Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.


We want to thank all of our members for their participation and input over the years, and we want to especially thank those that have acted as Moderators for us during our amazing journey living and traveling in our RV and growing the RV-Dreams Family. We will be forever proud to have been founders of this Forum and to have been supported by such a wonderful community. Thank you all!!

Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Post Info TOPIC: Best Storage Containers For RVs?


RV-Dreams Community Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 14
Date:
Best Storage Containers For RVs?


While in the purging process of the house -- I am tempted to start buying some plastic bins to store some items prior to going to full-time -- and then use the same containers once in the RV.  But, those containers aren't cheap -- so I wanted to make sure that I invested in a size that I can best use in the RV. 

 

What types- sizes - of the plastic containers do you guys find most handy and universal in the RV environment -- or do you forego the plastic bins and just stick with the good ole' cardboard boxes?  For example, are there ones that tend to fit best in drawers and/or down below, etc?

 

Thanks -- love that we have somewhere to go with every question that propels us in the direction of our dreams!



__________________

Jeff & Dee Henderson / Full Time December 2015 / '09 Monaco Cayman 38'

 

 



RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 1417
Date:

Don't know if you have your RV yet but I would advise against that approach....Every RV has different sized compartments, additionally you will find that your entire organizational process will change many times as you travel and begin to refine your personal system....wait....

__________________
GOING FOR IT


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 1661
Date:

I concur with Gene, wait until you know which rig you'll have to purchase containers. We don't have a rig yet, but I'm already researching storage ideas from places like IKEA, BB&B and the Container Store. Seems to me, mice would love their new cardboard condos so I'd advise plastic. Don't want to scare you about the mice, but they've been mentioned as an issue so why make things easy for them.

Cindi

 



__________________

Brian, Cindi & Josie (our fur baby)
2017 RAM 3500 Laramie 4x4 CCLB, CTD, Aisin, B&W hitch, dually
2020 Keystone Montana Legacy 3813MS w/FBP ,
MORryde 8k IS, Kodiak disc brakes, no solar  YET!



RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 289
Date:

I would not use cardboard in the RV as spiders and other critters like them and they draw moisture and soften. We used the totes and use them in the house now but they are not space efficient if your storage is tight. If you can store in "soft" containers, they can be "stuffed" in spots or stacked on other containers. I would go for see-through containers this time or at least different colors because the labels I put on fell off. In your place, I would go ahead and get things boxed up and once you get an RV, you can figure out where and what size to use and just move the stuff from the boxes at that time. More of a hassle but much more likely to get it right and as you said, the containers are not cheap.

__________________

Cathy, Alfred, Andrew & Rinnie/Yellow Dog/Sparky

Theme Song:  "Born To Be Alive"

 

 

 



RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 1756
Date:

Agree with Gene and Brian, wait to buy plastic containers until you have your RV. We're on our 4th RV and while we've been able to transfer some storage containers with each one, not all containers fit. The last transition was most difficult, we went from a lot of deep cabinets to several that were fairly narrow, ended up donating a LOT of containers to Salvation Army and then buying different ones that fit our current, FT RV.

We use some soft sided containers in the linen closet, rigid containers under the bed and soft sided ones in the overhead cabinets in the living area. Tried to re-use as much as we could and even carried some around with us trying to figure out a purpose for the first couple of months and then donated any unused ones right before we sold the second vehicle.

__________________

FT - July 2013

 

2010 38TKSB3 DRV Mobile Suites

2012 Ford F450

 

Dale and Ruth Travelling with Tazzy Kat!

 

IMAG0142_zps070d30d8.jpg

 

 

 

 



RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 5398
Date:

Definitely go with plastic tubs, but make sure that the lids FULLY cover the tub and "lock" into place.  I had a few tubs where they had two part lids, with each half hinging over on opposite sides of the tub.  We had a leak in the basement and a couple of those tubs ended up half full of water, ruining some items.

