6 Best Pull Out Trash Can Holders For Small RV Galley Maximize Every Inch
Our review of the 6 best pull-out trash cans for small RV galleys helps you maximize every inch. Find compact, durable, and easy-to-install options.
There’s nothing that shrinks a small RV galley faster than a loose trash can. It gets kicked, tripped over, and becomes an open invitation for curious pets and unwanted smells. The solution isn’t just about hiding the trash; it’s about reclaiming valuable floor space and making your kitchen work for you, not against you.
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Why a Pull-Out Can is a Galley Game-Changer
A pull-out trash system transforms dead cabinet space into a functional, hidden utility. Instead of a can floating around the galley, you dedicate a specific, out-of-the-way cabinet to waste management. This single move can dramatically increase your usable floor space, which is the most valuable real estate in any rig.
The benefits go beyond just space. Containing your trash inside a cabinet significantly cuts down on odors, a critical factor in a small, enclosed environment. It also keeps the bin secure during travel days, so you won’t arrive at your destination to find last night’s dinner scraps scattered across the floor.
Most importantly, it streamlines your workflow. When you’re prepping food, the trash is a simple, one-handed slide away—right where you need it. No more walking across the galley with dripping vegetable peels. It’s a small change that has a massive impact on how efficient and enjoyable your RV kitchen can be.
Rev-A-Shelf RV-12KD: The Compact Single Bin Champ
Hide your trash and recycling with this convenient pull-out system. Designed for 15" base cabinets, it features smooth, full-extension slides for easy access to the 35-quart container.
When you have a standard small cabinet, the Rev-A-Shelf RV-12KD is often the go-to solution. It’s built on a simple, durable wire frame that has proven itself over years of use in residential and RV applications. The system is designed for a 12-inch cabinet opening, a common size found under many RV galley sinks.
This model typically includes a 20-quart or 35-quart bin, which is a sweet spot for one or two people over a few days. It prevents trash from sitting too long while still being large enough to be practical. Installation is straightforward, mounting directly to the cabinet floor with just a few screws.
What makes it a champ is its reliability and simplicity. There are no complex mechanisms to fail or adjust. This is the workhorse option for a standard, uncomplicated cabinet space. It just slides in, slides out, and gets the job done without any fuss.
Knape & Vogt SBM9-1-20WH: For Ultra-Narrow Cabinets
Every RVer eventually encounters that cabinet—the one that’s too narrow for anything useful. It’s often the result of plumbing or wheel wells creating awkward, leftover spaces. This is precisely where the Knape & Vogt SBM9-1-20WH shines.
Designed for cabinet openings as narrow as 9 inches, this unit is a true problem-solver. It uses a smaller, 20-quart bin that’s taller and slimmer than most, allowing it to fit where others simply can’t. The bottom-mount design is forgiving, easily securing to the floor of your cabinet.
The tradeoff is obvious: capacity. A 20-quart bin fills up fast. But when the alternative is no built-in trash can at all, that’s a compromise worth making. This is the best choice for maximizing truly awkward, skinny cabinet spaces.
simplehuman 35L Dual Compartment: Premium Recycler
This pull-out recycling bin keeps your kitchen tidy with dual compartments for trash and recyclables. It glides smoothly out of the cabinet on full-extension, ball-bearing tracks for easy access.
For those who prioritize recycling and want a more refined system, simplehuman’s pull-out units are in a class of their own. Their 35L dual-compartment model is a perfect example, offering two separate bins in one smooth-gliding frame. This makes sorting trash and recyclables effortless, which is a huge bonus when you’re trying to be responsible on the road.
The build quality is immediately apparent. The unit slides on a commercial-grade, full-extension ball-bearing track that feels solid and operates silently. It’s a significant upgrade from basic wire frames. You’re paying for the smooth glide, the pre-assembled frame that simplifies installation, and the overall robust feel.
This isn’t the cheapest option, and it requires a slightly wider cabinet opening (typically around 12 inches) to accommodate the dual bins. But if you have the space and budget, the convenience is unmatched. This is the premium pick for dedicated recyclers who value quality and a smooth user experience.
