Van life is an incredible adventure, but storage is one of the biggest challenges when living on four wheels. In a tiny campervan, every square inch counts. Most guides focus on clever interior storage hacks (from under-bed compartments to wall organizers), yet they often leave out exterior solutions. While DIY interior tweaks are budget-friendly, they can only go so far, especially when you need to haul bulky gear like bikes or kayaks. Today, we’ll explore both angles: smart interior ideas for campervan storage and the investment-worthy exterior cargo options (cargo carriers, hitch platforms, etc.) that can truly maximize space. By combining interior hacks with the right exterior gear, you can carry more without compromising your van’s livability.
Why Campervan Storage Solutions Matter
Limited space is a fact of life in campervans, particularly in classic compact models like a VW campervan. When you’re balancing everyday essentials with adventure gear (bikes, kayaks, climbing gear, camping equipment), efficient storage isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Proper storage solutions keep your van organized and safe. Everything has a place, which means less clutter to trip over and a smoother ride with gear secured. It also preserves your sanity: a well-organized van means you can find what you need without tearing apart your living space.
Beyond day-to-day convenience, good storage boosts travel comfort and even resale value. A clutter-free interior gives you more room to relax on the road, and preventing damage (say, from a muddy bike or leaky cooler rolling around) keeps your van in better shape long-term. Additionally, if you ever sell your camper van, having extra storage on the back is additional feature that puts your van above the rest. Whether you drive a spacious Sprinter or a tiny VW bus, the right storage space make van life more comfortable, more enjoyable, and more valuable.
Interior Campervan Storage Ideas That Maximize Space
Making the most of your interior space is the first step. Campervan and van conversion owners have devised countless ingenious organization hacks and decluttering strategies to use every nook and cranny. Here are some effective interior ideas for van storage:
Under-Bed Drawers and Bins:
The space under a fixed bed is prime real estate. Install pull-out drawers, packing cubes or plastic bins on sliders to create a “trunk” for your van.
Overhead Shelves and Wall-Mounted Organizers:
Take advantage of vertical space with overhead cupboards, shelves, or hanging organizers. For soft items such as bedding you can also utilize storage nets.
Fold-Away Furniture and Collapsible Containers:
Multi-purpose furniture and collapsible bins keep your living area flexible and clutter-free.
Smart Kitchen Storage:
Use magnetic strips, mounts like Rubbermaid® FastTrack® Rails or a pegboard storage system to keep gear locked in place on bumpy roads, avoid glass storage like mason jars that may break when your outdoor adventures hit rough terrain.
These interior solutions are best for everyday necessities – clothes, pantry items, cooking gear, bedding, and other small-to-medium items you use regularly. They keep your living area tidy and functional. However, even the most optimized interior has limits, as we’ll see next.
The Limits of Interior Storage Alone
Relying only on interior compartments, bins, and hiding spots can become a problem as your gear list grows. For one, there’s only so much square footage inside a van – once every cabinet, overhead locker and under-seat storage space is full, you simply might not have room for larger items. Cramming too much inside can also lead to poor weight distribution. Even if you’re under your van’s payload limit, concentrating lots of weight in the wrong place can make the van handle poorly.
Accessibility is another issue. Campervan storage is tight and constantly shuffling packing cubes to get to your camping stove or toolbox can get old fast, especially in bad weather or at night.
Most importantly, some bulky gear simply won’t fit well inside a campervan. Bicycles, kayaks, large coolers, and portable generators and other camper van essentials take up far too much space. This is where exterior storage changes the game. By moving bulky and heavy gear outside the van’s cabin, you free up space, increase storage capacity, and avoid overloading the interior.
Exterior Campervan Storage Solutions Worth Investing In
When interior hacks run out, exterior storage solutions step in to safely haul the big stuff and increase storage capacity. Adding cargo carriers or hitch-mounted platforms might sound like a big investment, but the payoff in space and convenience is huge.
Cargo Carriers (Hitch-Mounted):
These function like an external trunk for your van. Open baskets are great for odd-shaped items or gear you need quick access to, while enclosed cargo boxes keep your gear fully protected from weather and theft. Let’s Go Aero offers both styles of hitch mounted cargo carriers using its advanced Twintube platform system such as the GearCage® (open) and GearSpace® or GearDeck® (enclosed) to increase campervan storage capacity.
Hitch Mounted Bike Racks:
For many van lifers, bikes are non-negotiable travel companions. Hitch-mounted bike racks make transporting them far easier than trying to squeeze them inside the van. Let’s Go Aero offers a range of options, including heavy-duty carriers like the V-Lectric™, designed to handle the weight of modern e-bikes. Many of these racks are RV-approved, meaning they’re tested to withstand the bounce and stress of long-haul travel. By moving bikes outside, you free up valuable interior space and avoid scratches, grease stains, or mud inside your living area.
Why Exterior Solutions Are Worth It:
They free up your living space, improve safety by keeping heavy items outside, and prevent wear and tear on your van’s interior. Quality carriers are designed to last and require minimal maintenance compared to a full trailer. For many van lifers, they’re the ideal middle ground between making do with cramped interiors and committing to towing a trailer.
Note about Roof Racks:
You might have noticed that we left roof racks out of this list. While roof racks are possible, we don’t recommend them for campervans due to accessibility challenges. Vans are typically tall, so loading and unloading gear from the roof is difficult, and it also increases your overall clearance height, which can cause problems in places like underground garages. On top of that, roof carriers are known to affect your camper vans MPG more than hitch mounted carriers.
Choosing the Right Storage for Your Campervan Setup
Here are some key factors to help guide your decision when choosing a smart storage solution:
- Van Type: A smaller VW campervan might need a compact carrier, while larger models like a Sprinter or Ford Transit can handle heavier-duty platforms.
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Hitch Rating and Capacity: Always check your van’s hitch class and weight ratings. The combined weight of carrier plus cargo should stay within the tongue weight limit.
Bonus: Choose a carrier that has a built in anti-rattle device for hitch stability. - Lifestyle: Weekend campers may be fine with mostly interior hacks plus a small exterior rack, while full-time vanlifers will benefit most from robust external carriers.
- When to Upgrade: If you find yourself constantly cramming or leaving gear behind, it’s time to invest in an exterior solution.
Let’s Go Aero Campervan Storage Gear
As a company built around enabling adventure travel, Let’s Go Aero (LGA) offers a range of storage solutions to help van lifers haul their gear:
- Cargo Carriers Collection: Enclosed carriers like the GearDeck™ and GearSpace™ add secure, weatherproof storage, while open-frame GearCage™ racks provide quick access for bulky items.
- Bicycle Carriers Collection: From road bikes to e-bikes, these racks are built strong enough for van life and RV use.
By combining clever interior hacks with durable exterior carriers, you’ll maximize your van’s livability while safely bringing along all the gear that fuels your adventures. Explore Let’s Go Aero’s lineup to find storage solutions that fit your van and your lifestyle—and make van life a little roomier.
