Some of the treasured assets to an RVer? Cupboard space. As full-timers, we spend lots of time determining the place to maintain issues, and each single cupboard and drawer is full. We additionally fill the areas below the sofa, below the mattress, and below the dinette seats to capability.
So what about after we want much more cupboard space? Nicely, that’s the place RV exterior storage comes into play.
On this article, I’ll share my finest suggestions for storing issues exterior of your rig so you’ll be able to unencumber house within the RV and reside a bit extra comfortably.
Why Exterior Storage Issues
Questioning why RV exterior storage is such a giant deal to me? Actually, with out exterior RV storage, I’d go somewhat bit loopy. It serves a number of completely different functions:
- Reduces inside litter: Conserving cumbersome gear like folding chairs, firewood, or hoses exterior frees up worthwhile dwelling house. That is the largest and most vital profit.
- Improves group: With exterior storage, you’ll be able to create “zones” for instruments, outside gear, cooking gear, and RV necessities.
- Enhances security: Gadgets like propane tanks (in a devoted, vented compartment), gas cans, and soiled instruments are higher saved exterior the place air flow and accessibility are higher.
- Helps outside dwelling: We love spending time open air, and having easy accessibility to grills, tables, and chairs means we’re extra more likely to head exterior for dinner or to hold with mates.
Understanding Your RV’s Constructed-In Exterior Storage
All our RVs have had exterior storage bays. In some instances these have been small compartments. Different instances they’ve been huge pass-through bays (although not all RVs are so outfitted). Clearly, these storage bays are the primary place to look when deciding the place to retailer issues on the outside of your RV.
Listed here are my ideas on which sorts of issues ought to go into these storage bays.
Cross-Via Storage Bays
These compartments run throughout the width of your RV and are often accessible from either side. They’re as large as storage bays get, that means they’re finest for issues like:
- Tenting tables
- Folding chairs
- Out of doors mats
As a result of issues are likely to get pushed round in these massive bays and may typically get caught within the center and be arduous to achieve, I like to prepare issues. To do that, I exploit the next strategies:
- Plastic bins or stackable crates to divide the house.
- Slide-out trays that provide help to attain the objects within the center.
- Battery-operated LED lights that enable me to see what I’m doing at evening.
Facet Compartments
Often, RVs will even have smaller compartments alongside the edges of the rig. These don’t go right through to the opposite aspect, however nonetheless supply worthwhile cupboard space. I wish to put the next sorts of issues in these smaller storage areas:
- Software kits
- Sewer hoses
- Electrical cords and adapters
- Wheel chocks
Labeled luggage or packing containers are useful for making issues simpler to search out, particularly in case your aspect compartments are stuffed full.
Inventive Add-Ons for Exterior Storage
In lots of instances, the built-in exterior storage merely isn’t sufficient. Fortunately, I’ve discovered a number of methods so as to add some further storage to the surface of our RVs.
Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carriers
Hitch-mounted cargo carriers act virtually like further trunk house. There are basket-style racks that are nice for coolers, firewood, or totes, in addition to enclosed cargo packing containers that may be weatherproof and lockable.
It would be best to verify your RV’s weight rankings (together with the hitch, axle, GVWR, and many others.) earlier than loading a hitch-mounted service. It’s additionally vital that every one objects are secured effectively with ratchet straps or cargo nets.
Roof Racks and Cargo Pods
We’ve by no means put something on our RV roof, however we’ve used a cargo field on the roof of our automobile and it has been unbelievable. We’ve additionally had mates who mounted storage options to their RV roofs.
The roof of your RV or car is nice for storing issues like inflatable kayaks, skis, and different seasonal gear. Simply be sure to don’t overload the roof, and all the time use correct tie-downs.
Bumper-Mounted Equipment
In some instances, RV bumpers can accommodate issues like spare tire mounts, bike racks, and sewer hose carriers. You do should watch out with this as a result of RV bumpers aren’t all the time rated to carry lots of weight, but when yours is, it may be an excellent choice.
Ladder-Mounted Storage
Compact carriers could be strapped to your RV’s rear ladder. These are useful for folding chairs, small cargo luggage, and water jugs. That stated, ladders can not maintain lots of weight, so once more, you must watch out with how a lot you retailer there.
Tent Storage
Lastly, there’s the choice of a pop-up-type shelter/tent or one thing comparable. This does should be arrange and torn down at each campsite, nevertheless it gives easy storage for issues like toys, sports activities gear, and outside furnishings. No, it isn’t a very safe place to retailer belongings, nevertheless it does preserve issues out of the weather (comparatively) and has all the time labored effectively for us.
