65+ Brilliant RV Tips And Hacks You’re Gonna Love!
We could all use camping tips that make our trips easy, stress-free and sensationally fun. These RV tips and hacks are so brilliant, you’ll wonder how you ever camped without them!
- Your awning won’t stop flapping in the wind? We’ve got a hack for you!
- Got clutter in your RV? We’ve got tips for that!
- Run out of water when you’re boondocking? You’ll love this hack!
- No matter what your problem is … there is a solution.
Psst we’re compensated…see our disclosures.
RV Hacks And Tips You Will Actually Use
RV Camping Hacks
1. Use bungees and ropes to stop RV awnings from flapping.
Tired of listening to that annoying fluttering awning? This simple RV awning hack will show you how to keep RV awnings from flapping in the wind!
2. Set up exterior handwashing station.
One of the simple tricks to help family members avoid going in and out of the camper and heavy use of the grey water tank is to create a make-shift bathroom sink outside. Set a 7 gallon water jug or extra large water bottle on a flat surface, like the edge of a table or tree stump. Set liquid pump soap or bar of soap nearby. Hang hand towels on bungee cords from a nearby tree or RV ladder for easy access. This is the perfect solution to avoid using the RV bathroom throughout the day and encourage kids to stay clean, which is one of the most important camping safety tips to stay clean and healthy.
3. Create an external portable RV fresh water tank to refill your onboard tank in the wilderness.
What do you mean we ran out of water? You’ll never have to worry about running your tank dry with this portable RV fresh water tank hack!
4. Place rubber band around rolls on paper towel holders to keep them from unraveling in the wind.
Did you ever find yourself dishing out bowls of food at your picnic table just to look up and see a “paper towel kite” flying over the next campsite? This is a good hack for any outdoor picnic experience in windy conditions!
5. Refill one pound propane bottles from larger tanks.
You can save money and be environmentally friendly if you refill 1 pound propane tanks with a propane refill adapter.
6. Keep crawling insects out with DE
Food grade Diatomaceous Earth is organic matter that’s typically made from crushed marine fossils, so, it is harmless to pets and other animals but it’s deadly to crawling insects, like ants. Sprinkle the DE on the ground around the perimeter of your rig to keep the insects out, just make sure you keep it outside and don’t inhale it.
7. Use gizmos to charge your phone without shore power when boondocking.
Keeping your phone charged when experiencing a boondocking RV lifestyle is easy … if you know how! These hacks to charge your phone without power will keep your phone alive when there is not an electrical outlet within a hundred miles of you!
8. Make homemade fire starters with dryer lint and toilet paper rolls.
How do you start your campfires? This dryer lint tinder hack is a great way to reuse empty toilet paper rolls and dryer lint!
9. Throw a bundle of dried sage into your campfire to fend off bugs.
Spraying yourself with insect repellent is not the only way to keep nasty bugs from ruining your camp trips. See how to keep bugs away while camping including some methods that are actually FUN!
10. Use plumbers putty to temporarily stop RV roof leaks in the rain.
Soggy camp trips get you down? You’ll love all of these tips for RV camping in the rain and the hacks so you don’t float away!
11. Use a suspension rod to dry clothes in your shower on rainy days.
It’s a great idea to dry clothes and towels outside but there are a lot of times that is not possible. If you get wet on rainy (or snowy) days, you don’t want to deal with the hassle of wet floors and furniture inside your rig. Just use this simple hack to let the wet clothing drip right into your shower drain.
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12. Feel the temperature, check a gauge or weigh your propane tank to check its level.
Running out of propane can be uncomfortable or even dangerous. Do you know how to tell if a propane tank is empty? You will after seeing these 3 simple methods!
RV Cooking And Food Tips
13. Add bacon to your s’mores (you can thank me later!)
Want a change from the classic campfire treat? Our smores hacks will have you enjoying mouth-watering variations on the traditional treat. Don’t forget to pack the roasting sticks and smores ingredients!
14. Prepare your food ahead so you just “dump and cook” at the campsite.
Who doesn’t love indulging in a delicious meal in a stunning camp location? The best RV cooking hacks are make ahead camping meals … whether you cook them in your RV kitchen, on your outside RVQ grill or over your campfire!
