10 Compact Exterior Storage Solutions for Small Camper Vans

Living or traveling in a short-wheelbase camper van means negotiating for every square inch of interior floor space. When the cabin reaches its physical limits, the exterior of the vehicle becomes the ultimate frontier for expansion. Strategically shifting bulky, dirty, or infrequently used gear to the outside of the van preserves living comfort without forcing difficult compromises on what to bring along.

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Maximizing Small Van Space with Exterior Gear

Interior real estate in a small van is premium space reserved for sleeping, cooking, and daily living. Forcing muddy recovery boards, bulky camp chairs, or smelly trash inside ruins the interior experience and quickly degrades living conditions. Moving these items to the vehicle’s exterior creates a breathable, clean cabin while keeping essential gear accessible.

However, exterior storage is not a free-for-all where anything can be strapped anywhere. Every addition impacts aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, and vehicle dynamics. Choosing the right mounting points—whether the roof, rear doors, or undercarriage—requires balancing weight distribution with accessibility.

Smart exterior organization relies on modular systems that scale up or down based on the trip. By leveraging dedicated mounting solutions, adventurers can transform the outer shell of a camper van into a highly functional tool shed without compromising safety or road manners.

Rear Cargo Box – Owl Vans Expedition Box

A rear cargo box serves as a primary outdoor locker, perfect for stowing items that are dirty, wet, or frequently used at camp. Instead of tracking mud inside to grab leveling blocks, shore power cords, or recovery gear, this box keeps them secure and accessible right at the back of the van.

The Owl Vans Expedition Box stands out because of its rugged, all-aluminum construction and space-efficient footprint. Unlike plastic alternatives that degrade under UV exposure or crack in freezing temperatures, this box offers a heavy-duty dual-latching system and weatherproofing that protects expensive gear from both the elements and theft.

Before buying, note that this box requires a compatible rear door hinge mount system, such as Owl’s Sherpa or B2 carrier. It measures roughly 24″ x 30″ x 15″, which is highly compact but demands mindful packing of oddly shaped items.

• Material: Lightweight, powder-coated aluminum
• Security: Dual locking latches with weather seals
• Mounting Requirement: Rear door carrier/hinge system

This setup is ideal for travelers who need quick access to muddy recovery gear and outdoor tools without entering the van. It is not suitable for those looking for a budget option or those unwilling to install a specialized rear door hinge carrier.

Roof Cargo Box – Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite

Roof cargo boxes are the classic solution for long, lightweight items that refuse to fit neatly inside a small van cabin. Think skis, snowboards, camp chairs, and sleeping bags—items that take up massive volume but do not weigh down the vehicle’s highest point.

The Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite is a premier choice due to its aerodynamic shape and dual-sided opening mechanism. The textured lid resists scratches, while the internal stiffening struts make opening and closing a one-handed operation even when standing on a ladder or tire.

Installation requires an existing crossbar system, and the box adds about 15 inches of height to the vehicle clearance. Users must keep track of their total clearance to avoid low-hanging branches and parking garage structures.

• Capacity: 16 cubic feet of storage volume
• Dimensions: 81″ x 36″ x 15″
• Access: Dual-sided opening with integrated locks

This box is perfect for multi-sport athletes carrying long gear like skis or fishing rods. It is less suitable for those who prioritize a low-profile aesthetic or frequently travel through areas with severe overhead clearance limits.

Spare Tire Bag – Trasharoo Spare Tire Trash Bag

Hauling garbage inside a small camper van is a recipe for unpleasant odors and pests, especially during multi-day off-grid stays. A spare tire bag moves trash entirely outside the living space, keeping the interior smelling fresh and clean.

The Trasharoo Spare Tire Trash Bag is the industry benchmark for this task, utilizing heavy-duty 900-denier canvas with double-stitched buckles. It securely straps over a rear-mounted spare tire, offering up to 30 pounds of carrying capacity for garbage, firewood, or wet wetsuits.

While highly durable, UV exposure will eventually fade the canvas, and heavy rain can waterlog the bag if the bottom drain holes become clogged with debris. Regular rinsing and occasional UV-protectant sprays extend its working life significantly.

• Material: 900-denier heavy-duty nylon canvas
• Capacity: Holds up to a standard 30-gallon trash bag
• Fitment: Adjustable strap system fits tires from 29″ to 40″

This is an essential purchase for off-grid campers and overland travelers who practice Leave No Trace principles. It is not necessary for those who only camp at sites with immediate access to dumpsters or lack a rear-mounted spare tire.

