10 Compact Organization Ideas for Small Exterior RV Storage Bays

Opening the exterior storage bay of a compact RV should not feel like playing a high-stakes game of Tetris where one wrong move triggers an avalanche of gear. When square footage is at a premium, every square inch of the “basement” must be engineered for accessibility, safety, and efficiency. Mastering this small-space puzzle requires shifting from simple packing to strategic, system-based organization.

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How to Plan Your RV Exterior Bay Layout

Before buying a single bin or strap, empty the entire bay onto a tarp to assess what actually needs to travel with the rig. Group gear by function—freshwater, sanitation, electrical, tools, and camp setup—to establish clear, distinct zones within the storage space. Items used daily must remain near the door, while emergency gear or seasonal items can slide into the deep, hard-to-reach corners.

Take precise measurements of the bay opening, interior height, and any obstructions like plumbing lines, frame rails, or structural supports. Many RVers make the mistake of measuring only the interior volume, forgetting that a bin must actually fit through the door frame first. Draw a rough sketch of the space, noting the location of utility hookups to ensure corresponding gear is stored on the correct side of the rig.

Cargo Slide – MORryde Sliding Cargo Tray

Deep pass-through bays are notorious for swallowing gear, forcing campers to crawl inside on their knees to retrieve items hidden in the center. A sliding cargo tray solves this back-straining issue by bringing the entire contents of the bay out into the open air. It transforms inaccessible dead space into a highly functional drawer that maximizes every cubic inch of depth.

The MORryde Sliding Cargo Tray stands out because of its rugged steel construction and smooth, ball-bearing glide action that handles heavy loads without binding. This tray arrives fully assembled, saving hours of installation frustration, and features a finished carpeted deck that prevents gear from sliding around during transit. It utilizes a secure locking mechanism to keep the tray firmly in place while driving down bumpy washboard roads.

• Weight capacity: Up to 800 lbs (depending on the model size selected)
• Installation requirements: Must be bolted directly to the RV subfloor, which may require checking for tanks or wiring underneath
• Physical footprint: Consumes roughly two to three inches of vertical clearance, which is a critical trade-off in low-profile bays

This slide is ideal for fifth-wheel owners and class A or C motorhome drivers with deep, pass-through storage compartments. It is not suitable for ultra-shallow side bays or teardrop trailers where vertical height is already extremely limited.

Hose Storage Bag – Kohree RV Storage Bags

Coiling freshwater hoses and leaving them loose in a bay is a recipe for tangles, kinking, and potential contamination. Dedicated storage bags keep these vital water conduits isolated, clean, and neatly coiled so they are ready for immediate deployment. They prevent wet hoses from dripping onto dry gear and keep different types of water lines strictly separated.

Kohree RV Storage Bags feature a color-coded system—blue for fresh water, black for black water/sewer, yellow for electrical/utility—that eliminates setup guesswork. The heavy-duty fabric includes a breathable mesh top section that allows trapped moisture to evaporate, preventing musty odors and mold growth. Each bag has an adjustable drawstring closure and a sturdy carry handle, making transport from bay to spigot effortless.

• Material: Heavy-duty oxford cloth with rubberized interior lining
• Capacity: Easily fits up to a 50-foot freshwater hose or 30-amp power cord
• Ventilation: Half-mesh design requires placing dry items elsewhere to avoid dampening adjacent gear

These bags are a must-have for weekend campers and full-time travelers alike who want a clean, color-coded system to prevent cross-contamination. They are not necessary for those who have integrated, permanent hose reels installed directly in their utility bays.

Cord Organizer – Wrap-It Heavy-Duty Straps

Heavy-duty RV shore power cords, extension cords, and thick coax cables are notoriously stiff and difficult to manage, especially in cold weather. Without containment, these cords unravel into a chaotic web that clutters the bay and snags on other gear. A reliable wrapping system keeps them tightly bundled, compact, and easy to grab.

Wrap-It Heavy-Duty Storage Straps are constructed with industrial-strength nylon and weatherproof hook-and-loop fasteners that hold up under immense tension. They feature a built-in rust-resistant metal grommet, allowing cords to be hung from hooks on bay walls to free up valuable floor space. The strap material remains flexible in sub-zero temperatures, ensuring easy bundling even in harsh winter conditions.

• Size variety: Available in packs ranging from 7-inch to 28-inch lengths
• Load capacity: Holds up to 50 pounds when fully secured
• Attachment style: High-cycle hook-and-loop requires clear alignment to maintain maximum hold strength

This product is perfect for any RVer struggling with bulky 30-amp or 50-amp shore power cables and heavy-duty towing straps. It is less useful for small, lightweight device chargers, which are better managed with smaller silicone ties.

