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If I had to guess, I’d say that “storage solutions” is the second-most talked about topic among RVers. (Sewage, without question, is the first.) Storage is a popular topic because when you’re in an RV – even a large one – you have to make choices about what you are or aren’t going to bring based on the space you have available. The more creative you can be with your storage solutions, the more things you can bring, and the less constrained your RV lifestyle becomes.
So we’re offering up this video, which highlights some of the things we’ve done to make better use of the storage inside our EKKO. Enjoy!
You don’t even have to have an EKKO to make use of some of the tips here. We just want to show you some of the ways we’ve divided up compartments, carved space out of walls, made random plastic bits, and used other available products to make better use of our RV space. But since I know some of you will want to copy certain aspects of what you’ve seen here, below I’ve supplied a bunch of links to some of the products, tools, and solutions you see in the video.
If I’ve forgotten a link, call me out in the comments and I’ll update the list with whatever it is you’re looking for. Here you go! (Some of these are affiliate links.)
The Stuff:
Van Made Shades – We’ve had Vanmade shades in our last few RVs now, and we don’t show any signs of stopping. We just love their products.
Van Made Fan Cover – Regardless of what type of RV you have, you probably have a 14″ x 14″ roof vent somewhere. This is the roof cover you see me install in the video.
1/8″ thick cork – I’ll just warn you, working with cork can be frustrating. It comes rolled up, and if you don’t unroll it carefully, it will crack. This is the cork I installed on our shelves and cabinets. TIP: Let it relax for a full week before flattening and cutting it.
3M Spray Adhesive – This is the easiest thing I’ve found for adhering the cork to a substrate. You can also use contact cement… but that’s more work.
Shelf Pins – You can buy shelf pins at the local home center, but then you’re limited to the features and finishes they have on hand. These are the ones I installed in Number One. (I wanted silver ones, with a hole for securing to the shelf.)
Shelf Pin Drill Bit – If you know me, then you know that… OF COURSE there’s a special drill bit needed to install the special shelf pins. (It’s 5mm metric. Metric drill bits aren’t too common over here.)
Stef’s Giant Plastic Bin – This is the ginormous plastic bin Stef keeps in our dinette cabinet. I do have to admit: the size really is perfect.
Laundry Bag – This is giant, waxy material, laundry bag we use. It’s *freestanding* which was key to making our laundry scheme work.
C Channel – Just bought this at a home center. It’s an easy way to make a removable partition.
Japanese Saw – I’ve found I really prefer using Japanese-style hand saws. They cut on the pull stroke, so the blades can be much thinner. I also find that they track better – at least for me. This isn’t the exact saw you see in the video, but it’s close. It’s a Ryoba, and it has rip teeth on one side, and crosscut teeth on the other.
Organized Obie Cargo Nets – We use a couple different sizes of these throughout our RV, and you can see two of them in our little overhead cabinets in the video. I think we used the 4×12 and 4×24. Follow that link for 5% off.
Video Screen – I wanted a very small (close to the ceiling) screen for the 95% of the time we’re *not* watching it. This was the slimmest I could find.
Everything Keeper – Many people have put these in their RVs. We’re no different! This is the larger of the two sizes.
AAXA Pico Projector – I wanted a very small projector so that it would fit *inside* the everything keeper. This one fit the bill!
Harman Kardon Bluetooth Speaker – I actually had this speaker in a closet. The reason I moved it to the RV is that it FITS INSIDE THE EVERYTHING KEEPER!
3 port USB Charger – This USB charger a) had the right kind of ports and wattages for the devices I wanted to charge, and b) also fit flat inside the everything keeper.
Apple HDMI Adapter – Though every projector out there says it works wirelessly – due to content protection schemes, almost none of them ever work. Particularly on Apple devices. It’s stupid, and they shouldn’t even be allowed to try to integrate wirelessly if it’s always going to fail. Anyway… wired adapters work. And if you want to project a newer apple device, you’re almost guaranteed to need this adapter. Unless you have a lot of time to waste trying to get the wireless thing to work. Which it won’t.
Obie Framed Net Pockets – These are the pockets that hold our phones over the beds, underneath the overhead cabinets. Follow that link for 5% off.
My 3D Printer – the FlashForge Creator Pro – This certainly isn’t the best 3D printer you can buy. But it’s far from the worst, and it was a solid way to get my feet wet with 3D printing. It was easy enough to learn, and it’s still printing for me. I mainly print in ABS, though I do use some PLA on occasion.
Toothbrush Sanitizers – Stef mentioned these, so I’m including them. Why do we have them? Because I read one of those articles that says there’s poop particles on your toothbrush and then that was that…
Bamboo Boards – I don’t know if anyone will want to work with this stuff, but it’s kind of cool. I bought a bunch of it, and I’m trying to use it for all my RV interior woods so that we wind up with a harmonious look inside the rig.