Rev-A-Shelf RVDM117: Smart Door-Mounted Solution
Easily mount your Rev-A-Shelf pullout organizers to cabinet doors for convenient one-step access. This durable metal kit includes all necessary hardware and is compatible with select Rev-A-Shelf 5WB and 5CW series.
Sometimes, the floor of your cabinet is already spoken for by plumbing, wiring, or other RV systems. In this scenario, a door-mounted system is a brilliant alternative. The Rev-A-Shelf RVDM series mounts directly to the inside of the cabinet door, using vertical space instead of floor space.
The RVDM117 kit is a popular choice, featuring a simple frame that holds a small bin. As you open the cabinet door, the trash can swings out with it, giving you immediate access. Some models even include a lid that automatically opens and closes as the door moves.
The key considerations here are door integrity and weight. You need a solid wood cabinet door, not a flimsy composite one, to support the weight of the unit and its contents. Capacity is also smaller, making it better for a single RVer or as a secondary bin for compost. This is the ideal solution when your cabinet floor is obstructed but the door is solid.
Hardware Resources CAN-EBMD: Smooth Ball-Bearing Glide
This double 50-quart pull-out waste system keeps bins hidden yet accessible. Featuring full-extension ball-bearing slides with a 75-pound rating, it offers smooth operation and fits 15-inch minimum cabinet openings.
If you like the simplicity of a single-bin, bottom-mount system but want a smoother, more durable glide than a basic wire frame, the Hardware Resources CAN-EBMD is an excellent middle ground. The key feature is its full-extension ball-bearing slides. This is the same type of hardware used on quality drawers.
The difference is noticeable every time you use it. The can pulls out effortlessly and completely, giving you full access to the bin without having to reach into the cabinet. The motion is fluid and stable, with none of the wobble or scraping you can get from cheaper systems.
This model offers a significant upgrade in user experience for a modest increase in price over entry-level wire frames. It’s a durable, reliable system that feels more integrated and professional. This is the best all-around upgrade for a smoother, sturdier feel without breaking the bank.
Real Solutions by Knape & Vogt: Top Value Pull-Out
When the goal is simply to get the trash can off the floor and into a cabinet on a tight budget, the "Real Solutions" line by Knape & Vogt delivers. These are no-frills, bottom-mount systems that prioritize function over form. They typically use a simple wire frame and basic epoxy-coated slides.
It won’t have the silky-smooth glide of a ball-bearing system, and the wire frame might feel less substantial than premium models. But does it work? Absolutely. It effectively hides your trash and makes it accessible, which is the core mission.
For a weekend warrior or someone outfitting their first rig, this is often all you need. It solves the primary problem without requiring a big investment. This is the top value pick for getting the job done effectively and affordably.
Key Measurements for a Perfect RV Galley Trash Fit
Before you click "buy," you have to measure. Do not guess. RV cabinets are notoriously non-standard, and a quarter-inch can be the difference between a perfect fit and a frustrating return.
Grab a tape measure and check these three things inside the cabinet:
The DEWALT Atomic Compact 30 ft. Tape Measure offers a 13 ft. max reach for straighter, stronger measurements. Its 20% more compact grip enhances ergonomics and control, while the integrated finger brake provides superior blade management.
- Opening Width: Measure the narrowest part of the cabinet opening, usually between the frame stiles. This is your absolute maximum width.
- Interior Depth: Measure from the inside of the front frame to the back wall of the cabinet. Watch out for pipes or wires along the back that could reduce your usable depth.
- Interior Height: Measure from the cabinet floor to the lowest obstruction at the top. This is often the bottom of the sink basin or the plumbing drain.
Write these numbers down and compare them directly to the "minimum cabinet opening" specifications listed for any product you’re considering. Always double-check for plumbing. The P-trap under the sink is the most common obstacle. Measure its location and ensure your chosen bin and slide mechanism will clear it when installed. A perfect fit is planned, not accidental.
Tucking your trash away in a pull-out system is one of the highest-impact upgrades you can make in a small galley. It’s not just about hiding garbage; it’s about creating order, reclaiming space, and making your tiny kitchen feel significantly more functional. Choose the right one, and you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
