One of the most precious resources to an RVer? Storage space. As full-timers, we spend a lot of time figuring out where to keep things, and every single cabinet and drawer is full. We also fill the spaces under the couch, under the bed, and under the dinette seats to capacity.
So what about when we need even more storage space? Well, that’s where RV exterior storage comes into play.
In this article, I will share my best tips for storing things outside of your rig so you can free up space in the RV and live a bit more comfortably.
Why Exterior Storage Matters
Wondering why RV exterior storage is such a big deal to me? Honestly, without exterior RV storage, I might go a little bit crazy. It serves a few different purposes:
- Reduces interior clutter: Keeping bulky gear like folding chairs, firewood, or hoses outside frees up valuable living space. This is the biggest and most important benefit.
- Improves organization: With exterior storage, you can create “zones” for tools, outdoor gear, cooking equipment, and RV essentials.
- Enhances safety: Items like propane tanks (in a dedicated, vented compartment), fuel cans, and dirty tools are better stored outside where ventilation and accessibility are better.
- Supports outdoor living: We love spending time outdoors, and having easy access to grills, tables, and chairs means we’re more likely to head outside for dinner or to hang with friends.
Understanding Your RV’s Built-In Exterior Storage
All our RVs have had exterior storage bays. In some cases these have been small compartments. Other times they’ve been enormous pass-through bays (though not all RVs are so equipped). Obviously, these storage bays are the first place to look when deciding where to store things on the exterior of your RV.
Here are my thoughts on which kinds of things should go into these storage bays.
Pass-Through Storage Bays
These compartments run across the width of your RV and are usually accessible from both sides. They are as big as storage bays get, meaning they’re best for things like:
- Camping tables
- Folding chairs
- Outdoor mats
Because things tend to get pushed around in these large bays and can sometimes get stuck in the middle and be hard to reach, I like to organize things. To do this, I use the following methods:
- Plastic bins or stackable crates to divide the space.
- Slide-out trays that help you reach the items in the middle.
- Battery-operated LED lights that allow me to see what I’m doing at night.
Side Compartments
Usually, RVs will also have smaller compartments along the sides of the rig. These don’t pass all the way through to the other side, but still offer valuable storage space. I like to put the following kinds of things in these smaller storage spaces:
- Tool kits
- Sewer hoses
- Electrical cords and adapters
- Wheel chocks
Labeled bags or boxes are helpful for making things easier to find, especially if your side compartments are stuffed full.
Creative Add-Ons for Exterior Storage
In a lot of cases, the built-in exterior storage simply isn’t enough. Luckily, I have found a few ways to add some extra storage to the outside of our RVs.
Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carriers
Hitch-mounted cargo carriers act almost like extra trunk space. There are basket-style racks which are great for coolers, firewood, or totes, as well as enclosed cargo boxes that can be weatherproof and lockable.
You will want to check your RV’s weight ratings (including the hitch, axle, GVWR, etc.) before loading a hitch-mounted carrier. It’s also important that all items are secured well with ratchet straps or cargo nets.
Roof Racks and Cargo Pods
We’ve never put anything on our RV roof, but we’ve used a cargo box on the roof of our car and it has been fantastic. We’ve also had friends who mounted storage solutions to their RV roofs.
The roof of your RV or vehicle is great for storing things like inflatable kayaks, skis, and other seasonal gear. Just make sure you don’t overload the roof, and always use proper tie-downs.
Bumper-Mounted Accessories
In some cases, RV bumpers can accommodate things like spare tire mounts, bike racks, and sewer hose carriers. You do have to be careful with this because RV bumpers aren’t always rated to hold a lot of weight, but if yours is, it can be a good option.
Ladder-Mounted Storage
Compact carriers can be strapped to your RV’s rear ladder. These are handy for folding chairs, small cargo bags, and water jugs. That said, ladders cannot hold a lot of weight, so again, you need to be careful with how much you store there.
Tent Storage
Finally, there is the option of a pop-up-type shelter/tent or something similar. This does have to be set up and torn down at every campsite, but it offers simple storage for things like toys, sports gear, and outdoor furniture. No, it isn’t a particularly secure place to store belongings, but it does keep things out of the elements (relatively) and has always worked well for us.
