Got more stuff to haul than you can put away in your rig? Or, perhaps have something you’d rather not stuff away in your basement storage? Think of that “blue boy” portable waste tank. Some worry that such a tank would bring a stink in with it if put in a storage compartment.
Now a clever RVer has worked those details out. RV extra storage isn’t inside, but under!
RV extra storage with spare tire carrier
Etta Eudora posted a potential solution to beef up storage carrying capacity using an RV frame attaching spare tire carrier. Not only does it make a great place to sling your blue boy, but gear stowed away in tight, appropriate size storage containers can find a home on the carrier, too. Etta’s hack appears on Facebook.
Before you buy
There are a few things to keep in mind. There are several models of the BAL spare tire carrier, and the one you choose needs to fit your I-beam suspension. While the photos Etta provided show this carrier setup on a rig with an enclosed underbelly, some buyers have said they didn’t find the system compatible unless there was no underbelly covering. Measure twice, buy once.
And should you decide to carry storage containers on your spare tire rack, one Facebook commenter recommends you use fresh containers. They warned that older containers can be brittle, and don’t respond well to rock-peppering.
You can find several of these spare tire carriers here on Amazon.
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RVDT2726
Don’t go over any bumps! LOL!
I guess ‘Tons’ is a key word in this article. LOL The underbelly mount may be a great idea for more external storage than adding a cargo rack at the rear bumper. In theory you can better adjust the weight balance on your trailer. Do keep in mind that the storage may or may not be ‘additional’. Your frame, axle(s) and hitch is still subject to the same CCC (cargo carrying capacity) you had before adding ‘tons’ of extra storage.
The spare tire rack is good but Lippert makes two boxes (one from each side) that may offer better storage. There are two sizes and the longer @4′ ones go all they way across. Easy hook up to frame and great for things like sewer hoses etc. Mine are on a 5th wheel so no issues with height. Don’t hold a ton of weight but lots of space.
Thank you, Russ and Tina, for the hint, but it seems too easy a way to become overloaded unless it is used to separate specific cargo, such as your example of the “stinky slinky.” Our RV actually has too much storage capacity, in that filling all, especially if one includes things such as a cannonball collection, easily can make one overweight. We got distressingly close to our maximum weight ahead of our departure for a recent extended trip as a stop at Cat Scales demonstrated. Have a great day and safe travels!