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
Securely transport generators, coolers, or gear with this heavy-duty A-frame trailer tray. Its stable mount and universal fit maximize your RV's storage capacity, handling up to 300 lbs.
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
Safely vent generator exhaust above your RV roof for cleaner air and reduced noise with Camco's Gen-Turi system. Its patented design fits most RV exhaust pipes and installs easily without tools.
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.