DIY Exterior Storage Hacks
Ensuring you employ your house effectively is all about creativity. Under are a few of my favourite methods to maximise house exterior of our RV.
PVC Tube Storage
Use a size of 6- to 8-inch PVC pipe with screw caps to create a sturdy storage tube, which is then mounted below your RV or alongside the bumper. That is good for fishing poles, awning rods, or sewer hoses.
Magnetic or Velcro Software Holders
Strategically mount some magnetic strips or Velcro straps inside compartments to maintain instruments, wrenches, or flashlights accessible.
Collapsible Gear
Every time potential, go for collapsible variations of outside gear. We like our collapsible ladder, for instance. It cuts down on bulk and makes storage simpler, and it’s comparatively light-weight so far as tall ladders go.
Organizing for Performance
Positive, you possibly can simply cram every part into your storage compartments and name it a day, however imagine me once I say you’ll remorse it the following time you must discover one thing. For that reason, I do my finest to maintain issues comparatively organized in our RV basement.
Categorize by Use
First, ensure that to divide objects into classes and retailer the objects in every class collectively. As an illustration, now we have a utility bay that comprises issues like hoses, cords, adapters, and leveling blocks. We even have a software bay that comprises drills, lubricants, sealants, and gear units.
Our large pass-through bay holds outside dwelling gear corresponding to tables, chairs, and outside mats, and now we have a small bay with gear like seaside toys, a soccer ball, and helmets.
Prioritize Accessibility
The issues we use most frequently get saved closest to the doorways. Issues which might be hardly ever pulled out go to the backs of bays, the middle of the pass-through storage, or in hard-to-access spots corresponding to below the dinette.
Label Every part
As talked about above, it would be best to label each field and bag you place into storage so precisely what’s inside with out digging by means of each single container. An alternative choice is to make use of clear bins so you’ll be able to see what’s inside.
Hold Security in Thoughts
After all, security is a priority. When loading storage bays, be sure to don’t block entry to emergency gear corresponding to the hearth extinguisher. You’ll additionally wish to retailer hazardous objects corresponding to gas and chemical compounds in ventilated compartments.
Lastly, be sure to don’t overload the RV (know your cargo carrying capability and persist with it) and keep away from weighing one aspect down greater than the opposite, as this will have an effect on steadiness and dealing with. Even be aware of front-to-back loading.
Defending Exterior Storage
Clearly, you’ll wish to care for the belongings you’re storing on the surface of your rig. This implies defending objects from the weather and ensuring every part is locked as much as keep away from theft. Right here’s the right way to go about that.
Weatherproof Containers
Clearly, you’ll have to discover a solution to preserve every part dry, even when it’s pouring rain. For this, I like to recommend selecting bins with gasket-sealed lids to maintain moisture out. As an added bonus, these will even assist preserve critters out.
Locks and Safety
So far as safety goes, there are some things you are able to do. First, use the locks on exterior compartments, and for hitch carriers and roof carriers, select fashions with lockable lids. Lock objects like bikes up each single evening. You might even resolve to improve your compartment locks for extra safety. You may also take into account a motion-sensor mild or small safety digicam to discourage theft.
Rust and Corrosion Prevention
We had such an issue with rust on considered one of our software units that we needed to discover a answer. What we realized is that should you preserve metallic instruments and equipment in rust-proof containers or use silica gel packs to soak up moisture, you’ll be able to keep away from this downside utterly. Remember to change gel packs per the producer’s directions.
Common Cleansing
It’s straightforward to neglect in regards to the stuff within the basement of your RV. Sadly, if these things is left untouched, it’s more likely to see harm. For that reason, I like to recommend emptying compartments each few weeks to wipe them down, in addition to to verify for mildew, mildew, and/or pests.
Errors to Keep away from
It would appear to be the simplest factor on the planet to simply throw every part within the RV basement and hit the highway. That stated, there are literally some errors that may be made, and some of them are made extra usually than you would possibly assume.
When planning for exterior storage, you’ll wish to keep away from these frequent pitfalls:
- Overloading compartments: An excessive amount of weight can harm your RV’s body or have an effect on driving security.
- Ignoring weight distribution: Uneven hundreds could make your rig more durable to deal with.
- Storing meals exterior: Until it’s sealed in a bear-proof container, you’re asking for critters.
- Forgetting airflow: Some gear (like propane) wants air flow—don’t pack it into hermetic bins.
- Skipping upkeep: Out of sight, out of thoughts—till your hose compartment grows mildew or your instruments rust. Ask me how I do know.
Discovering exterior storage options on and round your RV is commonly essential for making certain you’ll be able to journey comfortably with every part you want. Fortunately, my household has discovered some ways to do exactly that, and I think about the following pointers will provide help to do the identical.
