With the small space of an RV, it can sometimes be challenging to adjust your living quarters from home to life on the road. One of the most notable small spaces in an RV is the bathroom, typically providing limited storage, cramped quarters, and not challenging organizing options. If you’re like me, you may have looked all over for bathroom storage solutions for your RV. One of the biggest space hogs for bathroom items is towels. Whether you’re looking to store your clean folded bath towels, wet towels from showering, or even your hand towels, there isn’t any perfect space for them in your RV.
As someone who has lived full time in my RV, I understand the importance of maximing space. In my RV, the bathroom always seems to get a lot of traffic; with a six-year-old, organizing it is always a chore. For that reason, RV organization solutions for the bathroom are a big part of my camping life. This is especially important for towels, without a dedicated home—tent to get shoved into cabinets or bunched up whenever someone tries to grab something else.
Throughout this article, I’ll take a deep dive into several innovative space-saving solutions for your bathroom to help you stay organized and find a home for your bathroom towels. Many of these options will take advantage of the space you already have, which includes verticle space on your walls and doors. With some creativity, you can find a solution that works for you.
If you don’t have time to read the full article, check out these quick tips for towel storage solutions and then jump to the for the best product suggestions:
Top RV Towel Storage Solutions
- Storing Dry Towels: Maximizing vertical space is key in confined RV spaces. Hanging towel racks on walls or over doors can efficiently store dry towels, keeping them accessible yet out of the way. This method effectively utilizes often underused areas, ensuring towels are neatly organized and ready for use.
- Door Towel Racks: For RVs with standard doors, door-mounted towel racks are a straightforward solution. They easily hang over the door, requiring no drilling or permanent alterations. This option is perfect for renters or those who prefer minimal modifications to their RV.
- Storing Wet Bath Towels: Proper airflow is crucial for drying wet towels in the confined space of an RV. Towel bars or hooks, particularly those from brands like Command that don’t require drilling, provide an ideal solution. They enable towels to dry more quickly and efficiently, preventing mildew and odor build-up.
- Hanging Hand Towels: In small RV bathrooms, space for hand towels can be limited. Command Hand Towel Bars are a great option, adhering to walls without needing screws or nails. They offer a sturdy, space-saving solution to keep hand towels dry and organized.
- DIY Options: A tension bar or curtain rod can be a creative and effective DIY solution, particularly in narrow RV bathrooms. These can be installed between two walls, offering a temporary and adjustable place to hang towels without any complex installation process.
- Best RV Towel Options: Sometimes, the best storage solution is to bring fewer towels, but bring the best ones. Turkish Bath Towels and Microfiber Towels are beloved by RVers (and myself). Turkish towels are known for their high absorbency, quick-drying capabilities, and versatility, making them suitable for various uses in an RV. Microfiber towels, renowned for their extreme absorbency and quick-drying nature, are also compact, making them ideal for limited storage spaces in RVs.
Installing Towel Racks and other things in your RV
When you shop for solutions for your bathroom towels, you’re going to find several styles of solutions, which include ones for hanging things on your RV walls. These options will involve hanging with screws, adhesives, or suction cups. Since there are so many great options available for adhesive mounts, that’s my recommended solution. While you can drill into your RV walls and get a sturdy anchor point, you want to ensure that you hit a stud. I would suggest avoiding suction cups. Even though they seem like an easy way to hang things. they don’t tend to stick well to RV walls or textured RV shower surfaces (at least, they don’t for me). However, if you have smooth surfaces, give them a try. You can get some inexpensive ones at the dollar store.
You may want to check out our article on hanging anything on your RV walls. It has some great tips for all of your wall-hanging needs.
RV Towel Rack Ideas (and other towel storage solutions)
Storing Dry Towels
Storing your clean, dry towels can be challenging, especially if you don’t have a large cabinet in your bathroom. In my RV, we have one small bathroom cabinet and under-the-sink storage. This is just not convenient for towels. While some RV owners will keep them in the bedroom or other space, it’s much more convenient to have them in the bathroom where they’ll be used. A good idea for towel storage is to utilize the vertical space on your wall or door with a hanging towel rack. Several suitable options are available that will mount in a variety of spaces. Below are some of my favorites:
This wall towel rack is an excellent addition to any RV bathroom, combining two hooks and creating a sleek, simple style. Not only does it add to the aesthetic of the bathroom, but it also saves space in smaller bathrooms. In addition, with its wall-mounted design, it maximizes dry bath towel storage by making use of unused extra space on your wall.
