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sandy vans

The Boost Box

$1,899.00

Product variants

Click here to see The Boost Box on your van!

Built to solve a problem Sandy Vans had before Sandy Vans existed: keeping wet, muddy, gross gear out of the van. (Full story in the Overview tab below.)

The Boost Box is one of the largest rear exterior storage lockers built for the Mercedes Sprinter, Ram ProMaster, and Ford Transit: 71.5 inches tall, lockable, weather-sealed, and mounted outside so your interior stays clean and dry. Built from .080 inch aluminum with sealed compression latches that won't freeze in cold climates, drain holes at the base, and a built-in hanger system for wetsuits, snow jackets, and gear. Installs in under an hour, no drilling into the van.

Built from .080 inch aluminum, lightweight and rust-proof
Sealed compression latches with protective cover (cold-weather rated, won't freeze)
Built-in drain holes for wet gear storage without the mess
Built-in hanger system for wetsuits, jackets, and gear
Lock and key included
No drilling required, bolts to rear rack through pre-cut holes
Interior: 71.5 inch H x 19 inch W x 16 inch D (skis and snowboards fit)
Compatible with Sandy Vans Starboard/Port Rack or any universal rear rack

Choose your configuration: The base Boost Box is ready to go. Add a Ski Insert for a built-in divider system sized for skis, snowboards, and surfboards. Add one or two Shelves for flat gear organization at any height. Add MOLLE Panels (Side or Front, in pairs) for modular exterior or interior gear attachment. All add-ons can be combined. Need something smaller? Check out the Boost Box Mini.

Fits: Mercedes Sprinter, with Sandy Vans Starboard Rear Rack or Port Rack, or any universal rear rack (sold separately). | Needs a rear rack: Rack sold separately.

Questions? Call the Sandy Vans team: (619) 812-1903 or email contact@sandyvans.com

Pickup available at Sandy Vans HQ

Usually ready in 2-4 days

See it on your van. Add the The Boost Box to your build in our 3D Van Builder and preview it on a real Sprinter before you buy.

Product Details

The Boost Box started as a solution to a very specific problem. Evan and Alan were on a kite surfing trip in the Pacific Northwest — soaked from a full day on the water, wetsuits and gear dripping everywhere — and neither of them wanted all that moisture riding in the back of the van the whole way home. So they built a box. That was before Sandy Vans was a company, before they had built a single van. The Boost Box came first.

The idea was simple: move the wet, muddy, messy stuff to the outside of the van so the interior stays exactly the way you set it up. A Sprinter-length exterior locker — tall enough for skis and snowboards, sealed against the elements, lockable, drainable — mounted to the rear rack and out of the way until you need it.

Since that first build, the Boost Box has gone through meaningful upgrades. The latches went from standard compression to sealed compression with a cover over the mechanism, specifically designed for cold and wet mountain conditions. The floor is HDPE plastic — it won't cut boards, absorb moisture, or warp. MOLLE panels were added as an option, reversible for interior or exterior mounting, so you can attach MaxTrax, shovels, straps, or whatever your trip requires without drilling into anything.

The result is a 71.5" × 19" × 16" lockable, drainable, weather-resistant locker that installs in under an hour — no drilling into the van — and carries everything that doesn't belong inside. Sandy Vans built this box before they were a van company. It's where the whole thing started.

Fitment & Compatibility

Fits: Mercedes Sprinter (all years)

Drivetrains: All wheelbase configurations

Not compatible with: Vans without a rear rack (Starboard Rack, Port Rack, or universal rear rack required — sold separately)

Also fits these Sprinter-platform RV & upfitter builds:

Winnebago Revel
Storyteller Overland (MODE, Beast Mode)
Outside Van
Airstream Interstate & Atlas
Grech RV (Strada, Turismo, Terreno)
Pleasure-Way Plateau
Leisure Travel Vans (Unity, Wonder)
Coachmen Galleria
Midwest Automotive Designs
Jayco Terrain
Tiffin Wayfarer
Thor Tranquility

Fitment depends on your exact model, year, suspension lift, and body kit. Confirm with our team before ordering.

Not sure your build qualifies? Reach out to our team.

