6 Best Under-Deck Storage Options For RVs That Nomads Swear By
Nomad-tested solutions for under-deck RV storage.
Every square inch of an RV is a battleground for space. You’ve organized the cabinets, optimized the closet, and still, the leveling blocks, sewer hoses, and extra tools are homeless. This is where seasoned nomads look down—not in defeat, but for opportunity. The vast, often-ignored territory under your RV’s main deck is some of the most valuable real estate you own. It’s the key to unlocking a more organized, efficient, and enjoyable life on the road.
Level your RV on uneven terrain with these durable, interlocking blocks. The set includes 12 heavy-duty blocks (10 standard, 2 top) and a convenient carrying bag for easy storage.
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Unlock Hidden RV Space With Under-Deck Storage
The space between your RV’s frame rails is often seen as dead space, but it’s a goldmine for storage. This "under-deck" or "underbelly" area is perfect for items you don’t want inside your living quarters or main storage bays. Think dirty, bulky, or infrequently accessed gear.
Tapping into this space fundamentally changes how you use your RV. It frees up your primary pass-through storage for cleaner, more frequently used items like camp chairs and grills. By moving heavy items like toolboxes or spare fluids lower, you also improve your rig’s center of gravity, which can contribute to a more stable ride.
Before you start bolting things on, consider three critical factors: weight, clearance, and access. Every pound you add underneath counts against your Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC). You also need to maintain adequate ground clearance for navigating uneven terrain, and finally, ensure you can actually reach what you’ve stored without a major production.
MORryde Sliding Tray: Access Your Gear Easily
Easily access your truck bed cargo with the MORryde sliding tray. This fully assembled, carpeted tray boasts an 800 lb capacity and installs in minutes without measuring or cutting.
A deep pass-through bay is great in theory, but it can quickly become a black hole. You know the drill: the one thing you need is always at the very back. This is where a sliding tray isn’t just a luxury; it’s a complete game-changer for ergonomics and accessibility.
The MORryde sliding tray essentially turns your entire storage bay into a massive, easy-to-reach drawer. With models that can extend 100% in either direction, you eliminate the need to crawl inside to retrieve gear. This simple upgrade saves your back and knees, turning a frustrating task into a smooth, simple process.
The main trade-offs are weight and cost. These heavy-duty steel trays are not light, and they represent a significant investment. They also reduce the total vertical height of your bay by a few inches. For full-timers who are in and out of their storage daily, however, the sheer convenience makes it one of the most worthwhile upgrades you can make.
Plano Sportsman’s Trunk: Your Rugged Choice
Transport gear easily with the Plano Sportsman Trunk. This durable, 108-quart storage box features easy-glide wheels and a reinforced, removable lid for secure stacking.
Sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective. The Plano Sportsman’s Trunk is the undisputed workhorse of the RV world for a reason. These rugged, weather-resistant plastic totes are affordable, durable, and incredibly versatile.
Their genius lies in their simplicity. They are perfect for corralling messy items like sewer fittings, water hoses, and wheel chocks, keeping grime contained and away from your clean gear. Because they aren’t permanently mounted, you have total flexibility—you can grab the "sewer trunk" and take it directly to the dump station.
The key is to secure them properly within your storage bay to prevent sliding during travel. A few well-placed bungee cords or a cargo bar does the trick. While they don’t offer the high security of a metal box, their lockable lids are more than enough to deter casual theft and keep things contained on rough roads.
Buyers Diamond Tread Box: Secure Your Valuables
When you’re carrying expensive tools, a portable generator, or other high-value equipment, a plastic bin just won’t do. You need a solution that offers serious security and durability. This is the domain of the underbody diamond tread aluminum toolbox.
These boxes are designed for the punishing environment of commercial trucks, making them more than tough enough for RV life. The aluminum construction is surprisingly lightweight yet incredibly strong and won’t rust. Most importantly, they feature integrated locking T-handles that provide a genuine theft deterrent, giving you peace of mind when you’re away from your rig.
This is a permanent storage solution that requires drilling and bolting directly to the RV frame, so installation is more involved. They are also a significant investment compared to plastic bins. However, when you consider the cost of replacing a stolen generator or a high-end toolset, a secure box is an investment in protecting your other assets.
