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Milwaukee Packout boxes mounted on van shelving in a work van

Milwaukee Packout Van Storage

Holman ProStow vs. Ranger Design Partskeeper Cabinet

Milwaukee Packout has become the go-to modular storage system for a lot of trades. It's durable, it stacks, and it keeps parts and tools organized. What it doesn't do on its own is stay put in a moving van. Unsecured boxes shift under braking, tip over in turns, become a load-securement problem and a potential safety hazard.

The fix is a mounted shelving system built for the Packout. In this comparison, we look at two of them: the Holman ProStow shelf and the Ranger Design Partskeeper Cabinet. Both secure Packout boxes in the van, but they're designed around different workflows. Here's what each one does well and how to pick the right one for your operation.

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Holman ProStow Shelf

Milwaukee Packout boxes mounted on van shelving in a work van
  • Pull-out shelves: The ProStow's defining feature is a shelf that slides out of the unit. You can open a Packout box and pull parts from it without removing the box from the shelf. For techs who go back to the same fastener or fittings organizer throughout the day, that eliminates a lot of repetitive lifting and reloading.
  • Quick removal: When a box needs to go inside, it lifts off the shelf without any extra steps.
  • Upright frame design: The shelves extend outward from a vertical frame, which keeps the unit's footprint compact. Depending on how you configure the shelf positions, you can preserve floor space underneath for bags, cases, or smaller boxes.
  • Open sides: The upright frame leaves the sides of the unit open, so it can accommodate wider Packout boxes that won't fit inside a fully enclosed cabinet.

Ranger Design Partskeeper Cabinet

Milwaukee Packout boxes mounted on van shelving in a work van
  • Traditional van shelving format: The Partskeeper follows the standard shelving layout found in most work vans, built out with Packout-compatible shelf brackets.
  • Straightforward assembly: It's a self-standing unit, so it assembles like conventional van shelving. No special process to learn.
  • Adjustable shelf positions: Mounting holes run the full height of the cabinet, letting you set each shelf to match the boxes you run and reconfigure as your loadout changes.
  • Two standard shelves included: Not everything belongs in a Packout box. The included flat shelves handle irregular items like wire spools, meter cases, and larger tools.

Holman ProStow vs. Ranger Design Partskeeper: Side by Side

Feature Holman ProStow Ranger Design Partskeeper Cabinet
Standout feature Pull-out shelves for in-place box access Classic, customizable shelving layout
Access to boxes Open boxes without removing them Lift boxes off brackets to use
Box removal Quick lift-off when needed Quick lift-off via Packout-style brackets
Frame design Upright frame, shelves extend outward Self-standing cabinet
Wider boxes Open sides accommodate wider boxes Sized to the cabinet frame
Floor space Can leave room underneath for bags and boxes Traditional full-shelf footprint
Shelf adjustment Layout depends on shelf placement Mounting holes run full height
Non-Packout storage Floor space below shelves Two standard shelves included
Permanent install Drilling + Plusnuts Drilling + Plusnuts
Best for Working from the van all day Carrying boxes to the jobsite daily

Which Packout Shelf Should You Choose?

The right answer comes down to one question: do your Packout boxes stay in the van, or do they go to work with you?

Choose the Holman ProStow if you work from your van

If you spend your day close to the van and keep coming back for parts, the ProStow's pull-out shelves are a game changer. You open the box right where it sits, grab what you need, and get back to work. The compact upright frame and open sides are a bonus if you run wider boxes or want floor space for bags.

Choose the Ranger Design Partskeeper Cabinet if your boxes leave the van

If you pull your Packout boxes out every morning and carry them onto the job, pull-out shelves matter less. The Partskeeper Cabinet gives you secure Packout brackets, adjustable shelf heights, and two standard shelves for everything that isn't in a box. It's a flexible, familiar setup that handles a mixed load well.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I secure Milwaukee Packout boxes in a work van?

The most secure option is a dedicated Packout shelving system bolted to the van, like the Holman ProStow or the Ranger Design Partskeeper Cabinet. Both hold Packout boxes in place so they don't slide or tip while you drive.

Do these Packout shelves require drilling into my van?

Yes. Both units require drilling into the van and using Plusnuts for a permanent, secure installation.

Can I open a Packout box without taking it off the shelf?

With the Holman ProStow, yes. Its pull-out shelves let you slide a box out and open it in place. With the Ranger Design Partskeeper Cabinet, you lift the box off its bracket to use it.

Which shelf is better for storing items that aren't Packout boxes?

The Ranger Design Partskeeper Cabinet includes two standard shelves for oddly shaped items. The Holman ProStow can leave floor space underneath for smaller bags and boxes, depending on your layout.

Will wider Packout boxes fit?

The Holman ProStow's upright frame leaves the sides open, which makes room for wider boxes.

Get Your Packout Storage Set Up Right

Both the Holman ProStow and the Ranger Design Partskeeper Cabinet solve the same problem: keeping your Milwaukee Packout boxes secure and organized in your van. The best choice depends on whether you work out of the van or carry your boxes to the job.

Contact Elite Truck today

and our team will help you pick the right setup.

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