6 Best RV Outdoor Storage Options For Your Vehicle
Protect your RV from the elements with our guide to the 6 best outdoor storage options, comparing costs, security, and accessibility for your vehicle.
Every square inch of an RV feels like a battlefield where you’re constantly fighting for breathing room. If you’re tired of tripping over hoses or playing musical chairs with your gear, it’s time to look outside the cabin. Smart exterior storage isn’t just about hoarding more stuff; it’s about reclaiming your living space and keeping your sanity intact on the road.
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Choosing the Right RV Storage Solution
When you start looking at external storage, the first trap is over-estimating your rig’s weight capacity. Every tray, box, and rack adds "sprung weight" and shifts your center of gravity, which can drastically change how your vehicle handles on mountain passes. Always check your GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) before bolting anything to your chassis.
Think about your specific lifestyle rhythm before committing to a permanent mount. If you’re a weekend warrior, a simple hitch-mounted tray might suffice, but full-timers often need weather-sealed, lockable hard cases to protect gear from road grime and theft. Don’t just buy the biggest unit available; buy the one that fits your most frequent, annoying-to-store items.
Yakima SkyBox Carbonite: Best Roof Box
If you’ve got a Class B van or a taller motorhome, the Yakima SkyBox is the gold standard for aerodynamic, weather-proof storage. It’s perfect for the "seasonal gear" problem—think bulky winter jackets, spare bedding, or lightweight camping chairs that you don’t need every single day.
The low-profile design helps mitigate wind noise, which is a massive quality-of-life upgrade on long highway stretches. However, be mindful of your new total height; you don’t want to be the person who clips a low-hanging drive-thru awning. If you have the roof real estate and want to keep your interior clutter-free, this is a top-tier investment.
Stromberg Carlson A-Frame Cargo Tray
The A-frame area on travel trailers is often wasted space, but the Stromberg Carlson tray turns that empty triangle into a heavy-duty workhorse. It’s an ideal spot for items you want to keep accessible but don’t want inside the cabin, like fuel cans, leveling blocks, or dirty tools.
Because it sits right over your tongue, it’s incredibly easy to load and unload without needing a ladder. Just keep a close eye on your tongue weight; adding too much mass here can affect your towing stability. If you need a rugged, no-nonsense spot for your "dirty" gear, this tray is hard to beat.
Fiamma Ultra-Box Rear Storage Carrier
For those who need a serious, permanent solution for a motorhome or camper van, the Fiamma Ultra-Box is the heavy hitter. These are essentially hard-shell trunks that mount to your rear wall or a bike rack, offering a secure, waterproof home for everything from hoses to outdoor kitchen supplies.
The build quality is excellent, and the security factor is a huge plus if you’re parking in urban areas or public campgrounds. It’s definitely a more permanent, "set it and forget it" solution that requires some installation effort. If you’re looking for a professional-grade exterior closet, this is the one.
Camco Gen-Turi RV Generator Exhaust
While not a traditional storage box, the Gen-Turi is an essential piece of "storage" for your generator’s utility. It extends your exhaust pipe vertically, venting fumes well above your roofline and away from your windows.
It’s a non-negotiable piece of kit if you run a portable generator while boondocking near other campers. It breaks down into compact, storable segments that tuck away easily in a basement compartment. If you value being a good neighbor and keeping your air quality high, don’t skip this.
Lippert Components Storage Slide-Out
If your RV has large pass-through basement storage, the Lippert slide-out tray is a game-changer for accessibility. Instead of crawling into the dark recesses of your basement to find a specific tote, you pull a lever and the entire cargo bay slides out to you.
This is the ultimate upgrade for anyone who struggles with back pain or just hates the "digging" aspect of RV storage. It maximizes the utility of your existing space rather than adding weight to the exterior. If you have a large basement, this is the most practical upgrade you can make.
Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform System
The Pioneer Platform is for the modular-minded traveler who wants a "roof deck" feel. It’s a flat, versatile rack that allows you to bolt down everything from recovery boards and fuel tanks to solar panels and kayaks.
It’s incredibly robust, but it requires you to be disciplined about how you lash down your gear. This isn’t a "throw it up there and forget it" system; it’s a platform that demands proper tie-downs and weight distribution. If you’re an adventure-focused traveler who needs a customizable, heavy-duty roof solution, this platform is the gold standard.
Mount-n-Lock Safety Strut Cargo Tray
Safety struts are a clever way to reinforce your RV’s rear bumper, which is notoriously flimsy on many factory-built trailers. Once you’ve installed the safety struts, you can mount a cargo tray to the bumper without worrying about it sagging or tearing off on a bumpy road.
This is a "must-have" if you’re planning to carry anything beyond a lightweight bike rack. It turns a liability into a reliable storage platform. If you’re handy with tools and want to safely increase your trailer’s utility, this is a brilliant, cost-effective upgrade.
