Why Combine a Roof Rack Cargo Basket With a Camp Chair Hanger?
Hauling camp chairs inside your RV eats up valuable living space, and strapping them loosely to the roof invites wind noise, shifting, and potential damage. The RVStow Roof Rack Cargo Basket Camp Chair Hanger Mod transforms your existing cargo basket into a dedicated external chair rack, letting you secure two to four folding chairs cleanly against the basket’s side rails without blocking access to your main gear. This modular DIY shelving approach uses low-cost hardware from your local hardware store and takes less than an hour to install, freeing up interior storage for food, clothing, or camping essentials.
How Does the Camp Chair Hanger Mod Work With the RVStow Basket?
The mod relies on the basket’s steel side rails and crossbars to create two vertical hanging points per chair. You attach heavy-duty utility hooks or custom-made L-brackets that grip the basket’s top rail and extend downward 8 to 10 inches. Each chair’s folded frame then slides onto the hooks, with the chair’s legs resting against the basket’s side mesh. A pair of bungee cords or adjustable straps lock the chair in place, preventing lateral movement while you drive. For a cleaner look, you can also install a dedicated aluminum hang rail that spans the basket’s length, similar to the RVStow Roof Rack Cargo Basket Utility Basket Mod but oriented for vertical chair storage.
What Materials and Tools Do You Need for This Mod?
Most RVers already own the tools required. Here is a complete shopping list with estimated costs in US dollars:
| Item | Quantity | Estimated Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy-duty 5/16-inch steel utility hooks (or L-brackets) | 4 per chair | $6–$12 per set of 4 | Look for a weight rating of 50 lbs or higher |
| 1-inch nylon webbing straps with cam buckles | 2 per chair | $8–$15 per pair | UV-resistant, 1,200 lb tensile strength |
| Rubberized hook liners (optional) | 1 roll | $5–$8 | Prevents scratches on chair frame |
| 10mm socket wrench with extension | 1 | Already own | For removing basket side bolts if needed |
| Permanent marker and measuring tape | 1 each | $5 | For marking hook positions |
| Two-pack of aluminum flat bar (1/8 x 1 x 36 inches) | 1 | $10–$14 | For DIY hang rail (optional upgrade) |
Total investment ranges from $34 to $54, depending on whether you build a custom rail or use off-the-shelf hooks. This is a fraction of the cost of an aftermarket chair rack.
How Do You Install the Hooks on the RVStow Basket?
Begin by laying your folded camp chair against the basket’s side rail where you want it mounted. Mark the two upper rail positions that align with the horizontal crossbar of the chair frame. At each mark, clamp the utility hook so the curved section extends downward below the rail. Use a 10mm socket to loosen the basket’s side panel bolts, slide the hook tang between the rail and the mesh, then retighten the bolt to secure the hook. Follow the RVStow Roof Rack Cargo Basket Torque Specs & Bolt Tightening Sequence to avoid overtightening the bolts—apply 15–18 Nm (11–13 ft-lbs) for standard steel rails.
For a cleaner installation, you can replace the existing side bolts with longer M8 stainless steel bolts that pass through both the basket rail and the hook base. Repeat the process for the second hook on the opposite side of the chair. Once both hooks are fastened, slide the chair onto them from above, ensuring the frame sits flush against the basket’s mesh. Add a bungee cord diagonally across the chair’s armrest and the basket’s top rail to eliminate side-to-side wobble.
Can You Hang Chairs Without Blocking Access to the Main Basket?
Yes—this mod specifically preserves the entire interior volume of the basket. Chairs hang on the exterior side panels, so you can still load coolers, totes, or firewood in the main cargo area. If you need to carry four chairs, mount two on each side of the basket. The RVStow basket’s symmetrical steel mesh provides even load distribution, but be mindful of weight. Most standard camp chairs weigh 10–15 lbs each, so two chairs per side keep the load well under the basket’s 150–200 lb dynamic capacity. For heavier recliner-style chairs, limit to one per side and distribute the weight evenly.
