6 Best Outdoor Gear Storage Ideas for RV Living That Nomads Swear By

You’ve just spent an hour wrestling your muddy hiking boots, camp chairs, and a tangled mess of leveling blocks out of your main living space just to make dinner. Every square inch inside your RV is precious, and clutter from outdoor gear is one of the fastest ways to make a small space feel claustrophobic. The solution isn’t to leave your favorite gear behind; it’s to get smart about using your rig’s exterior.

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Maximizing Your RV’s Exterior Storage Space

The outside of your RV isn’t just a shell; it’s valuable real estate. The key is to think of it as a series of zones, each suited for a different type of gear. Your roof is for bulky but light items, your hitch is for heavy or dirty equipment, and your underbelly is for tools and utilities you need but don’t want to trip over.

This approach isn’t about just bolting on more boxes. It’s a strategic system that keeps your interior clean and your essential gear accessible. You don’t want to climb a ladder in the rain to get your generator, and you don’t want your greasy grill parts stored next to your clean bedding. Proper exterior storage frees up your interior living space and streamlines your entire camping setup and teardown process.

Before you add anything, you need to understand your RV’s weight limits. Every pound you add to the exterior affects your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and can impact handling, braking, and fuel efficiency. Always weigh your rig fully loaded to know your starting point, and never exceed the manufacturer’s specifications for the chassis, hitch, or bumper. Ignoring this isn’t just a mistake; it’s a serious safety risk.

Thule Motion XT: Secure Rooftop Cargo Carrier

Rooftop cargo carriers are the attic of your RV. They are absolutely perfect for things that are bulky but don’t weigh a ton. Think folding kayaks, life jackets, extra bedding, or off-season clothing in vacuum-sealed bags.

The Thule Motion XT is a popular choice because it’s aerodynamic, which helps mitigate the hit on your fuel economy. More importantly, it’s secure and weatherproof. You can drive through a downpour without worrying about your gear getting soaked, and the integrated lock gives you peace of mind when you’re parked at a busy trailhead or a Walmart overnight.

The biggest tradeoff is access. You will need a sturdy, reliable ladder to get things in and out, which can be a hassle in bad weather. You also have to be hyper-aware of your new total height. That low-hanging branch at the campground or the drive-thru you used to fit under can suddenly become a very expensive problem.

Stromberg Carlson Cargo Caddy for Hitch Hauling

Your rear hitch is the workhorse of your exterior storage system. A hitch-mounted cargo carrier like the Stromberg Carlson Cargo Caddy is the best place for items that are heavy, dirty, or smelly. This is where you put your generator, your portable waste tank, extra fuel cans, or a load of firewood.

These items have no business being inside your RV, and a hitch carrier keeps them secure and accessible without having to lift them onto the roof. The open-air design also means you don’t have to worry about gas fumes building up in an enclosed space. Many models fold up against the back of the RV when not in use, which is a great feature for maneuverability in tight campsites.

The critical factor here is tongue weight. Your hitch has a maximum weight it can support, and you must respect it. Overloading your hitch carrier can negatively affect your rig’s steering and stability. It’s also crucial to use a high-quality, anti-rattle device to prevent the carrier from swaying and bouncing, which can put immense stress on your hitch and frame over thousands of miles.

Buyers Products Underbody Box for Chassis Storage

Underbody boxes are a pro-level move for full-timers who need dedicated, secure storage for tools and essential utilities. These are the steel or aluminum boxes you see mounted directly to the frame of larger Class A, Class C, or fifth-wheel RVs. They turn unused space into a weatherproof and lockable vault.

This is the ideal home for your heavy toolset, spare parts, leveling blocks, and shore power cords. By storing this gear low and centered, you improve your rig’s center of gravity. It also means you aren’t digging through a basement bay full of camp chairs just to find a wrench or your sewer hose attachments.

Installation is not a simple DIY project for everyone. These boxes must be mounted securely to the RV’s frame, which can require drilling and specialized hardware. You have to be absolutely certain you are not compromising the structural integrity of the frame or interfering with any plumbing or electrical lines. If you’re not 100% confident, this is a job for a professional RV technician.