The one thing I really like about this rack is the drill-free installation. It is attached to the wall with four traceless adhesive strips that require no screws, nails, or tools. It's also made of solid iron wire with a rust-resistant finish, making it excellent for moisture-rich environments like RV bathrooms. It does a great job of storing towels, but you can also use the hooks to hang various small items, such as shower scrubbers, glasses, and jewelry. Overall, this is a good option for RVers and a good solution if you have a small bathroom with nothing but wall space for storage.
If you live in an RV or have limited storage space, this new towel holder is great. It has a rolled bath sheet holder and bathroom towel hooks. It doesn't take up a lot of room, which is a must-have feature for RV bathrooms.
Made of durable carbon steel with a metal spraying powder finish, this towel holder comes with an installation kit that includes expansion screws, black screws, and nuts. It also includes a manual, a rolled towel holder, and towel rack hooks. The upper storage capacity of this holder can accommodate three fluffy bath towels or 12 standard face towels. It's a great addition to any RV bathroom, providing ample storage and adding to the overall aesthetic. If you're worried about screwing into your RV walls, check out our "How to Hang Anything" article below.
This hanging towel rack has a 3 bar design, providing better storage for towels of all sizes. The 3 bars have a smaller gap, preventing smaller towels from falling through. It's made of heavy metal with a black coating, which is both sturdy and durable.
The towel rack is also super spacious, with a rolled towel rack size of 29.5" x 8.5" and a 4.8" distance from the wall. It can comfortably hold large rolled bath towels, including fluffy ones, and even can hold up to 6 extra-large towels. You can fit up to 6 large 40"x20" bath towels and still have room for a hand towel or two. Since this is a rider than a vertical rack, you'll want to take measurements in your bathroom to ensure it will fit.
This towel rack is constructed of high-quality stainless steel, resistant to corrosion and rust, making it a durable and long-lasting addition to your camper bathroom. The matte black finish adds to the sleek and modern design and matches many modern RV decors. My RV was made in 2019, and the design of this matches the overall interior style. In addition, the protected surface is resistant to oxidation, fading, and paint chipping.
The rack combines the best of both worlds, providing a double towel bar design and a towel shelf. The small size also makes it especially lovely for a small RV bathroom. Installation is made easy with all the necessary high-quality hardware and instructions included in the package. It's a great option if you don't have a lot of space in your cabinets. With the instructions provided, you can easily mount this towel rack wherever you desire if you have the wall space. If you're considering this option, take some measurements and check for studs to ensure you can hang it on your RV wall.
Door Towel Racks
You’re in luck if you have a regular door in your RV. For most setups, you can easily add a hanging door rack for your towels. This is an excellent option if you are worried about drilling or attaching something to your RV walls. When selecting a door rack, check to ensure you have clearance between the door and the door frame for the metal hanging over it. You probably want to skip this option if you have barn doors since the rack can interfere with closing.
This over-the-door solution provides door hooks and is an excellent option for RV bathrooms because of its design, easy installation, compatibility with most doors, and compact size. The tiered design provides excellent airflow, preventing dampness and mold growth in an RV bathroom's small, enclosed space. The accessory hangs easily over all residential doors and fits doors up to 1.57 inches thick, making it ideal for RVs. Its compact size and multiple storage options, including three towel bars and two bottom hooks for washcloths, sponges, or robes, make it a perfect fit for smaller or shared bathrooms. Additionally, the rack is constructed with durable materials and comes in three beautiful finishes, ensuring it can withstand the wear and tear of being on the road.
Storing Wet Bath Towels
Wet bath towels in an RV can sometimes take longer to dry, so it's important to hang them and allow as much airflow as possible. I draped my towel over the glass shower door for years, but it was always unsightly, and the towels didn't dry efficiently. Your best wet towel option is a towel bar or towel hook. Luckily, when it comes to hooks, you have many good options that won't require you to drill into your RV wall. For example, command brand hangers are super easy to install and are perfect for RVs. I use a lot of products from this brand throughout my RV.
Storing Wet Bath Towels
Wet bath towels in an RV can sometimes take longer to dry, so it’s important to hang them and allow as much airflow as possible. I draped my towel over the glass shower door for years, but it was always unsightly, and the towels didn’t dry efficiently. Your best wet towel option is a towel bar or towel hook. Luckily, when it comes to hooks, you have many good options that won’t require you to drill into your RV wall. For example, command brand hangers are super easy to install and are perfect for RVs. I use a lot of products from this brand throughout my RV.