This technique pairs well with the RVStow Roof Rack Cargo Basket Inner Divider Mod, which can segment the main area for smaller gear while chairs stay outside. The divider also prevents shifting items from bumping into the hanging chairs during turns or sudden stops.
What Accessories Can You Add for Extra Stability?
For long highway trips or off-road travel, a few simple upgrades significantly reduce chair movement:
- Rubberized hook sleeves – Slide these over the metal hooks to dampen vibration and prevent paint chipping. A set of four costs around $8.
- Cross-strap harness – Connect the two lower chair legs with a 1-inch strap that runs under the basket’s mesh, pulling the chairs inward. This eliminates 90% of lateral sway.
- Quick-release paddle clamps – Add one clamp per chair where the frame meets the basket rail. These lock the chair in place and can be released in seconds.
- Noise reduction foam strips – Insert thin polyurethane foam between the chair frame and the basket’s metal bars. This mod is detailed in the RVStow Roof Rack Cargo Basket Noise Reduction Foam Mod and cuts wind whistle by up to 40%.
What Owners Say About the Camp Chair Hanger Mod
Users on RV forums and social media groups consistently praise the mod’s simplicity and effectiveness. Many report installing it in under 45 minutes with basic hand tools. The most common feedback includes:
- “I hung two heavy director chairs on my RVStow basket using the L-bracket method. The baskets didn’t shift even after 300 miles through West Texas wind. Total cost was $28.” — Vernon, Texas
- “The biggest surprise was how easy it is to unhook the chairs. A 10-second pull on the strap and they come right off. I camp twice a month, so speed matters.” — Sandra, Oregon
- “I combined this mod with the sun shade mod (RVStow Roof Rack Cargo Basket Sun Shade Mod) to protect my chair fabric from fading. My chairs look new after two summers.” — Miguel, Arizona
- “My wife was worried about the chairs flying off. I used the cross-strap harness trick, and we drove through a rainstorm at 70 mph. Nothing moved. Go for it.” — Dave, Florida
The only minor criticism is that heavier chairs may require periodic retightening of the hook bolts after the first few trips. A dab of blue Loctite on the threads solves this issue permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will hanging chairs from the side rails damage the RVStow basket’s powder coating?
The rubberized hook liners or a wrap of electrical tape around the hook contact points effectively prevents scratching. The basket’s powder coating is rated for outdoor use, but adding a protective layer extends its lifespan, especially in humid environments.
Can I use this mod with a roof rack that already has a different cargo basket?
Yes, as long as the basket has exposed side rails with 1.5-inch or larger spacing between bars. A universal hook kit works on most steel or aluminum baskets, but verify that your basket’s rail diameter matches the hook’s clamp size. The RVStow basket uses 1-inch tubes, which fit standard utility hooks.
Does the hanger mod affect the RV’s fuel economy?
Hanging chairs adds wind resistance, but the effect is minimal—typically a 0.2 to 0.5 mpg reduction, depending on driving speed and the chairs’ shape. Streamlining the chairs with a lightweight wind fairing recovers half of this loss. For comparison, a fully loaded roof box can reduce mileage by 2–4 mpg.
What weight should I not exceed for the hanging chairs?
Each side of the RVStow basket can safely support up to 80 lbs of hanging gear, provided the main cargo area does not exceed the basket’s overall 200 lb dynamic limit. That translates to two 15-lb standard chairs per side or one 35-lb oversized chair per side. Always check your vehicle’s roof load capacity first.
How do I remove the chairs quickly when I reach a campsite?
The bungee or strap retention systems take less than 15 seconds per chair to release. You can also leave the hooks permanently attached to the basket and simply lift the chairs off. If you use quick-release clamps, they pop open with a single finger squeeze.
Can I install the hanger mod on a basket with a built-in cover or weather shield?
It works best on open-sided baskets. If your basket has a weather cover that wraps completely over the sides, you may need to cut small access slots for the hooks. A RVStow Roof Rack Cargo Basket Secure Camping Chairs Mod that uses interior straps instead of hooks might be a better option for fully enclosed baskets.