Rear Bike Rack – Thule Elite Van XT Bike Rack

Bicycles are fantastic for local exploration once the van is parked, but storing them inside eats up the entire living corridor. A dedicated rear door bike rack keeps these bulky items secure, clean, and ready to ride without sacrificing interior floor space.

The Thule Elite Van XT Bike Rack is engineered specifically for van conversions, mounting directly to the right rear door without drilling. This design allows the doors to be opened fully even when bikes are loaded, which is a massive convenience compared to hitch-mounted swing-away racks.

Because it mounts to the door skin, it is crucial to stay within the weight limit of 42 pounds per bike (75 pounds total). Overloading can warp the door hinges over time, leading to misalignment and door seal leaks.

• Capacity: 2 bikes (non-extendable)
• Mounting: Door-specific clamp system (no drilling required)
• Compatibility: Designed primarily for Sprinter, Ducato, and Crafter doors

This rack is a perfect match for active couples or solo travelers who ride standard road or trail bikes. It is not suited for heavy electric bikes, which easily exceed the rack’s safe weight capacity.

Roof Platform – Front Runner Slimpro Rack Kit

A bare van roof is wasted real estate that could otherwise host solar panels, recovery gear, and storage cases. A roof platform provides a structural grid that makes organizing and securing these diverse items straightforward and safe.

The Front Runner Slimpro Rack Kit is highly effective because of its low-profile, modular design. The aluminum construction ensures it adds minimal weight to the roof, while the t-slot slats allow for near-infinite customization with accessories like shovel mounts, tie-down rings, or light bars.

Installing a platform rack is a multi-hour project that requires careful sealing of all mounting points to prevent water intrusion. It also permanently alters the van’s aerodynamics, which typically results in a minor drop in fuel economy.

• Material: Black powder-coated T6 aluminum
• Design: Modular slat system with t-slots
• Compatibility: Vehicle-specific mounting feet for precise fitment

This platform is ideal for DIY builders who want a highly customizable grid to mount solar panels and gear boxes. It is overkill for those who only need to carry a simple plastic cargo box on occasion.

Fuel Container – RotopaX RX-2G Gasoline Pack

Venturing deep into remote areas requires a backup fuel supply, but carrying gasoline inside a living space is hazardous due to fumes and fire risks. Mounting fuel containers externally is the only safe way to extend a van’s exploration range.

The RotopaX RX-2G Gasoline Pack is a standard for external fuel storage, manufactured using a patented three-layer rotomolding process. This construction prevents leaks, swelling, and color fading under harsh sun, while the unique central mounting hole secures the pack tightly to any flat surface.

Because fuel expands and contracts with changes in temperature and altitude, users must manually vent the container occasionally during steep elevation changes. Mounting hardware (LOX pack mounts) must be purchased separately to lock the container securely against theft.

• Volume: 2 US gallons (7.5 liters)
• Material: Rotomolded durable plastic
• Mounting: Compatible with RotopaX unique T-handle mounts

This product is a must-have for desert explorers and off-grid adventurers who push their vehicles far past the nearest gas station. It is unnecessary for weekend travelers who stay close to major highways and suburban infrastructure.

Window Storage Panel – Vanspeed Mule Bag

The rear side windows of a van are often underutilized zones that offer a perfect mounting surface for external storage. Utilizing this vertical space keeps items close at hand while preserving the clean profile of the vehicle sides.

The Vanspeed Mule Bag mounts over the rear quarter window glass, utilizing a specialized exterior panel to create a weather-resistant storage locker. Built with durable canvas and structured framing, it provides a perfect home for recovery straps, air hoses, and outdoor tools.

This solution requires a compatible exterior window panel or rack system to mount securely. It also permanently blocks visibility through that specific rear window, which is a trade-off drivers must accept before installation.

• Material: Weatherproof ballistic nylon with structured internal frames
• Location: Rear side quarter window area
• Access: Large zippered openings with weather flaps

This is an excellent choice for owners of Mercedes Sprinters or Ford Transits looking to squeeze storage out of every exterior square inch. It is not suitable for budget builds or those who prefer maximum window visibility while driving.

