Smart Storage Solutions for Small Travel Trailers Under 15 Feet
10/9/2024
While the most popular length of travel trailers is around 20 to 30 feet long, there is no denying that small travel trailers way under that size are a hit. Trailers under 15 feet long have become a hot commodity among RVers who want to be more nimble and don’t want the towing challenges that come with larger rigs.
However, while smaller trailers have just about everything you need in a tiny package, what they do lack is storage. These minuscule campers usually come with areas for sleeping, dining, and cooking, but finding the space to tuck away the accouterments of camping can be tricky.
For over 15 years, my husband and I camped all over the western U.S. in two very tiny campers. One was an 8-foot-long teardrop trailer, and the other was a 1982 vintage Burro fiberglass trailer. Each of these campers suited us in different ways, but finding space for storage took a lot of imagination and a pinch of ingenuity.
Understanding Small Travel Trailer Layouts
When trailer manufacturers design their campers, the more space they have to work with, the more flexibility they have when it comes to amenities and storage space.
A 45-foot fifth wheel can have two full-sized clothes closets, a pantry, overhead cabinets, storage under the bed and the dinette, and a basement, all without sacrificing living and sleeping space.
When designers are limited to around 15 feet long, they have to get creative when trying to squeeze in a bed, a dinette, a kitchen, and maybe (just maybe) a bathroom. Storage is the last part of the equation. In fact, many manufacturers will exclude a bathroom to add some extra storage space.
What tends to happen with typical small camper designs is the idea of the space doing double duty. The bed has to become a sofa or dinette, any available table space is also a food prep area, and any coveted bathroom space sometimes needs to store clothing or towels. With some campers, such as the Geo Pro by Rockwood or the traditional teardrop trailer, the kitchen is relegated to the outside.
For example, in our little Burro camper (which we restored ourselves), the bed is regularly used as a daybed/lounge space, and there is no bathroom. Our Thetford Porta Potty lived under the bed.
Core Principles of Space Management in Small Travel Trailers
There are several key principles of adapting to traveling in a smaller trailer.
Principle #1:
Reduce the amount of things you feel you need to travel with. There is no need to pack items for every scenario you may run into on the road. Having less will cut down on the clutter that can quickly take over a small space.
Our first camper, the 5×8 teardrop trailer, had a clothes “closet” about the size of a bread box. Yep, you heard that right. I would keep an entire travel wardrobe inside that tiny space. Granted, I didn’t have a lot of stuff. Maybe two pairs of pants, three or four shirts, a sweater, and a handful of undies and socks. Any larger items, such as jackets or pajamas, would live behind our pillows.
Principle #2 for Small Travel Trailer Space Management:
Look for unconventional and multi-use solutions. Along with putting larger items behind our pillows, we would also stuff a throw pillow cover with cold-weather gear or an extra blanket.
We did the same thing in our tiny galley kitchen. Cooking pots contain pot holders and measuring cups. Drinking glasses stack together.
Principle #3:
Utilize both vertical and hidden spaces. In both of our small travel trailers, we hung some cargo storage netting over the bed to hold extra clothing and books. In our Burro, the awkward space behind the kitchen sink plumbing held our Omnia oven and other supplies that were only used once in a while.
Innovative Storage Solutions
Each small travel trailer is unique, and coming up with storage solutions will depend on the type of trailer you have. The best thing is that ideas for storage solutions can come from anywhere.
When coming up with storage solutions for your small trailer, I would suggest sitting inside the trailer quietly. Look around the space and let your mind wander. Be realistic about how you use the space and what seems to be lacking. In addition, what features does your trailer have that make it distinctive?
Once you find out what you need or want, then start doing your research. Visit RV LIFE forums to see what other owners of your trailer are doing for storage solutions. Peruse Google images, Pinterest, and YouTube for other ideas.
Mandy Lea covers some of my favorite ideas for some small travel trailers in the videos above, but here are a couple of other options:
Multi-Functional Furniture
When looking for storage solutions, don’t just think about RV-related products. Keep an eye out for furniture that is normally used in homes or boats. I love those little storage ottomans with lids that turn around and become trays. One small piece of furniture can be a stool with storage and a table.