3/8″ Aluminum Rod – This is the stuff I bought… twice… to make the spice rack you see in our rig.
Stef’s Top – Hi all! It’s Stef here hijacking James’ post, heh heh. I just got this new top from Aventura Clothing, and I love it! They’re my clothing sponsor and their stuff is awesome so check them out. Back to James… shhh.
And that’s it! If you have any comments or questions, sound off below and I’ll try to answer.
Thanks for watching!
First off, I’d like to thank you for all the great videos, tips and projects that you both share with us. My wife and I watch all the videos! I originally was going to put a small tv in our Ekko bedroom but the 15mm wall seems a bit flimsy. I called Winnebago, seems there’s no support behind the wall even though there’s an outlet for it!! So I rewatched your mods video and am going to do the projector project similar to yours. I am trying to figure out what video screen you used? The link doesn’t seem to be working and was wondering how you mounted it. Thank you very much!
Hi Bill –
Well, the screen *was* available on Amazon. But it looks like it isn’t anymore. It was a 40″ screen. Rolls up manually.
Good hunting!
Hi James. Just watched your video of the bed slats and mattress change. Could you share the vendor of the zippered window shades?
They’re a prototype that we’re helping develop.
When they’re ready for sale, there will be a video about them, so keep watching!
Hello James, I’m admiring the threaded grommets you printed for the cables in the bedroom shelf. Would you happen to have the .stl file available? I have looked for it in other places but just cant find the correct ones. I may have to design it myself but thought I would ask first.
Thanks
Pete
I’ve tried to share them on the site I use for 3D printing stuff, but they seem to be having a problem. I’ve got a request in to them.
Hi James/Stef – What is the size of the large pantry bin you have in the cabinet above the table? The link doesn’t specify. We pick up our EKKO monday and would like to know if what i have will fit. I am assuming the one you have is the jumbo one which is 8x16x9 inches. Thanks so much for the great videos and organization inspiration.
It’s the “Jumbo” size! 8x16x9 🙂
Hi James, We continue to implement many of the mods you and Stef shared — so thanks again! We just opened up the center space over the cab following your video — perfect! One question: What material did you use for the back board? Right now we have a thin piece of wood, but would like a more finished look like yours. Best, Maureen
I used some plywood that matches the other two plywoods in the EKKO. You can get it from Winnebago, but it’s pretty darn expensive.
Probably the most economical thing would be to use the wood, as you have, but then paint it matching colors. Several folks in the Winnebago EKKO Owners and Wannabes group on Facebook have posted matching paint formulae.
Thanks for the quick reply, James. Good idea, we’ll try the paint.
Hi Guys
We have just purchased an Ekko(we took delivery two days ago) and wanted to ask what size your new bamboo ding room table is as we would like to do the same in making the area into a breakfast nook.Also when we tab into Amazon for the Pantry organiser were not to sure what size to order and finally is that a dirt bin that you have on the cupboard wall when you enter your RV?We are from South Africa so don’t have access to a workshop like yours ,however we really enjoy your casts and really love what you’ve done to your Ekko, safe travels Wayne and Janice
I don’t remember exactly what size the table is. I’ll try to remember to measure it.
But how I arrived at those dimensions may be of more interest to you.
I taped a piece of cardboard to the pedestal and experimented with size and placement until I got something that worked for Stef and me.
That will yield more of a “custom fit” end result for you.
James
I’m still waiting for my Ekko (ordered March of 2021) and after watching your video I would like to get a jump start on making some of the storage cabinet and pieces you show. Do you have measurements you can share of the various components?
Not really. I mean, I knew them as I was making things, but I didn’t write any of it down. We didn’t intend this video as a “follow-along” mod video, but rather as an inspiration video.
And in all seriousness, I would recommend waiting until you get your unit before cutting anything. Winnebago makes running changes in their production, and even manufacturing tolerances might make your measurements different from ours.
Thx for quick reply James!
I love the way you’ve decorated ‘One’.
Hi Stef & James – quick question: are you able to play Netflix and Amazon Prime coming from your iPad through the HDMI adapter on your projector ?
Follow up: even downloaded titles so you can watch movies without internet connection available ?
I have not figured out the latter yet….bugs me they (Apple or Netflix) put so many hurdles up…
Robert S
Yes, this is exactly what we do.
We download shows from Netflix or Amazon Prime onto an iPad, and we watch them through the HDMI cable and projector.
We don’t normally stream, just to save data. We do typically have an internet connection available though, even if it is only from hotspotting our phones.
Can you tell me what adhesive you use to secure the cork to the shelves?
Good one!
I’ve updated the list above.
It’s this stuff: https://amzn.to/3McBMP7
Excellent; thanks so much!
