6 Best Outdoor Storage Containers For Organizing Supplies In RVs Nomads Love
The storage containers every RV nomad swears by.
Every square inch in an RV is prime real estate. You’ve dialed in your interior, but what about all the essential gear that doesn’t belong inside? The muddy leveling blocks, the greasy tools, the bulky shore power cord—they all need a home. This is where outdoor storage containers become non-negotiable for a smooth life on the road.
The right external storage isn’t just about tidiness; it’s about efficiency and peace of mind. It means not having to dig through a chaotic pass-through bay for a single wrench. It means your critical gear is protected from rain, dust, and prying eyes. Choosing the right container transforms your setup from a weekend rig into a capable, full-time nomadic home.
This isn’t about finding one perfect box, because that box doesn’t exist. The ideal container for your fresh water hoses is different from the one you need for expensive recovery gear. We’ll break down the best options that seasoned nomads rely on, focusing on durability, weather resistance, and practical, real-world function.
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Find Your Perfect RV Outdoor Storage Container
The first thing to accept is that not all black plastic boxes are created equal. Your primary consideration should be durability and weather resistance. A cheap bin might work for garage storage, but it will crack under UV exposure and warp in the desert sun, leaving your gear vulnerable. Look for materials designed for outdoor use and seals that can handle a driving rainstorm, not just a light drizzle.
Next, think about security and portability. Will the container live permanently on a cargo rack, or do you need to move it around the campsite? If it’s stationary, you need robust, integrated mounting points and lockable latches that can accept a real padlock, not a flimsy luggage lock. If it’s portable, consider its weight when empty and how easy the handles are to use when you’re wearing gloves.
Finally, consider the shape and stackability. A container with vertical sides and a flat, interlocking lid is far more space-efficient than one with tapered sides and a domed top. Efficient stacking is critical whether you’re arranging boxes in a large pass-through bay or on a rear cargo carrier. Don’t just think about one box; think about how two or three will fit together to create a solid, stable block of organized gear.
Plano Sportsman’s Trunk: Your Budget-Friendly Pick
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.
Let’s be clear: the Plano Sportsman’s Trunk is the go-to for a reason, and that reason is value. It offers a massive amount of storage for a very low price. For storing gear that isn’t particularly sensitive to moisture—think leveling blocks, wheel chocks, sewer hoses, and outdoor rugs—it’s an almost unbeatable choice. This is the workhorse you need for the dirty jobs.
The design is simple but effective. It’s lightweight, features integrated wheels on the larger models, and has multiple tie-down points molded right into the body. This makes it incredibly easy to strap down securely on a cargo rack or in the back of a tow vehicle. The hinged lid and durable latches are a step up from a simple tote, providing better access and security.
However, you must understand its limitations. The Plano is water-resistant, not waterproof. Rain will eventually find its way in, so don’t store your sensitive electronics or dry goods in here without secondary protection. The plastic is tough but not on the same level as the premium cases, so it’s best for bulky, resilient items rather than heavy, sharp tools that could puncture it.
Rubbermaid ActionPacker: The Classic, Tough Choice
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 an icon in the world of rugged storage. For decades, it’s been the default choice for anyone needing a container that can be dropped, dragged, and generally abused without falling apart. Its double-walled lid and tough polyethylene construction give it a sturdiness that many of its competitors lack, making it perfect for heavy tools, recovery gear, or firewood.
What sets it apart is its proven, no-frills design. The lockable latches are simple and strong, providing a reliable way to secure your contents. While many modern containers have complex seals, the ActionPacker relies on a simple, overlapping lid that does a decent job of shedding water and keeping out dust. It’s a design that has stood the test of time because it just works for most common applications.
Like the Plano, the ActionPacker is not fully waterproof, so plan accordingly. Its classic design also means it’s not as space-efficient for stacking as some of the newer, modular cases. But if your top priority is sheer toughness and impact resistance for a reasonable price, the ActionPacker remains a top contender that won’t let you down when you’re tossing it around a remote campsite.
ROAM Rugged Case: Premium Protection for Your Gear
This 95L rugged case offers durable LLDPE construction and secure, lockable latches to protect your gear. Its spacious interior (46.7 x 14.4 x 9.1 inches) is designed for reliable transport of essential equipment.
When you need to step up your protection game, ROAM Rugged Cases enter the conversation. These are designed for the overlanding crowd but are perfectly suited for RV life, offering a significant upgrade in durability and weatherproofing. The first thing you’ll notice is the robust build quality, complete with a dust and waterproof gasket seal that provides serious peace of mind.
The features are what justify the higher price tag. Gas struts on the lid make for easy, one-handed operation, which is a game-changer when you’re trying to grab something quickly. The interlocking design means they stack together like bricks, creating a secure, shift-free block of storage. They are built to be mounted, lived with, and relied upon in harsh conditions.
The tradeoff, of course, is cost and weight. These are not lightweight, budget-friendly bins. They are an investment in gear protection. A ROAM case is the right choice when you’re storing valuable items like portable power stations, camera equipment, or specialized tools that absolutely must stay dry and secure, no matter the weather.
