For anyone who’s ever spent time in a small space, whether it’s a cozy RV, a boat cabin, a tent on a camping trip, or even just dealing with limited kitchen real estate, you know the struggle of managing trash. Finding a convenient, stable spot for a garbage can that doesn’t take up precious floor space when not in use, or tipping over while you’re in transit, is a real challenge. I remember wrestling with bulky bins or just letting trash bags sit precariously, always worried about spills or smells. It’s a frustrating problem that needed a practical solution to keep things clean and organized.
- [VERSATILITY]: The Stormate Collapsible Garbage Bag Holder can be used in RVs, boats, cars and trucks, at home, or when you're camping
- [CONVENIENCE]: Perfect combination between capacity and storability, the Garbage Bag Holder folds to a compact 14-1/2" x 11-1/2" x 2" while traveling
- [CAPACITY]: Can be easily set up to hold a 13-gallon or larger kitchen trash bag
What to Think About Before Getting a Portable Garbage Holder
Dealing with waste efficiently is a key part of maintaining a comfortable and sanitary environment, especially in confined or temporary spaces. People seek out portable garbage holders for various reasons: to keep campsites tidy, manage trash in an RV or boat without a built-in bin, or even just for temporary needs at home during a party or project.
The ideal customer for a portable garbage holder is someone who values space-saving, convenience, and flexibility. This could be an RVer, a frequent camper, a boater, someone with a smaller apartment or kitchen, or even someone who needs an extra trash solution for specific tasks like gardening or crafts. They need something that sets up easily, holds a standard garbage bag securely, and can be stored compactly when not in use.
Who might *not* need this type of product? If you require a heavy-duty, permanent, weighted trash can that stays put no matter what, or if you’re dealing with extremely heavy or sharp waste, a lightweight, collapsible frame might not be the best fit. For those situations, a sturdy, rigid plastic or metal can with a wide base would be more appropriate.
Before purchasing any portable garbage bag holder, consider these points:
* Collapsed Size: How small does it get for storage? This is crucial for RVs, boats, or cars where space is limited.
* Setup Size & Capacity: How large is it when assembled, and what size garbage bag does it hold? Standard kitchen bag compatibility is a big plus.
* Ease of Assembly/Disassembly: Can you set it up quickly without fuss?
* Stability: Will it stand upright and hold a full bag without toppling?
* Durability: Is it built to withstand repeated use and transport?
* Additional Features: Does it have a lid for odor control? Is the height adjustable?
Thinking through these factors will help you choose the right trash management solution for your specific needs.
- ✔ADJUSTABLE STRAP & COLLAPSIBLE SHAPE – The car trash bag features an adjustable strap that allows it to be attached on both front and back headrest as well as the center console for easier access...
- ✔ADJUSTABLE STRAP & COLLAPSIBLE SHAPE – The car trash can features an adjustable strap that allows it to be attached on both front and back headrest as well as the center console for easier access...
- LARGE STORAGE SPACE -The Car trash bag is up to 3 gallons. This not just a trash can for cars, can be used as a car storage bag/car organizers, great car stuff/ car gadgets for storing kids' toys or...
Introducing the Thetford Stormate
Enter the Thetford Stormate Collapsible Garbage Bag Holder. This product isn’t a traditional solid-walled trash can; rather, it’s a clever framing system designed specifically to hold open a standard 13-gallon or larger kitchen trash bag. The promise of the Stormate garbage holder is simple: provide a convenient, free-standing spot for your trash bag that collapses down incredibly flat for easy storage. When you purchase it, you get the components for the frame – poles that slot together – a base, and a lid.
This particular garbage bag holder is tailor-made for those who need a temporary or portable trash solution where space is a major consideration. It’s perfect for the RV, boat, campsite, or even just tucked into a corner of a garage or shed. It’s likely not the best fit if you need a heavy, tip-proof bin for rambunctious kids or pets, or if you’re dealing with extremely heavy waste loads regularly. Compared to a rigid trash can, its primary advantage is its incredible collapsibility; compared to just letting a bag sit on the floor, it offers stability and includes a lid.
Here’s a quick look at the ups and downs:
Pros:
* Folds down very compactly for storage.
* Holds standard 13-gallon or larger kitchen bags.
* Includes a lid for hygiene and odor control.
* Height is adjustable using fewer pole sections.
* Easy and quick to assemble.
* Very lightweight at only 1 pound.
Cons:
* May feel a bit flimsy compared to a rigid can.
* Some users may have expected it to “pop” open rather than require assembly.
* Stability can be an issue if overloaded or placed on uneven ground.
* The poles, while functional, are simple plastic pieces.
Examining Its Capabilities: Features and Benefits
Having used the Thetford Stormate for quite some time across various scenarios, I can speak to how its features translate into real-world benefits. It’s become a staple item for certain activities precisely because of its design principles.
Remarkable Collapsible Design
One of the standout features, and arguably the most important for its intended use, is its ability to collapse down to a minimal size. When disassembled, the base, lid, and pole sections pack neatly into a stack that’s only about 14.5 inches long, 11.5 inches wide, and a mere 2 inches tall. This is incredibly small, especially when you consider it holds a full 13-gallon bag when assembled.
