Why should toy haulers have all the fun? Known for having maximum space for outdoor accessories like ATVs, toy haulers are the go-to RV for storage space. But they’re not alone. Many manufacturers are innovating to give you more storage in a cargo RV trailer or cargo van RV that exceeds the norms of carrying capacity in their segments.
Suitable for weekend warriors and full-time RV campers, these RVs with expanded cargo carrying capacity make RV life much easier. We’ve rounded up awesome cargo RVs that aren’t toy haulers but still offer surprisingly generous storage. Our list is separated by travel trailers with surprising cargo space and small motorhomes with creative “garage” storage. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways
- Beyond Toy Haulers: Many RV manufacturers are innovating traditional RV trailers and camper vans to offer expanded cargo storage, making them great alternatives to toy haulers.
- Top Cargo RV Picks: Models like the East to West Silver Lake 3250QB, Keystone Cougar 25DBSWE, and Forest River Salem 28FKG feature high cargo capacities, convertible storage areas, and smart interior organization.
- Cargo Van RVs for Adventure: Camper vans like the Thor Eddie Bauer 22ET, Freedom Elite 17D, and Winnebago Adventure Wagon 70SE provide compact yet versatile storage solutions with modular, customizable features for active travelers.
Top Cargo Trailer RV Picks
Adding cargo capacity in more traditional RV trailers often requires creative, multi-use spaces. Along with models with higher-than-normal cargo capacities for their segment, we’ve selected our favorite floor plans with areas that convert to large cargo garages.
East to West Silver Lake 3250QB
Specs
- Length: 37’8”
- Dry Weight: 7,518 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 3,462 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 10
With a cargo capacity approaching 3,500 pounds, the Silver Lake 3250QB offers serious hauling capability for a non-toy hauler. It also makes it easy to organize your gear. The rear bunk room is accessible via a cargo door on the utility side, making loading kid’s bikes and other more cumbersome equipment easier.
There’s also plenty of storage in the front pass through compartment. Because they didn’t mount the rear bumper under the back wall, it remains available to install a bike rack or cargo carrier for additional storage space.
The interior also packs in smart storage solutions. The bunk room has hanging storage and under-bed storage for bins. The kitchen comes equipped with full-extension drawers and huge lower cabinets, and there’s additional space under the jackknife sofa. Finally, the bedroom offers dual wardrobes, overhead shelving, and under-bed storage.
Keystone Cougar 25DBSWE
Specs
- Length: 29’10”
- Dry Weight: 6,417 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,383 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 8
The Cougar 25DBSWE features a flip-up bunk that provides unique exterior rear storage when upright. The bunks offer great 52” x 74” sleeping space when you’re camping, but the lower bunk flips up, providing access to the rear cargo door and making it easy to load larger gear. While you don’t have the full width of the beds for interior storage, you have great access, and the other half of the bunk isn’t wasted space—this cargo RV trailer boasts an outdoor kitchen.
There’s no lack of interior storage elsewhere, either. There is still a full pass through storage area with slam-latch baggage doors, creating the perfect place for organizing your RV essentials. Plus, the two-inch rear accessory hitch with a 300-pound load capacity makes it easy to connect a cargo carrier or bike rack.
The interior layout also makes this cargo RV perfect for families. The bunks are close to the rear bathroom for the kids, a U-shaped dinette makes family dining comfortable, and the front bedroom with a king bed is perfect for parents to enjoy some privacy at the end of the day.
Forest River Salem 28FKG
Specs
- Length: 32’2”
- Dry Weight: 7,789 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 3,491 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 3
Forest River truly created a unique floor plan with the Salem 28FKG, which has more than one surprise. This travel trailer is built for two, with a custom king bed, a smart and spacious front kitchen, and a full-width rear bath. But with a near-3,500 pound cargo capacity, it’s ready to load all your gear, and it offers some unique options for storage—namely, the rear Versa garage.
Accessible via a flip-up rear hatch, it’s one of the largest storage areas in any travel trailer. Extending the full height of the camper, this garage can hold longer gear like fishing poles, skis, and snowboards. Forest River also included a variety of hooks for hanging gear storage.
If all that wasn’t enough, the interior offers excellent couples-friendly features. There’s a desk/sit-down vanity in the bedroom–perfect for getting ready or remote work. Recessed cubby storage in the bathroom is a smart addition. Plus, there’s a full-height pantry and abundant kitchen storage between overhead and underneath cabinetry.