Pelican Cargo Case: Ultimate Gear Protection for You
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.
Pelican is the brand you choose when there is absolutely no room for failure. Known for protecting military and scientific equipment, their Cargo Case line brings that same level of "bombproof" protection to the consumer market. These cases are for your most critical, expensive, and irreplaceable gear. They aren’t just water-resistant; many are fully submersible with an IP67 or IP68 rating.
The engineering is on another level. You get features like pressure equalization valves for air travel or drastic elevation changes, incredibly strong latches, and construction that can withstand extreme impacts. Pelican also offers vehicle-specific mounting systems, allowing you to secure these cases to a roof rack or cargo carrier with a level of integration and security that simple straps can’t match.
This level of protection comes at the highest price point and the heaviest weight. A Pelican case is overkill for your sewer hoses, but it’s the only sensible choice for high-end electronics, rescue equipment, or anything whose failure would ruin a trip. It’s a professional-grade solution for nomads who depend on their gear to work every single time.
Husky Waterproof Container: Keep Your Supplies Dry
Organize small parts with this durable, waterproof Husky storage bin. Featuring 9 compartments, the heavy-duty design keeps your items secure and easily accessible.
Sitting in a sweet spot between budget bins and expedition-grade cases is the Husky Waterproof Container. Often found at big-box home improvement stores, these offer an excellent balance of price and performance. Their standout feature is a reliable waterproof seal, making them one of the most accessible and affordable ways to guarantee your gear stays dry.
The construction is surprisingly robust. They feature strong, cam-action latches that clamp the lid down tightly against the gasket, and the polypropylene body can handle significant weight and abuse. The design is also very stackable, with interlocking channels that keep them from sliding around in transit. This makes them a fantastic choice for organizing a pass-through storage bay.
While they are tough, they don’t have the same impact resistance as a Pelican or ROAM case, and the plastic can become brittle in extreme cold. However, for the vast majority of RVers who need to keep camping gear, dry food, or emergency supplies protected from the elements, the Husky container offers an incredible value. It’s the practical, waterproof solution for the everyday nomad.
DECKED D-Box: Your Modular Organization Solution
This 3-pack of DECKED Payloader D-co Cases offers durable, weatherproof storage for your gear. Built from impact-resistant polymer, these cases feature snap lids for quick access and a stable-stack system for secure organization.
The DECKED D-Box isn’t just a container; it’s a piece of a larger, highly-engineered system. Designed to integrate perfectly with the DECKED Drawer System or the DECKED Truck Tool Box, these containers bring a new level of modularity to your setup. If you’re already using their system in your tow vehicle, adding these boxes is a no-brainer.
Built from industrial-grade plastic and featuring a robust weatherproof gasket, the D-Box is designed to be a "toolbox within a toolbox." It has recessed locking points, multiple grip locations, and an internal divider system, allowing you to organize smaller items effectively. Two of these D-Boxes fit perfectly in one of the full-size DECKED drawers, creating an grab-and-go system for your tools or gear.
The primary consideration here is the ecosystem. While the D-Box is a fantastic, durable container on its own, its true power is unlocked when used with the parent system. If you’re looking for a standalone box to strap to a cargo rack, other options might be more cost-effective. But for anyone building a fully integrated organization system, the DECKED D-Box is an essential component.
Final Tips for Securing Your Outdoor RV Storage
Once you’ve chosen your containers, securing them properly is the final, critical step. Don’t rely on cheap bungee cords. Use high-quality cam buckle straps or ratchet straps to lash your containers to a cargo carrier. For an even higher level of security, use a vinyl-coated steel cable and a quality padlock, weaving it through the container handles and the frame of your carrier to deter theft.
Pay close attention to weight and distribution. Check the weight rating of your rear bumper and your cargo carrier, and never exceed it. Place the heaviest containers at the bottom and center of the rack to maintain a low center of gravity. An improperly loaded and secured cargo carrier is a serious safety hazard on the highway, not just for you but for everyone behind you.
Finally, think about organization within the box. Use smaller pouches or bins to group related items together so you’re not just digging through a jumble of stuff. And be realistic about weight; a massive container packed with heavy tools might be impossible for one person to lift safely. Sometimes, two smaller, more manageable containers are a much better solution than one giant, back-breaking one.
Choosing the right outdoor storage container is a foundational step in creating an efficient and enjoyable nomadic life. It’s not about having the most expensive, bombproof case for every item. It’s about matching the level of protection to the gear inside and the journey ahead. The budget-friendly Plano might be perfect for your leveling blocks, while a premium Pelican case protects the camera you use for work.
Take a moment to audit your gear. What needs to live outside? What absolutely must stay dry? What is heavy, what is bulky, and what is valuable? Answering these questions honestly will guide you to the perfect combination of containers for your specific needs, turning that chaotic pile of supplies into a streamlined, organized, and secure system.
Ultimately, great organization buys you freedom. It frees up your time, your space, and your mental energy, allowing you to focus less on managing your stuff and more on the adventure. A well-organized rig is a happy rig, and it all starts with putting your gear in the right box.
