7 Best Outdoor Gear Organizers for RVs That Nomads Swear By
Maximize your RV’s storage with 7 nomad-tested outdoor gear organizers. Our guide covers durable, space-saving solutions for a clutter-free adventure.
You pull into the perfect boondocking spot, but the camp chairs are buried behind the grill, which is stuck behind the leveling blocks in your RV’s basement. Living the dream means having the right gear, but it also means being able to get to it without unpacking your entire life every time. The secret isn’t more space; it’s smarter outdoor storage that works with the rhythm of nomadic life.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
Taming the Clutter: Why Outdoor Storage Matters
Outdoor gear is often bulky, dirty, or both. Storing it outside the main living area is non-negotiable for maintaining sanity and cleanliness in a small space. Think about it: wet hoses, muddy hiking boots, and greasy grills have no business near your bed or kitchen.
Effective outdoor organization creates a clean separation between your living space and your utility space. This isn’t just about tidiness; it’s about efficiency. When your setup and breakdown process is streamlined because everything has a designated, accessible spot, you spend less time wrestling with gear and more time enjoying your destination. It transforms a chore into a simple, repeatable process.
MORryde Cargo Tray: For Easy Basement Access
Effortlessly organize your cargo with the MORryde CTG60-4290W Sliding Cargo Tray. This fully assembled, carpeted tray boasts an 800 lb. capacity and installs in minutes, eliminating the need for floor modification.
The RV "basement" or pass-through storage is a fantastic space, but it quickly becomes a deep, dark cave of forgotten equipment. You end up on your hands and knees, digging past three other things to find the one item you need. It’s an inefficient and back-breaking system.
A MORryde Cargo Tray completely solves this problem. These are heavy-duty sliding trays that bring the entire contents of your basement out to you with a simple pull. Suddenly, the gear in the very back is just as accessible as the gear in the front. You can see everything, grab what you need, and slide it all back in. No more unpacking half your storage bay just to get your tool bag.
Installation is a consideration; they need to be securely bolted to the floor of your storage bay. They also add some weight and take up a few inches of vertical height. But the tradeoff is massive. For full-timers who are constantly accessing their basement storage, the ergonomic and time-saving benefits are undeniable. It’s one of those upgrades you’ll wonder how you ever lived without.
Kuat NV 2.0: The Ultimate RV Bike Rack System
Transport your bikes securely with the KUAT NV 2.0 hitch rack. Its robust design carries two bikes, including e-bikes, and features an integrated Trail Doc repair stand for on-the-go maintenance.
Putting a bike rack on an RV is not the same as putting one on a car. The forces at the back of a trailer or motorhome are dramatically more violent due to the extended distance from the axle. Standard bike racks can literally shake themselves apart, sending thousands of dollars worth of bikes tumbling down the highway.
This is why you need an RV-rated bike rack. The Kuat NV 2.0 is one of the most trusted names in the game because it’s built to withstand these forces. It features a robust, wobble-free hitch connection and holds bikes securely by the tires, preventing frame damage. It’s an investment, but the alternative is watching your prized mountain bike cartwheel across three lanes of traffic.
The NV 2.0 also includes thoughtful features that matter on the road, like an integrated cable lock system and a built-in repair stand for trailside maintenance. When choosing a bike rack, don’t just look at capacity; look for the "RV-approved" or "RV-compatible" rating. Your peace of mind—and the safety of drivers behind you—depends on it.
Thule Transporter Combi: A Versatile Hitch Box
This Kolpin Rear Trail Box offers secure, spacious storage for up to two XL helmets. Its durable, UV-stabilized construction and contoured design ensure maximum utility and protection for your gear.
Sometimes you just need a secure, weatherproof box. A hitch-mounted cargo box like the Thule Transporter Combi acts like a trunk for your RV, perfect for gear you want to keep locked up and out of the elements but don’t want inside. It’s ideal for storing things like firewood to keep pests out, stinky fishing gear, or extra propane tanks.
Unlike a rooftop box, a hitch box keeps your gear easily accessible without needing a ladder. It also keeps the center of gravity low, which is always a plus for vehicle stability. The design allows it to tilt away, so you can often still access a rear door or ladder on a van or Class C, but this is a key detail to verify with your specific rig.