Swagman RV Approved Bumper-Mount Bike Rack

Bringing bikes along is one of the great joys of RVing, but how you carry them matters immensely. A standard bike rack designed for a car will likely fail on the back of an RV. The rear of a trailer or motorhome experiences significantly more bouncing and vertical G-forces—what I call the "tail-whip effect"—which can literally tear a non-rated rack apart.

This is why you must use a rack specifically designated as "RV Approved," like many from Swagman. These racks are built with heavier-gauge steel and reinforced welds to withstand the extra abuse. They are designed to absorb the constant, violent motion at the back of an RV without failing.

Even with an RV-rated rack, you have to know your bumper’s limits. Most standard RV bumpers are thin steel tubes rated for only about 100-150 pounds. They are not designed to handle the dynamic weight of two heavy e-bikes bouncing down a rough road. For heavier bikes, a frame-mounted hitch receiver is a much safer and more robust solution.

Surco Ladder Rack for Chairs and Light Gear

That ladder on the back of your RV isn’t just for roof access; it can be a convenient mounting point for light, awkward items. A simple ladder rack, like the popular one from Surco, provides a perfect spot to hang a couple of camp chairs or a portable clothes-drying rack.

The primary advantage is convenience. It keeps your most-used items handy for a quick setup without taking up space in a basement bay. Strapping your chairs to the ladder means they are the first thing off when you arrive and the last thing on when you leave.

However, you must be disciplined about weight. RV ladders are not designed to be major load-bearing structures. Limit yourself to 50 pounds, total. Overloading the ladder can damage the mounting points where it attaches to the RV, leading to leaks and costly fiberglass repairs. This is for your chairs, not your cooler.

Plano Sportsman’s Trunk for Rugged Gear Totes

Sometimes the best storage solution isn’t something you bolt on at all. A set of heavy-duty, weather-resistant totes like the Plano Sportsman’s Trunk offers incredible versatility. These rugged trunks are tough, stackable, and feature multiple tie-down points, making them perfect for securing in a truck bed, on a hitch carrier, or even in a large pass-through storage bay.

I swear by this method for organizing gear by activity. One tote for all water-related gear (hoses, filters, pressure regulator), another for electrical (cords, surge protector, adapters), and a third for setup (leveling blocks, wheel chocks). This modular system keeps you organized and makes finding what you need fast and efficient.

The key is to invest in quality totes. Cheap, flimsy bins will crack under UV exposure and won’t stand up to the vibrations of the road. Look for models with strong latches and integrated seals to keep dust and water out. When transporting them on an open hitch carrier, always use high-quality cam straps or ratchet straps—never flimsy bungee cords—to ensure they stay put.

Choosing the Right RV Outdoor Storage Solution

There is no single "best" solution; the right choice depends entirely on your gear, your rig, and your travel style. Don’t just buy the first thing you see online. Instead, work through a logical process to figure out what you actually need.

Start by making a list of the gear you need to store externally. Be specific. "Camping stuff" is too vague; "two camp chairs, a 10×10 canopy, and a portable grill" is actionable. Then, categorize each item:

• Weight: Is it heavy (generator) or light (chairs)?
• Bulk: Is it large and awkward (kayak) or compact (tools)?
• Frequency of Use: Do you need it daily (sewer hose) or occasionally (spare parts)?
• Condition: Is it often dirty or smelly (firewood, waste tank)?

With your list in hand, assess your RV’s capabilities. Check the weight ratings for your roof, bumper, and hitch. Look for existing mounting points or sturdy frame sections where you could add storage. Finally, consider your budget and your comfort level with installation. A ladder rack is a simple, 15-minute job, while installing an underbody box is a significant project. This methodical approach ensures you invest in a solution that solves your specific problem safely and effectively.

Ultimately, mastering outdoor storage is about creating a logical, efficient system that works for you. By strategically placing your gear on the outside, you protect the peace and space on the inside. This transforms your RV from just a vehicle into a truly functional and comfortable home on wheels.