If there’s one universal truth my wife and I have learned after nearly seven years on the road and four years as THOR Ambassadors, it’s this: No matter how much you downsize, there’s always that one thing (or more) that’s nearly impossible to store in your RV. What’s worse is that the hard-to-store items in an RV can often be our favorites. Maybe it’s your favorite folding e-bike, a paddleboard, a selection of essential footwear (that somehow multiplies and finds its way beside the front door), or that oddly-shaped kitchen appliance you swore you’d use every day.
In a lifestyle where every square inch matters, these items often become one of two things. A source of frustration or of creative storage genius!
So, let’s talk about it by the numbers. What are hard-to-store items in an RV and — since my wife and I are THOR Ambassadors — which THOR models actually give you the space to stash them without sacrificing your sanity or your precious legroom?
Whether you’re looking for a spacious motorhome or a luxury fifth wheel, I’ve got an RV designed to handle your storage struggles like a pro.
Notoriously Hard-to-Store Items in an RV
Before we dive into the rigs, let’s split these into five categories. These are the repeat offenders that we — and just about every RVer we’ve met — struggle to store:
- Outdoor gear. Bikes, inflatable paddleboards, folding kayaks. Fact is, if it’s meant for adventure, it’s usually awkward and bulky.
- Seasonal clothes. This one, somehow, always ends up being a much bigger factor than you’d expect. Whether you’re chasing sunshine or riding out snow, those puffy jackets, hiking boots, or swimsuits don’t store themselves. (And like those shoes, they seem to multiply.)
- Tools and maintenance equipment: A decent toolkit, leveling blocks, sewer gear, an air compressor, et cetera. You need all or most of them. And they’re rarely small.
- Pet gear. Travel crates, food bins, toys, grooming supplies. For us, traveling with our dogs Wilson and Journey means a whole extra storage category.
- Office gear. As digital nomads, we travel with laptops, cameras, tripods, chargers, and more. And we’re not the only ones. It’s a reality for lots of remote workers. Workspace storage is a must.
5 THOR RV Models — and Types — for a Storage Upgrade
Now that we’ve identified the culprits, here are five THOR RV models that rise to the challenge and offer surprisingly smart solutions for hard-to-store items in an RV.
1. Thor Motor Coach Tuscany 45MX | Class A Diesel Motorhome
Perfect for: Full-timers with big gear and a need for luxury
The Tuscany 45MX isn’t just a rolling luxury condo — it’s also built to carry everything you need for a lifestyle on the move. With full passthrough basement storage and optional slide-out trays, there’s ample room for bikes, camp furniture, gear bags, and even e-bikes. While you’re likely buying this coach for its high-end residential feel, the oversized storage is a practical bonus that makes bringing the gear for your hobbies simple and seamless.
Why It Works:
- Massive exterior storage compartments with optional slide-out trays
- Ideal for full-timers or long-term travelers with gear-heavy hobbies
- Combines functionality with luxury-level comfort
2. Jayco Greyhawk 30Z | Class C Motorhome
Perfect for: Versatile workspaces, tech gear, and full-time flexibility
As digital nomads, we know that finding a comfortable and functional spot to work inside your rig can be a challenge. The Jayco Greyhawk 30Z provides just enough flexibility to make it work. The spacious slide-out dinette can double as a workstation, and there’s overhead cabinetry and hidden compartments for laptops, cables, and tech accessories. It’s not a dedicated office, but it’s more than enough to stay productive on the road without sacrificing your living space.
Why It Works:
- Roomy dinette area doubles as a reliable workstation
- Ample overhead and under-seat storage for tech gear
- Separate bedroom allows for work/life balance on the road
3. Highland Ridge Open Range OF328BHS | Travel Trailer
Perfect for: Paddleboards, seasonal gear, and flexible family needs
This travel trailer line punches well above its weight when it comes to storage. And the Open Range OF328BHS in particular offer a versatile bunkhouse space, expansive underbed storage in the primary bedroom, and an oversized pass-through compartment that’s perfect for inflatables, beach gear, or bulky totes. Whether you’re traveling with kids or not, the additional interior space gives you room to adapt to your needs—whether that’s sleeping arrangements, gear hauling, or hobby storage.
Why It Works:
- Large pass-through exterior storage compartment
- Versatile rear bunkroom that adapts to your travel lifestyle
- Under-bed storage in the primary bedroom perfect for off-season gear
4. Thor Motor Coach Sequence 20L | Class B Motorhome
Perfect for: Minimalist travelers, toolkits, and everyday adventure gear
We traveled the U.S. and Canada in this nimble little van, and what it lacks in size, it makes up for in smart design. One of the rear twin beds lifts up to reveal a deep compartment that handled our VIAIR air compressor, our small toolkit, and road emergency gear. The rear double doors made access a breeze, and we added a rooftop cargo box for overflow. For longer trips, pairing this van with collapsible shelves, hanging organizers, and dual-use furniture makes a big difference in maintaining your sanity.
Why It Works:
- Rear underbed storage compartments with easy access
- Perfect for small essential gear, tools, and travel extras
- Optional roof storage box expands capacity on longer trips
5, Heartland Cyclone 4014C | Fifth-Wheel Toy Hauler
Perfect for: Big toys, fire pits, camp chairs, and extra living space
Toy haulers are known for hauling gear, and the Cyclone 4014C does not disappoint. With a 14-foot garage, walk-in pantry, and loft space, there’s enough room for fire pits, full patio sets, portable grills, and even ATVs. And let’s be real. While toy haulers often come with a steeper price tag, their ability to combine storage, flexibility, and livability makes them worth it for many RVers, especially families and adventurers who travel with a lot of “extra toys.”
Why It Works:
- 14-foot garage with tie-downs and ramp door
- Bonus loft space and walk-in pantry for overflow storage
- Built-in side patio turns into your outdoor lounge or living extension
Tips for Tackling Tough Storage Challenges
No matter what rig you’re in, here are a few tips that have helped us store those hard-to-fit essentials:
- Think vertically. Use wall-hung baskets, hanging organizers, and cargo nets to make use of vertical space.
- Label and tote it. Clear storage bins make finding gear faster, and labeling saves time and sanity.
- Use outdoor storage. Don’t underestimate your exterior compartments or hitch/roof racks.
- Rotate gear by season. Only carry what you need for your current trip — less clutter, more space. If traveling through multiple seasons, then try vacuum sealed/shrink bags to store clothes from different seasons that aren’t in use.
- Multi-purpose everything. A camp stool that’s also a step. A crate that’s also a table. You get the idea.
Final Thoughts on Handling Hard-to-Store Items
Finding storage space in an RV is kind of like playing 3D Tetris — only your pieces are oddly shaped, come in different seasons, and sometimes bark. But when you choose the right rig, it doesn’t have to feel like a constant puzzle.
Whether you’re hauling adventure toys, building a mobile office, or just trying to keep your RV from turning into a disaster zone, there’s a THOR RV out there built to solve your storage struggles.
If you’re still searching for your perfect rig, start by thinking about what you need to store and go from there. Because when your RV fits your lifestyle, every trip feels a little more like home (and a lot less like a game of hide-and-seek with your gloves and hiking boots).
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