Specifications

Material	.080" Aluminum
Finish	Powder coated black
Interior Dimensions	71.5"H × 19"W × 16"D
Weight	52 lbs
Latches	Sealed compression (freeze-resistant)
Floor Material	HDPE plastic (board-safe, moisture-resistant)
Drainage	Built-in drain holes at base
Locking	Lock & key included
Hardware Included	5× 3/8"-16 bolts, 5× lock nuts, 10× washers
Rack Compatibility	Sandy Vans Starboard/Port Rack or universal rear rack

What's in the Box

Boost Box with lock & key (1)
3/8"-16 × 1" bolt (5)
3/8"-16 lock nut (5)
3/8" flat washer (10)
Ski Insert or Shelf (included with applicable variants)

Install Time1–1 hours

DIY FriendlyYes

Drilling RequiredNo

Pro InstallFree at SV HQ, San Diego

The Boost Box mounts to a Starboard Rack, Port Rack, or any universal rear rack using 5 bolts through pre-cut holes — no drilling into the van. Two people make the job easier: one person holds the box against the rack while the other feeds bolts through from the inside of the box and threads lock nuts from the rack side.

If your van has carpet over the rear door panel, use a knife or flathead screwdriver to poke through the carpet at each rack hole before threading the bolts. Once all 5 bolts are hand-tight, tighten down with a 9/16" wrench on the lock nut (rack side) and a socket or impact driver on the bolt head (inside the box).

Drop the Ski Insert or Shelf onto the internal brackets once the box is secured — no hardware needed. Check that the door opens and closes cleanly with the latches before locking up. In cold climates, the sealed compression latches and latch cover are designed to handle freezing conditions without sticking.

Tools You'll Need

9/16" socket
9/16" wrench
Socket wrench or drill/impact driver
Knife or flathead screwdriver (for carpet cutout if applicable)

Download the install instructions (PDF)▶ Watch the install video

See all Sandy Vans install videos & manuals →

How to Choose a Rear Exterior Storage Locker

For most Sprinter owners, the question isn't whether to add exterior storage — it's which type and configuration makes sense for how you actually use the van. Here are the factors worth checking before you buy.

1. Interior height — does it fit your longest gear?

If you carry skis, snowboards, surfboards, or paddleboards, interior height is the make-or-break dimension. Standard downhill skis run 150–180 cm (59–71"). Most rear storage boxes on the market were designed for bags and tools — not boards. Check interior height first. The Boost Box measures 71.5" interior, which clears full-length ski and snowboard bags.

2. Latch system — will it work at 6 AM in the mountains?

If you ski or snowboard, your box will sit outside overnight in below-freezing temperatures. Standard compression latches can freeze to the door frame after a night in the snow, especially if moisture gets in. Look for sealed compression latches with a protective cover over the latch mechanism — a small detail that makes a real difference when you're trying to get your skis out before the lifts open.

3. Floor material — will it protect your boards and gear?

Ski edges, fin boxes, and wet gear will damage a wood floor and can ding or cut an unprotected metal floor over time. HDPE plastic (the same material as cutting boards and marine decking) is the right call: hard enough not to gouge, moisture-resistant, easy to clean. If a box doesn't specify floor material, ask.

4. Mounting system — rack-mounted vs. door-panel mounted

Two approaches exist: rack-mounted (bolts to an existing rear rack using the rack's existing holes, no drilling into the van doors) and door-panel mounted (attaches directly to door frame hardware). Rack-mounted is removable and transferable to another van. Door-panel mounted is permanent, requires holes in the van and is not recommended. If you have or want a rear rack, rack-mounted is the cleaner solution and the simpler install.

5. Add-on ecosystem — does it grow with you?

A bare box solves the storage problem. An ecosystem of add-ons turns it into a system. Think about year two, not just today: Can you add shelving later? Can you mount MaxTrax, shovels, or straps to the outside? Can you add ski dividers after a season of van life convinces you to take up snowboarding? The Boost Box ships ready to add a Ski Insert, Shelf (1 or 2), or MOLLE Panels (Side or Front) — all drop in without drilling.

