealed not on a spec sheet, but in real-world application. We integrated the DC Cargo Mall Large E Track Storage Bin into our 16-foot enclosed utility trailer for several weeks, using it to haul everything from landscaping equipment to motorcycles. Our goal was to see if it could truly bring order to the chaos and withstand the rigors of daily use. We focused our evaluation on its core promises: build quality, installation security, and practical storage capacity.

Build Quality and Material Integrity: Beyond Simple Plastic

The term “plastic” can be misleading, often conjuring images of cheap, disposable items. That is not the case here. The DC Cargo Mall Large E Track Storage Bin is crafted from a high-grade, industrial-strength PVC that feels more like a composite material. During our testing, we intentionally dropped it (empty) from a height of five feet onto a concrete floor. It landed with a dull thud and suffered no cracks, chips, or even significant scuffs. This is crucial for a trailer environment where heavy items can shift and impact storage components. The material also proved highly resistant to common garage chemicals; we spilled a small amount of chain lubricant and brake cleaner on it, and both wiped away cleanly without staining or degrading the surface. A key observation, echoed by users who note its “sturdy” and “thick plastic” feel, is the reinforced structure. The corners are thick, and the upper lip is molded for extra rigidity, preventing the bin from bowing outwards even when loaded close to its 100-pound capacity. We loaded it with 80 pounds of assorted trailer hitch balls and components, and while heavy, the bin showed no signs of strain or deformation. This robust construction is what sets it apart from generic storage bins and makes it a worthy long-term investment for any serious trailer owner.

The E-Track Connection: A Lock-Solid Integration

The heart of this product is its E-Track compatibility, and the execution of this feature is flawless. The heavy-duty steel E-Track fitting is the star of the show. Installation is a beautifully simple, one-handed operation. You simply press the release lever with your thumb, insert the fitting into a slot on your E-Track rail, and release. It locks into place with a definitive, audible “CLICK” that provides immediate assurance of a secure connection. Once engaged, this thing is not going anywhere. We mounted the bin on both horizontal and vertical E-Track rails and subjected it to the most punishing conditions we could simulate: driving over rough, unpaved roads and executing a series of sharp turns and sudden stops. The bin remained absolutely locked in place, with no rattling, shifting, or hint of coming loose. This stability is the system’s greatest strength. It turns your trailer wall from a passive boundary into active, usable storage real estate. The ability to quickly unclip the bin and move it to a different location in seconds provides a level of modularity that fixed shelving simply can’t match. Need to clear a wall to load a wide vehicle? Just unclip the bins and move them. This ease of use and unwavering security is a feature that truly elevates trailer organization.

Practical Capacity and Organizational Power

At 13 inches long, 7 inches wide, and about 7 inches deep internally (the 1″ height spec seems to refer to the collapsed clip), the bin’s size is a masterclass in compromise. It’s compact enough to not be intrusive, yet capacious enough to be genuinely useful. As one user aptly described it, it’s “about the size of a car battery,” a perfect real-world comparison. This is not a giant tote for bulky items; it’s a strategic organizer for all the loose essentials that get lost. We found one bin was perfect for corralling our entire collection of tie-down accessories. It comfortably held four 2-inch heavy-duty ratchet straps, a half-dozen cam buckle straps, and several soft loops, with room to spare for a pair of work gloves. This aligns perfectly with a user who noted they could store “3 sets of my tie-down straps in each bin with room to spare for rags, etc.”

We dedicated a second bin to fluids and tools. It easily swallowed up multiple spray cans (lubricant, glass cleaner, penetrating oil), a funnel, a tire pressure gauge, and a small toolkit. The ability to get these cans off the floor, where they can roll under tires and get punctured, is a massive safety and convenience win. The true power, however, comes when you use multiple bins to create a system. By placing several DC Cargo Mall Large E Track Storage Bins along a wall, you can dedicate each one to a specific task: one for straps, one for electrical (jumper cables, adapters), one for cleaning supplies. This level of organization transforms your workflow, saving precious time and eliminating the frustration of searching for misplaced gear. It’s an investment that pays dividends in efficiency every time you use your trailer.

