RV Storage Bin Fit Calculator
Will that storage bin fit through the compartment opening? Check dimensions before you buy.
Fit Checker
Compartment Dimensions
Opening Size
Bin Dimensions
Maximizing RV Basement Storage
RVs offer notoriously limited storage space. Every square inch of the "basement" (the exterior storage compartments) is valuable real estate. The right storage bins can mean the difference between an organized, efficient camp setup and a frustrating, chaotic jumble of hoses, tools, and gear.
The Challenge of RV Compartment Openings
A common and incredibly frustrating mistake new RVers make is measuring the deep interior of an empty compartment, buying massive plastic tubs that perfectly match that volume, and then discovering the tub won't fit through the actual exterior door frame.
RV cargo doors are almost always smaller than the compartment itself due to thick weather-stripping, hinges, hydraulic struts, and the metal frame structure of the RV wall. Always measure the "pass-through" opening—the narrowest point of the door—before buying a bin.
How to Measure Irregular Compartments
- The "Wobble" Factor: A bin might physically fit through the door, but if the compartment is shallow, there must be enough extra vertical or horizontal clearance to angle the bin inward if the door opening is restrictive.
- Hidden Obstacles: Beware of intrusive elements. Look up inside the compartment for exposed wiring harnesses, low-hanging water pipes, unshielded heating ducts, or the structural steel of a slide-out mechanism.
- Wheel Wells: Many compartments are situated directly over or next to the tires. This often creates an awkward sloping interior wall or a large boxed-in wheel well that significantly reduces usable width or depth.
Types of Storage Bins for RVs
1. Heavy-Duty "Tote" Bins (e.g., Yellow/Black Commander Totes)
These are the gold standard for heavy RV gear like sewer hoses, leveling blocks, and heavy tools. They are rugged, stackable, and usually crack-resistant even in freezing temperatures. However, they feature flared sides, meaning the top is wider than the bottom, which wastes some horizontal space when placed side-by-side.
2. Clear Snap-Lid Containers
Excellent for organizing smaller items like electrical adapters, water fittings, or spare fuses. The clear plastic allows you to see exactly what is inside without pulling the bin out. However, standard clear plastic becomes very brittle in freezing weather and can easily shatter if dropped or crushed by shifting cargo.
Expert Weight Distribution Tip
Just because a massive bin fits doesn't mean you should fill it with heavy gear. RV cargo bays have strict weight limits (often placarded inside the door). If you have a massive "pass-through" basement under the front of a fifth wheel, filling massive bins with heavy tools and cast-iron skillets will drastically increase your pin weight, potentially overloading your truck's rear axle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use cardboard boxes for long-term RV storage?
No. RV basements are exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations, high humidity, and occasional water intrusion from driving in heavy rain. Cardboard will quickly absorb moisture, fall apart, and act as a magnet for mold, mice, and insects.
What is the best way to secure bins while driving?
In a cavernous pass-through storage bay, loose bins will slide violently when you brake or turn, potentially smashing the door from the inside. Use tension rods (like heavy-duty shower curtain rods) wedged between the compartment walls to lock bins in place, or use non-slip rubber shelf liner underneath the bins to prevent sliding.