Honorable Mentions
Favorite Cargo Van RV Models
Built on popular camper van or cutaway chassis by manufacturers like Mercedes, RAM, and Ford, these motorhomes offer surprising storage for their size.
Eddie Bauer 22ET
Images by Camping World
Specs
- Length: 23’7”
- GVWR: 11,000 pounds
- GCWR: 15,000 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2
Full-time boondockers love the hybrid Class B Plus campers for their mobility and versatility. Thor’s Eddie Bauer 22ET is one of the newest options in this segment and one of the best floor plans for gear haulers.
This cargo van RV features a rear “SkyBunk,” which raises and lowers for day and night modes. In the raised position, the entire rear portion of the RV functions as a gear garage. The back cargo door makes loading and unloading easy, and drawers offer dedicated storage for easier organization. Thor even offers cargo net storage in the overhead area and tracks in the floor for securing tie-downs.
The rest of the layout offers plenty to love as well. The central kitchen boasts an induction cooktop, a microwave, and a large, round undermounted sink. There’s a spacious dry bathroom, a dinette with an adjustable or removable table, and a skylight in the front cap. What’s not to love?
Freedom Elite 17D
Specs
- Length: 17’11”
- GVWR: 8,550 pounds
- GCWR: 11,500 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2
Stealth camping is as easy as it gets with the Freedom Elite 17D. The flip-up bed design also provides plenty of storage in this rear garage. In “Sleep Mode,” the bed spans the entire width of the cargo van RV. When flipped up, it reveals a mega storage area with track systems for easily securing recreation equipment.
There are also surprising features in the center of this floor plan. The kitchenette offers thermoformed countertops, a single-basin undermounted sink, and a portable induction cooktop for meal prep. Plus, there’s a removable table that makes the opposing benches a convenient dinette or workspace.
Another important selling point of this camper van is its price. In 2025, it’s one of the most affordable Class B RVs out there at a time when van life has become quite expensive. With a comfortable sleeping area, functional kitchenette, and opposing benches with a removable table, it has everything you need to enjoy van life while keeping money in your pocket for adventures.
Adventure Wagon 70SE
Images by Camping World
Specs
- Length: 22’11”
- GVWR: 11,030 pounds
- GCWR: 15,250 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2
Versatile cargo storage is the calling card of Winnebago’s Adventure Wagon camper vans. The 70SE is the longer of the two models, offering expanding storage space that’s completely customizable to your preferences. From the in-floor L-track cargo systems to soft-sided, wall-mounted storage cabinets, it’s a cargo RV made for personalization.
At the back, the double doors open to reveal an adjustable queen bed. It can be raised or lowered on tracks to your preferred height, making it easy to optimize storage and livability. It comes with a mounted 12-volt refrigerator that can be repositioned on the L-tracks. You also get a multi-purpose lounge that can serve as storage for a portable toilet, a step to access the bed, or a seat for relaxing or dining.
The mounted galley cabinet also repositions on the L-track system. It features a collapsible sink and a closed water system. Modular seating is another highlight of this cargo van RV, as the seats can moved on the L-tracks to your preferred locations. And because three sets of two L-tracks each (6 total) run from just behind the cockpit back to the rear door, a variety of RV accessories can be added to meet your camping needs.
Honorable Mentions
What Is a Cargo RV?
While the definition of a cargo RV varies from model to model, two things remain the same: higher-than-average cargo capacity and creative storage solutions. If you’re into it, chances are you can make it fit — think kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, dirt bikes, and more.
With a cargo RV, you can store more gear than you normally can in a Class B camper van or small travel trailer. Much like toy haulers, they’re built for hauling recreation equipment. You’re less likely to get stuck choosing between paddlesports equipment and golf gear. In a cargo trailer RV or cargo van RV, you can bring it all.
While toy haulers have advantages, they’re not the only type of RV that can get you from Point A to Point B with your gear along for the ride. There are plenty of cargo RV options that check all the boxes. Compare them to other recreation-friendly campers:
- Best RV for Beginners
- Best Toy Hauler Travel Trailer
- Hybrid Campers
- Explore the Forest River Nightfall Lineup
Which cargo RV trailer sparks your fancy? Let us know in the comments below.
