HOTOR Car Bin: Leak-Proof Foldable Campervan Bin Review
by HOTOR
The HOTOR Car Bin is an essential campervan accessory, offering a leak-proof, foldable, and waterproof solution to keep your vehicle clean and organised on the go.
Our Verdict
Consensus Verdict
Keeping the cab of your van or car tidy on long trips can be a constant battle, especially with kids in tow. The HOTOR Car Bin offers a simple, affordable solution that many users find to be a "useful addition to any family car" . It's praised for its generous capacity, multiple storage pockets, and a sturdy strap system that keeps it securely in place .
Our Verdict
Who should buy this?
Who should consider alternatives?
Value for money
Our honest take
What Customers Say
Highlights from 17 customer reviews"The bin liner can be easy to dispose and line. I purchased some cheap 15ltr bin bags which should last me a while."
"Fits neatly on the pack of a car head rest in seconds and can be removed just as quickly."
"I did have to watch a video on how to assemble the rods and you had to work diligently to get them in. It's a tight squeeze."
"the inside magnets hold the bag in place well and emptying it couldn’t be easier, the shaped plastic on the top also prevents ‘escapes’"
"you have a portable bin if you decide to go on a picnic."
"the material is cheap and thin, especially the top of it. This won't last a long time, no way, but at the price I paid for it, I could afford to replace it"
"Comes with a metal band to insert in the straps but it's very hard to put in. Eventually managed it."
"Bend the braces slightly and wedge them into place, and pull the fabric strap over."
"most people hadn't opened up the extra pack located inside the bag. The pack contains two trash bags to use, and stabilizers."
"Quite flimsy even when the supports go in but has been doing the job well as a bin in the car."
Key Specifications
Technical Specifications
| Lining | 100% Waterproof |
| Design | Foldable, Collapsible |
| Lid Type | PU Leather, Auto-shutoff |
| Lid Closure | Magnetic Buckles |
| Installation | Adjustable Quick Release Buckle Strap |
| Functionality | 3-in-1 (Trash Can, Storage, Cooler) |
How Well Is It Built?
Construction feels somewhat flimsy, with several customers noting the plastic support braces are very difficult to fit. One reviewer even called them "useless" . However, once assembled, the bin holds its shape and the attachment clip is praised for being very sturdy , securing it well within a vehicle.
Build Quality
The primary point of contention among users is the build quality. Many reviews describe the bin as feeling "flimsy" , and one particularly critical 1-star review labels it a "cheap product" . This perception isn't helped by the assembly process, which involves inserting plastic braces to give the bin its shape.Assembly & Braces
These braces are a recurring issue, with customers finding them "very hard to put in" and, in some cases, seemingly the wrong size . However, it's worth noting that other buyers report success with a bit of perseverance, advising that the braces do work but "just need a bit of fiddling" . Once assembled, the bin is generally considered functional.Materials and Durability
Despite the flimsy feel, the core materials do their job. The waterproof lining is a key feature for preventing leaks, and the PU leather lid adds a slightly more premium touch than a simple fabric flap. The adjustable strap and quick-release buckle are robust, with one 5-star reviewer specifically praising the clip as "very sturdy" .How Does It Perform?
Performs well as a simple and effective in-car rubbish solution. Its generous capacity is ideal for families , and the straps allow for versatile and secure placement . The clips for holding a bin liner in place are a particularly useful touch that customers appreciate .
In-Van Convenience
In daily use, this bin is a straightforward and practical accessory. It does exactly what you need it to: contain rubbish and keep the cab tidy. Its capacity is frequently praised, with users finding it holds a lot, making it ideal for longer trips or for families who generate more waste . The foldable design also means it can be collapsed and stowed away easily when not needed, a bonus in the limited space of a campervan.Installation and Stability
Installation is simple thanks to the adjustable strap and quick-release buckle. Users have successfully mounted it in various locations, including on the passenger headrest , behind the front seats, or in the front of the car . The sturdy clip ensures it stays put once secured. This versatility makes it easy to find a convenient spot for it in almost any vehicle, from a small car to a large motorhome.Day-to-Day Use
The magnetic lid is effective at keeping rubbish contained and out of sight, while still allowing for easy access. A small but clever feature that gets a specific mention is the set of clips designed to hold an inner waste bag in place, preventing it from slipping down inside the bin . This thoughtful detail makes emptying the bin a much cleaner and simpler task.What Features Stand Out?
Standout features include a fully waterproof lining, a magnetic auto-shutoff lid, and handy side pockets for extra storage . Users also frequently praise the simple but effective clips inside that securely hold a bin liner in place, preventing it from collapsing into the bin .
3-in-1 Functionality
The HOTOR bin is marketed as a 3-in-1 product: a trash can, a storage organiser, and a mini cooler. It certainly excels as a trash can and a basic storage organiser. The external mesh pockets are a "lovely idea" for stashing small items like tissues, wipes, or charging cables . However, while the waterproof lining means it could technically function as a mini cooler with an ice pack, it lacks insulation, so its cooling performance would be very limited and short-lived.Lid and Liner System
The magnetic, auto-shutoff lid is a great feature for keeping rubbish contained and out of sight. It's easy to push items through the slit, and the magnets ensure it closes again afterwards. Inside, the bag fasteners are a highlight for many, with one 4-star reviewer saying, "I like the clips that hold the inner waste bag" . This prevents the bag from slipping and makes emptying the bin much less messy.Portability and Placement
The adjustable quick-release strap is the key to its versatility. It allows the bin to be hung from a headrest, gear stick, or even placed on the floor in the back, fitting well in the space behind a centre console . Its collapsible design makes it easy to store when not in use.Who Is It For?
We've analysed how this product fits different buyer profiles. Find your situation below to see if it's right for you.
