Storage tips and tricks

[profdant139]

Since space is so valuable (especially in a smaller trailer), we've developed some methods to help us squeeze as much as possible into those few precious cubic inches. In no particular order, here are some idea:

Underseat storage: our dinette has these hatches that make the underseat area available (but not convenient). If there are wires and cables under there, bundle them up with cable ties and fasten the bundles out of the way, along the back of the compartment.

We put storage crates (kind of like small milk crates) in the underseat areas, and we fill them with canned goods. (Label the cans on top with a sharpie -- otherwise, it is hard to tell which can is which).

Bulky bedding can be jammed into "stuff sacks" (kind of like rugged nylon pillow cases). The stuff sacks then can be jammed into the underseat compartment.

We keep inventory lists of what is stored where -- there is so much gear squirreled away in various places that it is hard to keep track of it all. The list makes it easy to locate -- "where are those spare rolls of toilet paper?"

One more tip -- keep things like cereal and noodles in mouse-proof plastic tubs -- those critters will bite through an ordinary plastic bag, no problem.

OK, now it's your turn to post some storage ideas!

[Kansas newbie]

Guess everyone has better things to do right now! ����*♀️

[profdant139]

Or else they have bigger trailers than I do, so they don't have to worry about storage?? The interior of our trailer is 77 square feet -- 11 by 7 -- and that includes all of the fixtures and cabinets and fridge and bed and everything. So we have to be very careful about what we bring along and how we stow it.

[Kansas newbie]

Not sure how big ours is as far as square footage goes, but it’s a 19 footer. Storage is a premium. Have under dinette bench storage, cabinets above the dinette, cabinet above kitchen sink, small one above fridge, closet below tv and two narrow ones next to outside door, one (divided) below kitchen sink and small one below bathroom sink. Thinking of getting some baskets to hang on wall above toilet for towels; plastic drawer stand to go in the bottom narrow one for extra tools, fuses, outdoor cooking utensils, etc. I really envy those that have more storage, but for now, I make work with what we have. Do plan on making new valance covers, dinette cushion covers and curtains before the winger is over!

[Eagle]

Well - I've never been short of storage in my unit. I even tore out the dinette and 3 surrounding benches (storage under each) to install two recliners and small 'coffee' table between the chairs.
Still ample storage.
Maybe some just haul to much stuff?
Or maybe I am more frugal on what I put in my unit?

[Kansas newbie]

True, some pack more than they need-I have that problem with packing food! I would like to be able to get to things after setting up the inside without having to ask dh to get up so I can get something out off the bench storage, or get something from my bench would hampers is sight to the tv!

[Eagle]

We keep our 'food supplies' pretty minimal to breakfast, a few steaks for on the grill and bottled water/pop along with an assortment of 'snacks.'
Generally we have at least one if not two or sometimes all meals at a nearby restaurant. That way, it's not only my 'vacation event' but relieves the wife from 'kitchen duties' so she can enjoy a 'vacation event' too w/o cooking 3 meals a day and dishes besides.

This may not work for all --- but is a good method for us.

[Kansas newbie]

We also will go out to eat,locally, especially if we are out “sight-seeing”; but since I never know if plans will change, I “ over” prepare for the possibility!

[LJAZ]

I think with a 139 you're a lot more challenged for space than some of the larger rigs. We have plenty of space for just the 2 of us & the dogs. Food hasn't been issue either, although our longest trip has been 6 days. Maybe a longer trip would present more of an issue.

We rarely go out to eat because we usually have the dogs and never leave them alone in the trailer. DW doesn't mind because her hobby is cooking so she loves nothing more than whipping up a gourmet meal on the trailer. I am sometimes assigned sous chef duties but mostly my job is to stay of her way.

[Eagle]

Originally Posted by Kansas newbie

We also will go out to eat,locally, especially if we are out “sight-seeing”; but since I never know if plans will change, I “ over” prepare for the possibility!

I tend to do the same when it come to possible 'repairs' that may be needed along the way. Extra repair materials, more tools than have ever used, spare pre-packed wheel bearings, sealent, misc. hardware, gasoline, road flares, tow strap, jumper cables, etc. inclusive of two spare camper tires although have never had a need for either. I'd call it my 'extra insurance package.'

[Kansas newbie]

Just found a drawer tower at Walmart yesterday that should fit in the closet close to the entrance door. Best part? They lock like the bigger storage totes, so no need to worry about contents falling out during travel or when opening the door of the closet! Only $10.00 for 4 drawers! Won’t know if they’ll fit in the space until it warms up and can actually get into the camper, but, figured I could use them somewhere else in the camper or house (they also have detachable wheels) if need to!

[NorthPuffin]

I love Eagle's idea that he should just haul some more stuff

We have a toy hauler so no dinette storage. I added pull out shelves to the hanging locker and the pantry closet, both of which are too narrow and too deep to make access easy. We have totes under the forward bed and boxes under the one remaining gaucho/couch. I removed the other and replaced it with chairs but built a "bookcase" for boxes along that wall. The big space, though, is the 60"x80" platform of the HappiJac bed in the back--we don't need the bed. It's thin but great storage space that "disappears" at the touch of a button. I use a truck bed net to keep stuff from ending up at the front of the trailer.

[profdant139]

When we took out our unused fold-down bunk bed, we replaced it with a cargo net to hold our bedding -- in this blog post (below) I have a few photos of this simple storage project:

https://lookmomimcamping.blogspot.co...and-light.html

[Eagle]

Originally Posted by NorthPuffin

I love Eagle's idea that he should just haul some more stuff

We have a toy hauler so no dinette storage. I added pull out shelves to the hanging locker and the pantry closet, both of which are too narrow and too deep to make access easy. We have totes under the forward bed and boxes under the one remaining gaucho/couch. I removed the other and replaced it with chairs but built a "bookcase" for boxes along that wall. The big space, though, is the 60"x80" platform of the HappiJac bed in the back--we don't need the bed. It's thin but great storage space that "disappears" at the touch of a button. I use a truck bed net to keep stuff from ending up at the front of the trailer.

We have never used the rear bed so it's in the 'up' position and holds a rolled up rug for the front of the XT276 - just the right size to fit from the front bed to the entrance to the bath and between the sink/stove top to the edge of the slide out carpeting when slide out is extended.

When parked - the bed is lowered and makes a great place to put our open suitcases for changing clothes and toiletries bags so don't have to dig thru to find anything.

[Kansas newbie]

At some point-when “grands” are too big for upper bunk, I’d love to take it out, probably add a couple of storage shelves-but not all the way across. Reason? So DH can get up without hitting his head!