6 Best Outdoor Storage Boxes For Hobby Gear In RVs That Nomads Swear By
Nomad-tested storage for your favorite hobbies.
That pile of gear in the corner of your RV knows your secrets. It knows you’re a kayaker, a climber, a weekend woodworker, or all three. It also knows it’s slowly taking over your precious living space, turning your tiny home on wheels into a chaotic gear locker. This is a universal truth of nomadic life: your passions require equipment, and your rig has finite space. The solution isn’t to leave your hobbies behind; it’s to move them outside.
Effective outdoor storage is one of the most significant upgrades you can make to your RV lifestyle. It’s not just about tidiness; it’s about freedom. It’s the freedom to bring the gear that makes you happy without tripping over it every morning. It’s about protecting expensive equipment from weather, theft, and the brutal vibration of the road.
Choosing the right box, however, is more than just grabbing a plastic tub from a big-box store. You need to consider weatherproofing, durability, security, and how it integrates with your specific setup—be it a roof rack, a rear cargo carrier, or a pass-through storage bay. The right choice protects your investment and streamlines your adventure, while the wrong one leads to wet, broken, or stolen gear.
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Reclaim Your Space: Top RV Storage Boxes for Gear
The fundamental challenge of RV life is the constant battle for square footage. Your hobbies, from fishing to photography, demand gear that is often bulky, dirty, and oddly shaped. Storing this equipment inside is a recipe for clutter and frustration. The answer lies in leveraging your RV’s exterior, turning unused space into a secure, weatherproof extension of your garage.
A proper outdoor storage box is purpose-built for the rigors of the road. Unlike a simple storage bin, these cases are designed with robust latching systems, gasket seals to keep out dust and water, and materials that can withstand UV degradation and extreme temperature swings. They are an investment in protecting the tools of your trade or the toys that bring you joy.
The boxes that seasoned nomads trust aren’t chosen by accident. They are selected through trial and error on washboard roads and in torrential downpours. The following list represents the go-to solutions that have proven their worth, each excelling in a specific role, from bombproof security for high-value electronics to high-capacity storage for campsite essentials.
ROAM Rugged Case: Your Indestructible Gear Garage
This 95L rugged case offers durable LLDPE construction and secure, lockable latches to protect your gear. Its spacious interior (46.7 x 14.4 x 9.1 inches) is designed for reliable transport of essential equipment.
When you see a ROAM case strapped to a rig, you know the owner is serious about protecting their gear. These boxes are built with a rotomolded construction, the same process used for high-end coolers and whitewater kayaks. This results in a seamless, incredibly durable shell that can handle just about any abuse you can throw at it.
The key feature that sets ROAM apart is its uncompromising focus on protection. A full-length gasket creates an IP67-rated dustproof and waterproof seal, meaning it can be submerged without leaking. Gas struts on the lid make access easy, and interlocking geometry allows for stable, secure stacking. This is the box you choose for your sensitive camera equipment, recovery gear, or anything that absolutely cannot get wet or damaged.
Of course, this level of durability comes at a price, both in dollars and in weight. ROAM cases are among the more expensive and heavier options on the market. They are a professional-grade solution for those whose gear is either mission-critical or represents a significant financial investment. It’s overkill for storing leveling blocks, but essential for protecting your livelihood or most prized possessions.
Pelican Cargo Case: Ultimate Weatherproof Security
Protect and organize your gear with the durable Pelican Cargo Case. This weather-resistant storage box features heavy-duty handles and tie-down plates for secure mounting in your truck bed or on a roof rack.
Pelican is a name synonymous with ultimate equipment protection, and their Cargo Case line brings that legendary toughness to the world of vehicle-based adventure. These cases are engineered specifically for exterior mounting on roof racks or in truck beds, with integrated mounting points and a sleek, aerodynamic profile. They are built to be a semi-permanent part of your rig’s exterior.
The real strength of the Pelican Cargo Case lies in its security and weatherproofing. They feature heavy-duty steel latches and are compatible with padlocks, offering a significant deterrent to theft. The gasket seal is second to none, ensuring that a cross-country drive through a rainstorm won’t leave you with a box full of soggy gear. This makes them ideal for storing valuable tools, fishing tackle, or portable power stations.
The trade-off with Pelican is a premium price tag and a form factor that is optimized for external mounting rather than internal stacking. Their unique shapes might not be the most space-efficient inside a storage bay. However, for anyone needing a lock-it-and-leave-it solution bolted to the outside of their RV, Pelican provides an unmatched level of security and peace of mind.
DECKED D-Box: The Organizer’s Dream Storage System
This 3-pack of DECKED Payloader D-co Cases offers durable, weatherproof storage for your gear. Built from impact-resistant polymer, these cases feature snap lids for quick access and a stable-stack system for secure organization.
The DECKED D-Box was born from a larger truck bed drawer system, and that DNA of organization is its greatest strength. While many storage boxes are just empty voids, the D-Box is designed to bring order to chaos. It’s a high-impact, weatherproof toolbox that comes with internal dividers, making it perfect for managing smaller items.
This is the solution for the nomad with lots of little pieces to keep track of. Think of a complete bike maintenance kit, a collection of climbing hardware, or an artist’s array of paints and supplies. The gasket seal keeps dust and moisture out, while the ultra-durable construction ensures it can be tossed around without a second thought. The handles are robust, and the whole system feels engineered for hard use.
The D-Box isn’t as large as some other options, and its primary function is organization, not just bulk storage. It’s also part of a larger system, meaning it integrates perfectly if you already use DECKED products. For those who value a place for everything and everything in its place, the D-Box is a game-changer for managing the complex kits that support your hobbies.
