I’ve learned the hard way that one of the most frustrating parts of any extended 4WD trip is managing rubbish and wet or dirty gear. Stuffing rubbish bags inside the vehicle leads to smells, tears, and a general mess. That’s why a proper spare wheel bag is a game-changer. I’ve been using the Bushranger Wheelie Bin on a few recent trips, and it’s a robust solution that keeps the dirty stuff where it belongs: on the outside of the vehicle. Here’s my breakdown of how it performed.
The good
- Massive 67L total capacity
- Durable 1000D PVC build
- UV-tested in Australia for sun fade
- Drainage eyelets for liquids
- 5-year warranty provides peace of mind
The not-so-good
- 2.3kg weight isn't ultralight
- Size can be a little bulky
- Takes up the entire spare wheel
What You’re Getting
A rugged, self-supporting spare wheel bin with a 67L capacity, made from reinforced 1000D PVC. It’s designed to keep rubbish and dirty gear outside your 4WD, featuring a moveable divider and drainage eyelets.
Quick Specs
If you’re ready to dive into the details, here are the key specs for this product. The table below gives you a clear and quick overview of everything you need to know.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Bushranger |
| Material | 1000D Reinforced PVC |
| Weight | 2.3kg |
| Dimensions | 45.5 x 19.5 x 64.5cm |
| Main Capacity | 57L |
| Total Capacity | 67L (57L + 2x5L) |
| Features | Adjustable divider, drainage eyelets |
| Warranty | 5-year warranty |
First impressions
Unpacking the Bushranger Wheelie Bin for the first time, I was immediately impressed by how sturdy it felt. This isn’t just a simple bag; it’s a structured piece of gear with a thick, self-supporting base and rigid walls. The reinforced PVC material feels incredibly tough and ready for a proper off-road beating. Its large, flat shape is designed to fit snugly against a spare wheel, and the adjustable straps made the initial installation on my 4WD surprisingly simple.
It felt like a purpose-built piece of equipment, not an afterthought. The side-release buckles on the lid are chunky and inspire confidence that they’ll stay closed over rough terrain. I also noticed the small details right away, like the drainage eyelets at the base and the reflective strip on the front, which are smart additions for both safety and practicality.
Materials & Build Quality
The heart of the Bushranger Wheelie Bin’s durability lies in its construction. It’s made from a rugged, reinforced 1000D PVC, a material that feels like it can withstand years of abuse from dust, dirt, and harsh sunlight. I was particularly impressed by the double-thick padded base and partial walls. This design choice means the bin holds its shape whether it’s empty or full, which makes a huge difference when you’re trying to pack things into it on the go.
It’s also worth noting that the product is UV-tested in Australia, which is a massive plus. The sun here can be brutal on gear, so knowing that the material is designed to resist colour fade and wear is a huge reassurance. The 5-year warranty further backs up the claim of its robust build. The buckles and straps are heavy-duty, and the overall craftsmanship is excellent, giving me confidence that it will be a reliable piece of kit for a long time.
Ergonomics & Weight
The design of the Wheelie Bin is all about practical storage on the outside of your vehicle. By mounting it on the spare wheel, it takes the dirt and smell of rubbish or muddy gear out of the car. At 2.3kg, it’s not the lightest piece of equipment, but since it’s mounted externally, the weight is not an issue. The distribution is low and doesn’t affect the vehicle’s handling. The adjustable straps are very versatile and fit snugly around a wide range of spare wheel sizes, which is great for different vehicles.
Accessing the bin is made easy with the four side-release buckles. They’re quick to undo and re-buckle, which is handy when you’re trying to quickly toss some rubbish in. The 57L main compartment offers ample space, and I found the adjustable divider incredibly useful for separating rubbish from other gear like a wet towel or dirty recovery ropes. The two additional 5L side pockets are perfect for smaller items like plastic bags or gloves, keeping them organised and easily accessible.
Performance & Features
Out on the trail, the Bushranger Wheelie Bin performed exactly as I had hoped. The secure lid, held down by four buckles, kept dust and wildlife out of the main compartment, which is a must-have feature for any outback trip. Even over corrugations, the bin stayed securely in place with no rattling or shifting. The drainage eyelets at the bottom came in handy after a surprise downpour, allowing any water to escape and preventing the bin from holding liquid.
The ability to use the divider to create two separate spaces is a standout feature. On my last trip, I used one side for general waste and the other for recyclables, which made pack-up much easier at the end of the journey. Another bonus is how easy it is to clean. The reinforced PVC is simple to hose down after a trip, and it dries quickly, so it’s ready for the next adventure. The total 67L capacity is more than enough for a long trip with a few people.
Conclusion: Bushranger Wheelie Bin 57L
The Bushranger Wheelie Bin is a fantastic and highly effective solution for managing waste and dirty gear when you’re out on the road. Its rugged construction, thoughtful features like the adjustable divider and drainage eyelets, and its generous capacity make it an essential piece of equipment for any serious 4WD tourer or camper. While it may be on the heavier side, its performance and durability make that a non-issue. It offers a secure and convenient way to keep your vehicle’s interior clean, proving that sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best.
Gear That Complements Your Camping Setup
The right gear for your 4WD is all about smart storage and keeping things organised on the go. If you’re looking for other ways to keep your vehicle tidy, take a look at our reviews of vehicle storage solutions, to keep our recovery gear and tactical tools safely stored away. Having a proper setup for your gear means you can spend more time enjoying the outdoors and less time fumbling for what you need.
The Bushranger Wheelie Bin is an exceptionally durable and practical solution for managing waste on off-road adventures.
Its robust construction and intelligent design make it a standout product in its category.
This bin is best for 4WD tourers, overlanders, and long-term campers who need a reliable and rugged way to store rubbish and dirty gear outside of their vehicle. Its substantial 67L capacity and durable build make it ideal for extended trips where you need to carry a lot of waste or gear with you until you can dispose of it properly.
Yes, it is. The Bushranger Wheelie Bin is a significant step up from standard canvas or mesh bags. Its self-supporting design, UV-tested material, and 5-year warranty justify the investment. It’s a durable piece of gear that will save you from messy spills and unpleasant odours inside your vehicle for years to come, making it a valuable addition to your camping setup.
