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When we bought our first travel trailer earlier this year (a 2021 Rockwood Ultra-Lite 2608BS), I was beyond excited to finally hit the road. One of the things I loved right away was how much inside storage this model actually has—it’s surprisingly generous compared to some other travel trailers. The wardrobe itself is fairly large too, which seemed like a big win. The only problem? It was designed entirely for hanging clothes.
Like most RVers quickly discover, hanging space isn’t always the most efficient use of storage. At first, I tried slipping a little wire shoe rack into the wardrobe, thinking it would hold folded clothes. It worked for a few items, but it was too small and left a lot of wasted vertical space. Hanging clothes wasn’t much better—who really wants to travel with hangers full of wrinkled clothes that don’t quite fit the space anyway? I knew I needed a better solution.
That’s when I started looking for something lightweight, customizable, and sturdy enough to handle the constant bumps and movement that come with RV life. After browsing a lot of options, I ended up ordering a 12-cube modular wire shelving unit in silver from Amazon. And honestly, it’s been one of my favorite organization upgrades for the camper so far.
Why Shelves Make More Sense in an RV Closet
Travel trailers are cozy, but they don’t exactly come with walk-in closets. Ours had the typical setup: a hanger rack across the top and empty space underneath. It looked good on paper, but in reality, hanging just didn’t make sense.
Shelves, on the other hand, open up so many possibilities. Folded T-shirts, towels, sweatshirts, and even shoes can all find their spot. Instead of stacking piles on the floor or cramming things onto a shoe rack, shelves allow you to use the full height and depth of the closet.
I thought about using one of those lightweight fabric hanging organizers. They’re cheap and easy, but the more I pictured it, the more I worried about sagging shelves or the hanging rod collapsing under the weight. That’s not a problem I want to deal with on vacation.
The Modular Wire Shelving I Chose
The shelving unit I went with comes as a set of wire panels that you connect together to build cubes. You can make it tall, wide, or a mix of both depending on your space. Even though it’s designed for home storage, it works surprisingly well in a camper.
I didn’t need all 12 cubes, so I assembled 9 of them into a layout that fit perfectly in my RV wardrobe. Two columns are accessible from the left side of the closet, and the third is accessible from the right. I love this setup because it still leaves a little space to hang a couple of jackets or nicer clothes, while giving me plenty of shelving for everything else.
The best part? It weighs less than 10 pounds, so it doesn’t add much to our RV load.
Putting It Together
Assembly was simple. The panels snap into plastic connectors, and once you get into the rhythm of it, the whole thing comes together pretty quickly. I spent about half an hour figuring out the right configuration and snapping everything into place.
The extra panels came in handy too. With a few zip ties, I rigged up shorter shelves at the bottom to hold shoes. That small tweak made the unit even more practical, and it keeps my shoes from ending up in a messy pile on the floor.
How It’s Working So Far
So far, I’m thrilled with how it turned out. My folded clothing, towels, and other odds and ends all have a place now. It feels good to open the wardrobe door and not be greeted with a jumble of clothes.
I do plan to add a few fabric bins to some of the cubes. That will give everything a neater look and make it easier to corral smaller items like socks and accessories.
Of course, the real test is how it holds up on the road. We’re heading out this weekend, and I’ll be watching closely to see if anything shifts around during travel. But at home, it feels sturdy and stable, and I’m optimistic it’s going to stay that way.
Other Options for RV Closet Organization
Before settling on the modular wire shelving, I looked into a few other popular RV closet solutions. Fabric hanging organizers are one of the most common—like this simple hanging shelf unit or this hybrid style with a small garment rod. Both are lightweight, easy to install, and inexpensive, which makes them appealing for many RV owners.
Some people also go the DIY route, adding permanent wood or plastic shelves directly into the closet. These are sturdy and can hold heavier items, but they add weight and don’t give you the flexibility to reconfigure later if your storage needs change.
All of these options can work depending on your setup and preferences, but for me, the modular shelving offered the best mix of durability, flexibility, and smart use of space.
Why I’d Choose This Over Fabric Organizers
Every time I compare this setup to the fabric organizers I almost bought, I feel relieved I went with the wire shelves. The fabric shelves would have been lighter, sure, but I know they wouldn’t last as long. And in an RV, where storage space is already limited, I don’t want to deal with sagging shelves or the risk of pulling down the hanging rod.
The modular shelving, on the other hand, feels solid. I was able to push it all the way to the back of the closet, using every bit of depth. It looks more intentional, and I know it’s going to last for years instead of just a season.
Final Thoughts
RV living is all about making the most of small spaces, and this modular shelving unit turned out to be the perfect solution for our wardrobe closet. It’s lightweight, sturdy, customizable, and it actually makes the closet functional. I feel like I gained twice the storage space just by adding it.
If you’ve been struggling with RV closet organization, I’d definitely recommend giving this shelving unit a try. You can check out the exact one I bought here: Amazon Modular Wire Shelving.
FAQ: RV Closet Organization
What is the best way to organize an RV closet?
Shelving is often more efficient than hanging. Modular shelves, like the wire cube unit I used, let you store folded clothes, towels, and even shoes without wasting vertical space.
Is modular wire shelving too heavy for an RV?
Not at all. The unit I used weighs under 10 pounds in total, which is lightweight enough for a travel trailer while still being strong and stable.
Will shelves shift around while driving?
As long as the unit is snug against the walls and you pack it smartly, modular shelving holds up well. Some RVers add a couple of zip ties or bungee cords if they’re worried about extra movement.
Can you still hang clothes with modular shelving in the closet?
Yes! I built mine so that part of the closet still has hanging space. Jackets, dresses, or any items that don’t fold easily can still fit alongside the shelves.
Are fabric hanging shelves a good alternative?
Fabric organizers are lighter, but they don’t last as long and can put strain on the hanging rod. Modular wire shelves are sturdier and a better long-term investment. wire cube shelving system checked all these boxes.
👉 Ready to tackle your RV closet? Try the shelving unit I used here: Amazon Modular Wire Shelving.