The main tradeoff is length. A hitch box adds several feet to your total vehicle length, which can be a factor in tight campsites or on ferries. You also need to be mindful of your hitch’s tongue weight capacity. But for adding a significant amount of lockable, weather-sealed storage, it’s an incredibly effective solution.
Stromberg Carlson Ladder Rack for Chairs & Gear
Easily transport your bike with the Stromberg Carlson LA-102 ladder-mounted bike rack. It securely holds up to 50 lbs and features extended bike arms for convenient loading.
That ladder on the back of your RV is more than just a way to get to the roof; it’s valuable, vertical real estate. A simple ladder-mounted rack, like the one from Stromberg Carlson, can instantly create a designated spot for one of the most awkward items to store: camp chairs.
These racks are simple, effective, and relatively inexpensive. They strap directly to the ladder rungs and provide a secure perch for up to four chairs, a portable folding table, or even a beach umbrella. This frees up a huge amount of space in your pass-through bay for other items.
It’s important to be realistic about their limitations. They are not designed for heavy items like generators or full coolers. Always respect the weight limit (typically around 50 lbs) and ensure your RV’s ladder is securely mounted to the vehicle body. For bulky but lightweight gear, however, it’s one of the smartest space-saving hacks out there.
Camco Storage Bags: Taming Hoses and Cables
Organize your RV essentials with this durable storage bag. Its lined interior and breathable mesh top prevent moisture, while the included ID tags ensure quick access to hoses and cords.
The simplest solutions are often the best. Every RVer deals with a tangle of power cords, freshwater hoses, and the dreaded sewer hose. Letting them roam free in a storage bay is a recipe for a dirty, disorganized mess and potential cross-contamination.
Specialized storage bags from brands like Camco are the answer. They are typically color-coded—blue for fresh water, orange or black for the sewer hose, yellow for electrical—so you can grab the right one without a second thought. The durable, lined material contains any residual drips and dirt, keeping your storage compartments clean.
This isn’t just about neatness; it’s about safety and sanitation. Keeping your "black tank" gear completely separate from your "freshwater" gear is a critical practice. These affordable bags enforce that discipline, making setup and breakdown faster, cleaner, and safer for everyone.
Mount-n-Lock Bumper for Grills and Generators
Upgrade your RV bumper to a robust cargo carrier with SafetyStruts Heavy Duty Brackets. These USA-made steel brackets provide 400 lbs of cargo capacity and include all necessary hardware for easy installation.
The standard 4-inch square tube bumper on most travel trailers is notoriously flimsy. It’s often just tack-welded to the frame and is not safe for carrying anything heavier than the spare tire it came with. Bolting a generator or a heavy grill directly to it is asking for a catastrophic failure.
This is where reinforced bumpers and specialized mounting systems like those from Mount-n-Lock come in. These products are engineered to safely increase the carrying capacity of your rear bumper. They offer heavy-duty safety struts that transfer the load from the weak bumper to the RV’s frame, creating a solid platform for mounting cargo trays.
With a properly reinforced system, you can create a dedicated, exterior spot for your generator or BBQ grill. This gets heavy, smelly, and potentially messy items out of your interior or basement storage. Always verify the weight capacity of any bumper solution and never exceed it. This is a modification where cutting corners can have serious consequences.
Lippert Underchassis Storage for Extra Space
For those who need a serious storage upgrade, look no further than the space under your RV. The frame rails of many fifth wheels and travel trailers have unused voids perfect for adding storage. Lippert’s Underchassis Storage units are essentially large, durable polymer boxes designed to mount directly to the I-beams of the frame.
This is the ultimate way to add a massive amount of protected storage without altering your RV’s primary living or storage areas. Because the weight is carried low and centered, it has minimal impact on towing stability. It’s the perfect place for items you don’t need every day but want to have with you, like seasonal gear, emergency supplies, or bulky tools.
This is not a simple bolt-on accessory. Installation typically requires drilling into the frame and should be done by someone who knows what they’re doing. You also need to carefully measure to ensure you have adequate ground clearance. For the serious full-timer looking to maximize every square inch, however, tapping into this underutilized space is a game-changer.
Ultimately, the best outdoor organization system is the one that removes friction from your daily life on the road. It’s not about having a perfectly curated setup, but about creating a functional flow that lets you grab your gear and go. Start with your biggest pain point—whether it’s the buried camp chairs or the tangled hoses—and find the right tool to solve it.
