Review Atlas
Review AtlasYour guide to a better purchase

Menu

Shop by Category

Get the App

Better experience on mobile

BEGINNER⏱️ 30 min read

How to Secure RV Accessory Organizers?

Keep your RV clutter-free on the road with these beginner-friendly steps to firmly secure organizers that won't shift during travel.

Traveling in an RV is all about adventure, but nothing kills the vibe like organizers tumbling around during bumpy drives, spilling gear everywhere. Loose accessory organizers for cabinets, walls, or cargo areas are a common headache for RV newbies, leading to frustration and disorganization. This guide solves that by showing you simple, reliable ways to lock them in place.

You'll learn foolproof methods using adhesives, straps, and hooks—no drilling required for most setups. Expect a quick, easy process perfect for beginners, with results that last through thousands of miles. In under an hour, your RV will stay tidy from campsite to campsite.

We'll cover everything from prep to testing, so even if you've never DIY'd before, you'll succeed on the first try.

What You'll Need

  • Accessory organizers (e.g., bins, nets, or hanging pockets)
  • Rubbing alcohol and clean cloth (required for cleaning)
  • Measuring tape
  • 3M Command Strips or hooks (damage-free adhesive, required)
  • Velcro straps or bungee cords (for extra security)
  • Screwdriver (optional for screw-in methods)
  • Level (optional for straight installation)

Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes Difficulty: beginner

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Assess Your RV Space and Organizers

Start by identifying where to place your accessory organizers—think cabinet doors, walls, under sinks, or cargo bays. Measure the space with a tape measure to ensure a perfect fit. Hold the organizer in place temporarily to visualize.

This matters because RVs vibrate a lot; poor placement leads to failure. Success looks like organizers flush against surfaces without blocking doors or vents. Note any textured or curved areas that might need adapters.

💡 Tips:

  • Prioritize high-traffic spots like the kitchen first.
  • Sketch a quick layout for multiple organizers.

Step 2: Clean Surfaces Thoroughly

Wipe down installation spots with rubbing alcohol on a cloth. Let dry completely (5-10 minutes). Remove any grease, dust, or residue from RV travel.

Clean surfaces ensure adhesives bond strongly—dirty ones fail 80% of the time. Expect a streak-free, dry surface ready for attachment.

⚠️ Warnings:

  • Avoid soap; it leaves residue that weakens hold.

Step 3: Choose Your Securing Method

Pick based on surface: Command Strips for no-damage walls/cabinets; Velcro straps for flexible hold; screws for permanent cargo areas. Read organizer instructions for compatible backs.

Why? Adhesives are beginner-best for renters; screws for heavy loads. Success: Method matches weight (e.g., strips for <5lbs).

💡 Tips:

  • Test weight: Lift organizer fully loaded.

Step 4: Prepare and Apply Adhesives or Hooks

For strips: Peel backing, press firmly to organizer back and surface for 30 seconds each. Wait 1 hour before use. For hooks: Follow package for weight limits.

Pressure activates adhesive; rushing causes peels. Expect strong bond after cure time—no movement when tugged lightly.

⚠️ Warnings:

  • Don't overload; check weight ratings.

Step 5: Mount the Organizer Securely

Align and press organizer into place using a level if needed. Hold 30 seconds. Add Velcro straps around edges for vibration-proofing.

This locks it against RV motion. Success: No wobble when shaken; level and plumb.

💡 Tips:

  • Use helper for large ones.

Step 6: Add Secondary Securing Points

Loop bungee cords or extra Velcro at top/bottom/corners. Tighten just snug—no pinch.

Prevents sagging over time. Expect rock-solid hold even on rough roads.

⚠️ Warnings:

  • Over-tighten damages RV surfaces.

Step 7: Test for Stability

Simulate travel: Shake, bump, drive short distance if possible. Tug items inside.

Confirms safety. Success: Zero movement or noise.

💡 Tips:

  • Re-secure if any shift.

Step 8: Load and Organize Accessories

Fill gradually with RV gear (tools, spices, etc.). Balance weight evenly.

Finalizes setup. Enjoy clutter-free space!

Pro Tips

  • Apply adhesives in 70°F+ temps for best stick.
  • Use painter's tape to mark positions before cleaning.
  • Rotate organizers seasonally for wear evenness.
  • Label bins for quick access.
  • Check monthly during trips.
  • Combine methods (adhesive + strap) for heavies.
  • Stock extras in go-bag for roadside fixes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping surface clean: Adhesives fail fast—always alcohol-wipe.
  • Overloading organizers: Stick to ratings or use screws.
  • Ignoring cure time: Wait full hour or it peels on first bump.
  • Poor placement: Blocks vents/doors—measure twice.
  • No secondary straps: Vibration loosens primaries over time.

Troubleshooting

Problem: Organizer peels off after bumps

Solution: Re-clean, use stronger strips or add screws/Velcro. Ensure full cure.

Problem: Doesn't stick to textured surfaces

Solution: Roughen with sandpaper lightly or switch to straps/screws.

Problem: Too wobbly when loaded

Solution: Add corner bungees or balance contents.

Problem: Damaged RV surface on removal

Solution: Use Command strips only; pull tab slowly parallel to surface. Seek pro for repairs.

3M Command Large Utility Hooks

Damage-free adhesive holds up to 5lbs securely on RV walls without residue.

Best for: Mounting lightweight organizers like nets or pockets.

Price Range: $9.99

Velcro Brand ONE-WRAP Heavy Duty Cable Ties

Reusable, adjustable straps cinch organizers vibration-proof.

Best for: Extra securing on cabinets or cargo nets.

Price Range: $12.99

Keeper 01618-8PK 18-Inch Bungee Cords

Stretchy, hooked cords provide flexible hold for heavy organizers.

Best for: Cargo bay or door-mounted bins on rough roads.

Price Range: $10.49

Camco RV Sidewall Organizer

Pre-designed with built-in hooks/straps for easy RV securing.

Best for: All-in-one cabinet organization.

Price Range: $19.99

Gorilla Heavy Duty Mounting Tape

Double-sided tape for textured surfaces where strips fail.

Best for: Permanent-ish hold on bins.

Price Range: $14.99

Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we believe will add value to our readers.

🛒 Recommended Products

3M Command Large Utility Hooks

3M Command Large Utility Hooks

Mounting lightweight organizers like nets or pockets.

$9.99

3M Command Large Utility Hooks Damage-free adhesive holds up to 5lbs securely on RV walls without residue.

Velcro Brand ONE-WRAP Heavy Duty Cable Ties

Velcro Brand ONE-WRAP Heavy Duty Cable Ties

Extra securing on cabinets or cargo nets.

$12.99

Velcro Brand ONE-WRAP Heavy Duty Cable Ties Reusable, adjustable straps cinch organizers vibration-proof.

Keeper 01618-8PK 18-Inch Bungee Cords

Keeper 01618-8PK 18-Inch Bungee Cords

Cargo bay or door-mounted bins on rough roads.

$10.49

Keeper 01618-8PK 18-Inch Bungee Cords Stretchy, hooked cords provide flexible hold for heavy organizers.

Camco RV Sidewall Organizer

Camco RV Sidewall Organizer

All-in-one cabinet organization.

$19.99

Camco RV Sidewall Organizer Pre-designed with built-in hooks/straps for easy RV securing.

Gorilla Heavy Duty Mounting Tape

Gorilla Heavy Duty Mounting Tape

Permanent-ish hold on bins.

$14.99

Gorilla Heavy Duty Mounting Tape Double-sided tape for textured surfaces where strips fail.