Rubbermaid ActionPacker: The All-Around Workhorse
Transport gear safely with the Rubbermaid ActionPacker. This durable, lockable 35-gallon storage bin features a double-walled lid and is made with recycled content for rugged, weather-resistant protection.
There’s a reason you see the Rubbermaid ActionPacker at every campsite and on the back of countless work trucks. It hits the sweet spot of durability, affordability, and utility. Made from a tough, impact-resistant polymer, it can handle being dropped, dragged, and exposed to the elements far better than a standard storage tote.
The ActionPacker’s design is brilliantly simple and effective. The double-walled lid is strong enough to sit or stand on, and the lockable latches provide a basic level of security. While not fully waterproof, the lid design sheds rain effectively, making it perfect for less sensitive items. This is the go-to box for your "dirty gear"—sewer hoses, shore power cords, leveling blocks, and chocks.
You must, however, understand its limitations. The ActionPacker is water-resistant, not waterproof. It will not survive submersion, and a driving rain could lead to some moisture inside. The plastic can also become brittle in extreme sub-zero temperatures. For the price, it is an unbeatable value for general-purpose storage, but it is not the choice for your most valuable or water-sensitive equipment.
Plano Sportsman’s Trunk: Max Storage, Minimal Cost
Transport gear easily with the Plano Sportsman Trunk. This durable, 108-quart storage box features easy-glide wheels and a reinforced, removable lid for secure stacking.
Sometimes, your primary need isn’t extreme protection; it’s sheer volume. When you need to store bulky, low-sensitivity items, the Plano Sportsman’s Trunk is the undisputed champion of cost-effective capacity. These trunks offer a massive amount of storage for a fraction of the cost of a premium rugged case.
The design prioritizes space and portability. Most models come with integrated wheels, making it easy to haul a heavy load from your RV to your campsite. They feature multiple tie-down points molded into the exterior, which is critical for securing them safely on a cargo rack. They are the perfect container for firewood, outdoor rugs, campsite chairs, or a collection of beach toys.
The trade-off is clear: you are sacrificing robust weatherproofing and security for volume. The lids don’t have a gasket seal, and the locking points are basic. This is not the box for your power tools or electronics. But for nomads who need to haul a lot of gear and aren’t as concerned with creating a Fort Knox on their bumper, the Plano trunk delivers unmatched cubic footage for your dollar.
Zarges K470 Case: Lightweight Aluminum Protection
Protect your gear with this durable, lightweight aluminum carrying case. Featuring robust, dust and water-resistant construction with German engineering, it offers superior protection for electronics and equipment.
For nomads who count every pound, the Zarges K470 case presents a compelling alternative to heavy plastics. Constructed from high-quality aluminum, these cases offer a fantastic strength-to-weight ratio. This makes them a superior choice for roof-mounted applications where minimizing weight is crucial for vehicle stability and fuel economy.
Aluminum offers unique advantages over polymer construction. It is inherently UV-stable and won’t become brittle in the cold or soft in the desert heat. Zarges cases feature a robust gasket, stainless steel hinges, and secure latches, providing excellent protection from dust and water. They are a long-term investment that can outlast multiple RVs.
The primary considerations for Zarges are the high initial cost and the nature of aluminum itself. While incredibly strong, aluminum will dent under sharp impacts, whereas a plastic box might flex and return to shape. These cases represent a specialized, premium solution for travelers who prioritize weight savings and long-term durability in extreme environments.
Choose Your Perfect Box: A Nomad’s Buying Guide
The best outdoor storage box doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The right choice is a direct reflection of what you need to store, where you plan to store it, and how much you’re willing to invest in protecting it. Don’t start by asking which box is "best"; start by asking what problem you are trying to solve.
A simple framework can help guide your decision. Prioritize your needs based on the gear itself, and the answer will become much clearer. There is no single box that does everything perfectly.
- For High-Value or Sensitive Gear (Cameras, Electronics, Tools): Your priority is maximum protection. Look to the indestructible, fully weatherproof options like the ROAM Rugged Case or Pelican Cargo Case. For a lightweight alternative, consider the Zarges K470.
- For Complex Kits with Small Parts (Climbing, Biking, Crafts): Your priority is organization. The DECKED D-Box with its internal dividers is purpose-built for this task.
- For General-Duty Campsite Gear (Hoses, Cords, Blocks): Your priority is good-enough durability at a great price. The Rubbermaid ActionPacker is the proven workhorse in this category.
- For Bulky, Low-Sensitivity Items (Firewood, Chairs, Rugs): Your priority is maximum volume for minimum cost. The Plano Sportsman’s Trunk offers unrivaled capacity for the price.
Finally, think beyond the box itself and consider its integration with your rig. How will you secure it? Can you access it easily? The most durable box in the world is useless if it’s a constant struggle to use or if it isn’t properly fastened for highway travel. Your storage solution should make your adventures easier, not add another layer of complexity.
Ultimately, mastering outdoor storage is about enabling your life on the road. It’s the critical step that allows you to seamlessly blend a comfortable living space with a fully-equipped basecamp for your adventures. By moving your hobby gear outside into a secure, dedicated container, you reclaim your interior for what it’s meant to be: a home.
The right box acts as a silent partner in your travels. It keeps your gear organized, protected, and ready for action at a moment’s notice. It removes the friction between wanting to live small and wanting to do big things.
So take a look at that pile of gear in the corner. It’s not a problem to be solved, but an opportunity to be seized. Choose the right storage solution, and you’ll transform that clutter into a launchpad for your next great adventure, all while making your tiny home feel twice as big.