I use mostly clear plastic tubs that we bought from Target, and they are of varying sizes, although most are about 22"x15"x6".  In each one, I take a sheet of paper and write down everything that is in that tub and place that sheet of paper in the end facing out so that I can see what is in each one without having to remove every tub to look for stuff.  I have one larger tub that is large enough for seasonal items (electric heaters in summer and electric oscillating fans in winter) for storage.  I do have a few longer tubs, again clear plastic, for longer items.

Here is a picture of our front storage space under the nose of our fifth wheel.  I've used the above mentioned (22"x15"x6") tubs

Terry



__________________

Terry and Jo

2010 Mobile Suites 38TKSB3
2008 Ford F450
2019 Ford Expedition Max as Tag-along or Scout

Our photos on Smugmug



RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 932
Date:

Wow Terry LOVE the clear bins with the signage in the front. We are using tubs but my major complaint is I don't know what's in which box...showing this to Lee :)

__________________

 Trace 

Ford F350 Super Duty 4x2.  Open Range 386FLR

Follow our journey at www.camperchronicles.com

 



RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 5398
Date:

Trace,

Another option, one I have problems with maintaining, is to number each tub and then have a document on the computer that lists each item, and perhaps in what area of the RV it is located.  That option does require more "updating" as things move, so I don't go with it.  A lot of times, I remember that item "x" is usually with item "y," so if I see item "y," I know "x" is nearby.

Just remember if you have a tub out for some reason to keep the lid on so one's note doesn't blow out.  We had that happen the other day while we were working on building a step and landing for our coach.

Terry



__________________

Terry and Jo

2010 Mobile Suites 38TKSB3
2008 Ford F450
2019 Ford Expedition Max as Tag-along or Scout

Our photos on Smugmug



RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 334
Date:

Except for our red and green Christmas tote, all of ours are clear plastic as well. Don't have the rig yet but know which one we're getting so have measured the storage space (and crossed our fingers).

Thanks Terry for the heads up on those hinged totes, will stay away from those! The drop in "labels" are great too, easy to update as needed

Have tried to purchase only square items including dishware and dry goods storage to avoid wasted space in the corners. We shall see how much that helps as well.

Jodee

__________________

Bill and Jodee Gravel Full-timers (June, 2015)

Tessa the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

2014 Thor Tuscany XTE 34ST

2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4

http://www.ontheroadabode.blogspot.com

 



RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 651
Date:

I plan on building a topper for my truck (as I will be pulling a TT and not a 5er.) I will be using the center area carrying a couple of small motorbikes and building a shelf on both sides for storage. In the front of the topper, near the cab, the shelves will be narrower (about 10 inches.) The topper will incline toward the center, following the cab as it rises. Its walls will gradually widen at the rear, to about 7 inches. The rear the camper will be squared off and the shelves will be 14" wide. So I guess I'll be looking for a series of tall, narrow plastic bins (or boxes) starting at 10" to 14" wide for off-season clothing, linen, camping gear, hobby supplies, fishing gear and such. The height is not critical; nor is the length. I plan to secure them with bungee cords/nets so they don't move around.

Does anyone know of a source for tall, narrow containers such as this? I'm thinking of containers that resemble military surplus mortar round boxes or "fat 50" ammo cans. I plan on keeping fishing poles, ladders and the like up high, while a pair of Honda EU2000s, fuel, and heavy items like: tools, spare parts/fluids, food storage, ammo, belt-fed heavy machine guns, hand grenades, LAW rockets, etc. (sorry, I got carried away) will be carried in the truck bed, against the walls under the shelf.

Chip

__________________

1999 National Tropical Class A gasser

Toad - 2.4l Chevy Cobalt SS with 400k miles and counting.



RV-Dreams Community Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 9
Date:

Quick question about the Storage areas on the outside of the RV, Are they usually a secure locking door? I don't want to travel through the wrong neighborhood and someone tamper with stuff on the outside. We don't yet have our own RV and are in the Process of researching some so I know little about this sorta stuff.


Thank you in Advance!

Will & Krista

__________________

New to the RV Lifestyle, Don't have our own yet, but working towards that dream.