DIY Exterior Storage Hacks
Making sure you use your space efficiently is all about creativity. Below are some of my favorite ways to maximize space outside of our RV.
PVC Tube Storage
Use a length of 6- to 8-inch PVC pipe with screw caps to create a durable storage tube, which is then mounted under your RV or along the bumper. This is perfect for fishing poles, awning rods, or sewer hoses.
Magnetic or Velcro Tool Holders
Strategically mount some magnetic strips or Velcro straps inside compartments to keep tools, wrenches, or flashlights accessible.
Collapsible Gear
Whenever possible, opt for collapsible versions of outdoor gear. We adore our collapsible ladder, for example. It cuts down on bulk and makes storage easier, and it’s relatively lightweight as far as tall ladders go.
Organizing for Functionality
Sure, you could just cram everything into your storage compartments and call it a day, but believe me when I say you’ll regret it the next time you need to find something. For this reason, I do my best to keep things relatively organized in our RV basement.
Categorize by Use
First, make sure to divide items into categories and store the items in each category together. For instance, we have a utility bay that contains things like hoses, cords, adapters, and leveling blocks. We also have a tool bay that contains drills, lubricants, sealants, and tool sets.
Our big pass-through bay holds outdoor living gear such as tables, chairs, and outdoor mats, and we have a small bay with gear like beach toys, a soccer ball, and helmets.
Prioritize Accessibility
The things we use most often get stored closest to the doors. Things that are rarely pulled out go to the backs of bays, the center of the pass-through storage, or in hard-to-access spots such as under the dinette.
Label Everything
As mentioned above, you will want to label every box and bag you put into storage so you know exactly what is inside without digging through every single container. Another option is to use clear bins so you can see what’s inside.
Keep Safety in Mind
Of course, safety is a concern. When loading storage bays, make sure you don’t block access to emergency equipment such as the fire extinguisher. You’ll also want to store hazardous items such as fuel and chemicals in ventilated compartments.
Finally, make sure you don’t overload the RV (know your cargo carrying capacity and stick to it) and avoid weighing one side down more than the other, as this can affect balance and handling. Also be mindful of front-to-back loading.
Protecting Exterior Storage
Obviously, you’ll want to take care of the things you’re storing on the outside of your rig. This means protecting items from the elements and making sure everything is locked up to avoid theft. Here’s how to go about that.
Weatherproof Containers
Clearly, you’ll need to find a way to keep everything dry, even when it’s pouring rain. For this, I recommend choosing bins with gasket-sealed lids to keep moisture out. As an added bonus, these will also help keep critters out.
Locks and Security
As far as security goes, there are a few things you can do. First, use the locks on exterior compartments, and for hitch carriers and roof carriers, choose models with lockable lids. Lock items like bikes up every single night. You may even decide to upgrade your compartment locks for additional security. You might also consider a motion-sensor light or small security camera to deter theft.
Rust and Corrosion Prevention
We had such a problem with rust on one of our tool sets that we had to find a solution. What we learned is that if you keep metal tools and gear in rust-proof containers or use silica gel packs to absorb moisture, you can avoid this problem completely. Be sure to replace gel packs per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Regular Cleaning
It’s easy to forget about the stuff in the basement of your RV. Unfortunately, if this stuff is left untouched, it is much more likely to see damage. For this reason, I recommend emptying compartments every few weeks to wipe them down, as well as to check for mold, mildew, and/or pests.
Mistakes to Avoid
It might seem like the easiest thing in the world to just throw everything in the RV basement and hit the road. That said, there are actually some mistakes that can be made, and a few of them are made more often than you might think.
When planning for exterior storage, you’ll want to avoid these common pitfalls:
- Overloading compartments: Too much weight can damage your RV’s frame or affect driving safety.
- Ignoring weight distribution: Uneven loads can make your rig harder to handle.
- Storing food outside: Unless it’s sealed in a bear-proof container, you’re asking for critters.
- Forgetting airflow: Some gear (like propane) needs ventilation—don’t pack it into airtight bins.
- Skipping maintenance: Out of sight, out of mind—until your hose compartment grows mold or your tools rust. Ask me how I know.
Finding exterior storage solutions on and around your RV is often crucial for ensuring you can travel comfortably with everything you need. Luckily, my family has found many ways to do just that, and I imagine these tips will help you do the same.