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shelves for exterior storage bins

seadogjim
Explorer
Explorer
Hi all,
Has anyone put shelves in their exterior(basement) storage compartments to use the vertical space that is often wasted when stuff just lies on the bottom of the compartment? I'd prefer not to drill holes in the compartment walls to hold the shelf since you don't always know what's on the other side, so "free standing" shelving might be best. Or, is it a better idea to use the clear storage containers and stack them to efficiently use all the volume(vertical space) in the motorhome storage compartment?
Would appreciate any suggestions anyone may have as to how they solved this dilemma, where to get the materials, measurements/sizes of containers, etc.

Thanks,
Jim
seadog
14 REPLIES 14

DSDP_Don
Explorer
Explorer
You don't have to drill through your walls to install shelves. Storage bins are great, but not always the answer. I like using every inch of space, especially to get things out of the way that I use infrequently. Often, this means mounting a shelf up high in the bay for flat stuff.

You can use angle aluminum for shelf supports and screw it along the bay walls, using 1/2" screws which typically won't penetrate the wood walls. If you install the angle with the lip down, the shelf will often cover the angle and makes for a clean looking job, especially if you wrap the wood with the same carpet used on the bat walls.

I like to use the wire mesh shelf products sold at Home Depot and Lowes. They're the what shelves that come usually come in 12" and 18" deep by 6' to 8' lengths.

I use cable supports found in the Home Depot or Lowes electrical aisle. Simply place the cable support around the shelf wire edge and screw the cable support to the wall. 2-3 cable supports on three sides of the shelf will support it a lot of weight. It's a clean set up and easy/quick to do.

This doesn't give a great picture of the shelf, but I added a shelf in the upper portion of my bay where Newmar installed the Dirt Devil and other electrical items. There was no place to attach a wooden shelf, but I was able to use a screw on the Dirt Devil, back wall and side wall and attach with the cable supports.

Don & Mary
2019 Newmar Dutch Star 4018 - All Electric
2019 Ford Raptor Crew Cab

howdy35
Explorer II
Explorer II
I built two drawers in one of my bins and pinned them so they would stay closed. Use them to store Toilet Paper, Paper towels, table cloths, etc. They work well and keep everything neat and clean.
1999 National Tradewinds 7370
2014 Honda CR-V--Toad
Fulltime

2gypsies1
Explorer III
Explorer III
Quartzsite, AZ has those rakes if you every get there. ๐Ÿ™‚ That's where we picked ours up.
Full-Timed for 16 Years
.... Back in S&B Again
Traveled 8 yr in a 40' 2004 Newmar Dutch Star Motorhome
& 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel

FIRE_UP
Explorer
Explorer
booty51 wrote:
Same as everyone else use plastic totes some clear some not clear with/without lids, tool chest with drawers. But Fire Up wins the lst place trophy his is outstanding. Fire Up where did you get that small handle rake, I have a use for one of those will be on the look out for one . Cool Idea's guys


Thanks for the nice comment Sir. I used to outfit fire trucks as a side job for about 24 years. You learn to use space in very efficient ways when you got 20 lbs. of potatoes in 5 lbs. worth of space.

As for the procuring of that little rake, It's been a while but, possibly Camping World. I'll have to dig around to see where we got it. It's come in handy many, many times at campgrounds with leaves and small rocks etc.
Scott
Scott and Karla
SDFD RETIRED
2004 Itasca Horizon, 36GD Slate Blue 330 CAT
2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Ext Cab 4x4 Toad
2008 Caliente Red LVL II GL 1800 Goldwing
KI60ND

booty51
Explorer
Explorer
Same as everyone else use plastic totes some clear some not clear with/without lids, tool chest with drawers. But Fire Up wins the lst place trophy his is outstanding. Fire Up where did you get that small handle rake, I have a use for one of those will be on the look out for one . Cool Idea's guys

FIRE_UP
Explorer
Explorer
seadogjim,
Well, it really all depends on your skills, ability to work with various metals, woods, clips, hangers, brackets and more. I too have wanted to use all the different "planes" of surface for storage. I use the floor as a last result. It also depends on what you plan on carrying as sort of "every day stuff. And, also what you think is a priority when it comes to the types of storage and or, mounting on or in the shelves and or brackets. Take a look at mine and see if any of it appeals to you.
Scott






Scott and Karla
SDFD RETIRED
2004 Itasca Horizon, 36GD Slate Blue 330 CAT
2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Ext Cab 4x4 Toad
2008 Caliente Red LVL II GL 1800 Goldwing
KI60ND

MrsMingo
Explorer
Explorer
We have been using stackable bins for years, each one is numbered and labeled (DH has 8 in various sizes). Then we have a master list of the items so we can find whatever we're looking for without going through several boxes. Of course, one must put that item back into the correct box when finished with it so the list will stay correct! DH and I go through the boxes every couple of years to purge and double check the master list. Has worked for us.
Rae & Capt. Ron Lampe
Sparky - a work in progress
2001 Travel Supreme
1998 Chevy S-10
2011 BMW R1200RT

seadogjim
Explorer
Explorer
Thanks everyone, looks like clear, stackable storage containers are the best option.

Jim
seadog

lots2seeinmyrv
Explorer
Explorer
Stackable storage bins that are open...but have a lip on them so stuff stays in there. All sizes are available. Measure your space...then go shopping:)

Bumpyroad
Explorer
Explorer
I got some sets of drawers on wheels, red plastic like mechanics tool boxes and left off the wheels. also standard plastic shelving with the 4 round legs between sections.
bumpy

2gypsies1
Explorer III
Explorer III
We used stackable storage bins of varying sizes and it worked well. You need to purchase the same brand for all the sizes so they'll stack easily. We get ours from WalMart. See-through are ideal but if not, we label the sides so we don't have to open them and root around for things. We keep like things together. I don't think you'd be as happy with shelves. Things would fall down as you travel and if you saw an open space that's where you'd shove something.
Full-Timed for 16 Years
.... Back in S&B Again
Traveled 8 yr in a 40' 2004 Newmar Dutch Star Motorhome
& 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel

SCVJeff
Explorer
Explorer
the bear II wrote:
I found storage bins that were stack-able and still leave room on top of the bins for flat items like folding chairs.

Plus I have a couple of taller bins for items rarely used like tarps, tools and extra clothes.
What he said.
These are the standard bins found at Home Depot or Lowe's. Measure your storage first and go to the storage bin row. You can often get pretty creative
Jeff - WA6EQU
'06 Itasca Meridian 34H, CAT C7/350

seadogjim
Explorer
Explorer
the bear II,

Sounds good, where did you buy the bins?

Thanks,
Jim
seadog

the_bear_II
Explorer
Explorer
I found storage bins that were stack-able and still leave room on top of the bins for flat items like folding chairs.

Plus I have a couple of taller bins for items rarely used like tarps, tools and extra clothes.