10 Best Exterior Storage Solutions for Bulky RV Gear

Fitting a life’s worth of gear inside a moving footprint of less than 300 square feet is one of the greatest puzzles of alternative living. While interior cabinets fill up quickly with daily essentials, bulky gear like leveling blocks, generators, and outdoor equipment requires a different strategy. Utilizing your RV’s exterior not only reclaims valuable living space but also keeps dirty, wet equipment exactly where it belongs—outside.

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How to Assess Your RV’s Exterior Weight Capacity

Every pound added to the exterior of an RV has a compounding effect on handling, braking, and structural integrity. Before mounting a single bracket, find your rig’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC), usually located on a yellow sticker inside the driver’s door jamb or near the main entry door. Exceeding these limits compromises your suspension and tire safety, turning a weekend getaway into a roadside emergency.

Pay close attention to how weight is distributed between the front tongue and the rear bumper. Most standard travel trailer bumpers are only rated for 100 to 150 pounds of total weight, which includes the spare tire already mounted there. Adding a heavy cargo box to a weak bumper can cause metal fatigue and weld failures, whereas overloading the front tongue alters the tow vehicle’s steering dynamics.

Remember that weight shifts dynamically while driving on uneven highway pavement or washboard dirt roads. A 50-pound generator can exert over 150 pounds of downward force when hitting a pothole at highway speeds. Always calculate a safety margin of at least 20 percent below your maximum rated capacities to account for these dynamic forces.

Bumper Cargo Box – Yakima EXO GearLocker Storage

The Yakima EXO GearLocker is a premium, rugged, weather-resistant gear box that integrates seamlessly with the modular Yakima EXO hitch system. Its 10 cubic feet of storage space and heavy-duty weight capacity make it perfect for keeping wet camp stoves, muddy hiking boots, and heavy recovery gear out of your living space. The rotomolded construction offers superior impact resistance compared to thin plastic alternatives.

This system requires a robust 2-inch receiver mounted to a reinforced chassis frame, not a flimsy bumper-clamp receiver. It features a user-friendly swing-away arm, which is essential for accessing rear cargo doors on camper vans or travel trailers without unloading all your gear. Note that the entire EXO ecosystem is an investment, and the base swing-away assembly must be purchased separately.

• Capacity: 10 cubic feet (Weight capacity up to 250 lbs on Class III receivers)
• Dimensions: 60″ L x 23″ W x 16″ H
• Key Feature: SKS (Same Key System) lock cores included for high-level security

This is ideal for active camper van owners and travelers who need secure, dry, and easily accessible storage for high-value outdoor equipment. It is not suitable for ultra-light trailers with weak rear bumper assemblies or owners on a tight budget.

Hitch Cargo Carrier – Curt 18153 Basket Style

The Curt 18153 Basket Style Cargo Carrier is a powerhouse for hauling dirty or odd-shaped items like firewood, extra propane tanks, and muddy leveling blocks. With a 500-pound weight capacity and a folding shank design, it tucks up closely against the rig when empty to keep your overall vehicle length manageable. The 6-inch high walls keep items contained, while the steel mesh floor allows rain, dirt, and road grime to drain away instantly.

Ground clearance is the biggest obstacle when using a low-slung hitch carrier, especially when entering steep gas station driveways or navigating forest service roads. A folding shank helps, but you may need a hitch riser to prevent the carrier from scraping the pavement. Additionally, any gear placed here will be fully exposed to road spray, exhaust heat, and potential theft, necessitating heavy-duty ratchet straps and locking cables.

• Capacity: 500 lbs tongue weight capacity
• Dimensions: 60″ L x 24″ W x 6″ H
• Material: Heavy-duty, carbide black powder-coated steel

This carrier is a must-have for boondockers and family campers who need to transport bulky, dirty gear that shouldn’t go inside the RV. It is not the right choice if you need to store sensitive electronics, dry clothes, or high-value items that require absolute weather protection.

Rooftop Cargo Box – Thule Motion XT XXL Carrier

When interior floor space is at a premium, the Thule Motion XT XXL utilizes unused rooftop real estate with 22 cubic feet of highly aerodynamic storage. Its dual-side opening design allows you to access gear from either side of your rig, which is incredibly useful when parked close to trees or utility poles. The PowerClick quick-mount system clicks when it is securely tightened, ensuring the box won’t fly off at highway speeds.

Adding a massive box to your RV roof increases your overall clearance height, so you must measure your new vertical profile to avoid low-clearance bridges and tree branches. Climbing up a wet ladder to retrieve gear in the dark is also a safety hazard, so reserve this box for lightweight, seasonally used items rather than daily-use tools. Ensure your RV’s roof rack crossbars are rated to support both the weight of the box itself and the gear inside.

• Volume: 22 cubic feet (Holds up to 165 lbs of cargo)
• Dimensions: 91.5″ L x 37.5″ W x 18″ H
• Opening: DualSide opening for easy access from both sides of the roof

This is a perfect match for Class B camper vans and smaller Class C motorhomes that have accessible roof racks and need to store bulky, lightweight items like snowboards, camp chairs, or sleeping bags. It is not practical for tall Fifth Wheels or large travel trailers where accessing the roof is difficult and dangerous.