Rear Door Ladder – Flatline Van Co Side Ladder

Accessing roof-mounted solar panels, storage boxes, or gear platforms is a challenge without a dedicated physical path. A ladder provides a secure way to climb up for maintenance, snow removal, or gear retrieval without risking damage to the van’s sheet metal.

The Flatline Van Co Side Ladder stands out because it mounts to the side utility tracks of the van rather than the rear door. This design keeps the ladder clear of rear-door cargo boxes and bike racks, while its aluminum construction ensures it remains lightweight and rust-free.

Side ladders increase the overall width of the vehicle slightly, which requires extra caution when navigating tight trails or drive-thrus. Proper installation requires alignment with the factory roof rails and lower pinch welds.

• Material: 6000-series aluminum with a durable powder coat
• Mounting: Attaches to roof rails and pinch weld
• Tread: Textured steps for slip-resistant climbing

This ladder is perfect for van owners who have fully loaded rear doors and need clean, uninterrupted roof access. It is not recommended for those who do not use roof storage or prefer a completely aerodynamic profile.

Underbody Storage – Buyers Products Toolbox

The space beneath a van’s chassis is often overlooked, yet it is ideal for heavy, dense items that need to keep a low center of gravity. Tools, spare fluids, tire chains, and leveling blocks fit perfectly under the body, keeping them out of sight and out of the cabin.

The Buyers Products Underbody Toolbox is highly durable, featuring heavy-duty steel or aluminum construction with a water-resistant compression latch. It is designed to withstand road debris, salt, and water spray while keeping the interior contents dry and secure.

Installing an underbody box requires drilling into the chassis frame or fabricating custom brackets to clear exhaust lines and plumbing. Ground clearance must be measured carefully to prevent the box from bottoming out on rough terrain or steep driveways.

• Material: 14-gauge steel or thick diamond-tread aluminum
• Latch: Stainless steel T-handle compression latch
• Sealing: Full-perimeter weather stripping

This is a premier choice for self-reliant builders who carry heavy tools and recovery gear for remote travel. It is not suitable for low-clearance city vans or those looking for a simple, bolt-on installation.

Exterior Molle Panel – Owl Vans Sherpa Carrier

Rear doors provide a vertical canvas that can host a variety of tools, but permanent, single-use mounts lack flexibility. A heavy-duty utility panel solves this by allowing users to mount, arrange, and swap gear as their travel needs change.

The Owl Vans Sherpa Carrier replaces the traditional rear door hinges with a heavy-duty, CNC-machined aluminum plate covered in mounting slots. This plate acts as a universal mounting grid, capable of holding fuel cans, recovery boards, shovels, or small storage boxes in various configurations.

This carrier requires replacing the factory door hinges with upgraded 180-degree hinges, which can be a challenging DIY task. It also adds weight directly to the door, meaning users must lift the door with care when opening it.

• Material: CNC-machined aircraft-grade aluminum
• Mounting Pattern: Universal slot and hole grid for versatility
• Load Rating: Engineered to carry heavy loads without bending

This is the ultimate tool for overland enthusiasts who demand modularity and want to swap out gear packs between summer and winter trips. It is not the right choice for casual campers who only need to carry a single static item.

Key Weight Distribution Rules for Van Roofs

Loading up a van roof with gear is tempting, but it drastically raises the vehicle’s center of gravity. This change can lead to body roll in tight turns, instability in high crosswinds, and overall degraded handling. Keeping the heaviest items down low—and only placing lightweight, high-volume items on the roof—is the golden rule of van packing.

Most van roofs have a dynamic weight limit (weight while driving) that is significantly lower than their static limit (weight when parked). Always consult the vehicle’s manual to find this dynamic capacity, which typically ranges from 150 to 300 pounds, including the weight of the roof rack itself. Exceeding this limit poses a serious safety hazard during emergency maneuvers.

Additionally, wind resistance increases exponentially with speed, meaning poorly placed roof gear will drag down fuel economy. Positioning wind deflector fairings at the front of the rack and mounting cargo boxes centrally can minimize this drag, saving fuel and reducing wind noise during highway transit.

Conclusion

Expanding storage to the exterior of a small camper van is the most effective way to reclaim interior living space and keep the cabin clean. By choosing high-quality, vehicle-appropriate gear like rear boxes, modular racks, and durable panels, travelers can enjoy a more comfortable, organized life on the road. Carefully consider weight limits and aerodynamics, pack smart, and enjoy the freedom of a clutter-free home on wheels.