The 10 Best RV Hacks You Shouldn’t Overlook
While I initially got into RVing because of the freedom and relaxation I knew it could bring me, there are plenty of unplanned adventures to be had. One minute, I’ll be sipping coffee while watching the sunrise over the Rockies, and the next I’ll be yelling at a sewer hose that just betrayed me in the worst way possible.
However, the more chaos I encounter, the better I get at finding the right tools to mitigate, if not completely avoid repeat incidents from happening. Without further ado, here are 10 must-have RV hacks to keep with you at all times!
The great outdoors always seems like a great idea until you cut your finger (or in my case, tongue) on a can of tuna or trip on your own shoelace while hiking. Sure, it’s important to think positive, but a well-stocked first aid kit is an essential just in case.
Look for one with bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and tweezers (because splinters love to pop up seemingly out of nowhere). Bonus points for one with a built-in emergency guide, because Googling “how to remove a fishhook” while one is currently stuck in your hand isn’t ideal.
I’m frankly not someone I would have considered a “handy” person a year ago. However, after RVing almost every day since then, I’ve learned that something will break. It’s not an if, but when. A compact RV tool kit with screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and duct tape will save you from mid-trip meltdowns.
Getting stuck at a campground or on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere is not only a hassle, but it can put you in some potentially scary situations. Don’t leave things up to chance and definitely don’t put yourself in a place where you have to rely on the kindness of a stranger to help out.
If you think storage is difficult in a small apartment or studio, just wait until you spend hours playing Tetris with all your things in your RV! Collapsible bins and baskets are the cheat code that I wish I’d known about sooner.
Collapsible storage containers keep things organized without taking up very valuable space when they’re not in use. Try to look for stackable and movable containers for maximum versatility. For laundry, there’s no better option than a good mesh collapsible storage basket.
When you start RVing, you’ll probably plan ahead and see that plenty of campgrounds have WiFi. “Great,”, you think – “I’ll finally be able to catch up on emails and that new episode of my favorite show!”. However, you’ll likely be disappointed because camp WiFi is notoriously gnarly, SOMETIMES offering a mere one bar of signal.
That’s where a WiFi booster comes in. They grab weak signals and strengthen them, so you can actually stream a movie without watching it buffer for hours. Aside from entertainment, it’s also a huge help when trying to load essentials like Google Maps.
I’ve probably suffered some sort of amnesia from the amount of times I’ve walked into an RV slide-out and concussed my head. It’s also probably the reason it took me so long to figure out a solution, which turns out is a pool noodle.
All you need to do is slice it up and slap it onto the sharp corners like your slide-out edges or awning arms. It’s cheap, effective, and the bright colors will surely remind you to duck. On the off chance you don’t, at least you will have a little bit of cushion!
This is a secret tool that all of us who’ve ever lived in California unfortunately know quite well. Nothing is more annoying than hearing your coffee maker crash to the floor while cruising down the freeway. Thankfully, museum putty is there to keep all your fragile or heavy items in place. It’s also a great safety preventative.
RV outdoor showers are one of the best inventions ever. They’re not only essential for rinsing off sand and salt after a good day at the beach – they’re lifesavers for cleaning adventurous pets, muddy gear, or even yourself when the indoor shower feels too cramped.
I highly recommend sticking down rubber matting squares for better grip and drainage, so you aren’t slipping around like the floor’s made of banana peels. Many are “anti-fatigue” so they’re much more comfortable with added cushioning. Plus, they’re super easy to clean when you’re done.
I didn’t realize just how much stumbling around in the dark I’d be doing when I first started RVing. I was stumbling around trying to find my glasses, trying to find the bathroom, etc. Not to mention the occasional late-night furry visitors my RV tends to get (the cute, 4-legged ones, not sketchy campground guys).
To stay safe and avoid twisting an ankle, consider using motion sensor lights in and around your RV. For indoors, there are some great lights you can use for under the counters that are discreet and super handy.
Even if you aren’t traveling by yourself, it’s a smart idea to have some kind of waterproof outdoor motion sensor light to keep it brightly-lit no matter the season. I recommend those that utilize solar power so you never have to worry about the battery going out.
In addition, there are some motion sensor lights that are a bit more versatile, so you can put it on virtually anything and everything: a beam, fence, post – anything.
Speaking of solar power, this next tool is crucial if you never want to have to worry about your battery draining again. A folding solar panel kit keeps all your devices charged and your fridge running, even when you’re miles away from the nearest hookup. Harness the raw power of the sun and enjoy complete energy independence!
Some come with apps so you can manage the type of charging, LED lights (if included), energy efficiency, and more.
For months, I was seriously missing my at-home water pressure. RV showers are notorious for having water pressure not too unlike a leaky garden hose. A high-pressure Oxygenics shower head eliminates that problem to the point that you’ll actually start looking forward to bathing when on the road! It’s a novel concept, but you’ll actually get to rinse shampoo out of your hair now without feeling like you’re under a light drizzling of rain!
1. Get a First Aid Kit
The great outdoors always seems like a great idea until you cut your finger (or in my case, tongue) on a can of tuna or trip on your own shoelace while hiking. Sure, it’s important to think positive, but a well-stocked first aid kit is an essential just in case.
Look for one with bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and tweezers (because splinters love to pop up seemingly out of nowhere). Bonus points for one with a built-in emergency guide, because Googling “how to remove a fishhook” while one is currently stuck in your hand isn’t ideal.
2. Bring a Tool Kit
I’m frankly not someone I would have considered a “handy” person a year ago. However, after RVing almost every day since then, I’ve learned that something will break. It’s not an if, but when. A compact RV tool kit with screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and duct tape will save you from mid-trip meltdowns.