15. Use this DIY hack to modify your little Smokey Joe into a campsite smoker.
Use this Smokey Joe smoker mod to turn your tiny grill into a smoker when you want to give your meats and veggies a nice smoked flavor.
16. Pack your meals in bags.
Make your own DIY meal kits by putting the dry ingredients for each recipe in a separate bag. Then, you’ll just pull the bag out of the cabinet when you’re ready to cook. Label the refrigerated ingredients with the recipe name too so they’re easily found in your fridge or cooler. Get our free printable template to help you get organized. Download my FREE camping menu planner before your next trip.
17. Use a digital thermometer in your RV refrigerator and cooler to verify your food is kept at safe temperatures.
Is your camp food safe? Don’t take any chances! These camping food safety tips include camping cooler hacks so you pack your cooler the right way!
Safety And Security For RVers
18. Hang flagging tape on tripping hazards to eliminate the potential for injuries.
Overall, camping is generally a safe and family-friendly activity. These camping safety hacks provide tons of tips to keep your family happy and healthy during your excursions. Using dark tape is not as helpful as using glow-in-the dark tape!
19. Thread a pool noodle onto slides for visibility and cushion.
Avoid the headache you get from banging your head on low-hanging structures. It’s easy to walk into the sharp corner of a slide out of taller rigs (especially A class motorhomes and fifth wheel trailers). Cut a foam pool noodle to the length you want to cushion, then, slice it down the side to create an opening. Slide the noodle over the edge of the slide. It’s best to choose a bright colored noodle that is visible during daytime and nighttime hours.
20. Hide valuables in plain sight using ordinary food, beverage and gear containers.
Are your valuables safe in your RV? These campsite security tips and hacks will give you a peace of mind those opportunistic thieves want to steal from you!
RV Camping Checklists
21. Employ bungees to secure almost anything inside and outside at the campsite.
If there is one thing you don’t want to skimp on, it’s having the right tools for the job! We have a FREE printable RV toolkit checklist with tips on how to use bungees and the other the gear in your RV tool kit.
22. Use duct tape to mark trails, patch torn fabric, build a shelter along with a tarp, as a temporary bandage … and so much more!
Don’t leave home without it! Our FREE printable RV camping checklist will ensure you have all of the stuff you need … including duct tape … on every single camp adventure you experience.
23. Use old wipe containers to keep picnic items clean and organized.
They make great napkin and eating utensil holders. It’s a good idea to use them to hold individual packets of condiments too.
24. Use a collapsible laundry basket for clothes storage.
Use the same basket to transport and store clean clothes at the beginning of your trip and hold dirty clothes at the end of your trip. I like storing my laundry baskets in our trailer during travel then move them into our tow vehicle when we arrive at our destination. That’s the easiest way to keep them out of the way during the trip. If we need to go somewhere in our vehicle, I simply move them into our RV for the day.
RV Must Have Accessories And Gadgets
25. Use solar powered inflatable lights inside your RV to reduce battery demands.
Shed a little light on the subject! We’ve got tips for choosing the best RV camping lights for interior and exterior illumination!
Stick battery-operated motion sensor lights near your RV steps. They are really great for using the bathroom in the middle of the night!
26. Utilize tension rods in refrigerators and cabinets to secure contents for RV travel.
The type of camping you do matters A LOT when it comes to outfitting your RV kitchen. Check out these awesome RV kitchen accessories … like RV refrigerator and cupboard bars … and get tips to help you decide which equipment is best for you.
27. Store wine glasses in cardboard wine bottle boxes with dividers.
Buying wine by the case has advantages. When the case is empty, reuse it to store your breakable wine glasses. This won’t prevent the glasses from breaking glass but it does add a layer of protection.
28. Create a DIY camping sign using a paper plate to guide your friends to your temporary camp location.
It is so fun to see the creativity of RVers when they make their own camping signs to mark their campsites. You may include the name of your family or your rig on your sign. Didn’t name your rig? We can help! Check out these camping trailer names, we’ve got 50+ funny & unique ideas.
29. Hang grommet window sheers on awnings with plastic shower curtain rings to turn a standard tent shade canopy into a glamping canopy.