Storage Bin – Rubbermaid ActionPacker Tote

Standard plastic storage bins often crack under the stress of extreme temperature swings and shifting heavy gear inside an RV bay. Heavy-duty totes act as secure vaults for loose items like spare parts, leveling blocks, and cleaning supplies. They prevent leaks from liquid chemicals and protect sensitive gear from dust and road grime that sneaks into exterior compartments.

The Rubbermaid ActionPacker Tote is built from impact-resistant polyethylene that tolerates the rugged realities of mobile life. Its lockable latches snap down tight, securing the lid even if the bin is bounced around on rough dirt roads. The structural lid design allows multiple bins to stack securely on top of one another without buckling, maximizing vertical space in taller bays.

• Capacity options: Available in 8, 24, 35, and 48-gallon sizes
• Lid design: Domed lid adds extra storage height but can restrict nesting under very low shelves
• Weatherproofing: Highly water-resistant, though not fully submersible without custom weather-stripping
• Sizing note: Always measure the height of the bay door opening, as the ActionPacker’s rigid lip requires some clearance to slide inside

These totes are ideal for travelers who carry heavy tools, recovery gear, or fluids that could spill. They are not the best fit for tight, oddly shaped spaces where soft-sided bags can squeeze in more efficiently.

Tool Holder – Quick Fist Original Clamp Mount

Loose tools like axes, shovels, emergency brooms, and leveling block ramps quickly turn into dangerous projectiles if left rolling around on a bay floor. Mounting these items to the walls or ceiling of the storage bay clears up floor space and keeps critical tools immediately accessible. Wall mounting also protects tools from moisture pooling on the floor of the compartment.

The Quick Fist Original Clamp Mount is made of heavy-duty, UV-resistant transportation-grade rubber that does not degrade in extreme hot or cold climates. It grips tools securely with a simple pull-and-latch mechanism, ensuring that items remain locked down over the roughest terrain. This clamp is incredibly versatile, mounting easily to walls, doors, or the underside of the RV chassis.

• Holding capacity: Supports objects from 1 inch to 2.25 inches in diameter
• Weight rating: Safely holds up to 25 pounds per clamp
• Installation: Requires mounting hardware (not always included) and solid backing material like plywood walls or steel framing

This clamp is a game-changer for off-road RVers and boondockers who need quick access to recovery tools and outdoor utility gear. It is unnecessary for casual campers who carry only a small hand-tool kit inside a dedicated toolbox.

Magnetic Strip – Master Magnetics Tool Bar

Small hand tools, hitch pins, cotter pins, and emergency flashlights easily get lost in the bottom of large storage bins. A magnetic strip mounted near the bay door creates a highly visible, designated holding zone for these frequently used metal items. It utilizes empty vertical wall space, keeping small essentials at your fingertips during quick roadside stops.

The Master Magnetics Tool Bar features an incredibly strong magnetic pull that holds heavy metal tools firmly in place, even through severe road vibrations. The durable steel channel prevents the magnets from cracking or chipping over time under heavy use. Its slim profile ensures it won’t snag on clothing or larger gear bags as you reach into the bay.

• Length options: Typically available in 12-inch and 24-inch bars
• Pull strength: Up to 30 pounds per inch of contact
• Installation note: Must be mounted to a rigid surface with screws to prevent the entire bar from pulling off when removing heavy tools

This is a brilliant solution for DIY-minded RVers who frequently use screwdrivers, wrenches, and metal clips during setup. It is not suitable for holding non-magnetic brass, aluminum, or plastic tools, and should be kept away from sensitive electronic sensors.

Collapsible Bucket – Camco Folding Bucket

A bucket is an indispensable tool for RV maintenance, washing solar panels, holding soapy water, or collecting greywater in an emergency. However, a standard five-gallon plastic bucket is a massive space-hog that often sits empty, taking up valuable real estate in a small exterior bay. A folding design provides the same utility while shrinking down to a fraction of the size when stored.

The Camco Folding Bucket is engineered with a durable, waterproof fabric wall and a rigid plastic base and rim to maintain its structure when filled. It collapses down to less than two inches in height, allowing it to slip into narrow gaps, under bins, or flat against a bay wall. It includes a zippered storage case to protect the fabric from getting punctured by surrounding gear.

• Capacity: 3 gallons (11.3 liters)
• Folded height: Under 2 inches
• Material: Heavy-duty PVC-coated polyester fabric
• Usage tip: Ensure the bucket is fully dry before folding and packing it away to prevent mildew growth inside the storage case

This space-saving bucket is perfect for owners of small travel trailers and camper vans where every inch counts. It is not designed for heavy construction debris or hauling jagged rocks, which could tear the fabric lining.

