6 Best Slide Out Storage Systems For RV Undercarriage Nomads Swear By
Unlock valuable RV space with the top 6 undercarriage slide-out trays. We review the durable, easy-access systems that seasoned nomads swear by.
There’s nothing more frustrating than crawling halfway into a dark RV storage bay, trying to retrieve a bin that’s slid to the very back. This "black hole" of RV basements is a universal problem, turning prime storage into a barely accessible abyss. The single best solution is a high-quality slide out storage system, a simple upgrade that completely transforms how you access and use your gear.
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Maximize Your Bay: RV Slide Out Tray Benefits
The core value of a slide out tray is simple: it brings the back of the bay to you. Instead of just using the front 30% of your storage compartment, a slide makes 100% of the floor space easily accessible. This fundamentally changes what you can store and how you organize it.
Think about setting up camp. With a slide, your entire outdoor setup—grill, chairs, table, outdoor rug—can be on one tray. You pull one handle, and everything is right there, ready to go. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about reducing the physical strain of bending, reaching, and lifting heavy items from awkward angles. It makes the RV lifestyle more sustainable, especially for those with mobility concerns.
Many people think, "I’ll just use plastic totes." Bins are great for organization, but they don’t solve the access problem. You still have to pull out the front two bins to get to the third one. A cargo tray works with your bins, putting the entire organized system at your fingertips with a single motion.
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 need to haul serious weight, MORryde is the name that consistently comes up. These trays are built like tanks, often featuring powder-coated steel construction and ball-bearing slides that can handle the abuse of full-time travel. They are the undisputed heavy-duty champions in the RV space.
Most MORryde models boast weight capacities of 800 pounds and up, some extending to over 1,000 pounds. This makes them the perfect platform for heavy, dense items like a large portable generator, a full set of mechanic’s tools, or multiple full water containers. If you’re carrying gear that would make a lesser tray buckle or bend, this is where you should be looking.
The tradeoff for this robust build is weight and cost. A MORryde tray is a significant piece of hardware and will eat into your RV’s cargo carrying capacity more than lighter-duty options. They also sit at the higher end of the price spectrum. But for full-timers who rely on their heavy equipment day in and day out, the durability and peace of mind are worth every penny.
Lippert Kwikee SuperSlide: Smooth, Easy Access
Lippert is one of the biggest component suppliers in the RV industry, and their Kwikee SuperSlide trays are a common sight for a reason. They hit the sweet spot between robust construction and user-friendly operation, making them a fantastic all-around choice for most RVers. They are reliable, widely available, and well-understood by RV technicians.
The defining feature of the Kwikee SuperSlide is its smooth, predictable action. They glide effortlessly, even when loaded, which makes accessing gear feel less like a chore. With weight capacities typically ranging from 250 to 500 pounds, they can handle the vast majority of camping equipment without issue. This is the tray for your camp chairs, portable grill, leveling blocks, and stacked storage totes.
One of the biggest advantages is that many models come fully assembled, which is a huge bonus for those who aren’t keen on a complicated DIY project. Installation is often as simple as measuring, positioning the tray, and securing it to the floor of your bay. For a reliable, no-fuss solution that just works, the Kwikee SuperSlide is hard to beat.
Stromberg Carlson Tray: A Solid, Valued Pick
Not everyone needs an 800-pound capacity tray, and that’s where Stromberg Carlson shines. They offer a range of cargo slides that provide excellent functionality at a more accessible price point. This is the go-to option for weekend warriors or budget-conscious full-timers who want the benefits of a slide without the premium cost.
These trays are typically rated for around 200 to 500 pounds, making them perfectly capable for most standard camping gear. The build quality is solid and functional, designed to do the job without unnecessary frills. You get a sturdy platform and reliable slides that will dramatically improve your storage access for a fraction of the cost of heavy-duty models.
Is the fit and finish as refined as a MORryde? Maybe not. The slide action might not feel quite as buttery smooth. But when it comes to pure function—getting your gear out of the bay and into your hands—the Stromberg Carlson trays deliver exceptional value for the money.
