7 Best Weatherproof Storage Bins For RVs That Nomads Swear By
The road-tested storage that nomads swear by.
There’s nothing quite like pulling into a campsite after a long drive through a downpour, only to open your storage bay and find your "water-resistant" bin has betrayed you. Your camp chairs are soaked, your spare blankets are damp, and a fine layer of road grit covers everything. This isn’t just an inconvenience; in a small space, it’s a critical failure of your systems. Your storage is your lifeline, protecting the gear that makes this lifestyle possible.
Choosing the right weatherproof bin isn’t about keeping things tidy; it’s about protecting your investment and your peace of mind. The constant vibration of the road, the temperature swings from a desert day to a mountain night, and the unpredictable weather all conspire against your gear. The right container is the difference between a functional, adventure-ready rig and a rolling collection of problems.
This guide isn’t about finding one perfect bin. It’s about understanding that different gear and different storage locations demand different solutions. We’ll look at the trusted options that seasoned nomads rely on, from rugged workhorses for your sewer hoses to gasket-sealed cases for your sensitive electronics. Think of these bins as specialized tools, each designed for a specific job.
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Your Guide to the Best RV Weatherproof Bins
The first thing to understand is the difference between "weatherproof" and "waterproof." Most bins are weatherproof, meaning they can handle rain, dust, and road spray with ease. Truly waterproof cases, which can be fully submerged, are a different class of gear protector and come with a much higher price tag. For 90% of RV needs, a high-quality weatherproof bin is the right tool.
Look closely at the construction. Latches are a common point of failure, so seek out robust, positive-locking mechanisms, not flimsy clips that will snap in the cold. The material also matters; high-density polyethylene (HDPE) offers a great balance of impact resistance and durability, which is crucial for containers that will be strapped down, jostled around, and used as makeshift step stools.
Finally, consider how you’ll use them. Are you storing them in an exterior bay, on a hitch rack, or inside your rig? Stackability is key for maximizing bay space, while integrated tie-down points are non-negotiable for any bin riding outside the vehicle. Don’t just buy a box; invest in a system that works for your specific setup.
Rubbermaid ActionPacker: Your Rugged All-Rounder
Transport gear safely with the Rubbermaid ActionPacker. This durable, lockable 35-gallon storage bin features a double-walled lid and is made with recycled content for rugged, weather-resistant protection.
The ActionPacker is a legend in the outdoor world for a reason. Its tough, lockable, and no-nonsense design has made it a staple for everything from construction sites to overland rigs. This is the bin you grab for the tough, dirty jobs: leveling blocks, shore power cords, and freshwater hoses.
Its double-walled lid and rugged construction mean you can strap it to a roof rack or toss it in a truck bed without a second thought. While it’s not submersible, its overlapping lid design sheds rain and road grime exceptionally well. For gear that needs to be protected from the elements but doesn’t require a hermetic seal, the ActionPacker is often the most practical and cost-effective choice.
The tradeoff for its durability is a lack of a true gasket seal. Fine dust can eventually work its way in on long, bumpy backroads, and it won’t keep humid air out indefinitely. But for its intended purpose as a rugged gear hauler, it’s one of the most reliable and trusted options on the market.
Plano Sportsman’s Trunk for Your Bulky Gear
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.
When you need to store bulky, awkward items, the Plano Sportsman’s Trunk is the go-to solution. These deep, high-capacity trunks are perfect for things that won’t fit in standard-sized totes. Think life jackets, folded camp furniture, or even a small inflatable kayak and its accessories.
The key features that make the Plano trunk so useful for RVers are the integrated wheels on larger models and the multiple tie-down points. The ability to easily roll a heavy trunk from your storage bay to the campsite is a back-saver. Those molded grooves for tie-down straps are essential for securing the trunk on a rear cargo carrier, ensuring it stays put over hundreds of highway miles.
Like the ActionPacker, the Plano trunk is highly weather-resistant but not fully waterproof. It’s built to protect its contents from a rainstorm, not a flood. Its value lies in its sheer volume and transportability, making it the ideal container for consolidating all your large, outdoor-focused gear in one manageable place.
Sterilite Gasket Box: Seal Out Dust and Moisture
Protect your belongings with this Sterilite 54-quart gasket box. The airtight seal safeguards items from moisture, pests, and dust, while secure latches keep the lid firmly in place.
Not all RV storage is exposed to the elements. For the gear you keep inside your rig or in a pass-through bay, the biggest enemies are often dust and humidity. This is where the Sterilite Gasket Box shines as a budget-friendly but highly effective solution.
The simple foam or rubber gasket embedded in the lid makes a world of difference. It creates a tight seal that is fantastic for protecting things like seasonal clothing, extra linens, or pantry overflow from dust and moisture. In humid climates, these boxes can prevent mildew from taking hold on items you don’t access frequently.