No matter how beautiful your RV is, there is always a way to add a little extra style. If DIY glamorous camping is your thing, check out our glamping hacks and get creative!
Tips For RV Camping And Trip Planning
30. Have your gear packed and ready to go camping at the drop of a hat.
Don’t think you can go camping at the drop of a hat? Think again! These last minute camping tips and hacks will have you hitting the highway faster than a hot knife through butter!
31. Skip the campgrounds and camp for FREE on public lands.
Want to keep your wallet in your pocket when you go camping? Use these hacks to find free camping and get your calculator out to see how much money you are going to save on your next trip!
32. Use your phone and some FREE apps to plan your camp trips.
No matter what RV trip planning topic you want to talk about … there’s an app for that! The best camping apps are totally FREE and can help you…
- plan a route,
- find the perfect campsite,
- see the coolest attraction,
- hike the best trail,
- identify the strangest bird,
- find where the fish are biting,
- track the worst storms,
- tell you how to administer first aid and use the items in your first aid kit,
- find the nearest dump station … and … so … much … more!
Campendium is our personal favorite for finding campsites without fees, especially on national forest and BLM public lands.
We are not a full time RVing couple, but my husband and I do take long road trips. We have the upgraded RV LIFE Pro member subscription and love using the RV LIFE Trip Wizard online planning tool. It helps us research RV parks, their amenities and discounts.
We also love the RV Safe GPS directions that are specific to the height & weight of your RV, It helps us navigate steep mountain passes, low clearances, bridge weight limits and propane-restricted tunnels.
You don’t have to be a full time RV family to get your money’s worth out of this tool.
33. Follow the truckers … if they can fit, so can you!
You can save yourself thousands of dollars by following our RV travel tips for RV safe routes!
34. Use a signal booster if you need to use your electronic devices in areas with poor internet coverage.
Trying to escape the rat-race on a camping trip? Don’t go to a crowded campground, go dispersed with these RV boondocking tips for a simple, quiet and relaxing getaway!
35. Find one-of-a-kind attractions to make long camping road trips more exciting.
Exploring new destinations is what RVing is all about! Do some RV trip planning to visit some unique attractions that you might not see with other forms of travel.
RV Water And Power Tips
36. Use these tips to find propane wherever you are camping.
Have you ever worried about running out of propane? You don’t have to! These tips will help you find RV propane refill near me no matter where you are camping!
37. Call ahead so you know EXACTLY what type of connections you need for your water, electric and waste hookups.
You don’t need to be a plumber or electrician to use full hookups at campsites that offer them! Learn how to hook up RV water, electric and waste the easy way!
38. Use suitcase-style portable solar panels for easy and efficient power when you’re off-the-grid.
Do you like boondocking but always seem to run out of power? Go solar! These tips will show you how to solar power your RV in a few simple steps! We can usually keep our batteries topped-off, but, if we get lots of cloudy days we may have to use our generator to get us to one of the next RV parks on our trip.
39. Use a simple calculator to determine how much solar power you require when camping.
Solar power is great for dry camping. Use our FREE printable calculator to help you answer the question: How much solar power do I need for my RV?
40. Disconnect your RV batteries when parked in storage to avoid parasitic draw.
You can camp almost anywhere if you have healthy RV batteries. Employ these tips to make sure you know how to maintain RV batteries for optimal performance and maximum life expectancy!
41. Make a loud generator seem quieter by directing the exhaust away from noise-sensitive areas or shielding the generator behind a barrier (like a parked car, folding table or piece of plywood).
Are your camp neighbors screaming during their conversations? They’re not fighting, they can’t hear each other over your obnoxious generator! This hack will show you how to quiet an RV generator so you … and your neighbors … can camp in peace!
42. Use a high-pressure propane hose and adapter to power small camping gear items with larger propane tanks that are easier to fill and last longer.
Got propane? You’ll never run out of this important fuel source when you know your RV propane tank sizes and how many you should have to meet your demand. These tips will help you determine how long you can expect them to last before they are empty.
43. Use a propane camping firepit for warmth and ambiance for no-mess campfires and when campfire restrictions are in effect.
