5 Best Gear Lofts For Maximizing RV Storage That Nomads Swear By
The best gear lofts to organize your RV life.
Every RVer knows the feeling. You’ve organized the cabinets, filled the under-bed storage, and Tetris’d the pass-through compartment, yet clutter still finds its way onto the dinette and countertops. We get so focused on horizontal surfaces that we forget about the most underutilized space in the entire rig: the ceiling. That vast, empty plane above your head is prime real estate just waiting to be claimed.
This isn’t just about cramming more stuff into your rig. It’s about smart, intentional storage that makes your space more livable. By moving lightweight, bulky, or less-frequently-used items overhead, you free up valuable floor and counter space, making your RV feel larger and function more smoothly. A gear loft is one of the most effective tools for this, turning that forgotten ceiling into a functional, organized asset.
We’re going to break down five of the best gear loft solutions that seasoned nomads rely on. From simple nets to heavy-duty shelves, each one solves a different storage problem. The goal is to find the right tool for your specific rig, your gear, and your travel style, transforming that dead air into your newest, most valuable storage area.
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Maximize Your RV Space with a Gear Loft
A gear loft is essentially any storage system designed to utilize the overhead space in your vehicle or RV. This can range from a simple cargo net stretched across the ceiling to a rigid shelf or even a full-blown cabinet. The core principle is simple but powerful: go vertical. In a tiny space, every cubic inch counts, and the ceiling is often the last frontier of untapped potential.
The benefits go far beyond just adding a shelf. Getting items off the floor and out of walkways makes a small space feel significantly larger and less chaotic. Think about your bulky bedding or extra jackets; instead of taking up a whole cabinet, they can live overhead, easily accessible but completely out of the way. This simple shift can transform a cluttered corner into a usable living area.
Different lofts serve different needs. A soft net is perfect for stowing pillows and sleeping bags above a bed, while a solid shelf is better suited for bins of dry goods in a garage area. Understanding what you need to store is the first step in choosing a system that will genuinely improve your day-to-day life on the road, rather than just adding more complexity.
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Raingler Nets: Your Custom Overhead Solution
Capture the outdoors with this 3-pack of telescopic butterfly nets. Featuring extendable stainless steel poles up to 34 inches and comfortable anti-slip grips, these durable nets are perfect for catching insects and small aquatic life.
When you need a solution that fits your space perfectly and is built to last, Raingler is the name that comes up again and again. They specialize in custom-fabricated nets designed to fit the specific dimensions of your vehicle, from Sprinter vans to Class A motorhomes. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all product; it’s a tailored piece of gear.
The real strength of a Raingler net is its robust construction and holding power. Made from high-strength webbing and built with rugged stitching, these nets are designed to keep gear secure, even on bumpy backroads. They are ideal for containing soft, bulky items like outerwear, blankets, and camp pillows, preventing them from becoming projectiles while you drive.
Of course, custom quality comes at a premium price. A Raingler net is an investment, but it’s one that pays off in durability and a perfect, sag-free fit. For full-time nomads or serious adventurers who demand reliability, the cost is often justified by the peace of mind and flawless function that a custom-fit solution provides.
MeeFar Cargo Net: The Best Budget-Friendly Pick
Secure your cargo with this durable 4' x 6' truck bed net. It stretches to 8' x 12' and features a tight mesh to contain items, plus 12 metal carabiners for easy tie-down.
Not everyone needs a custom-built, expedition-grade solution. Sometimes, you just need a simple, effective way to keep a few lightweight items off the bed. The MeeFar Cargo Net and similar universal-fit nets are the perfect answer for this, offering an incredible amount of utility for a very low cost.
These nets typically use a bungee-cord-style mesh with adjustable straps and simple hooks, allowing them to be installed in minutes. They excel at holding things like towels, kids’ stuffed animals, or a few sweatshirts. The zippered pocket design found on many models is also a handy feature for stashing smaller items like maps or hats that you want to keep contained.
The tradeoff for the low price is a lack of rigidity and a lower weight capacity. You won’t be storing heavy gear in one of these, and the universal fit can sometimes result in sagging if it’s not installed tightly. But for a quick, easy, and affordable way to add a bit of overhead storage, it’s an unbeatable value that solves a common problem with zero fuss.
Gladiator GearLoft: Heavy-Duty Shelf Storage
Maximize your storage space with the Gladiator GearLoft™ Shelf. This durable 45" shelf supports up to 100 lbs and offers a lifetime limited warranty for worry-free organization.
When you need to store more than just soft goods, a net won’t cut it. The Gladiator GearLoft shelf, while designed for garages, is a heavy-duty option that many RVers have adapted for their toy haulers or storage bays. This is a rigid, steel-wire shelf designed to hold significant weight.
