5 Best Slide Out Cargo Trays For RV Exterior Storage That Nomads Swear By
Struggle with RV storage? Slide-out cargo trays provide easy access to your gear. Discover the top 5 models that seasoned nomads swear by for efficiency.
We’ve all been there: on your hands and knees, flashlight in your mouth, digging through a deep RV storage bay for that one specific tool you need right now. This frustrating ritual is a rite of passage, but it doesn’t have to be your reality. A quality slide-out cargo tray transforms that dark cavern into an organized, accessible, and back-saving storage solution.
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Unlocking Your RV Basement with Cargo Trays
A slide-out cargo tray is more than a convenience; it’s a fundamental upgrade to how you live in your RV. It brings the back of your storage bay to you, eliminating the need to crawl inside or unload half your gear to reach something. This simple change makes setting up and breaking down camp faster, safer, and infinitely less frustrating.
Think about the real-world impact. No more straining your back to lift a heavy tote over a tall compartment lip. No more "losing" items in the dark recesses of your pass-through storage. Instead, you get a stable, organized platform that presents your gear for easy access. It turns a chaotic pile into a functional, rolling pantry or tool shed.
These trays come in two main flavors: single-direction and dual-direction (also called two-way). A single-direction slide pulls out from one side of your RV, which is perfect for standard storage bays. A dual-direction slide can be accessed from either side, a game-changer for rigs with full pass-through "basements." Choosing the right one depends entirely on your rig’s layout and how you pack.
MORryde Cargo Trays: The Heavy-Duty Standard
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.
When you talk about heavy-duty, MORryde is the name that comes up again and again. These trays are built like tanks, often rated for 800 pounds or more, and they feel like it. The ball-bearing slides are incredibly smooth, even when loaded down with a portable generator, a full toolbox, and a heavy grill.
This is the tray for the serious full-timer or the RVer who carries substantial gear. The powder-coated steel construction resists rust, and the finished plywood deck is ready for years of abuse. They offer both single and dual-direction models, with extensions ranging from 60% to a full 100%.
The tradeoff for this robust build is weight and cost. A MORryde tray is a significant piece of equipment that will eat into your Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC), so it’s best suited for larger fifth wheels and Class A motorhomes with plenty of capacity to spare. But if you need to haul heavy, bulky items without a second thought, the MORryde is the undisputed champion.
Lippert Underchassis Storage: A Space Saver
Maximize RV storage with this durable under-chassis bin. It holds up to 100 lbs and features a spring-loaded latch for easy access.
What if your problem isn’t just accessing storage, but a lack of it altogether? That’s where Lippert’s Underchassis Storage units shine. These aren’t traditional basement trays; they are self-contained, weatherproof boxes that mount to the I-beam frame underneath your RV.
This is a brilliant way to create new storage out of thin air. It’s the perfect spot for things you don’t need to access every day but want out of the way, like sewer hoses, leveling blocks, or emergency supplies. By mounting to the frame, it utilizes dead space without cluttering your primary living or storage areas.
The main considerations here are ground clearance and installation. You’re adding something to the bottom of your rig, so you need to be mindful of how it affects your ability to navigate uneven terrain. Installation is also more involved than a simple bolt-in tray, as it requires drilling into the frame. For the right rig, though, it’s an incredible way to expand your storage footprint.
Stromberg Carlson Cargo Slide: Lightweight Pick
Easily transport cargo with the Stromberg Carlson CC250 Trailer Tray. Its durable construction and generous capacity make it ideal for hauling equipment and gear.
Not everyone needs to haul 800 pounds of gear. For many weekenders and weight-conscious travelers, the Stromberg Carlson Cargo Slide is the perfect solution. These trays are designed to be lighter, making them an excellent fit for travel trailers and smaller fifth wheels where every pound of CCC matters.
With weight capacities typically in the 250 to 500-pound range, they are more than capable of handling camping chairs, plastic totes, and other standard equipment. The steel frame and ball-bearing slides provide reliable performance without the massive weight penalty of their heavier-duty counterparts.