Do you have a camping gear wish list? If not, you might want to start one! Get tips on the best propane camping gear for use inside and outside of your RV.
44. Learn 4 different ways to refill your RV fresh water tank when dry camping.
No water hookup? No problem! Just use one of these methods to fill your RV fresh water tank no matter where you are camping. We’ve got step-by-step instructions for each type of connection and a list of places you can get water on the cheap … or even free!
Make sure you invest in a good shower head that produces enough water pressure to give you a good cleaning with a minimal amount of water.
45. Empty propane tanks quickly and safely.
Did you ever show up to a location just to find out your RV’s propane tanks needed to be empty for travel? You’ll watch the ferry pull away from the dock without you if you don’t know how to empty propane tanks for transport and proper propane tank disposal.
46. Use your RV’s electrical outlets even when you are not plugged in
When you know how to install a power inverter in a camper you’re batteries can provide you with DC and AC power while you’re off the grid!
Tips For Organizing RV Spaces (Inside And Out)
47. Create more storage space by adding a pull-out drawer and stacking shelf in your RV cabinet.
Why can’t I see the floor? If the clutter in your RV has burst out of the storage compartments, you need these RV organization hacks to regain your sanity! Cut bags of food down to the size of food remaining in the package. Use binder clips or chip clips to seal the bag, keeping it fresh and preventing spillage inside your cabinets. Use dividers to keep utensils organized inside drawers.
48. Attach command hooks under wall cabinets to free-up counter space.
The best storage solution for small spaces is to use vertical space. The perfect place to attach command strips is on the bottom of wall-mounted cabinets in the camper bathroom and kitchen area. You can free-up space on your countertop by hanging lightweight kitchenware with hooks, pot holders, hand towels, hats and keys.
49. Mount magazine holders in out-of-the-way corners to store lightweight items.
If you mount the holder in a horizontal position, you get two surfaces for storage instead of just one.
50. Attach suction cups to walls for hanging lightweight objects.
The best way to keep the tight spaces in RV showers as comfortable as possible is to remove big bottles of soaps and conditioners that take up a lot of space and replace them with travel sized bottles that hang on shower walls. Use refillable liquid containers with hooks for the soap and hang them from suction cup hooks that you fix on the wall.
51. Use door hooks to create extra space.
Most people use hooks over their RV doors for hanging wet towels until they dry so they can be placed in laundry bags. But, they are also great for hanging backpacks, storage for electronic cords and flashlights.
52. Attach a magnetic strip or magnetic knife rack to the kitchen wall for easy access to knives and scissors when parked.
Caution: Don’t rely on the magnets to hold things in place while traveling.
53. Dead space RV storage ideas.
Use the passenger seats and floor areas in a tow vehicle or motorhome to store things when you’re parked. This is a great space, I call it “dead space” which is an easy peasy temporary solution for storage when you’re not using your vehicle for travel.
54. Use square containers to easily retrieve items stored under the bench top seats at dinette tables.
We like reserving our easy storage areas for commonly used items. We use the areas that are more difficult to access to store our less frequently used gear. We put that gear in containers with handles so it’s easy to lift out when we need it.
55. Convert bunk beds into usable space.
If you have them and don’t use them, one of the best RV hacks is to convert bunk beds into an office or closet. One of the easiest storage ideas is to use an organizer that just clicks together. You can add a simple curtain rod and hang a cute curtain to hide the items from view. If complexity doesn’t scare you, try to gut the space and add a lightweight desk and chair for a work area.
56. Cut cardboard boxes to the perfect size for little space storage pockets in your RV.
There are tons of little nooks and crannies in RVs that can be used for storage. Instead of cluttering up the empty space with stacks of stuff, cut a cardboard box to make a “custom fit cabinet”. You can decorate the box with cheap contact paper to match the look of your RV. This is functional and when decorated, make a stylish great addition too.
57. Use a basket for shoes and toys.
A popular option for moving stuff around your campsite without taking up much space is to use flexible baskets. They come in different sizes and only cost a few bucks. You can store the baskets under your RV to keep things out of the elements but still convenient for use on a daily basis.