What Other Users Are Saying

After our own extensive testing, we explored feedback from other users to see how our experience compared. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive and mirrors our own findings. The most frequently praised attribute is the product’s sturdiness. Phrases like “heavy-duty,” “sturdy storage box,” and “thick plastic with reinforced E-Track clips” are common, confirming our assessment of its robust build quality. Many users express satisfaction with the storage capacity, with one stating, “It hold a lot of stuff inside it.” Another provided a detailed list, noting it can hold “gloves, some tools, a couple of tie-down straps, flashlights and…” which validates our own load-out tests.

One particularly insightful comment mentioned that it’s “Perfect for storing 3 sets of my tie-down straps in each bin with room to spare for rags.” This real-world example gives potential buyers a clear and practical understanding of its volume. Interestingly, a reviewer addressed a potential negative point head-on, stating, “Don’t know why some are complaining about the size, this thing is perfect!” This suggests that while the vast majority find the size ideal for its intended purpose, potential buyers should manage their expectations—it’s an organizer bin, not a bulk storage trunk. This feedback confirms that for its designated role, the DC Cargo Mall Large E Track Storage Bin excels.

How Does It Compare? The DC Cargo Mall Bin vs. The Alternatives

It’s important to understand that the DC Cargo Mall Large E Track Storage Bin occupies a specific niche: *internal* trailer organization. The alternatives we’re looking at here serve a completely different purpose: *external* cargo transport. The choice between them isn’t about which is better, but about what problem you need to solve. Do you need to organize the gear already inside your enclosed space, or do you need to add hauling capacity to the outside of your vehicle?

1. ARKSEN 64 Inch Roof Rack Cargo Basket

The ARKSEN Roof Rack is designed for the adventurer who needs to carry bulky, oversized items on top of their SUV, truck, or car. With its massive 64×39-inch footprint, it’s ideal for luggage, camping equipment, or coolers, freeing up valuable interior space. Its 150-pound capacity is geared towards lighter, voluminous gear. Someone would choose the ARKSEN over the DC Cargo Mall bin if their primary goal is to transport gear for a family vacation or a camping trip using their daily driver. It’s an external expansion solution, whereas the E-Track bin is an internal organization tool. They don’t compete; they cater to entirely different transport needs.

2. CURT 18153 60×24-Inch Basket Cargo Carrier

The CURT Basket Hitch Carrier is a heavy-hitter, leveraging a vehicle’s 2-inch trailer hitch to provide a massive 500-pound carrying capacity. This makes it perfect for hauling items that are too heavy, dirty, or cumbersome to place inside a vehicle or on its roof, such as coolers full of ice, firewood, or heavy job site equipment. Its key advantage is the low loading height compared to a roof rack. A user would opt for the CURT carrier when they need to transport dense, heavy items and have a vehicle equipped with a Class III or IV hitch. It’s a workhorse for external hauling, fundamentally different from the targeted, lightweight organizational role of the DC Cargo Mall E-Track bin.

3. Leader Accessories 60″ Folding Cargo Carrier

The Leader Accessories carrier offers similar functionality to the CURT, with a 60×24-inch platform and a 500-pound capacity designed for 2-inch hitch receivers. Its standout feature is its folding shank, which allows the carrier to be tilted up against the rear of the vehicle when not in use, reducing its overall length and making parking easier. This is a significant convenience feature for those who might leave the carrier on their vehicle for extended periods. This would be the preferred choice for someone who needs the heavy-hauling capability of a hitch carrier but also values the convenience of a more compact profile for storage and daily driving. Again, this is an external capacity solution, not an internal organizational accessory like the E-Track bin.

The Final Verdict: An Essential Upgrade for E-Track Trailer Owners

After weeks of use and abuse, we can confidently say that the DC Cargo Mall Large E Track Storage Bin is a resounding success. It’s a simple product that executes its core function with excellence. The construction is exceptionally durable, the E-Track integration is foolproof and secure, and the size provides a perfect balance of useful capacity and a space-saving footprint. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution; it is purpose-built for those who have invested in an E-Track system and are serious about bringing order to their enclosed trailer. It eliminates floor clutter, secures loose items, and dramatically improves workflow efficiency. For contractors, motorcyclists, landscapers, or anyone who lives and works out of a trailer, it’s not just an accessory; it’s an essential component of a professional and safe workspace.

If you’re tired of digging through piles of straps and constantly searching for small tools, this bin is your answer. It’s a small investment that delivers a significant and immediate return in organization and convenience. We wholeheartedly recommend adding several of these to your E-Track system to create a fully customized and efficient storage setup. You can check the latest price and add this invaluable organizer to your trailer today.