When it comes to RV living, storage is the unsung hero that keeps our adventures organized and our sanity intact. From stashing away hiking boots to hiding the ever-growing collection of RV gadgets, everyone has their favorite way to keep clutter at bay.

To get to the bottom of which storage solutions truly reign supreme, we asked our readers a simple but important question in our recent newsletter: “What type of storage solutions do you value most in your RV?”

The results are in, and they might just surprise you! If you missed this poll, don’t worry—make sure to vote in our future newsletters so your voice can be part of the fun (and the findings).

Poll Results: Where Do RVers Hide Their Treasures?

Let’s break down the results!

  • A whopping 67% of our readers declared exterior compartments as their storage MVP.
  • Under-bed storage came in second with 22% of the votes, proving that people love to keep secrets (and spare blankets) under their mattresses.
  • Overhead cabinets managed to snag 11%.
  • While the poor slide-out pantry didn’t get a single vote—clearly, canned beans and spices aren’t as exciting as we thought.

Why Exterior Compartments Rule the Road

It seems our readers are big fans of the “out of sight, out of mind” philosophy—at least when it comes to RV storage. Exterior compartments are like the Mary Poppins bags of the RV world; you can shove in everything from folding chairs to fishing poles, and there’s still room for that mysterious box you haven’t opened since your first trip. Plus, let’s be honest, nothing says “RV pro” like confidently opening a side hatch and pulling out a perfectly organized array of hoses, tools, and maybe even a secret stash of snacks (for emergencies, of course).

Under-Bed Storage: The Secret Lair

Coming in second, under-bed storage is the place where socks, extra linens, and that one board game you never play go to hibernate. It’s the RV equivalent of shoving everything under your bed before company comes over—except in this case, it’s actually meant for storage. It’s also the perfect spot for hiding your “just in case” gear or, let’s be real, that emergency chocolate stash.

Overhead Cabinets: The Forgotten Frontier

Overhead cabinets got a modest 11%, which makes sense—after all, nobody wants to risk a concussion from a falling can of soup while driving down a bumpy road. Still, they’re perfect for lightweight items, and they do keep things within arm’s reach. Just remember: always open slowly, and never trust a Tupperware container that’s been riding up there for 500 miles.

Slide-Out Pantry: The Underdog That Wasn’t

And then there’s the slide-out pantry, which received exactly zero votes. Maybe it’s because RVers prefer their snacks within arm’s reach, or perhaps no one wants to risk a rogue can of beans launching across the kitchen during a sharp turn. Either way, it looks like the slide-out pantry is the storage solution equivalent of a participation trophy—nice idea, but not making the starting lineup.

Conclusion: Why Exterior Storage Wins the Day

So, why did exterior compartments steal the show? In our opinion, it’s all about flexibility and capacity. Exterior storage lets you bring along bulky outdoor gear, keep messy items out of your living space, and maximize every inch of your RV’s footprint.

Plus, it’s easily accessible from outside, which means you don’t have to track dirt inside every time you need a tool or a lawn chair. Under-bed storage is a close second for its clever use of space, but nothing beats the convenience and versatility of those trusty exterior compartments. If you haven’t cast your vote yet, make sure to join our next poll—because when it comes to RV living, every little bit of storage (and every opinion) counts!