Ladder Cargo Rack – Stromberg Carlson LA-102

The Stromberg Carlson LA-102 turns an underutilized exterior ladder into a robust rack for holding lawn chairs, small folding tables, or even a lightweight kayak. Made of rust-resistant aluminum, it hooks directly onto the rungs of standard 1-inch RV ladders and secures with heavy-duty straps. This clever design keeps long, awkward items from taking up valuable interior cabinet space or blocking your rear view.

Standard RV exterior ladders are typically only rated for 250 pounds dynamic weight, which includes the person climbing them. Adding too much static weight to the ladder can rip the mounting brackets right out of your RV’s rear wall. Always limit the cargo on this rack to a maximum of 50 pounds and ensure everything is strapped down tightly to prevent wind lofting while driving.

• Capacity: Up to 50 lbs total weight limit
• Material: Rust-resistant, lightweight aluminum tube
• Compatibility: Fits standard 1-inch diameter aluminum RV ladders

This rack is excellent for solo travelers or couples in medium-sized trailers who need a quick, affordable way to transport bulky patio chairs. It is not suitable for heavy gear, nor is it wise for those who frequently need to climb their ladder to inspect the roof.

A-Frame Tongue Box – Buyers Products Black Polymer

The Buyers Products Black Polymer A-Frame Tongue Box is engineered to fit perfectly into the wedge-shaped space on the front of a travel trailer or utility trailer. Made from high-density, rotationally molded polyethylene, it is completely impervious to rust, road salt, and heavy impacts. The heavy-duty stainless steel paddle latch is lockable, providing a secure home for expensive towing gear, weight-distribution hitches, and leveling blocks.

Before installing this box, you must measure your battery box and propane tank clearances to ensure you have enough room for the trailer jack to operate freely. Mounting this box adds weight directly to your hitch tongue, which can significantly alter your tow vehicle’s hitch capacity. It may require drilling into the trailer’s A-frame, so a high-quality cobalt drill bit and rust-preventative paint for the drilled holes are essential during installation.

• Material: High-density, rotationally molded polyethylene
• Dimensions: 36″ L (back) x 18″ L (front) x 19″ W x 18″ H
• Security: Corrosion-resistant stainless steel paddle latch lock

This is an indispensable storage upgrade for travel trailer owners who want to clean up their front tongue area and secure greasy hitch components. It is not compatible with motorized RVs (Class A, B, or C) or fifth wheels.

Underchassis Storage – Lippert Underchassis Bin

The Lippert Underchassis Storage Bin System is the ultimate space-saving hack, mounting directly to the underbelly of your RV frame. This system features heavy-duty plastic bins that slide out easily on a steel track, keeping your gear clean, dry, and completely hidden from view. By storing heavy items like spare parts, sewer fittings, or leveling blocks low to the ground, it actually helps maintain a low center of gravity for better highway towing.

Installing this system requires working underneath the rig, which can be challenging if your RV has an enclosed, insulated underbelly. You will need to carefully cut and reseal the underbelly coroplast membrane to mount the steel brackets directly to the chassis frame rails. Ground clearance must be monitored closely; do not install this on low-riding trailers that frequent rough, unpaved terrain.

• Capacity: Supports up to 100 lbs per bin compartment
• Configuration: Dual bin slide-out tray assembly
• Location: Under-vehicle chassis mount between I-beam frame rails

This is an ideal solution for full-time RVers and long-distance travelers who need to store heavy, infrequently used spare parts and tools out of sight. It is not suitable for rigs with ultra-low ground clearance or owners who are uncomfortable performing advanced under-vehicle installations.

Spare Tire Utility Bag – Trasharoo Spare Tire Bag

The Trasharoo Spare Tire Bag is the gold standard for keeping smelly trash and wet gear outside the living space of your rig. Constructed from heavy-duty 900-denier canvas with double-stitched seams, it easily buckles over any standard 15-inch to 40-inch spare tire. It features a drainage hole at the bottom for easy rinsing, along with exterior mesh pockets for storing trash bags, work gloves, or recovery straps.

UV damage is the biggest enemy of exterior canvas gear. While the Trasharoo is highly durable, leaving it exposed to intense desert sun year-round will eventually fade and weaken the fabric, so removing it during long periods of storage is wise. Ensure the mounting straps are pulled extremely tight; a loose bag will bounce, causing friction that can scuff your spare tire cover or paint.

• Capacity: Up to 50 lbs of weight capacity
• Material: 900-denier water-resistant canvas
• Sizing: Fits tires from 15 inches up to 40 inches in diameter

This bag is a must-have for boondockers, overland travelers, and off-grid campers who generate trash far away from public dumpsters. It is not ideal for those without a rear-mounted spare tire, though it can occasionally be adapted to fit tailgate setups.

