Finding storage spaces in a folding camper, and organizing them for most effective storage, is a definite challenge.
Storage space for a folding tent trailer (also called a folding camper, pop-up camper, flip-top camper, etc.) can be considered from three perspectives:
- Interior storage, which is all those storage areas which can only or need only be accessed from within the unit once it has been opened and erected.
- External storage, which consists of those spaces accessible when the unit is folded down and packed.
- Tow vehicle storage, including the boot (trunk) and seats which can be used as temporary storage while the camper is in use.
RV Organization – Managing Interior Storage in a Folding Camper
Planning is a big part of good organization. Elizabeth Borer, a folding camper traveler and former RV Feature writer, recommend in her Suite101.com article "Organizing Interior RV Space" (November 19, 2007) "drawing pictures of what the interior space looks like, labeling each area, and making [a list] of what is inside."
Borer organizes her sketches in a binder which is in turn divided into zones based on primary uses of the space. Supplies for each zone are then stored in or near that area. The binder is a reference for the whole family and answers the questions "Where the heck did we pack the...." and "Where does this go?"
- Kitchen – cooking and foodstuffs, such as pots and pans
- Dining – Utensils, place mats, cups, condiments which are used at the table
- Sleeping – Blankets and pillows go in cabinets closes to the beds
- Bath/Toilet – towels, toiletries in the bathroom cabinets
- Recreation/Lounging – cards, board games, hand-held video games.
Drawings may need to include lower and upper cabinets, various drawers, and "hidden" storage below seats. Borer recommends printing out the manufacturer's floor diagram to use as a basis for organization drawings. It may take a few trips before this is all worked out.
Here are a couple of other tips:
- Adapt after-market storage solutions to add shelves or make better use of tight or otherwise "dead" space. RV stores are full of great ideas along this line.
- The use of foldable cookware and nesting glasses and cups will improve storage in kitchen areas.
- The use of bins and storage containers to collect items common to a zone may make it easier to find and replace items easily. For example, the author kept all the dining stuff (plates, utensils, condiments, napkins, place mats, table cloth and clips) in a custom-built box so that the entire "dining zone" not only fit neatly inside a cupboard but could be quickly moved onto the dining table or even outside to a picnic table.
- If the RV has a microwave, something can be stored inside it. Why leave it empty?
- Collapsible mesh storage hampers work great for corralling stuff such as toys
It's true that larger luxury-model folding campers and especially the hybrid or extendable trailers may include closet space and considerable cupboard space in fold-up or open-out kitchens or wardrobes. However, the smaller the folding camper, the less can be stored in the unit.
Since the camping gear to be carried always exceeds the storage space available (Gray's Corollary to Murphy's Law), extend the plan to include available outside storage areas too.
Folding Trailer Organization – Managing External Storage
The limited interior space in a tent trailer may mean using outside storage. This is often in the form of a locker attached to the front or back of the trailer. This is the best place to store items that are not brought into the rig. Common examples are:
- Axe or hatchet
- Dry kindling where permitted; fire starters otherwise
- Outdoor games equipment
- Awning and poles
- Camp rug
- Tools and tool box
- Portable generator
- Lawn furniture.
Besides this storage locker, consider such ideas as the following for providing extra external storage:
- An awning with a zip-on extra room can provide play room during less-than-perfect weather, and space for extra storage
- An outside shelter for shower or porta-potty may be useful in dry-camping where permitted; such units may also have storage for paper, hand cleanser, towelling
- Watertight plastic bins with play equipment and toys will slide right under the trailer
Use Tow Vehicle for Storage While Pop-Top Camping
The tow vehicle can easily become a dumping ground for anything that needs to be out of the way and out of the elements. It takes a little planning, forethought, and practice to keep things organized and to keep the vehicle available for a drive without cleaning it out first!
- Suitcases or plastic storage bins can help organize spare clothing.
- A mesh laundry bag in the trunk helps keep dirty clothes out of the way and ready to haul to the laundry.
- Food and scented toiletries should be stored in the car if camping in bear country
The author, along with his wife and three children, camped for ten years in a small folding trailer and during that decade developed sneaky ways to use every nook and cranny.
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Thomas Alan Gray - Tom has been writing for over 30 years; curiosity leads him to dig into a wide variety of topics.
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