shelves for exterior storage bins

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.

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.

Quartzsite, AZ has those rakes if you every get there. :) That's where we picked ours up.

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

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

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

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.

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

Jim

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:)

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