RV Approved Bike Rack – Swagman Dispatch Platform

Standard bicycle racks are not designed to withstand the extreme whip-like forces generated at the rear of a long trailer or motorhome. The Swagman Dispatch Platform Bike Rack is specifically RV-approved, featuring a reinforced 2-inch hitch shank and heavy-duty wheel trays that secure up to two bikes weighing 45 pounds each. Its push-button ratcheting hooks hold the bike frames securely without scratching the finish, ensuring your bikes arrive safely.

Using a non-RV-approved rack on the back of an RV will void the rack’s warranty and often results in structural failure, putting drivers behind you in extreme danger. This rack is heavy, weighing around 48 pounds, so you must factor this weight into your total hitch receiver capacity. A high-quality locking hitch pin and cable lock are highly recommended to prevent both the rack and the bikes from being stolen.

• Capacity: 2 bikes up to 45 lbs each (90 lbs total capacity)
• Hitch Size: Fits 2-inch receivers only
• Certification: RV approved for use on the back of travel trailers, 5th wheels, and motorhomes

This rack is essential for any RV traveler or van lifer who wants to securely transport cruiser bikes, road bikes, or standard mountain bikes. It is not rated for heavy, fat-tire electric bikes that exceed the 45-pound-per-bike weight limit.

Generator Cargo Box – Torklift Lock and Load

Portable generators are prime targets for campsite theft and are incredibly heavy to lift in and out of interior storage compartments. The Torklift Lock and Load generator box solves both problems by providing a heavy-duty, powder-coated steel cage that mounts directly to your 2-inch receiver. Its secure, locking design allows you to chain your generator down and run it safely while locked inside the box, thanks to its open-air ventilation design.

Generators produce extreme heat and exhaust fumes, so you must position the box so the exhaust points away from your RV’s walls, windows, and slide-outs. This steel box adds significant tongue weight (over 50 pounds empty, plus the weight of your generator and fuel), so ensure your hitch receiver can handle the load. Regular maintenance involves checking the lock cylinders and lubricating them to prevent road grime from seizing the keys.

• Security: Heavy-duty steel cage with locking mechanism
• Dimensions: 28″ L x 23″ W x 23″ H
• Hitch Mount: Fits standard 2-inch receiver hitches

This is a premium safety upgrade for off-grid boondockers who rely on heavy portable generators (like Honda EU2200i models) and want peace of mind while away from camp. It is not necessary for travelers who only stay in campgrounds with full electrical hookups.

Sewer Hose Carrier – Valterra Adjustable Easy Hose

Mixing black water equipment with fresh water gear or camp kitchen supplies is a recipe for health disasters. The Valterra Adjustable Easy Hose Carrier provides a sealed, sanitary home for your sewer hoses, expanding from 50 to 94 inches to accommodate longer hoses and their bulky fittings. It mounts easily to your RV’s undercarriage or bumper using self-tapping screws and features a padlock-compatible cap to prevent accidental spills on the highway.

When installing, mount the carrier at a slight downward angle toward the opening cap. This allows any residual rinse water to drain out of the tube when you open it, preventing mold and nasty odors from building up inside. Use high-quality stainless steel mounting hardware rather than cheap plastic zip ties, as road debris can easily tear a poorly secured tube away.

• Adjustability: Extends from 50 inches to 94 inches
• Material: Heavy-duty, UV-resistant black plastic
• Diameter: 4.25 inches (Large enough to fit hoses with bayonet fittings)

This is an absolute necessity for every travel trailer, fifth wheel, and motorhome owner who wants to maintain a sanitary, organized exterior setup. It is not needed for camper vans or small rigs that utilize cassette toilets or composting toilet systems.

How to Secure and Weatherproof Exterior RV Gear

Securing your exterior gear goes far beyond preventing it from falling off on the interstate; it is also about keeping it safe from opportunistic theft. Always use keyed-alike padlocks and heavy-duty, vinyl-coated steel cables to lock cargo boxes, generators, and bikes directly to your RV’s steel frame. Standard padlocks will quickly rust and seize due to road salt and rain, so invest in weather-sealed marine-grade locks with rubber keyhole covers.

When it comes to holding gear in place, cheap bungee cords are a major safety hazard. Upgrade to heavy-duty polyester ratchet straps or cam-buckle utility straps with high break-strength ratings to secure boxes and loose equipment. Routinely inspect these straps for fraying, UV rot, and buckle wear, replacing them at the first sign of damage to prevent cargo from shifting mid-trip.

Road spray acts like a pressure washer, forcing water into the smallest gaps of your cargo boxes at 65 miles per hour. Apply closed-cell foam weatherstripping inside the lids of your storage boxes to create a water-tight seal. For non-waterproof storage options like hitch baskets, always pack your gear inside heavy-duty, waterproof dry bags or military-grade canvas duffles before strapping them down.

Conclusion

Optimizing your RV’s exterior storage capacity turns a cluttered, stressful rig into a highly efficient mobile base camp. By selecting the right mounting solutions for your specific gear and staying strictly within safe weight limits, you ensure a smoother, safer towing experience. Invest in quality hardware, protect your gear from the elements, and enjoy the reclaimed comfort of your interior living space.