Roof Rack & External Storage Solutions

When you’re travelling around Australia for months or years, space inside your caravan or motorhome becomes precious. Every cupboard, drawer, and storage nook gets filled with the essentials for extended travel. That’s where external storage solutions come into play.

External storage isn’t just about carrying more stuff – it’s about smart organisation. Roof racks let you carry lightweight, bulky items like camping chairs and awning walls up high. External toolboxes keep dirty, smelly, or frequently-used items outside your living space. Gas bottle holders and water tank mounts free up valuable internal real estate.

The trick is understanding which external storage solution matches your specific needs and rig setup. A family with kids needs different storage than a couple with bikes, and a motorhome has different mounting options than a caravan.

Roof Rack Systems: Getting Started

Roof racks are the foundation of external storage. They transform your roof from wasted space into a valuable cargo area for lightweight, weatherproof items. The key word here is lightweight – your roof rack isn’t for heavy tools or water containers.

You’ll encounter two main roof rack types: complete integrated systems and aftermarket bolt-on racks. Integrated systems come factory-fitted on many modern caravans and motorhomes, with mounting points built into the roof structure. These handle more weight and look cleaner, but limit your flexibility.

Aftermarket systems give you complete control over layout and capacity. Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform ~$450 and Yakima LoadWarrior ~$320 are the most popular choices for RVs. Both mount to existing roof rails or with specific mounting brackets.

Platform-style racks offer the most versatility. You get a flat cargo area with tie-down points around the perimeter. Add accessories like cargo boxes, kayak holders, or bike mounts as needed. The Thule Canyon XT ~$380 includes an integrated wind fairing to reduce noise and fuel consumption.

Rail-based systems work better for specific items. If you’re only carrying bikes or a kayak, dedicated rail mounts take up less roof space and create less wind resistance than full platforms.

External Toolboxes & Compartments

External toolboxes solve the “dirty and smelly storage” problem. Tools, spare parts, outdoor cooking equipment, dirty clothing, and wet weather gear all live better outside your living space. The challenge is finding boxes that can handle Australian conditions without becoming security risks.

Aluminium toolboxes dominate the RV market for good reasons. They’re lightweight, weatherproof, and resist the UV damage that destroys plastic boxes within a few years. Steel boxes offer better security but add significant weight – only worth it for truly valuable contents.

Size matters more than you’d think. A 900mm box holds camping chairs, basic tools, and outdoor kitchen supplies. Step up to 1200mm for bikes, awning walls, or serious workshop tools. Anything bigger than 1500mm becomes unwieldy and affects your rig’s aerodynamics.

Mounting location affects accessibility and weight distribution. A-frame toolboxes on caravans keep weight forward where it belongs. Rear-mounted boxes on motorhomes are easier to access but can exceed rear axle limits. Side-mounted boxes work well but require careful positioning to avoid scraping on tight tracks.

Security varies dramatically between brands. Basic boxes use simple cam locks that any determined thief can defeat. Upgraded models feature proper barrel locks or even electronic systems. Remember that determined thieves will cut through aluminium boxes regardless of locks – security is about deterring opportunistic theft, not professional criminals.

Bike Racks & Sports Equipment Storage

Bikes present unique storage challenges for Big Lappers. They’re valuable, oddly-shaped, and get used frequently enough that you don’t want them buried in storage. The wrong rack setup turns a simple bike ride into a 30-minute unpacking exercise.

Rear-mounted bike racks suit most RV setups. They keep bikes accessible, don’t affect roof clearance, and work with both caravans and motorhomes. Platform-style racks that support bikes by the wheels cause less frame stress than traditional hanging racks that grip the top tube.

Motorhome bike storage differs from caravan storage. Motorhomes can mount racks directly to the chassis or use receiver hitches. Caravans need racks that mount to the A-frame or drawbar without interfering with the coupling. Some caravan manufacturers offer integrated bike racks, but aftermarket options usually offer better bike protection.

