6 Best Shower Storage Solutions for Small RVs That Maximize Every Inch
Reclaim your small RV shower. Our guide to the 6 best storage solutions, from tension rods to dispensers, helps you organize and maximize every inch.
There’s nothing quite like the sound of a full shampoo bottle crashing onto the shower floor as you navigate a tight turn. It’s a classic RV moment—one that highlights the unique challenge of organizing a space that’s constantly in motion. In a sticks-and-bricks home, your shower caddy just has to hold soap; in an RV, it has to be a lockdown storage system.
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The Challenge of Tiny RV Shower Organization
An RV shower isn’t just a small bathroom; it’s a moving box that gets wet. This simple fact changes everything. The flimsy suction cup caddy that worked in your apartment will likely launch itself across the bathroom on the first bumpy road. Gravity is only a part-time consideration; momentum is the real boss.
The core challenge is finding a solution that balances three competing needs: secure mounting, space efficiency, and moisture resistance. You need something that won’t budge during travel, won’t hog precious elbow room, and won’t turn into a moldy mess. Many standard home solutions fail on at least one of these fronts, especially the "secure mounting" part. This is why you see so many RVers resorting to stashing all their toiletries in a bin under the sink before every travel day—a tedious and unsustainable ritual.
Simplehuman Wall Mount Pumps: Ditch the Bottles
The most effective way to solve the bottle problem is to eliminate the bottles entirely. Wall-mounted dispensers, like the ones from Simplehuman, are a game-changer for RV life. They consolidate your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash into a single, securely mounted unit. This immediately frees up floor or shelf space and cuts down on the plastic clutter.
Installation is straightforward, usually involving a strong waterproof silicone adhesive and/or screws. I always recommend using both for a truly road-worthy setup. The adhesive creates a waterproof seal and distributes the load, while a couple of short, well-placed screws provide mechanical strength. This isn’t a temporary solution, but for full-timers, the permanence is a huge benefit. No more stray bottles rolling around your feet.
Zenna Home Tension Pole Caddy: Vertical Space
Most RV showers have one thing in abundance: vertical height. A tension pole caddy is one of the best ways to capitalize on this unused real estate without drilling a single hole. These caddies use a spring-loaded pole that wedges securely between the shower floor (or tub ledge) and the ceiling, providing multiple tiers of basket storage.
The key to making a tension pole work in an RV is getting a rock-solid installation. You need to ensure the pole is perfectly plumb and has enough tension to resist vibrations from the road. Some models come with rubberized end caps that grip better on typical RV shower materials. While they are technically removable, a well-installed tension pole is something you set and forget. It turns an empty corner into a full-service storage tower.
HASKO Suction Cup Baskets: Strong & Removable
Let’s be clear: not all suction cups are created equal. The cheap, clear plastic ones you find everywhere are useless in a moving vehicle. However, modern vacuum suction systems, like those used by brands like HASKO, are a different beast entirely. They use a mechanical lever or screw mechanism to create a powerful vacuum that holds an impressive amount of weight.
These are an excellent choice if you’re hesitant to drill holes or apply permanent adhesive to your shower walls. The trick is that they require a perfectly smooth, non-porous surface to work—think smooth fiberglass or acrylic, not textured plastic. Before installation, clean the surface thoroughly with rubbing alcohol to remove any soap scum or residue. While they are far more reliable than standard suction cups, it’s still wise to check them before a travel day, just to be safe.
KES Adhesive Corner Shelves: A Secure Fit
For those who want a sleek, built-in look without the commitment of drilling, high-strength adhesive shelves are the answer. Brands like KES often use 3M VHB (Very High Bond) tape, an industrial-strength adhesive that’s engineered to withstand moisture, temperature changes, and vibration. It’s a semi-permanent solution that offers the security of screws with a much easier, damage-free removal process down the line (usually with a little heat and a putty knife).
Corner shelves are particularly brilliant for small showers because they utilize the most awkward and underused space. Installing them is all about the prep work. You must clean the wall meticulously and let the adhesive cure for the recommended time—usually 24-48 hours—before loading them up. Rushing this step is the number one reason for failure. When done right, these shelves feel like they’re part of the original shower wall.
MISSLO Mesh Pocket Organizer: Lightweight Option
Sometimes the best solution is the simplest and lightest. A mesh pocket organizer, designed to hang from the shower curtain rod, is an incredibly versatile and weight-conscious option. The mesh material is breathable, which means your loofahs and bar soap dry out quickly, preventing mildew and grime buildup.
This isn’t the solution for heavy, full-size shampoo bottles. It excels at holding smaller, lighter items: travel-size toiletries, razors, washcloths, and kids’ bath toys. Because it’s so light and flexible, there are no rattles or clanking noises on travel days. You can even use a small tension rod inside the shower to hang it if you don’t want it on your main curtain rod. It’s an affordable, effective, and easily replaceable system.
Command Bath Caddy: Damage-Free Adhesion
If you are absolutely against any modification, or if you’re in a rental RV, Command products are your best friend. Their line of water-resistant bath strips and caddies are specifically designed for wet environments. They offer a surprising amount of holding power for their size and leave absolutely no trace when removed correctly.
The main tradeoff with Command caddies is weight capacity. They are perfect for a bar of soap, a razor, and maybe one or two travel-sized bottles, but you can’t load them up like a screwed-in shelf. Success hinges on following the instructions to the letter: clean the wall with alcohol, apply the strip, press firmly, and wait the full curing time before hanging the caddy. They provide a fantastic, worry-free way to add a bit of organization without any long-term commitment.
Installation Tips for a Rattle-Free RV Shower
No matter which solution you choose, the road will test your installation. The goal is to make your shower storage so secure that you forget it’s even there while driving. A quiet RV is a happy RV.
Here are a few pro tips to ensure a silent, stable setup:
- Surface Preparation is Everything: For any adhesive or suction cup, clean the wall with rubbing alcohol first. Not soap, not a general cleaner—rubbing alcohol. It removes any residue that could interfere with a solid bond.
- Add a Dab of Silicone: For tension poles or shelves that might vibrate against the wall, a small, clear dab of 100% silicone sealant at the contact points acts as a shock absorber. It stops that annoying buzzing sound and adds a little extra grip.
- Think Before You Drill: If you must use screws, be certain about what’s behind that wall. RV walls are thin, and you could hit wiring, plumbing, or even pierce the exterior skin. Use short screws and always apply a ring of waterproof sealant around the hole before driving the screw in.
- Secure Loose Items: Even with the best caddy, a loose bottle cap or bar of soap can become a projectile. On travel days, make sure everything is either secured, empty, or has its lid screwed on tight.
Ultimately, organizing your tiny RV shower is about choosing the right tool for your specific needs and travel style. Whether you go for a permanent dispenser or a flexible mesh organizer, the goal is the same: to create a calm, functional space that works with you, not against you, as you move down the road. A well-organized shower simplifies your daily routine and makes life on the road just a little bit easier.