SlideMaster Cargo Trays: Custom-Fit Options
One of the biggest frustrations when shopping for a cargo tray is finding one that fits your specific bay dimensions. This is especially true for older RVs, custom-built rigs, or models with unconventional layouts. SlideMaster solves this problem by focusing on custom-built solutions.
Instead of being limited to a few standard sizes, SlideMaster allows you to order trays built to your exact width and depth specifications. This ensures a perfect fit, maximizing every square inch of your storage bay. No more awkward gaps on the sides or a tray that stops a foot short of the back wall.
This level of customization is a game-changer for those with non-standard needs. The tradeoff, of course, is a potentially higher price and a longer lead time compared to off-the-shelf units. However, for the RVer who has measured their bay and found that nothing standard will work, SlideMaster is the best—and sometimes only—option.
CargoGlide CG1000-XL: For Maximum Extension
CargoGlide is a well-known name in the truck bed slide market, and they bring that heavy-duty expertise to the RV world. Their CG1000-XL model stands out for one critical feature: 100% extension. While most RV trays extend about 70-80%, this one brings the entire tray platform completely out of the bay.
This full extension is more important than it sounds. In a deep, 8-foot pass-through storage bay, a 70% extension still leaves over two feet of tray inside the compartment. With the CargoGlide, the very back of the tray clears the opening, giving you unimpeded access to everything you’ve stored. There is absolutely no reaching or climbing required.
Combined with a 1,000-pound weight capacity, the CG1000-XL is a top-tier solution for those who need to maximize both weight and accessibility in a very deep storage bay. It’s an industrial-grade tool for serious RVers who can’t afford to have any part of their storage be hard to reach.
Joey Bed Slides: Ideal for Tighter RV Bays
Not all storage bays are massive pass-throughs. Many RVs, especially smaller Class C and Class B models, have smaller, cabinet-style exterior compartments that suffer from the same access issues. Joey Bed specializes in slides for these tighter spaces.
Their slides are often designed with a lower profile, preserving as much vertical storage space as possible. They are also lighter in weight, which is a critical consideration in smaller rigs where every pound counts. They won’t hold a massive generator, but they are absolutely perfect for making a small compartment fully usable for tools, cooking supplies, or other smaller items.
Think of a Joey Bed as a solution for optimizing the nooks and crannies. If you have a tall, narrow compartment where things get lost in the back, a Joey Bed can transform it from a junk drawer into a highly efficient, organized space. It’s about applying the same slide-out principle to a different scale.
Key Factors: Weight Capacity and Latch Types
Before you even look at a brand name, you need to answer two questions: What are you storing, and how much does it weigh? Matching the weight capacity of the tray to your gear is the single most important decision you will make. A 250-pound capacity slide is perfect for camp chairs and coolers, but it will fail spectacularly if you load it with a heavy toolbox, a case of water, and a portable generator. Weigh your gear first, then shop for a tray that can handle it with a comfortable margin.
Next, consider the latching mechanism. A simple pin lock is functional, but a spring-loaded latch that offers multiple stopping points is far more versatile. This allows you to pull the tray out only as far as you need, which is incredibly useful if you’re parked in a tight spot or on uneven ground where a fully extended tray might be unstable. A good latch provides security both when closed and when partially or fully open.
Finally, look at the extension percentage. For a shallow bay, a 70% extension is likely fine. But for a deep pass-through bay, that missing 30% can still mean a lot of inaccessible space. A 100% extension slide, like the CargoGlide, costs more but might be worth it if it means you never have to crawl into your storage bay again.
Also, consider the installation. Some units arrive as a box of parts requiring full assembly, while others are pre-assembled and just need to be bolted down. Be realistic about your DIY skills and tools. The "easy-to-install" pre-assembled unit might be worth the extra cost if it saves you a weekend of frustration.
Ultimately, the best slide out storage system is the one that fits your bay, holds your gear, and matches your budget. By transforming your RV’s biggest storage liability into its greatest asset, a cargo tray is an investment that pays dividends in convenience and usability every single time you set up camp. Measure twice, weigh your gear, and choose the tray that will finally let you conquer that storage bay black hole.