The Family Road Tripper
"Finally, a proper home for all the snack wrappers and juice boxes that isn't the footwell! This is a 'useful addition to any family car' {{CITE:2}}."
What They Love
- Holds a surprising amount of rubbish
- Side pockets are great for wipes
- Keeps the car much tidier
Considerations
- Might not survive rough treatment from kids
The Tidy Commuter
"It's a huge improvement on a dangling carrier bag. It looks much neater and keeps the car looking professional."
What They Love
- Looks much better than a plastic bag
- Magnetic lid hides coffee cups
- Secure strap keeps it in place
Considerations
- Initial setup with braces is a pain
- Takes up passenger legroom
The Practical Vanlifer
"It's cheap, it works, and it folds flat when I don't need it. It's a simple solution to keeping the van less cluttered."
What They Love
- Folds away to save space
- Waterproof lining is a bonus
- Low cost, high utility
Considerations
- Flimsy build isn't ideal for rugged use
The Quality-Conscious Motorhomer
"I'd rather spend more on something that feels solid out of the box. The flimsy material and fiddly braces are a letdown."
What They Love
- The waterproof lining is useful
Considerations
- Feels like a "cheap product" {{CITE:10}}
- Frustrating to assemble
How Does It Compare to Alternatives?
Compared to using a simple carrier bag, this bin is a significant upgrade in organisation and aesthetics, as one customer noted, "It is better than having a trash bag" . While it lacks the rigidity of more expensive hard-shell car bins, it offers excellent functionality and versatility for its very low price.
The most common alternative for in-car rubbish is a simple plastic carrier bag hooked over a gear stick or headrest. Against that, the HOTOR bin is a clear winner. It offers structure, a secure attachment, a lid to hide the contents, and a waterproof lining to prevent leaks. As one 5-star reviewer simply put it, "It is better than having a trash bag. Can secure it with strap" . While more premium, rigid plastic bins are available on the market, they often come at a higher price and lack the space-saving benefit of this bin's collapsible design.
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What Amazon Customers Say
See all reviewsBased on 1,971 reviews
Vehicle detachable portable bin
Lovely idea to have a waste bin in the car especially if you have children! This bag can be stored inside the passenger door or attached using the buckle belt. There are side pockets for storage options and comes with a few bin liners to be secured by pop in buttons. The bin liner can be easy to dispose and line. I purchased some cheap 15ltr bin bags which should last me a while. The lovely thing ...
Useful addition to any family car
If you have a family and enjoy days out driving to places, then I thoroughly recommend this in car bin. Easy to fit with a Velcro strap, fold away when not needed and easy to empty. Holds quite a bit of rubbish and the quality is excellent. Fits neatly on the pack of a car head rest in seconds and can be removed just as quickly. Also well priced.
Car bin
Good bin for car, holds a lot and has straps to locate behind drivers or passengers seat also in front of car.
Clean tidy car since getting this
This is a excellent little car bin, we hang ours on the back of the front passenger’s head rest and it’s definitely fit for purpose, the inside magnets hold the bag in place well and emptying it couldn’t be easier, the shaped plastic on the top also prevents ‘escapes’ when the bin is getting quite full. Not the cheapest option but definitely worth it 10/10
🌟Practically Pleasing Purchase🌟
Absolutely brilliant (no more rubbish in side doors), also you have a portable bin if you decide to go on a picnic. All the brackets do fit however you have to bend them a bit (make sure to fit right into corners at the bottom). The elastic handles on the upper sides have little pockets where the white stitching lines are (slot the braces into those on both sides for correct fit).
Great little bin for the car
Great purchase for rubbish in the car. Looks good quality and well made
Might be the best in-car trash solution I've found!
6-Month Update Posted at the bottom of my review! Let's get what I don't like about it out of the way first: the material is cheap and thin, especially the top of it. This won't last a long time, no way, but at the price I paid for it, I could afford to replace it once a year or so and not be that upset. Now, what do I like about it: it fits perfectly in my 2017 Honda CR-V, right on the back of th...
Handy travel trash bag
I never know where to put a trash bag in my husband’s car that he won’t move. This was a great buy!
Sturdy
Perfect size with the 2 gallon. I do like the top slit and also being able to unzip the top for removal of the bags. The clip is very sturdy, I have mine on the passenger side neck rest. I did have to watch a video on how to assemble the rods and you had to work diligently to get them in. It's a tight squeeze.
Looks nice
It is better than having a trash bag. Can secure it with strap.
Useful Car bin
Good sized car bin. I like the clips that hold the inner waste bag. Comes with a metal band to insert in the straps but it's very hard to put in. Eventually managed it. Overall I am pleased with the bin.
Good, fairly sturdy
Works well. Easy to use. Happy that it has silicone closure at the top. Easy to install. Easy to use
Braces do work! Just need a bit of fiddling
There's been a few reviews talking about the braces not fitting. I nearly didn't get this because of them, until I saw a review mentioning it just requires a bit of work to get them to fit - they are right! Bend the braces slightly and wedge them into place, and pull the fabric strap over. If it's not budging, push down on the brace a little while trying to pull the fabric strap over, and the ends...
Semi sturdy, smells of cigarettes
I've seen many reviews of this product state how flimsy it is with some videos showing it crumble basically when touched. What I've noticed is most people hadn't opened up the extra pack located inside the bag. The pack contains two trash bags to use, and stabilizers. It comes with 4 plastic, flexible strips that you place on both sides of the bag, underneath a black strap. Doing so stretches the ...
Flimsy but does the job
Quite flimsy even when the supports go in but has been doing the job well as a bin in the car. The bag fasteners work well and the few bags already in it are a nice bonus. Fits well behind the cubby in the centre between the front seats with an adjustable strap to secure it.