58. IKEA hacks for RVs.
The furniture store is filled with IKEA pieces that are designed to be used in limited space living areas. I am not a huge fan of using IKEA furniture for typical RVers, here’s why…
Why you shouldn’t use IKEA furniture in your RV
There are lots of people who use it when they renovate older RV travel trailers or do van builds because generally the IKEA product line is affordable, small and lightweight.
The reason using the retailer’s furniture pieces are not good IKEA RV hacks is because they don’t secure well for transit.
For example, an RV bed frame and nightstand are secured to the floor and wall of your rig. The RV manufacturer’s products are designed for moving vehicles that travel at high speeds on highways and in stop & go travel in towns.
For full-time RVers who are in stationary locations, using IKEA cabinets, smaller pieces of furniture and light fixtures could be a great solution. You’ll still want to put feet/legs on furniture so it does not sit directly on your floor. You want good airflow to prevent moisture, mold and mildew inside your rig.
Why you should use IKEA accessories in your RV
On the other hand, IKEA hack ideas using accessories is great for any type of RV.
- Use plastic dry food containers with clear lids for organizing small items … not just edible dry goods.
- Use small bins as trash containers in tiny corners, like between the toilet and the wall in the bathroom.
- Use spice racks that screw inside closet and cabinet doors to hold small quantities of miscellaneous items like medication, rubber bands and phone charging cords.
Solo Women RVers
59. Level your RV without special equipment by using a can out of your pantry and place it on your floor to see if it rolls.
For the ladies who are a bit fearful to travel alone … we’ve got your back! These RV Tips 101 For Women Traveling Solo will help you become the confident solo camper you want to be!
RV Gift Ideas
60. Treat yourself: Be a gift giver and receiver at the same time … one for you, one for me!
Need really cool RV gift ideas? Whether you are shopping for friends or making a wish-list for yourself, these tips will help you find the best gifts for RV owners no matter what style of camping they enjoy!
Tips For New RVers
61. Do a dry run in your driveway … camp at home before you hit the road.
New RVers can find the whole concept of RV camping a bit overwhelming. These RV camping tips for beginners will have newbies camping like pros on their first trip!
62. Know camping slang and don’t ever just “wing it” if you don’t understand the terminology.
Don’t get caught saying “no” when you really mean “yes”! Some RV terms are more important than others. Take a tip from us, if someone asks you if you need the honey wagon, don’t say no because you don’t understand the question … it may only pass by once a week!
Purchasing An RV
63. Rent before you buy a new-to-you style of RV.
The dreaded process of purchasing an RV doesn’t have to be awful. Answering these 5 simple questions will give you all the tips for buying an RV you’ll need to know so you do it right the first time!
Seasonal RVing Tips
64. Use alternative energy sources to heat your camper without electricity.
You don’t need electric hookups in the winter if you know how to heat a camper without electricity using alternative energy sources, spot heating, campsite selection and these hacks for keeping the cold air out and the warm air in your RV.
65. Use engine heaters and tank warmers to avoid dead engines and freezing pipes when RV camping in the winter.
Want to RV camp in the winter without freezing your pipes? These winter RV camping tips will have you camping throughout the year … and … loving every minute of it!
66. Plan craft activities that double as campsite decorations for Halloween trips.
Making a spooktacular camping event is simple when you know how to decorate your RV for Halloween!
67. Cook a turkey in a modified Smokey Joe for your Thanksgiving dinner at camp.
Spending Thanksgiving in the great outdoors is an amazing experience! Just because you’re camping, doesn’t mean you have to skip a traditional turkey dinner! These tips will ensure you enjoy a camping Thanksgiving turkey dinner!
68. Hang normal camping lights in unconventional ways to bring the holiday spirit to Christmas camping trips.
There are so many ways to enjoy an RV camping Christmas! These RV Christmas ornament and decorating ideas can be used to deck the halls of a home or an RV!
Tips For Awesome Food While RV Camping
Forget the hot dogs and beans! We’ve got real food that is easy to prepare and yummy to eat!
If you’re looking for awesome ideas for yummy camping food, you’re in the right place! Here’s our entire camping recipes list.
What do you think?
Leave me a comment, question or suggestion below. I’d love to hear from you so let’s chat.