This type of loft is the go-to for storing heavy, uniform items like storage bins, toolboxes, or cases of water. By mounting it high up in a garage or pass-through, you can get those cumbersome items off the floor, clearing space for bikes, kayaks, or other large equipment. Proper installation is non-negotiable here; it must be securely fastened to the metal frame studs of your RV, not just the wall paneling.
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The downside is the weight and installation complexity. These shelves are heavy on their own, and you must be confident in your ability to locate and drill into your RV’s frame. They also have an industrial aesthetic that works well in a garage but might look out of place in a main living area. For heavy-duty utility storage, however, their strength is unmatched.
Overland Gear Guy Attic: Built for Tough Travel
Born from the demanding world of overlanding, the "attics" from Overland Gear Guy are a hybrid between a net and a soft-sided cabinet. They are built from durable Cordura fabric and feature multiple zippered compartments, offering a more organized approach than a simple cargo net. This is storage designed for motion.
These attics shine at organizing smaller essentials and keeping them secure on the roughest of roads. Instead of a jumble of jackets and pillows, you can dedicate compartments to specific items—first aid, electronics, clothing—and know they will stay put. The heavy-duty materials and zippers are made to withstand constant use and abuse.
This rugged, function-first design is perfect for adventure vans, truck campers, and any rig that frequently leaves the pavement. However, the tactical look and higher price point may be overkill for a casual weekend camper who sticks to RV parks. It’s a specialized tool for a specific job: keeping your gear organized and silent when the going gets tough.
RecPro Cabinets: Add Sleek, Enclosed Storage
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For those who want their storage to be completely out of sight, the best solution is an enclosed one. Adding overhead cabinets from a dedicated RV supplier like RecPro is the ultimate way to get a clean, residential look. This approach turns your ceiling into storage that seamlessly matches your existing interior.
Enclosed cabinets are perfect for storing kitchen items, clothes, or anything you don’t want exposed to dust or view. It’s the most secure and tidy option, transforming a cluttered area into a streamlined space. Unlike open nets or shelves, a cabinet door hides everything, which can have a huge psychological impact on how spacious your RV feels.
This is by far the most involved and expensive option. You are adding significant weight, and installation requires careful work to ensure the cabinets are safely secured to the RV’s structure. They also reduce overhead clearance and can make a space feel shorter. It’s a permanent modification that offers the highest level of finish but requires the biggest commitment.
How to Choose the Right Gear Loft for Your Rig
The best gear loft isn’t about a brand name; it’s about solving your specific storage problem. Before you buy anything, take a hard look at what you actually need to store. Are you trying to get bulky sleeping bags out of the way, or do you need a place for heavy toolboxes? The what dictates the how.
With your items in mind, run through a simple checklist to narrow down your options. Each point will push you toward a different type of solution.
- Weight & Bulk: Are your items heavy or light? Bulky or compact? Heavy items demand a rigid shelf or cabinet secured to the frame. Lightweight, bulky items are perfect for a net.
- Access Frequency: Do you need to grab these things daily or just once a season? Nets offer quick access, while bins on a high shelf are better for long-term storage.
- Installation: Are you comfortable locating studs and drilling into your rig? A simple tension-rod net requires no tools, while a cabinet is a major project.
- Aesthetics: Do you want a clean, hidden look or is pure function your priority? A sleek cabinet feels residential, while a tactical attic screams adventure.
Don’t feel like you have to pick just one. Many of the most functional RVs use a combination of systems. You might have a soft net over the bed for pillows, a small fabric attic in the cabover for maps and electronics, and a heavy-duty shelf in the exterior storage bay for tools. The right setup is the one that works for your unique layout and lifestyle.
Final Thoughts on Reclaiming Your RV Ceiling
Your RV’s ceiling is more than just a roof over your head; it’s a blank canvas for smart storage solutions. By intentionally using this vertical space, you can dramatically increase your rig’s capacity without adding to the clutter. It’s one of the highest-impact modifications you can make to improve daily life on the road.
Effective storage is about creating a more peaceful and functional environment. Every item that has a designated home overhead is one less thing to trip over, move off the dinette, or lose in a deep cabinet. This frees up not only physical space but also mental energy, allowing you to focus more on the adventure and less on managing your stuff.
So, the next time you feel like your walls are closing in, look up. See the potential in that unused space above you. Whether you choose a simple net or a full cabinet, reclaiming your ceiling is a powerful step toward creating a small space that truly works for you.
Ultimately, maximizing your RV storage isn’t about having more space—it’s about using the space you have more intelligently. Gear lofts are a testament to this principle, turning dead air into a functional asset. By choosing the right overhead system for your gear and your rig, you can reduce clutter, improve organization, and make your mobile home feel more spacious and capable than ever before.