Husky Professional Bins: Your Modular Solution
Organize small parts with this durable, waterproof Husky storage bin. Featuring 9 compartments, the heavy-duty design keeps your items secure and easily accessible.
Think of these as the next evolution of the simple storage tote. The Husky Professional line, and others like it, offer an interlocking, modular system that brings a new level of organization to your storage bays. It’s the perfect middle ground between loose bins and expensive custom-built solutions.
The primary advantage is the system’s ability to stack and lock together securely. This creates stable, self-contained units that won’t topple or slide around during transit. With various sizes available, you can create a customized setup, dedicating smaller bins for electrical adapters and larger ones for cables and hoses.
This approach provides more structure and organization than basic totes but lacks the hard-mounted security of a diamond tread box. It’s the ideal choice for RVers who want to meticulously organize their gear for quick access but don’t need Fort Knox-level security for everything they store underneath.
Lippert Underchassis Bin: Maximize Your Space
Add convenient under-chassis storage and a spare tire carrier to your RV. This system features two detachable storage boxes with a combined 100 lb capacity and easy-access, spring-loaded release.
Most storage solutions focus on optimizing existing bays, but the Lippert Underchassis Bin creates storage where there was none before. This is a purpose-built steel container designed to mount directly to the I-beam frame of your fifth wheel or travel trailer. It’s the definition of maximizing unused space.
These bins are typically installed between the axles or in other open areas along the frame. Because they are mounted low and centrally, they are the perfect place to store heavy, dense items without negatively impacting your RV’s balance. Think spare parts, heavy tools, or even extra water containers.
Installation is a serious DIY project or a job for a professional, as it involves drilling into your RV’s frame. Access is also less convenient than a pass-through tray, making it unsuitable for daily-use items. But for "get-it-and-forget-it" storage, it’s an unparalleled way to add significant, out-of-the-way capacity.
Valterra Hose Carrier: Tidy Up Your Connections
Carry and protect your RV hose with the adjustable Valterra EZ Hose Carrier. It extends from 50-94" and features vented, lockable caps for secure storage.
The sewer hose is the one piece of gear nobody wants to deal with. It’s awkward to store, and keeping it separate from everything else is a top priority for sanitation. The Valterra Hose Carrier is a simple, elegant, and essential solution to this universal RV problem.
This product is essentially a durable plastic tube with lockable end caps that mounts directly to your RV’s frame or bumper. It provides a dedicated, ventilated home for your "stinky slinky," keeping it contained, secure, and completely isolated from your other storage compartments. This isn’t just about organization; it’s about hygiene.
These carriers are inexpensive, easy to install, and can be placed almost anywhere you have a bit of open frame. Many RVers install two—one for the sewer hose and another for a freshwater hose or even fishing poles. It’s a small, cheap upgrade that solves one of the biggest and messiest storage headaches in RVing.
How to Choose Your Perfect RV Underbelly Storage
There is no single "best" under-deck storage product. The perfect system for you is a customized combination of solutions tailored to your travel style, your gear, and your specific RV. The goal is to create a setup that makes your life on the road easier, not more complicated.
To find your ideal mix, start by answering a few key questions. This framework will guide your decisions and prevent you from over-buying or choosing the wrong tool for the job.
- What are you storing? Dirty, low-value items like blocks are perfect for a Plano trunk. Expensive tools demand the security of a Buyers box.
- How often do you need access? Daily-use items benefit from a MORryde tray. Emergency supplies can live in a harder-to-reach Lippert bin.
- What is your budget and skill level? Totes are cheap and require no installation. Frame-mounted boxes are an investment that requires confident DIY skills or professional help.
- How much weight can you add? Always be mindful of your RV’s Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC). A heavy steel box and a full sliding tray can eat into your available weight allowance quickly.
Your ideal storage system will likely evolve. Start with a simple, flexible solution like a few good totes. As you travel, you’ll learn what works and what doesn’t, allowing you to make smarter, more permanent upgrades over time. The goal is progress, not immediate perfection.
Ultimately, mastering your under-deck storage is about more than just finding a place for your stuff. It’s about creating a system that reduces friction in your daily life. When your setup and teardown are faster, your gear is protected, and everything has a logical home, you spend less time managing your rig and more time enjoying the freedom it provides. That’s the real win.