6. Drainage — essential for wet gear

Built-in drain holes at the base mean you can throw in wetsuits, ski boots, or anything wet, close the door, and come back to dry gear rather than a standing puddle. Not all boxes have them. If wet gear storage is any part of your use case, drain holes are non-negotiable.

Pre-order checklist

Do you have (or plan to add) a rear rack? The Boost Box mounts to any rear rack.
What's the longest item you'll store? Check interior height against your ski or board bag.
Will the van spend nights in freezing temperatures? If yes, sealed latches matter.
Do you need interior organization (add a Shelf) or exterior mounting (add MOLLE Panels)?
Need a smaller profile? The Boost Box Mini is also available.

Not sure which configuration is right? Call or email the Sandy Vans team — they've built enough of these to know the answer.

Does the Boost Box require drilling into the van?

No drilling into the van. The Boost Box bolts directly to a rear rack — Sandy Vans Starboard Rack, Port Rack, or any universal rear rack — using 5 bolts through pre-cut holes. The rack itself mounts to factory locations on the Sprinter's rear doors without drilling.

Will the latches freeze up in snow or cold climates?

No. The Boost Box uses sealed compression latches with a protective cover over the latch mechanism specifically designed to prevent freeze-up in cold and wet conditions. You can open the box after a night parked in the mountains or in freezing rain without the latch sticking.

What is the difference between the Ski Insert, Shelf, and MOLLE Panel options?

The Ski Insert adds a built-in divider system sized for skis, snowboards, and surfboards — they drop onto the internal brackets with no hardware. A Shelf (1 or 2) adds a flat platform at an adjustable height for organizing gear into layers. MOLLE Panels mount to the front or sides of the box — they're reversible for interior or exterior use — and accept standard MOLLE-compatible accessories like MaxTrax, shovels, holsters, and straps. All accessories drop in or bolt onto existing mounts with no drilling.

Will my skis and snowboards fit?

Yes. The interior is 71.5" tall × 19" wide × 16" deep. Standard downhill skis (typically 150–180 cm / 59–71") fit without any modification. Snowboards and surfboards fit as well. The HDPE plastic floor is board-safe and won't cut or ding equipment.

What rear rack does the Boost Box require?

The Boost Box is designed for the Sandy Vans Starboard Rack and Port Rack, which mount to the Sprinter's rear doors at factory locations with no drilling. It's also compatible with most universal rear racks that use a standard bolt pattern. If you're unsure whether your existing rack works, reach out to the Sandy Vans team before ordering.

Can I hang wet suits, jackets, or gear inside?

Yes. There are built-in rings and hooks at the top of the interior for hanging wetsuits, snow jackets, and other gear vertically. The drain holes at the base let water run out, so wet gear dries without soaking the floor — which is the whole reason the Boost Box was built in the first place.

Is the installation a one-person job?

It's easier with two people. One person holds the box against the rack while the other feeds the 5 bolts through from the inside and threads the lock nuts. On carpet-lined interiors, use a knife or screwdriver to poke through the carpet at the rack holes before you start — that makes bolt alignment much faster.

Still have a question? Email the team and you'll get a real answer.

Watch the Install

More to Learn

The Origin Story

Built for Wet Gear

The Boost Box was built before Sandy Vans was a company. Evan and Alan came back from a kite surfing trip in the Pacific Northwest soaking wet with nowhere to put their gear. So they built the box. Aluminum construction, sealed compression latches, built-in drain holes — everything wet-gear storage demands.

Lock & Key

Ships with a lock and key — secure your gear on the road or at camp.

Built-in Drain Holes

Wet gear goes in, water drains out. No puddles, no mess.

Aluminum Build

.080" aluminum — lightweight, rust-proof, and built for the elements.

⓵ Aluminum Build

Expertly crafted from .080" powder-coated aluminum — remarkably lightweight yet tough enough for anything you throw at it. Rust-proof by design, built for the long haul.

⓶ No Drilling Required

Bolts directly to your existing rear rack through pre-cut holes. No modifications to your van, no special tools. Most installs take under an hour.

⓷ Designed in San Diego

Every Boost Box is conceived and built by our team in San Diego, CA. Born from a real problem on a real trip, refined by van-lifers who use the gear they build.