Will & Krista



RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 488
Date:

All I have ever had any dealings with were universal locks. Actually using DRV key on my Teton. Really a secure lock is overkill. Anyone could break in if they wanted to. Most doors are .5-.750 thick. You won't stop a thief. Keep small kids out.

__________________

2003 Teton Grand Freedon  2006 Mobile Suites 32TK3 SOLD     2006 Freightliner Century 120 with Detroit 14L singled, ultrashift,  hauling a 2016 Smart Passion



RV-Dreams Community Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 9
Date:

Glenn West wrote:

All I have ever had any dealings with were universal locks. Actually using DRV key on my Teton. Really a secure lock is overkill. Anyone could break in if they wanted to. Most doors are .5-.750 thick. You won't stop a thief. Keep small kids out.


 Hm thank you, I was just curious, I guess i'll just store small stuff out there, nothing really majorly important.



__________________

New to the RV Lifestyle, Don't have our own yet, but working towards that dream.

Will & Krista



RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 5398
Date:

For the most part, we don't even lock our compartments unless we are traveling from one site to another, and that is more to prevent accidental opening instead of preventing theft.  If a thief breaks into your compartment, more than likely they will do more damage to the door and door frame, with regards to dollar amount, than the dollar amount of the stuff we keep in the compartment.

Terry



__________________

Terry and Jo

2010 Mobile Suites 38TKSB3
2008 Ford F450
2019 Ford Expedition Max as Tag-along or Scout

Our photos on Smugmug



RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 972
Date:

Make sure you get a container that can support the weights. most would not work for me. as they will collapse from the weight over time. Even filled with just clothes. Most of the stuff I carry in the cargo area is big stuff, pressure washer, metal detectors, display cases, compressor, lots of heavier tools..I use walmart produce bins for my heavy smaller stuff, cause I had them. they work well, and can support heavier weights. 30-50 lbs


I've bought many, many storage units at auctions and seen it all the time... You want containers that will last for heavy weight.. if you are a "tool guy" or have heavier stuff.
I think you want breathable containers as well?.. Humidity is crazy here in FL., some stuff may rust right in the container, or start to stink..


if your worried about water damage.. just take a piece of plastic and staple it to the roof of the cargo compartment...done.



-- Edited by The Junkman on Monday 8th of December 2014 07:50:39 AM

__________________

 

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" - Dr. Seuss

 

 

 

 



RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 1107
Date:

On the locking of doors. We have been fulltimers for 15 years. I have NEVER locked compartment doors. I'd rather have something stolen than fix the side of the RV and repaint it. But we have never had an issue.

On the bins, follow the advice to wait until you have your RV....but we use the 10 gallon rubbermaid containers with lids that are one piece. A leak will not get water into them and they stack well. The size is large enough to be useful, but small enough to handle easy.

__________________

Jack & Danielle Mayer
PLEASE USE EMAIL TO COMMUNICATE

http://www.jackdanmayer.com,
2009 Volvo 780 HDT, 2015 New Horizons 45'Custom 5th, smart car
New Horizons Ambassadors - Let us help you build your dream RV.....



RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 77
Date:

We use the "Really Useful Box" from Staples. They coming in many sizes & shapes for jewelery to 64 liter for tools, hoses & whatever. The unique thing about them is they do not nest inside of each other when empty, but stack on their wall tops. This minimizes the tops crumbling or breaking from stacking heavy boxes.

__________________

Bob and Lindy

2015 Mobile Suites 39RESB3 - 2013 F450 King Ranch

3FP1L_F8QhUeEhkBDTYUfvd-E21D2qEkGoemic2E34g=w367-h207-p-no  

Class of 2014. Full timing started May 30, 2014, living the dream...

    2m7IRKtbCz3Jw5PJcpeJzMXWlSlTg7zl9UWJDDPcIg=w138-h70-p-no   nKEbXuitzEoxCoNgdZSDSL1sxq9Gi_MuXKHEUlZZPA=w138-h102-p-no

 I don't know where I've been, but I am here now! - D. Anderson

 

 

Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.

Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us