I'm unsure how Command does it, but they have built some of the best adhesive towel hooks on the market. I love these Command hooks as they provide a large hook that keeps my towel in place. They're stylish, super easy to install, and,d more importantly, remove. So if you want a lot cost easy solution for hanging a towel, this is your best option. These are also great for wet clothes, which is a regular occurrence with my six-year-old (she will locate any water at the campground, guaranteed.) The extra cost you'll pay for the metal hooks is well worth the upgrade.
Hanging Hand Towels
Like the hooks, this bar is well-made, stylish, and sturdy. The great thing about this hook is that it can mount anywhere since it uses adhesives to attach to the wall. Having the flexibility to install a towel bar is a huge benefit for small RV bathrooms. You no longer need hand towels draped over the bathroom countertop. This will keep the towel organized and dry, just like at home. It's also small enough to fit on the short wall of many RV bathrooms and won't take up too much space if you have tight quarters. Just be sure to measure to ensure you have enough room.
When storing hand towels, a perfect way is to take advantage of your cabinet door. Cabinet doors are great places to find some additional room. The best thing about this hanger is that it doesn't require any additional materials for insulation, won't take up too much room, and it's a great way to maximize space. It keeps your daily-use towels within easy reach and makes your RV feel more like home. It comes in a pack of two for a very affordable price. However, ensure you measure your door to get the correct size. You'll have easy access to your hand towels in a matter of seconds.
DIY Options
Depending on your RV layout, you may also be able to install a tension bar to curtain rod between two walls. This option works great for small bathrooms with narrow dimensions. You simply take the tension rod style bar, adjust it to the wall opening, and twist it into place. This DIY towel rack idea is great for drying wet towels and won’t require any complex installation tools. It takes up very little space, and when you’re not using it for towels, it makes a great option for drying wet bathing suits, sneakers, or other wet everyday items.
Best RV Towel Options
One thing to consider with towel storage is buying towels that do a great job drying you off but don’t take up all your valuable storage space. Two go-to towel options loved by many RVers are Turkish Bath Towels and Microfiber towels.
Turkish Bath Towels
Turkish towels, also known as pestemal towels or hammam towels, have several benefits that make them popular among RVers. Here are some of the benefits of Turkish bath towels:
- High absorbency: Turkish bath towels are made from Turkish cotton, which is known for its high absorbency. These towels can absorb moisture quickly and efficiently, making them ideal for use as bath towels or beach towels.
- Quick-drying: Turkish bath towels are lightweight and thin, which allows them to dry quickly. This makes them perfect for use as travel towels or for outdoor activities like camping.
- Soft and comfortable: Turkish cotton is naturally soft and gets softer with each wash. This means that Turkish bath towels are soft and comfortable against the skin, making them ideal for use as towels.
- Durable: Turkish cotton is known for its durability, which means that Turkish bath towels can withstand frequent use and washing without losing their softness or absorbency.
- Versatile: Turkish bath towels come in a variety of sizes and styles, which makes them versatile and suitable for a wide range of uses. They can be used as bath towels, beach towels, blankets, or even picnic mats.
- Environmentally friendly: Turkish bath towels are often made from organic cotton, which is grown without the use of harmful chemicals. This makes them an eco-friendly option for consumers who are concerned about the environment.
Microfiber Towel
Another popular RV Life towel option is microfiber towels. Microfiber towels, similar to what you may use to clean your car, are made from a blend of synthetic materials, usually polyester, and nylon. Microfiber is a type of material that is made up of ultra-fine fibers that are much thinner than human hair. The fibers are tightly woven together to create a soft and absorbent fabric that is ideal for use as a bath towel. They’re known for their high absorbency and can absorb up to seven times their weight in water. They’re also quick-drying, which is a great feature in RVs. Despite their drying benefits, they’re also soft and gentle against the skin. RVers love them because their lightweight and compact, and easy to store.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the perfect solution for your bath towel storage woes, you have a lot of options. You can hang a rack on your wall, pick up a door towel rack, take matters into your own hand, and create a DIY solution with a shower rod. The other thing to consider is to purchase towels that are highly absorbant but won’t take up a lot of space, such as Turkish or Microfiber bath towels. However, you tackle this common RV problem, good luck. Maybe I’ll see you on the road during your next camping trip, and you can tell me all about it. Happy Trails!