5 Best Overhead Storage Options For RVs To Feel Surprisingly Spacious
Need more RV space? The answer might be above you.
That moment you step into your RV and have to sidestep a pile of jackets, a stray bag, and the dog’s toys—we’ve all been there. It’s the classic small-space shuffle. The floor and countertops become magnets for clutter, making a cozy space feel claustrophobic in an instant.
The single biggest mistake I see new and even seasoned RVers make is forgetting to look up. The ceiling and the upper half of your walls are the final frontier of RV storage. Tapping into this vertical real estate is the key to getting things off the floor and out of your direct line of sight, which instantly makes your rig feel twice as big.
This isn’t about cramming more stuff into your coach; it’s about storing what you need more intelligently. The right overhead solutions secure your gear for travel, keep daily-use items accessible, and transform chaotic piles into organized systems. Let’s explore five proven options that will help you reclaim your headroom and your sanity.
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Maximize Your RV Headroom with Smart Storage
Most people see the ceiling of their RV as just that—a ceiling. I see it as untapped square footage. Every cubic inch in a small space matters, and the volume above your head is often the most underutilized asset in the entire vehicle.
The goal of overhead storage is twofold. First, it physically moves items out of your living area, clearing floors and surfaces. Second, and just as important, it declutters your visual field. When your eyes can scan a room without being interrupted by clutter, your brain registers the space as larger and more peaceful.
Good overhead storage has to be three things: lightweight, incredibly secure, and intelligently placed. It can’t add significant weight to your rig, it absolutely cannot fail while you’re barreling down the highway, and it shouldn’t create a new hazard for taller occupants. The best solutions are often the simplest ones that master these three principles.
Secure Your Gear with the RAINGLER Cargo Net
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.
Cargo nets are one of the most versatile and forgiving overhead storage solutions you can find. Born from the rugged world of off-roading, these nets are designed to hold gear securely over the roughest terrain. That same principle makes them perfect for the bumps and sways of RV travel.
Their real genius lies in their flexibility. Use them to create a "gear loft" over the bed for bulky, soft items like extra blankets, sleeping bags, or puffy jackets. They’re also perfect above the cab-over area or in a garage space for holding down odd-shaped items that won’t fit neatly into a bin. Because they are soft, they don’t rattle, and they conform to whatever you put in them.
Enjoy comfortable sleep outdoors with this lightweight sleeping bag, ideal for 50°F to 77°F temperatures. It features a waterproof outer shell and a convenient compression sack for easy packing.
The tradeoff for this security is installation. RAINGLER nets, and others like them, require solid anchor points. This usually means drilling into your ceiling or wall supports, so it’s not a temporary fix. You also have to be mindful of what you’re storing; small, heavy items can potentially slip through the webbing, so they’re best reserved for larger, lighter goods.
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.
Organize Cabinets with Camco’s Stack-A-Plate
Overhead storage isn’t just about the open ceiling; it’s also about maximizing the cabinets you already have. An overhead kitchen cabinet can quickly become a noisy, chaotic mess of sliding dishes on travel days. The sound of rattling plates is a classic RV soundtrack nobody enjoys.
This is where simple, purpose-built organizers shine. Products like Camco’s Stack-A-Plate are deceptively effective. They create vertical dividers that hold plates securely in place, preventing them from shifting into a jumbled, chipped pile. This not only silences the rattle but also makes it far easier to grab the exact plate you need without unstacking everything.
Don’t just stop at plates. Apply this principle everywhere. Use small tension rods stood vertically to file away cutting boards and baking sheets. Add a wire shelf riser to double the usable space for mugs and bowls. The point is to stop thinking of a cabinet as one big box and start seeing it as a container that can be subdivided for ultimate efficiency and security.
This adjustable stainless steel shower rod extends from 31 to 80 inches and installs easily with spring tension – no tools needed. It's rust-proof and sturdy enough to hold up to 30 pounds.
Add Hanging Space with Command Utility Hooks
Sometimes the best solution is the simplest one, and it doesn’t get much simpler than an adhesive hook. For anyone hesitant to drill into their RV’s pristine walls, high-quality adhesive hooks like those from Command are a non-negotiable tool. They offer a surprising amount of utility without any permanent commitment.
Think about all the small things that clutter up surfaces. Keys by the door, oven mitts on the counter, charging cables on the dinette table. A few strategically placed hooks get all of that up and out of the way. Place them on the underside of overhead cabinets to hang cooking utensils, coffee mugs, or a small mesh bag for produce.
