Discover how fellow caravanners Gary and Karen implemented simple, clever modifications to make their van storage smarter, cleaner, and more efficient on the road.
Overview – Why This Matters
This guide solves common caravan storage and functionality problems. It is for new and seasoned travellers looking for proven, practical DIY caravan storage upgrades and ideas. You will learn simple tips for modifying showers, wardrobes, cupboards and managing technology clutter.
Words and Photos Alison Huth
Highlights:
- ✅ Simple lighting and shelving mods
- ✅ Smart storage for clothes and tech
- ✅ Tips for cleaning and utility
External Shower Mod: Camp Oven Cleaning Corner
We know that you shouldn’t use detergent to clean your camp oven, but sometimes you don’t want to take it inside either. Gary changed the external shower for a far more flexible one that he can use to wash the camp oven, with a better consistent spray. Karen assures me it still works well as a shower for the grandkids after they have been to the beach.
Caravan Wardrobe Mod: Turning the wardrobe to shelves
Changing the wardrobes over the shelves is one of the most used mods. But Gary went one further he fixed a light in the wardrobe so it’s easier to see what’s on which shelf where! All you have to do is turn it on.
DIY Hanging Space: Some clothes still need hanging
They have turned both wardrobes into shelfs, but some clothes still need to hang. They have a TV in the bedroom and have put a hook behind it to hang Karen’s few things that need to hang.
Under Sink Storage Mod: One more light
Under the sink is a place for lots of things in their van. While thinking about adding lights to the wardrobe, Gary decided to add one to the large under sink area. This one is different. It’s a microswitch so it turns on automatically when you open the door and off again when you close it.
Secure Overhead Cupboards: ‘Bar’ the falling
Some cupboards don’t like to stay closed. Most do, some just don’t. Gary has fitted an extra rail in each overhead cupboard to stop things falling out if the cupboard opens while they are travelling. The clever thing here is that you can remove the bars easily when you arrive at your destination so you can access everything in the cupboard easily.
Indoor Laundry Hack: Drying clothes on wet days
This is an on-going problem, and one I know we would all like to solve. Gary has got an extendable broom handle with the broom head and has put rubber chair leg stoppers on each end. This fits into the shower cross ways and he extends it to make it a tight fit so it wont fall down while they are travelling. This works for a few items, plus Karen can put the little multi hanger in too.
12V Rechargeable Pest Control: Mozzie Zapper
There are a lot of these on the market, but Garry and Karen have found their favourite. It’s small, rechargeable on 12 volt, through the USB port. I inspected it and found a wide variety of small annoying bugs on the zapper part.
Caravan Tech Storage: Technology and Cords
We seem to have more and more cords these days as our tech devices multiply. Gary has added some extra shelves to deal with this issue. One is use to store Tablets, phones, etc. while the second is used to store the huge range of cords you need. Smart and very tidy idea.
With thanks to Gary and Karen from the Highline Owners Group.
Find More Tips
Q: How can I add more storage to my caravan wardrobe?
A: A popular modification is changing wardrobes over to shelves. You can also add lights inside the wardrobe to make it easier to see what is on each shelf.
Q: What’s a simple way to stop items falling from overhead cupboards?
A: You can fit an extra rail in each overhead cupboard. Look for removable bars that can be taken out easily when you arrive at your destination for better access.
Q: How can I manage all my technology cords in the van?
A: Try adding extra shelves specifically for this issue. One shelf can store tablets and phones while they charge, and a second can be used to store the different cords.