E-bikes complicate everything. They weigh 20-25kg compared to 12-15kg for regular bikes, and their batteries create theft concerns. Standard bike racks often can’t handle the weight. The Yakima Dr Tray ~$580 handles bikes up to 27kg and works well for mixed e-bike and regular bike combinations.

Internal bike storage works for some rigs. Motorhomes with large rear garages can carry bikes inside, protecting them from weather and theft. Caravans can sometimes fit bikes in the front boot or inside the van itself. This takes up valuable living/storage space but offers maximum security.

Kayaks, surfboards, and other sports equipment follow similar principles. Roof-mounted systems work well for items you use occasionally. J-cradles for kayaks, surfboard racks, and ski boxes all mount to standard roof rack systems. Consider how often you’ll access the equipment – items you use weekly belong on easily-accessible exterior mounts, while seasonal gear can live on the roof.

Gas Bottles & Water Tank Mounts

Gas bottles and extra water storage solve range anxiety for remote area travel. The challenge is mounting them safely and legally while maintaining good weight distribution.

Gas bottle storage follows strict regulations. Bottles must be mounted upright, secured with approved brackets, and positioned where any gas leaks won’t accumulate under the vehicle. External gas bottle holders typically mount to the A-frame on caravans or the rear bumper on motorhomes.

Extra water storage extends your off-grid capabilities but adds significant weight. A 100-litre water tank weighs 100kg when full – that’s a substantial portion of your payload. Position additional water tanks as close to your axles as possible to minimise effects on weight distribution.

Water tank mounting options depend on your RV type and available space. Under-chassis mounting protects tanks from impact damage but complicates installation and maintenance. External side-mounted tanks are easier to install and service but more vulnerable to damage on narrow tracks.

Jerry cans offer flexibility for fuel and water storage. They’re lighter when empty, easy to fill, and can be positioned where needed for weight distribution. Quality jerry cans like Scepter Military Water Cans ~$85 last decades with proper care. Mount them in external toolboxes or dedicated jerry can holders to prevent damage and theft.

Awning Walls & Camping Gear Storage

Awning walls, camping furniture, and outdoor cooking equipment create the “how do I pack all this bulky stuff” problem. These items get used regularly enough that you need easy access, but they’re often too bulky or dirty for internal storage.

Awning wall storage depends on your awning type. Roll-out awnings often include integrated storage bags for walls, but these bags rarely hold a complete set of walls plus the floor. External storage solutions include roof-mounted cargo boxes or dedicated wall storage systems.

The Dometic Cargo Box 320 ~$420 mounts to most roof rack systems and holds awning walls, camping chairs, and outdoor rugs. Its 320-litre capacity suits most Big Lapper needs without creating excessive wind resistance.

Camping furniture storage benefits from external solutions. Chairs, tables, and outdoor cooking equipment live better outside where they can air-dry and don’t bring dirt into your living space. Consider how frequently you’ll access items – daily-use items like chairs and tables need easily-accessible storage, while occasional-use equipment can live in less convenient locations.

Outdoor kitchen storage deserves special consideration. Weber Q barbecues, camp ovens, and cooking accessories create grease and odours you don’t want inside. External storage keeps cooking smells outside while protecting equipment from weather. Some external toolboxes include ventilation features specifically for barbecue storage.

Weight Distribution & Legal Limits

External storage can quickly exceed your vehicle’s weight limits if you don’t plan carefully. Every kilogram of external storage capacity comes with the temptation to fill it, and water, tools, and spare parts add weight faster than you’d expect.

Understanding your weight limits starts with your vehicle’s compliance plate. Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is your total allowable weight including the vehicle, passengers, fuel, water, and cargo. Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) works similarly for caravans. Axle weight limits matter just as much – you can be under GVM but still illegal if one axle is overloaded.

Weight distribution affects handling and safety. Heavy items mounted high on the roof raise your centre of gravity and increase rollover risk. Items mounted far from the axles create leverage that affects weight distribution between axles. The general rule: heavy items low and close to the axles, light items anywhere.