One of the most challenging parts of owning an RV is finding enough storage space for your gear. RV bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas often have limited storage space. The RV basement is no different.
Getting all your camping gear into the basement storage area can sometimes feel like you’re playing a game of Tetris and getting things out can feel like you’re playing a game of “outdoor Jenga”.
Luckily, there are solutions. In this article we are going to share 9 RV Basement Storage Ideas to help you get everything organized and reduce the clutter.
Let’s jump in…
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Why Is It Called An RV Basement?
The term “basement” is a common RV “slang” term for the storage compartments located under the floor, or in the front cap of an RV or camper.
Not all basement storage compartments are created equally, however. Larger rigs, like motorhomes and luxury 5th wheels, will have numerous storage bays on both sides of the coach.
In comparison, smaller camper and travel trailers will typically have very small RV basement compartments.
Many basement storage compartments are referred to as “pass-thru” because you can access the compartment from both sides of the RV.
Whether you only have one RV basement storage bay or several, these RV basement storage ideas will help put you on the right track to organizing you RV gear.
RV Basement Storage Solutions We Use
We have a 2018 Kodiak travel trailer with one pass-thru RV basement storage compartment at the front of the camper. Over the years we have tried several different storage ideas until we found what works best for us.
Under The Bed Plastic Storage Bins
We found that these low-profile storage bins with locking lids work best for us because they allow us to “categorize” certain things in the same bin. In addition, these clear plastic bins slide in and out of the RV basement storage compartment easily when setting up camp.
We use one for all of our water hookups, including hoses, water pressure regulators, filters, etc. And we use the other storage bin for our sewer hookups. Don’t worry, we keep the sewer hookup bin on the bottom, just in case.
When we get to the campsite, we simply pull both bins out and slide them under the camper for easy access.
Rigid Storage Crates
We use these Rigid brand crates for storing things like small tools, tarps, and other camping gear that doesn’t get used very often.
We also store our electrical cables, dog-bones, and other fittings in a separate crate.
These crates are rugged and stackable, and the milk crate design takes the guesswork out of knowing what’s in the bin.
Other RV Basement Storage Ideas
While the products we use work well for us, there are many other RV basement storage solutions out there for getting your storage compartments more organized.
Below are more great RV basement storage ideas to help you control the clutter.
Clear Plastic Bins (with lids)
There is a plastic bin for just about anything you can think of. The best bins for an RV basement storage compartment are clear or opaque with latching lids.
Because these bins are clear, the contents inside can be easily seen without the need to dig around until you find what you’re looking for. In addition, the latching lids will help keep your gear secure while traveling.
Clear plastic bins are available in many different sizes. So, it’s always a good idea to get a few measurements of your RV basement storage compartment to figure out what sizes will work best for you.
If you choose to go with the more durable black colored bins, keep everything labeled so it’s easier to find what you’re looking for.
Drawer Units
Clear plastic drawer sets are excellent for keeping smaller items organized in your RV basement storage compartment. If you’re anything like us, we have a “catch-all” drawer in the kitchen where odds-and-ends go to never be found again.
These drawer sets come in various sizes and are a great place to keep certain items for quick and easy access.
Smaller drawer sets are ideal for things like fittings and gloves. The larger drawer sets are a great place to keep things like hoses, cords, or even seasonal clothes.
Woods Cord Reel
Sometimes it seems no matter how much effort you put into rolling up power cords, they just always turn into a tangles mess. Sound familiar?
This extension cord reel is another great tip for organizing your RV basement storage space. Not only is it a great way to keep your power cords in order, but it can also be used to neatly store your water hoses.
In addition, this RV basement storage idea is one of the easiest storage solutions on the list.
Pegboard
A great way to utilize wall space in your RV basement compartment is by using pegboard. Some RVers prefer to hang frequently used items on the wall of the basement for easy access.
Another great option for using pegboard is for storing weight distribution tension bars while at the campground.
Pegboards can easily be rearranged as you accumulate more gear which means your RV basement storage space can transform over time.
The main drawback to this RV basement storage tip is keeping your gear secure while traveling.
MORryde Sliding Cargo Tray
A sliding tray allows quick and easy access to items located at the back of your RV basement storage compartment.
Installing a sliding cargo tray in your RV basement storage compartment will require some very basic DIY skills, a tape measure, and a drill for securing the frame to the floor or wall of the compartment.
The MORryde sliding cargo trays are available in many sizes and have a weight capacity of 800 pounds.
These units are quite pricey, but depending on your rig, might prove to be a great investment.
Install Two-Hole Straps For Long Items
Where do you store long items in your current set-up? For example, fishing rods, umbrellas, or mops and brooms.
By mounting sets of two-hole pipe straps to the ceiling of your RV basement storage compartment, you can easily store these types of items where they are less likely to be damaged.
LED Lights
Most newer RVs and camper already have lights installed in the basement storage areas. However, if your RV basement storage compartment is dark, installing a set of battery powered LED lights will make it much easier to find your gear in the wee hours of the night.
These LED lights mount anywhere you need with the built-in 3M sticky pads on the base. Plus, the inner light tube is adjustable allowing you to focus the light where you need it most.
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In Conclusion
The best RV basement storage ideas will ultimately be what works best for you and your family. No two RVers will have the same needs. What works best for us may be a terrible idea for others, and vice versa.