*Why this matters:* In an RV or a small car packed for a camping trip, every inch of storage space is precious. A traditional garbage can, even a small one, takes up a fixed, often awkward volume. The Stormate, however, can slide under a seat, tuck behind boxes, or slot vertically into narrow gaps. This feature alone solves the significant problem of where to store your trash solution when you’re traveling or simply not generating much waste. It means you don’t have a bulky, empty bin permanently taking up valuable floor space.
Ideal Capacity and Bag Compatibility
When set up, the Thetford Stormate is designed to accept a standard 13-gallon kitchen trash bag or larger. The frame provides a rectangular opening and structure for the bag.
*Why this matters:* Using standard kitchen trash bags is incredibly convenient. These bags are readily available in any grocery store, often come with tie handles, and are designed for household use, meaning they’re generally durable enough for typical trash. You don’t need to hunt for special, proprietary bags. The 13-gallon size is also a good balance – large enough to hold a decent amount of waste from a weekend trip or a few days in an RV, but not so large that it becomes excessively heavy or unwieldy when full. The frame holds the bag securely around the rim, preventing it from slipping down, which is a common annoyance when just trying to use a bag on its own.
Customizable Height
The vertical supports of the garbage bag holder are made up of three interlocking sections per corner. This allows you to adjust the overall height of the frame. While the full height (using all three sections) is designed for a standard tall kitchen bag (approx. 27.5 inches), you can assemble it using only two sections per pole, or even just one, making it shorter.
*Why this matters:* This flexibility is surprisingly useful. For instance, some users prefer a shorter frame when using washable liners for cloth diapers, or to fit the holder neatly under a specific counter or table height in an RV or boat kitchen. Having the option to reduce the height means the Stormate can adapt to different spaces and different types of bags or liners beyond just the standard 13-gallon tall bags. It adds a layer of versatility that a fixed-height bin wouldn’t offer.
Simple and Quick Assembly
Setting up the Thetford 36773 is straightforward. The poles slot into the base and the lid sits on top, holding the bag in place. There are no complex mechanisms or tools required.
*Why this matters:* When you arrive at a campsite late, or you’re just looking for a quick way to set up a temporary trash station, complicated assembly is the last thing you want. The ease of putting the Stormate together means you can have your trash solution ready in seconds. Similarly, taking it down is just as fast, making cleanup and packing up a breeze. While some users might expect a ‘pop-up’ style collapsible item, the simple slot-together design, while requiring a moment for assembly, is robust in its simplicity and less prone to mechanical failure than spring-loaded alternatives.
Includes a Sanitary Lid
The Stormate collapsible garbage bag holder comes with a simple lift-off lid that sits on top of the frame, covering the bag opening.
*Why this matters:* A lid is essential, especially when using the holder outdoors or in a confined space like an RV or boat. It helps to contain odors, which is crucial for maintaining a pleasant environment. It also keeps the contents of the trash bag out of sight, making the area look tidier, and helps to prevent pests or insects from easily accessing the garbage, particularly when camping. While not a tight-sealing lid, it provides a basic but effective barrier.
Broad Versatility
The product description highlights a wide range of recommended uses: Home, Indoor, Outdoor, Kitchen, Camping, Car, Boat, Truck.
*Why this matters:* This isn’t a single-purpose gadget. I’ve personally used it for camping trips, as an extra recycling bin in the garage, and even during home renovation projects for collecting debris. Its lightweight and portable nature make it easy to move wherever it’s needed. The fact that it’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments adds to its value, allowing it to transition seamlessly between different needs and locations. This versatility means you get more bang for your buck out of a single product.
While the Thetford Stormate Collapsible Garbage Bag Holder isn’t the most heavy-duty trash solution on the market, its strength lies in its intelligent design focused on portability and convenience. It successfully tackles the challenge of providing functional trash management in spaces where traditional bins are impractical, making it a very useful item for anyone on the go or dealing with limited space.
Insights from Other Users
Looking around online, it’s clear that many users have found the Thetford Stormate 36773 to be a very useful product. People appreciate how well it fits into specific spaces, like inside larger recycling bins or in tight corners. Many comment on how effectively it holds a standard trash bag, preventing it from slipping down, which is a common frustration with other makeshift solutions. Several reviewers highlight its usefulness for camping and in RVs due to its ease of setup and compact storage. Some also noted the helpfulness of the adjustable height feature for their particular needs, such as accommodating washable liners. While a few mentioned it wasn’t quite the “pop-up” style they expected, or that it felt a bit less sturdy than a rigid can, the general consensus is that it serves its intended function well, providing a functional and easy-to-use trash holder.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with trash when you’re short on space can quickly turn from a minor inconvenience into a smelly, frustrating mess. Without a proper place for waste, areas can become unhygienic, clutter builds up, and you’re constantly worrying about bags ripping or tipping over. The Thetford Stormate Collapsible Garbage Bag Holder offers a practical way to solve this problem.
Its super-compact storage profile makes it ideal for vehicles and small spaces where a traditional trash can simply won’t fit. The fact that it uses standard 13-gallon kitchen bags adds a layer of everyday convenience. And the inclusion of a lid helps keep odors under control, making it much more pleasant for indoor or semi-enclosed use. If you’re tired of makeshift trash solutions that don’t work or bulky bins that eat up space, the Stormate holder is definitely worth considering. Click here to check out the Thetford Stormate Collapsible Garbage Bag Holder and see how it can simplify your trash management.
Last update on 2025-10-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API