However, it’s crucial to recognize their limitations. These boxes are not built for the same abuse as an ActionPacker or Pelican case. The clear plastic can become brittle with prolonged UV exposure, and the latches aren’t designed for the rigors of being strapped to the outside of a vehicle. Use them inside, and they perform brilliantly.
IRIS Weathertight Bins: Your Clear Storage Choice
Protect your valuables with IRIS USA WeatherPro storage bins. The durable lid and secure latches create a moisture and dust-resistant seal, while the grooved design allows for stable stacking to save space.
Knowing what’s in a bin without having to open it is a massive organizational win in a small space. The IRIS Weathertight series combines a robust gasket seal and strong buckle latches with a clear or semi-clear body. This makes them perfect for "grab-and-go" kits where you need to identify contents instantly.
Consider using them for a dedicated first-aid bin, a kitchen essentials box for outdoor cooking, or for organizing all your paddleboard accessories—the pump, fins, and patch kit. The weather-tight seal provides excellent protection against water and dust, making them a significant step up from a standard storage tote. They offer a great balance of protection and convenience.
The primary tradeoff is the same one that affects most clear plastic: long-term durability under direct sun. While well-made, the plastic can degrade and become brittle faster than opaque HDPE. For this reason, they are best used inside storage bays or areas that don’t see constant, harsh sunlight.
Pelican Cargo Case: Ultimate Gear Protection
Protect and organize your gear with the durable Pelican Cargo Case. This weather-resistant storage box features heavy-duty handles and tie-down plates for secure mounting in your truck bed or on a roof rack.
When your gear is valuable, sensitive, or absolutely mission-critical, you don’t leave its protection to chance. Pelican cases are the gold standard for true waterproof, dustproof, and crushproof storage. This is where you store your camera equipment, drone, or delicate navigation tools.
These cases are engineered to a different standard, often with IP (Ingress Protection) ratings that certify their ability to be fully submerged. They feature pressure equalization valves, heavy-duty steel-reinforced hasps, and a build quality that can withstand incredible abuse. For anyone traveling with expensive electronics or irreplaceable items, the cost of a Pelican case is cheap insurance.
The decision to use a Pelican case comes down to a simple cost-benefit analysis. They are heavy, bulky for their internal volume, and expensive. You don’t need this level of protection for your sewer hose, but for that thousand-dollar camera, there is no better peace of mind.
Husky Pro Waterproof Tote: Built for Tough Jobs
Store large items with this 170-gallon Husky tote, featuring a durable resin construction and a mobile design with a steel handle and heavy-duty wheels. Secure your belongings with eight locking latches and integrated tie-down slots for protected transport and organization.
Sitting in the sweet spot between a basic tote and a high-end expedition case is the Husky Pro Waterproof Tote. Born from the demands of construction sites, these bins are built to be tough, secure, and highly water-resistant, often carrying an IP65 rating. This means they are fully protected from dust and can withstand powerful jets of water from any direction—perfect for gear on an open cargo rack.
These totes feature a high-impact resistant body, a strong polyurethane gasket, and robust, lockable metal latches. They are ideal for heavy items that need serious protection, such as recovery gear, power tools, or specialty automotive fluids. Their design is utilitarian, focusing purely on durability and security.
The main consideration with a Husky tote is its weight. All that durability comes with a penalty on the scale, which is always a factor in an RV. But if you need a container that you can confidently leave exposed to a torrential downpour and highway spray, it offers professional-grade protection without the premium price of a Pelican.
ROAM Rugged Case: Your Premium Adventure Storage
For the RVer who values aesthetics as much as function, ROAM Rugged Cases have become a popular high-end choice. They blend the extreme durability of an expedition case with thoughtful features designed for the modern adventurer. These are often seen on high-end overland builds and camper vans for a reason.
ROAM cases typically feature a durable LLDPE shell, a dust and waterproof gasket seal, steel lockable latches, and sometimes even gas struts to hold the lid open. A key feature is their interlocking design, which makes stacking multiple cases incredibly secure. They are built to be mounted, strapped down, and lived with, day in and day out.
This level of quality and design comes at a premium price, often rivaling that of Pelican. They are an investment in a storage system that is both incredibly capable and visually cohesive. For many, the appeal is building a rig where every component is high-quality, and ROAM fits that philosophy perfectly.
Ultimately, your RV’s storage system is a collection of solutions, not a single product. The nomad who swears by their ActionPacker for their utility gear might also rely on a gasket box to keep their wool sweaters fresh and a Pelican case to protect their laptop. The goal is to stop thinking in terms of "bins" and start thinking in terms of "protection levels."
Take an honest inventory of what you’re carrying. What needs to be protected from impact? What needs to be sealed against humidity and dust? What just needs to be contained and kept out of the rain? Answering these questions will guide you to the right container for each job.
By choosing your storage intentionally, you’re not just organizing your stuff; you’re building a more resilient and reliable mobile home base. That frees up your time and mental energy to focus on what matters: the journey itself. A well-outfitted rig is one you don’t have to worry about, and that is the true foundation of a successful life on the road.