Maximizing Your Exterior Storage Space
The secret to exterior storage isn’t just buying gear; it’s about grouping items by their "use frequency." Keep your setup gear—like leveling blocks and chocks—in the easiest-to-reach spots, and push seasonal items like winter gear or specialized tools to the harder-to-reach corners.
Always use transparent, weather-rated bins to keep things organized within your trays and boxes. If you can’t see what’s inside, you’ll end up buying duplicates of things you already own. Remember: a messy exterior compartment will eventually lead to a messy interior.
Essential Maintenance for RV Storage
External storage takes a beating from UV rays, road salt, and constant vibration. Every few months, check all mounting bolts and fasteners for signs of loosening or corrosion, as road vibration is the silent enemy of any aftermarket installation.
If you’re using plastic or composite boxes, give them a quick clean and a UV-protectant spray at the start of the season to prevent cracking. A little bit of preventative maintenance ensures that your gear stays dry and your storage solution stays securely attached to your rig. Never assume that because it was tight six months ago, it’s tight today.
The goal of any storage upgrade is to spend less time managing your gear and more time enjoying the destination. By choosing the right tools for your specific rig and maintaining them with care, you can transform your RV into a truly efficient mobile home. Start small, stay balanced, and keep your eyes on the road ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is covered outdoor RV storage?
Covered outdoor RV storage is an open-air parking space shielded by a freestanding roof, canopy, or metal carport. This setup shields your motorhome from overhead hail, direct sun exposure, and rain while leaving the sides open for natural airflow. Roof heights usually range between 12 and 15 feet to accommodate roof-mounted air conditioners and satellite dishes. It is a popular middle-ground option for owners who want overhead protection without paying premium rates for fully enclosed garages.
What does an unpaved outdoor RV storage lot provide?
An unpaved outdoor RV storage lot provides an open parking space on gravel, crushed stone, or packed dirt without overhead shelter. Commercial facilities usually secure these bare-ground lots with perimeter fencing, gated keypad entry, and surveillance cameras. While gravel helps with water drainage, dirt surfaces can become muddy during heavy rains and generate blowing dust in dry winds. Use heavy-duty plastic leveling blocks under your tires to prevent rubber rot from damp soil contact.
How do I prepare my vehicle for winter outdoor RV storage?
Preparing a vehicle for winter outdoor RV storage requires draining the plumbing lines, pumping nontoxic antifreeze through pipes, and disconnecting the house batteries. Blow out water lines using an air compressor adapter set to 40 PSI before adding RV-specific propylene glycol antifreeze. Remove all food and seal exterior gaps larger than one-quarter inch using brass wool to block mice. Secure a breathable, custom-fit polypropylene cover over the exterior to guard against snow buildup while preventing mildew underneath.
How do I secure an RV in an outdoor storage facility?
Securing an RV in an outdoor storage facility involves locking entry doors and hitch couplers while disabling the electrical and towing systems. Install a heavy-duty ball lock or kingpin lock on trailers, and clamp a steel wheel boot onto one tire to prevent unauthorized towing. Turn off main battery disconnect switches or pull the starter fuse to prevent hot-wiring of motorized motorhomes. For extra safety, place a hidden GPS tracker inside a cabinet to monitor the vehicle location from your smartphone.
Which is better covered or uncovered outdoor RV storage?
Choosing covered outdoor RV storage is better for protecting paint, sealants, and rubber roof seams against ultraviolet sun rays and hail damage. Uncovered parking costs 30 to 50 percent less, making it preferable for short-term parking or budget-conscious owners. However, constant sun exposure degrades exterior caulking, cracks rubber roof membranes, and fades decals within three to five years. If you store your rig uncovered, invest in tire covers and apply a UV-protectant wax twice a year.
How much does outdoor RV storage cost per month?
Outdoor RV storage costs typically range from $40 to $180 per month depending on location, vehicle length, and lot type. Uncovered open dirt or gravel lots usually run between $40 and $100 monthly. Covered spaces with paved asphalt and basic electrical trickle-charging can run from $120 to $250 each month in suburban areas. Rates rise significantly near major metropolitan centers, coastal zones, and national parks where storage land is scarce.
What is the most common mistake with outdoor RV storage in hot climates?
Leaving tires uncovered and uninflated is the most common mistake owners make during outdoor RV storage in hot desert climates. Direct sunlight and radiant ground heat accelerate tire dry rot and ozone cracking, leading to blowouts on highway trips. Another frequent error is sealing the interior completely without roof vent covers, which allows cabin heat to exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit and melt adhesives. Fit reflective canvas tire covers and keep rooftop vents cracked beneath vent hoods to circulate air.
Is it legal to park an RV on outdoor residential property long term?
Parking an RV on outdoor residential property long term depends on municipal zoning bylaws and homeowners association rules for your specific neighborhood. Many city ordinances prohibit parking recreational vehicles in front driveways or on street curbs for more than 48 to 72 consecutive hours. Most jurisdictions require long-term RV parking to sit behind the front setback line on a paved concrete or asphalt pad. Contact your local city planning department or review your HOA covenants before establishing a home parking spot.