Awkward or Wasted Spaces in Small Travel Trailers
Does your camper have underutilized space? How about some awkward features that can be turned into storage? For example, in our Burro camper we removed the upper bunk bed at the front of the trailer and were left with a piece of useless support wood. I installed a nice shelf on that piece of wood. We were also able to find a garbage can that fit perfectly into the tight space next to the wheel well.
Vertical Space Maximization
Christina Nellemann
One of the best and most inexpensive ways to create storage is to go up. Utilize any wall space you have to hang cloth storage containers, baskets, shelves, or mirrors with good old Command strip hooks.
Utilizing Hidden Spaces
What some small travel trailer owners may not know is that their rig is home to some possible hidden storage. If you are handy with a few tools, consider creating storage under the flooring or behind a headboard. Do any cabinets have false bottoms that can be utilized? How about wasted space around the stove or fridge?
Organizational Hacks and Maintaining an Organized Small Travel Trailer
Anyone who has a small camper will tell you that keeping it organized is a daily job. This is still true when you have your storage solutions ready and in place.
Tiny spaces, especially those on the road, can quickly get messy and disorganized. It’s imperative to stay on top of your gear and supplies to keep them from taking over. After each trip, assess what worked and what didn’t and regularly go through your trailer supplies to cull the deadbeats and keep an eye out for more efficient options.
Here are a few products and ideas to help with organization and staying organized:
Retractable, collapsible, and stacking products
Collapsible and stacking items such as silicone bowls and pots, storage containers, dishwashing pans, and even collapsible furniture can save so much space inside your camper. Try a few retractable items such as clotheslines and even shade shelters. These items are easier to store in cabinets and closets or tucked away in narrow spaces.
Segmentation Solutions for Small Travel Trailers
One of the best ways to stay organized in a small space is to keep like with like. That requires some sort of segmentation solution, such as dividers, boxes, or containers. For example, in our Burro, we would use small Dollar Tree containers to corral our silverware into separate categories. We also used small cloth bins or bags to separate our socks and underwear from the rest of our clothing.
External Storage Innovations
In addition, let’s not forget that we have our tow vehicle to carry a lot of the weight—and not just that of the trailer. Utilize your tow vehicle’s trunk, roof, rear seats, and even the tow hitch for extra storage. Install a rooftop rack and storage box for bulky items. Utilize a dual hitch receiver for cargo carriers or extension bars while still towing your trailer. Store extra clothes, food, or camping supplies in the trunk with collapsible trunk organizers.
DIY Custom Solutions for Small Travel Trailers
You don’t need any special skills to DIY a storage solution. You just need to think outside the proverbial box, use creativity, and utilize materials or templates that already exist.
Note what is missing in your own rig and write down your observations in a notepad or on your phone. This is also a good time to take measurements and photos of the spaces you want to change.
Join a forum like Escape Forum, Fiberglass RV, or Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers and chat with other small trailer owners to see what they do for their storage solutions.
Visit a small travel trailer rally like a Sisters on the Fly gathering or a Fiberglass “Egg” Rally to see the ideas and test the products in real life.
Don’t reinvent the wheel when it comes to a custom solution. So many products already exist for what you might be considering.
Have fun looking for supplies or products in unusual places such as IKEA, Facebook Marketplace, garage sales, or even in your own garage.
If you want to build something from scratch, keep it simple and test it as you use it. Be okay with updating or changing it down the road.
Wrapping Up Storage Solutions for Small Travel Trailers
There’s no need to be frustrated with the lack of storage space in a trailer under 15 feet long. This is your chance to really make the trailer your own and display your resourcefulness.
In addition, don’t worry if the first storage solution you come up with doesn’t work out. You will learn as you travel along what works and what doesn’t. The fun part is coming up with even more solutions.
If you have been successful with adding smart storage solutions to your own small travel trailer, share it with us in the comments below.
If you would like to reserve a stay with us and enjoy the Williamston, Greenville, Washington and Eastern NC area please give us a call 252-943-1699 or visit our website: Treeside RV Park
To reserve a spot, give us a call 252-943-1699