Of course, their main limitation is weight. Pay close attention to the weight rating and never exceed it. Their adhesive can also be sensitive to extreme temperature swings and high humidity, which are common in an RV. For best results, clean the surface with rubbing alcohol before applying and use them for lightweight, everyday items rather than heavy-duty storage.
Install Sleek Lippert Components Storage Shelves
This durable Lippert camping pantry offers ample storage with three spacious MDF shelves, supported by a robust steel frame and weather-resistant polyester fabric. Its collapsible design ensures effortless portability for all your outdoor adventures.
When you’re ready to move beyond temporary fixes, installing a dedicated shelf is a fantastic way to create functional and aesthetic overhead storage. Companies like Lippert Components, who are deeply embedded in the RV industry, design products specifically for this environment. Their shelves are built to be lightweight yet durable.
A well-placed shelf can become a command center for books, a display for a few personal items that make the space feel like home, or a practical spot for small storage bins. The best RV shelves incorporate a fiddle rail or a raised lip around the edge. This small detail is critical for preventing everything from launching into the cabin on a sharp turn or sudden stop.
This is a permanent solution that requires confident installation. You must locate a structural support in the wall or ceiling to screw into; attaching a shelf to thin interior paneling alone is a recipe for disaster. Measure twice, drill once, and ensure you’re using appropriate hardware for a secure mount that can handle the dynamic forces of a moving vehicle.
Use Your Ceiling with a Stromberg Carlson Tray
For storing larger, bulkier items, sometimes a net or a shelf isn’t quite right. That’s where a product like the Stromberg Carlson Cargo Storage Tray comes in. This is essentially a suspended wire basket that mounts to your ceiling, creating a dedicated space for things that would otherwise eat up a massive amount of floor or closet space.
This is the perfect solution for a bin of off-season clothes, a laundry basket, or extra bedding. By containing these items in a tray, you keep them secure and consolidated. It’s a way to move an entire category of clutter overhead in one go, freeing up valuable real estate below for daily living.
Placement and installation are paramount for a system like this. It must be anchored directly and securely into the ceiling joists—no exceptions. Functionally, it’s best installed in an area with lower foot traffic, like over the corner of a bed or in a bunk room, to avoid it becoming a constant head-banging hazard. It’s a specialized tool, but for the right application, it’s a total game-changer.
How to Choose the Right Overhead RV Storage
There is no single "best" overhead storage option; there is only the best option for your specific need. Choosing the right one depends entirely on what you’re trying to store and how much modification you’re willing to do to your rig. Don’t just buy a product because it looks cool—analyze the problem you’re trying to solve first.
Before you buy anything, ask yourself these four questions:
- What am I storing? Soft and bulky items are great for nets, while hard, flat items need a shelf. Small, lightweight things are perfect for hooks.
- How heavy is it? This will determine whether an adhesive hook is sufficient or if you need to anchor a shelf or tray into a structural support.
- Am I okay with drilling holes? This is the fundamental divide between temporary solutions like Command hooks and permanent installations like shelves and nets.
- Where do I need the storage? The location will dictate the solution. Is it inside a cabinet, on a blank wall, or on the open ceiling?
My advice is to start with the least invasive options first. Use adhesive hooks and cabinet organizers to see what a difference they make. Living with those small changes will help you better understand your storage patterns and needs, which will inform any larger, more permanent installations you decide to tackle later.
Reclaim Your Space and Enjoy Your Spacious RV
Ultimately, smart overhead storage is about more than just organization. It’s about changing your relationship with your space. When your environment is clear and functional, your mind feels clearer and more relaxed. You’re not just storing gear; you’re creating breathing room.
Every item you lift off the floor or counter contributes to a more open, livable environment. A secure cabinet means a quieter, more peaceful drive. An accessible hook for your keys means less frantic searching before you head out for a hike. These small improvements add up to a significantly better RVing experience.
So, the next time you feel the walls closing in, look up. See the potential in that unused space above your head. Whether you start with a simple hook or install a full-length cargo net, taking action to utilize your vertical space is the first step toward making your RV feel surprisingly, wonderfully spacious.
The secret to a spacious RV isn’t having less stuff; it’s having a smarter place for everything. By leveraging the often-ignored vertical space above your head, you can dramatically increase your rig’s functionality and create a more open, inviting atmosphere. From simple adhesive hooks to sturdy installed shelves, the right solution is out there. Choose the one that fits your gear and your comfort level with modifications, and get ready to enjoy a whole new sense of space on your next adventure.