Sewer Hose Carrier – Valterra Adjustable Tube

The sewer hose is arguably the most sensitive piece of gear on any RV, and storing it alongside fresh water or camping gear is a serious sanitation hazard. Keeping it isolated in its own dedicated, ventilated space outside the main storage bay is critical for hygiene and peace of mind. A dedicated exterior carrier utilizes empty under-chassis space, freeing up valuable interior bay volume.

The Valterra Adjustable Hose Carrier is a tough, UV-stabilized plastic tube that mounts directly to the RV frame, keeping sanitation gear completely isolated from other cargo. It features an adjustable telescoping design that expands to fit longer hoses with pre-attached fittings. The cap includes a padlock loop for security and is ventilated to allow the hose to dry out, preventing bacteria buildup.

• Adjustability: Models expand from 34 to 60 inches or 50 to 94 inches
• Mounting: Requires self-tapping screws (included) to attach to the steel frame rails of the RV
• Fitting compatibility: Fits standard 3-inch sewer hoses with bayonet fittings, though oversized adapters may need to be disconnected first

This is a non-negotiable upgrade for any RVer who wants to keep sanitation completely separated from clean storage compartments. It is not necessary if your RV already comes equipped with a hollow rear bumper designed specifically for sewer hose storage.

Door Organizer – Camco RV Cabinet Organizer

The inner surface of an exterior bay door is often completely ignored, representing prime real estate for lightweight organization. Installing an organizer on the door panel keeps small, high-use items like gloves, zip ties, flashlights, and slide-out lubricant immediately accessible when the bay is opened. It prevents you from having to dig into deep bins for minor tools during quick stops.

The Camco RV Cabinet Organizer utilizes durable, clear plastic pockets that make identifying contents instant and effortless. The fabric backing resists tears, and the low-profile design ensures it won’t interfere with the door sealing shut against the bay frame. It mounts securely using heavy-duty adhesive strips or screws, staying put even when the door is repeatedly swung open and closed.

• Pocket count: Multiple pockets of varying sizes for versatile storage
• Attachment options: Double-sided tape, hook-and-loop, or screw mounts
• Clearance check: Must verify that items placed in the pockets do not hit interior cargo bins when the door is fully latched

This organizer is ideal for travelers who want quick, eye-level access to small utility items without bending down. It is not suitable for heavy tools, heavy fluids, or bay doors that have structural gas struts blocking the inner panel surface.

Cargo Net – Envelope Style Elastic Mesh Net

When opening an exterior RV bay door after a long day of driving on winding roads, shifted cargo can tumble out and strike the ground. A cargo net acts as a protective barrier, holding lightweight items, camp chairs, or tarps securely against the opening. It allows you to utilize the vertical space right at the front of the bay without worrying about things falling forward.

An Envelope Style Elastic Mesh Net is highly elastic, stretching to accommodate oddly shaped items like rolled-up outdoor mats or hiking poles. The fine mesh prevents small items from slipping through, while the envelope design allows you to drop items inside the net pocket for double the security. It attaches quickly to mounting hooks screwed into the bay walls, making it easy to unhook when accessing larger gear behind it.

• Material: High-elasticity nylon mesh
• Mounting hardware: Often includes plastic hooks, loops, and self-tapping screws
• Tension adjustment: Needs to be mounted with slight tension to remain effective over time as the elastic stretches

This net is perfect for securing lightweight, bulky items like sleeping pads, beach towels, and camp chairs right at the front of a storage bay. It is not designed to contain heavy metal tools, battery banks, or sharp object assemblies.

Tips for Weight Distribution in RV Bays

Proper weight distribution is not just about keeping the bay neat; it directly impacts how the RV handles, brakes, and sways on the highway. Stashing too much heavy gear on one side of the rig can unevenly wear down tires, stress suspension components, and create dangerous pulling during emergency braking. Always place your heaviest gear—such as toolboxes, battery banks, and full freshwater tanks—directly over or slightly in front of the axles.

Keep the center of gravity as low as possible by storing heavy, dense items on the floor of the bay and reserving upper shelves or hanging organizers for lightweight gear. When distributing weight between left and right sides, aim for a balanced load, ideally within a few hundred pounds of symmetry. Regularly visit a scale, such as a CAT scale, during a trip to ensure the rig is balanced and well within the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for both the front and rear axles.

Conclusion

Organizing a small RV exterior bay is an investment in stress-free travel that pays off at every single campsite setup and breakdown. By moving from chaotic piles to structured, accessible storage systems, the physical effort of setting up camp disappears. Implement these layout strategies and gear choices to keep your rig balanced, safe, and ready for whatever lies down the road.