6 Best Screen Mesh Storage Tubes For Full Time Travelers

Managing sewer hoses is the least glamorous but most essential aspect of full-time travel, yet many travelers treat this gear as an afterthought. A proper storage tube keeps your RV’s exterior clean, your hoses protected from UV degradation, and your campsite organized. Choosing the right carrier is the difference between a seamless five-minute setup and a frustrating, leaky mess.

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Valterra A04-5094BK: Best Adjustable Option

The Valterra A04-5094BK stands out because it solves the common problem of mismatched hose lengths. Its telescoping design adjusts from 34 to 60 inches, allowing for a custom fit regardless of how many hose extensions are in the rotation.

This model is ideal for those who frequently change setups or carry a secondary hose for tricky hookup points. By locking firmly into place, it ensures that your gear doesn’t rattle or slide while in transit.

If space flexibility is the priority, this is the definitive choice. It sacrifices a small amount of structural rigidity for the sake of versatility, making it perfect for standard-duty travel needs.

Lippert Waste Master: The Premium System Pick

The Lippert Waste Master is not just a tube; it is a high-end containment ecosystem designed for those who refuse to cut corners. It features a robust, cam-lock system that prevents the accidental opening of the carrier, providing peace of mind during long hauls on rough roads.

This carrier is engineered specifically for the proprietary Waste Master hose, which is thicker and more durable than standard options. While it represents a higher initial investment, the quality of materials minimizes the risk of cracking or UV-induced brittleness over time.

For full-timers committed to long-term reliability, this system is worth every cent. Avoid this if looking for a universal fit, as it is optimized specifically for one type of premium hose hardware.

RecPro 60″ Hose Carrier: The Solid Standard

When reliability is the goal, the RecPro 60″ Hose Carrier delivers a no-nonsense, fixed-length solution that gets the job done. It is constructed from heavy-duty plastic, offering a rigid shell that shields hoses from road debris and harsh sun exposure.

The door features a simple locking mechanism that is both easy to open with gloves and secure enough to stay shut through heavy vibrations. It provides a generous 5-inch diameter, which is wide enough to accommodate most standard hoses without excessive force.

This is the “set it and forget it” choice for the majority of travelers. Its simplicity is its greatest strength, as there are fewer moving parts to break or misalign during seasonal transitions.

DW Super-Tube: Best for Large Fittings

The DW Super-Tube is built for the traveler who uses oversized, high-flow bayonet fittings or bulky hose supports. Most standard tubes force users to struggle with tight diameters; this unit bypasses that headache entirely with its cavernous internal volume.

The mounting brackets are designed to be highly adaptable, allowing for installation on almost any chassis rail or bumper configuration. It acts as a heavy-duty vault for your sanitation equipment, keeping everything secure and out of sight.

If frustration with squeezing fittings into narrow tubes is a regular occurrence, make the switch to this model. It is bulkier than the competition, so ensure there is sufficient clearance before committing to the footprint.

Camco RhinoFLEX Carrier: Top Budget Choice

Camco’s RhinoFLEX is the reliable workhorse for those who need a functional solution without breaking the bank. It is lightweight, easy to mount, and provides an effective barrier against the elements for the standard RhinoFLEX hose line.

While it lacks the heavy-duty thickness of premium tubes, it is more than capable of handling year-round travel. The door is well-vented, which is a critical feature often overlooked in cheaper alternatives, as it allows moisture to escape and prevents mildew.

This is the smart choice for budget-conscious travelers or those needing a secondary storage solution for extension hoses. It offers the best value-to-performance ratio currently available on the market.

The DIY PVC Tube: A Customizable Solution

For those with specific space constraints or non-standard mounting requirements, building a custom carrier from 5-inch PVC pipe is an effective strategy. By purchasing standard schedule 40 PVC, a threaded cap, and a mounting kit, it is possible to build a tube of any exact length required.

The primary advantage here is cost and perfect fitment. However, DIYers must ensure proper ventilation by drilling small holes in the bottom, as sealed PVC will trap odors and moisture inside the hose.

Only choose this path if comfort with basic power tools is high and specific dimensions are required. For everyone else, the convenience of a pre-manufactured unit usually outweighs the time and effort of a custom build.

How to Securely Mount Your Storage Tube

Mounting a tube is not just about aesthetics; it is about safety and vibration management. Always use stainless steel hardware to prevent rust, and ensure the tube is bolted to the RV frame rather than just the thin underbelly material.

If drilling into the frame, always verify that the placement does not interfere with moving parts or suspension components. Using rubber-lined mounting straps can also dampen road noise and prevent the tube from rubbing against the RV exterior.

Periodically check the fasteners, especially after long trips on washboard roads. A loose tube can become a hazard, so tighten nuts and bolts as part of a standard pre-trip inspection.

Choosing the Right Diameter and Length

Selecting the correct diameter is the most common mistake made when purchasing a tube. A 4-inch tube is often too small for hoses with bulky collars or larger fittings, leading to damaged gear and wasted time at the dump station.

Always aim for at least 5 inches in diameter to ensure ease of insertion and removal. Regarding length, measure the collapsed hose and add at least two inches to ensure the door closes without putting pressure on the fittings.

Taking a moment to measure the entire kit—hoses, connectors, and all—saves the headache of returns. If in doubt, err on the side of a longer tube to allow for potential future hose upgrades.

More Than Hoses: Creative Storage Uses

Storage tubes are surprisingly versatile tools for mobile living. Beyond sanitation gear, they are excellent for stowing fishing rods, collapsible hiking poles, or even extra-long patio awning rods that rarely fit in standard basement lockers.

The key to multi-purpose use is cleanliness and ventilation. Never store items that require a clean environment—like kitchen tools or bedding—near where sanitation hoses have lived.

Label the tubes clearly if multiple units are installed underneath the rig. This prevents confusion during a hurried setup or teardown at a crowded campground.

Maintaining Your Tube and Preventing Odors

Even the best hose carrier requires maintenance to remain sanitary. At least once a month, spray the inside of the tube with a mild disinfectant and hose it out to clear away road grit and grime.

If odors persist, check that the ventilation holes are not clogged with debris. Installing a fine-mesh screen over the vent holes keeps insects out while still allowing for the necessary airflow to keep the interior dry.

Never store a wet hose in a sealed tube for extended periods, as this invites mold growth. Shake out excess water, allow the gear to air dry as much as possible, and keep the caps loose whenever the rig is stationary in storage.

Equipping your rig with a high-quality storage tube is a fundamental step toward mastering the workflow of full-time travel. By choosing a system that balances durability, proper sizing, and ease of access, you remove a major point of friction from your daily routine. Invest in the right hardware once, and your future self will appreciate the efficiency during every single dump station stop.