Location of cat litter box? Everything looks so amazing and well organized. Thx for the links of all products you used.
https://www.thefitrv.com/rv-tips/adding-an-rv-cat-door-mels-private-restroom/
I love your bed coverings. Where did you get them and what are they? So cute. We have twin beds also.
They’re a type of wool blanket called the GoSnug.
Unfortunately, they’ve stopped making themn. We were in contact with the former owner about a year ago, and I think he sold all his samples to our facebook followers!
Seems like you could cut up Steph’s cupboard door to make your drawer fronts. It would ensure that they match the other doors but, if you could mount the pieces to the existing drawers, it could make the project much simpler.
Correct on both accounts.
The only trouble with mounting the fronts to the existing drawers are the latches. If I want to use the same kind of latches as present elsewhere, I would need to cut away some of the drawer front to fit them.
Also – due to the way things are spaced out, they could either be at the center of the drawer boxes, or at the center of the drawer fronts… but not both. (Which may not pass muster with my OCD.)
I may yet do that though, because it would be much simpler.
The other option is, of course, a complete rebuild.
Great video. Thank you so much. Slightly off topic: Do you know what kind of insulation that white stuff is that it in your cap area? My RV cap (not a Winnebago!) is completely uninsulated and I can’t decide what to use.
It appeared to be just a fiberglass insulation product. Only it had a plastic or vinyl backing instead of the paper you see at the home centers.
Personally, if I were insulating a cap, I’d probably get some kind of Thinsulate to go in there.
Thanks James. I was trying to avoid the spray adhesive because of my asthma, but fiberglass has it’s own issues, hence my hollow cap after over a year! I’m thinking of just shoving some cotton batting or blankets up there and calling it a day.
Thanks again.
James, speaking of 3D printing, bit off topic but did you find there was a standard size PVC that would cover the cap you printed for the install of the cell booster? Or did that require you to print given it’s odd size? I want to install our WeBoost in the same fashion but don’t have a 3D printer. Thanks
Mark
I never looked for a PVC cap, so I can’t help you there.
I just went straight to printing it. There are holes, ridges, etc.
If you don’t have a 3D printer, the model is on Treatstock, where you can pick a printing vendor and have the item printed and shipped directly to you. You could even pick a strange material to have it printed out of if you liked.
Several folks have done this already and it seems to work.
Follow the links in that post.
Well done! On the drawers, it appears the wood supports stop 4” or more from the back wall. Is this to allow for the bottom shelf to be at any height (and not hit the hose) and to hang something behind? What were your placement dimensions from the floor up (or top down) – it is great that the vertical space was able to be fully utilized. It also appears the left front edge was removed but the broader right one remains – correct – it it because that is a support? Did you notch the support as it hits and goes over that right edge? I’m intrigued on how you would turn these into drawer fronts, particularly given the open bottom space? And, why would drawer fronts maybe allow for more space? Last, if you don’t use the beautiful current drawers – you could auction them off at GNR OR we could just agree on a price right now!!
The drawers stop short of the back wall so that there is space to hang infrequently used things behind them (like Stef’s backpack). I don’t recall exactly what the spacing of the drawers is, but they are the same size, so probably evenly spaced.
I’m afraid I don’t quite understand your questions on supports and removing edges, but here’s the deal. The door on the cabinet has hinges on the right and a latch on the left. I had to build out the sides so that the drawers would clear those items and slide in and out between them. If I were to remove the door, the hinges and latch would be removed as well, which would mean I could reclaim that space and make the drawers wider.
The space beneath the drawers contains a drain pipe, and is unsuitable for installing a drawer. I would probably just install a front piece that I attach with magnets if I make the changes.
Can you point me to the melamine edging you used that matches that used in the EKKO? I like the wall storage above the beds but would want to make the edging match the other cabinetry.
Thanks!
Here’s what I used: https://amzn.to/3TRWnyw
I love your 3-D prints! Have you posted any of them online to share?
The only one I think I’ve posted is the antenna cap to enable re-use of the TV antenna cabling for other devices. That one is over on Treatstock, so that people without printers could get it made. The ones you see in this video are pretty simple.
In the last scene of the video it appears that you’ve changed the dinette window screens from the cassette to something with zippers. I am wondering what it is and if you’ve made that change to all the windows.
We have only replaced that one window covering thus far. It’s a product we’re working on, and we’re trying to bring it to a wider availability.
It’s not ready to go just yet. We’ll make an announcement when it is.
Great stuff. Could you share your source for the paneling (walls and cabinet doors)? I want to reconfigure mine. Thanks
Well, I didn’t actually add or replace any walls or cabinet doors.
But if you’re referring to the plywood bits you can see me using in various projects – that comes from Winnebago. Your dealer should be able to help you get some. I’ll warn you though… it isn’t cheap!
What brand of 3D printer do you use? I have been thinking getting into 3 d printing. I like some of the things that you for your RV and would like to try making them for my RV.
It’s in the list of links in this post (above).