Getting stuck at a campground or on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere is not only a hassle, but it can put you in some potentially scary situations. Don’t leave things up to chance and definitely don’t put yourself in a place where you have to rely on the kindness of a stranger to help out.
3. Stock Up on Collapsible Storage
If you think storage is difficult in a small apartment or studio, just wait until you spend hours playing Tetris with all your things in your RV! Collapsible bins and baskets are the cheat code that I wish I’d known about sooner.
Collapsible storage containers keep things organized without taking up very valuable space when they’re not in use. Try to look for stackable and movable containers for maximum versatility. For laundry, there’s no better option than a good mesh collapsible storage basket.
4. Get a WiFi Booster
When you start RVing, you’ll probably plan ahead and see that plenty of campgrounds have WiFi. “Great,”, you think – “I’ll finally be able to catch up on emails and that new episode of my favorite show!”. However, you’ll likely be disappointed because camp WiFi is notoriously gnarly, SOMETIMES offering a mere one bar of signal.
That’s where a WiFi booster comes in. They grab weak signals and strengthen them, so you can actually stream a movie without watching it buffer for hours. Aside from entertainment, it’s also a huge help when trying to load essentials like Google Maps.
5. Protect Your Head with a Pool Noodle
I’ve probably suffered some sort of amnesia from the amount of times I’ve walked into an RV slide-out and concussed my head. It’s also probably the reason it took me so long to figure out a solution, which turns out is a pool noodle.
All you need to do is slice it up and slap it onto the sharp corners like your slide-out edges or awning arms. It’s cheap, effective, and the bright colors will surely remind you to duck. On the off chance you don’t, at least you will have a little bit of cushion!
6. Use a Museum Putty to Secure Things on Counters
This is a secret tool that all of us who’ve ever lived in California unfortunately know quite well. Nothing is more annoying than hearing your coffee maker crash to the floor while cruising down the freeway. Thankfully, museum putty is there to keep all your fragile or heavy items in place. It’s also a great safety preventative.
7. Utilize RV Outdoor Showers w/ Rubber Matting Squares
RV outdoor showers are one of the best inventions ever. They’re not only essential for rinsing off sand and salt after a good day at the beach – they’re lifesavers for cleaning adventurous pets, muddy gear, or even yourself when the indoor shower feels too cramped.
I highly recommend sticking down rubber matting squares for better grip and drainage, so you aren’t slipping around like the floor’s made of banana peels. Many are “anti-fatigue” so they’re much more comfortable with added cushioning. Plus, they’re super easy to clean when you’re done.
9. Use Motion Sensor Lights In and Around the RV
I didn’t realize just how much stumbling around in the dark I’d be doing when I first started RVing. I was stumbling around trying to find my glasses, trying to find the bathroom, etc. Not to mention the occasional late-night furry visitors my RV tends to get (the cute, 4-legged ones, not sketchy campground guys).
To stay safe and avoid twisting an ankle, consider using motion sensor lights in and around your RV. For indoors, there are some great lights you can use for under the counters that are discreet and super handy.
Even if you aren’t traveling by yourself, it’s a smart idea to have some kind of waterproof outdoor motion sensor light to keep it brightly-lit no matter the season. I recommend those that utilize solar power so you never have to worry about the battery going out.
In addition, there are some motion sensor lights that are a bit more versatile, so you can put it on virtually anything and everything: a beam, fence, post – anything.
9. Get Power From a Folding Solar Panel Kit
Speaking of solar power, this next tool is crucial if you never want to have to worry about your battery draining again. A folding solar panel kit keeps all your devices charged and your fridge running, even when you’re miles away from the nearest hookup. Harness the raw power of the sun and enjoy complete energy independence!
Some come with apps so you can manage the type of charging, LED lights (if included), energy efficiency, and more.
10. Use an Oxygenics Shower Head to Increase Water Pressure
For months, I was seriously missing my at-home water pressure. RV showers are notorious for having water pressure not too unlike a leaky garden hose. A high-pressure Oxygenics shower head eliminates that problem to the point that you’ll actually start looking forward to bathing when on the road! It’s a novel concept, but you’ll actually get to rinse shampoo out of your hair now without feeling like you’re under a light drizzling of rain!
RV Hacks You Shouldn’t Overlook
We hope you have loved reading our RV Hacks above. There’s a hack for almost anyone and everyone. Even if not all are useful to you, some of them should be. Not only are some of these game-changers, but a few of them will also help prevent mishaps, and in some cases bad accidents. All with little to no investment. You can get creative with magnets, plastic pipes, and even make space under your sofa and bed with a bit more creativity. So, whether you prefer to DIY or spend a little to make way for other essential items, we’re sure the RV hacks above have perked your creative juices and will allow you to organize your RV in better ways than before. Do you have any RV hacks that we’ve missed? There are literally thousands, and if you think of something that we should definitely add to our list, drop us a line and we will add it. Thanks and happy camping!Hello, fellow wanderers! I’m Alyssia. Since 2008, my husband and I have called an RV our home, journeying through life one mile at a time. Our nomadic lifestyle has led us to over 70 countries, each with their unique tales that have shaped our own.
I share our stories and insights right here, hoping to inspire and guide you in your own adventures. Expect tips on RV living, our favorite camping spots, breathtaking hiking trails, and the joys and challenges of an ever-changing view from our window. Alongside, you’ll also find practical advice on outdoorsy stuff, designed to equip you for any journey. Join us as we continue to explore the vast, beautiful world on wheels!