The primary benefit is efficiency. You get the easy access of a slide-out tray without a major impact on your available payload. This makes it a smart, practical choice for those who want better organization but can’t afford to add 150+ pounds of steel to their setup. It’s a balanced solution for the everyday RVer.
Kwikee SuperSlide II: Smooth and Easy Access
Kwikee, now a Lippert brand, has a long-standing reputation for reliable RV components, and their SuperSlide II is no exception. This tray is all about smooth operation and user-friendly features. It’s a fantastic middle-ground option that combines solid construction with thoughtful design.
One of its standout features is the automatic locking mechanism. The tray locks securely in place when stowed and also locks when fully extended, preventing it from accidentally sliding back in while you’re loading or unloading on uneven ground. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference in real-world use.
With weight capacities often around 800 pounds, the SuperSlide II is plenty strong for most applications. It provides the confidence of a heavy-duty unit with the polished feel of a well-engineered product. If you’re looking for a reliable, no-fuss tray that just works, this is a fantastic choice.
Cargo Ease Sliding Trays: High-Capacity Choice
If MORryde is the heavy-duty standard, then Cargo Ease is the industrial-grade specialist. Originally known for their truck bed slides, they bring that same extreme durability to the RV market. Their trays boast some of the highest weight capacities available, with some models rated for an astonishing 2,500 pounds.
This is overkill for most, but it’s the definitive answer for anyone hauling truly massive weight. Think mobile mechanics with huge tool chests, vendors with heavy inventory, or anyone with specialized, dense equipment. Cargo Ease offers a wide variety of sizes and configurations, including full-extension and dual-direction models.
The build quality is exceptional, featuring tough steel frames and solid decking. Of course, this level of capacity comes with a corresponding increase in weight and price. But if your primary concern is safely and easily moving the heaviest possible load, Cargo Ease is the brand to look for.
Measuring and Installing Your RV Cargo Tray
Buying the right tray is only half the battle; it has to fit. Before you click "buy," grab a tape measure and get serious. You need three key measurements:
- Bay Opening Width: Measure the narrowest part of the door frame.
- Bay Opening Height: Measure from the floor of the compartment to the top of the door frame.
- Compartment Depth: Measure from the inside of the door frame to the back wall of the bay.
Crucially, look for obstructions. Are there any water lines, wire harnesses, or frame components inside the bay that will interfere with the tray or its slide mechanism? Measure the usable depth and width, not just the empty space. It’s always better to choose a tray that’s slightly smaller than your measurements to ensure a clean fit.
Installation is a straightforward but important job. Most trays are designed to be bolted directly to the floor of your RV’s storage bay. This is a two-person job, as the trays themselves can be heavy and awkward. You’ll need a good drill, the right size bits, and a socket set. If you’re not comfortable drilling into your rig, there’s no shame in having a mobile RV tech or a local shop handle the installation for you.
Final Verdict: Which Cargo Tray Fits Your Rig?
There is no single "best" cargo tray—only the best one for your specific needs, rig, and budget. The right choice comes down to balancing weight capacity, the tray’s own weight, and cost.
Here’s a simple framework to guide your decision:
- For the Full-Time Heavy Hauler: If you live in your rig and carry heavy tools, a generator, or other substantial gear, your choice is clear: MORryde or Cargo Ease. The investment in their massive capacity and durability will pay for itself in reliability and peace of mind.
- For the Weight-Conscious Traveler: If you’re in a travel trailer or a smaller fifth wheel where every pound counts, the Stromberg Carlson is your best bet. It provides the core benefit of easy access without overloading your chassis.
- For the All-Around RVer: If you want a solid, reliable tray with great features and a strong track record, the Kwikee SuperSlide II is an excellent, balanced choice that will serve most nomads perfectly.
- For Creating New Space: If your main goal is to add storage you don’t currently have, the Lippert Underchassis Storage is the most innovative solution, turning unused frame space into a functional compartment.
Ultimately, adding a slide-out tray is one of the highest-impact upgrades you can make to your RV. It reclaims lost space, saves your back, and streamlines your entire camping experience. Choose the one that matches your load and your lifestyle, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
