23 Best RV Hacks and DIYs to Elevate Your Camping Experience

Ready to transform your RV into a haven of efficiency and comfort? “23 Best RV Hacks and DIYs to Elevate Your Camping Experience” is your ultimate guide to maximizing every inch of your home on wheels. From ingenious storage solutions to clever comfort upgrades, this article is packed with practical tips that promise to enhance your adventures.

Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or just starting out, these hacks will help you streamline your space, protect your belongings, and enjoy your travels with ease and style. Dive into a world where every challenge has a creative solution, and discover how these 23 top RV hacks and DIYs can make your camping experience not just better, but truly unforgettable. Get ready to hit the road with confidence and flair—adventure awaits!

Reflective Window Covers for Temperature Control

Make reflective window covers to help control the temperature inside your RV, reflecting sunlight and providing insulation.

Step 1: Measure the windows of your RV and cut reflective insulation material to size.

Step 2: Attach Velcro strips to the window frame and the corresponding sides of the insulation pieces.

Step 3: Press the covers onto the windows when you need to reflect sunlight or insulate against cold.

Step 4: Remove easily when not needed and store flat to save space and maintain a comfortable interior climate.

Collapsible Kitchenware for Space Saving

Invest in collapsible kitchenware items like bowls, colanders, and kettles to save valuable space in your RV kitchen.

Step 1: Purchase high-quality silicone collapsible kitchenware suitable for cooking and serving.

Step 2: Replace bulky traditional kitchen items with these collapsible alternatives.

Step 3: Store them flat in drawers or cabinets, significantly reducing the space needed.

Step 4: Expand and use as needed, enjoying the functionality of full-sized items without the storage headache.

Portable Solar Lights for Nighttime Safety

Enhance outdoor safety and ambiance by using portable solar lights around your RV campsite.

Step 1: Choose weather-resistant portable solar lights with a ground stake or hanging option.

Step 2: Place the lights around your campsite, such as pathways, near the water hook-up, or around the sitting area.

Step 3: Allow the lights to charge during the day and automatically illuminate at dusk.

Step 4: Enjoy improved visibility and a charming evening atmosphere without additional electricity costs.

DIY Shoe Organizer for Additional Storage

Use a hanging shoe organizer to store various RV essentials compactly and organized.

Step 1: Find a hanging shoe organizer with multiple pockets, preferably made from a durable, easy-to-clean material.

Step 2: Hang the organizer on a door or wall in your RV, securing it firmly to withstand travel movements.

Step 3: Assign pockets for items such as toiletries, tools, kitchen gadgets, or electronics.

Step 4: Enjoy having all your items visible and accessible, maximizing storage space and minimizing clutter.

Dual-Purpose Spice Rack Organizer

Convert a magnetic spice rack into a dual-purpose storage solution for small items and spices in your RV.

Step 1: Purchase a magnetic spice rack with clear, sealable containers.

Step 2: Attach the magnetic base to a convenient spot in your RV kitchen, such as the side of the refrigerator or a metal backsplash.

Step 3: Fill the containers with spices or small essentials like screws, rubber bands, or safety pins.

Step 4: Label each container for easy identification, keeping your space organized and your essentials within reach.

Increase Privacy and Insulate with Styrofoam for RV Windows

Enhance your RV’s privacy and improve temperature control by fitting a piece of styrofoam to your door window.

Step 1: Measure your RV door window to determine the size of the styrofoam needed.

Step 2: Cut a piece of styrofoam to these dimensions, ensuring a snug fit.

Step 3: Secure the styrofoam to the window using strong, removable tape that won’t damage the frame.

Step 4: Enjoy increased privacy and insulation, which can help keep your RV cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Organize Kitchen Supplies in File Folder Boxes

Efficiently store and organize your kitchen supplies using hanging file folder boxes to easily access your needs.

Step 1: Choose sturdy file folder boxes that accommodate the size and weight of your kitchen supplies.

Step 2: Label each box by category (e.g., utensils, napkins, spices) and place corresponding items inside.

Step 3: Store the boxes in an accessible kitchen area, such as a cabinet or under a counter.

Step 4: Retrieve and replace items as needed, keeping your kitchen orderly and functional without overcrowding your drawers.

Install a Suspension Rod in the RV Shower for Extra Storage

Create additional storage space in your RV by installing a suspension rod in the shower, ideal for hanging clothes and other essentials.

Step 1: Measure the width of your RV’s shower to ensure you get the correct length of the suspension rod.

Step 2: Install the rod according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically by extending it between two walls for a secure fit.

Step 3: Use the rod to hang waterproof storage items, such as shower caddies or quick-drying clothes.

Step 4: Enjoy the extra space, which helps keep your RV clutter-free and more organized.

Quickly Defrost Your RV Freezer with a Hairdryer

Use a hairdryer to speed up the defrosting process of your RV freezer, avoiding long waiting times and potential mess.

Step 1: Turn off your RV’s freezer and remove all contents.

Step 2: Turn on a hairdryer to a warm setting and aim it at the ice buildup, maintaining a safe distance to avoid damage.

Step 3: Move the hairdryer around to evenly distribute heat and accelerate the melting process.

Step 4: Once the ice is melted, wipe down the freezer’s interior to remove moisture and reload your food items.

Upcycle Household Wipe Containers for Storage

Turn your old household wipe containers into handy plastic bag dispensers for a tidy and organized RV.

Step 1: Collect empty antibacterial wipe containers and clean them thoroughly.

Step 2: Fold plastic grocery bags neatly and stack them inside the container, pulling the end of the first bag through the container’s dispensing hole.

Step 3: Conveniently place the container within your RV, such as under the sink, in a cabinet, or in a drawer.

Step 4: Enjoy easy access to plastic bags for trash disposal or pet waste pickup, maximizing space and maintaining cleanliness.

Do-It-Yourself Mobile Laundry in a Bucket

Turn your RV trips into an opportunity to clean your laundry with a simple, mobile 5-gallon bucket system.

Step 1: Place a laundry pod and your dirty clothes into a 5-gallon bucket, adding warm water until it covers the clothes by a couple of inches.

Step 2: Secure the bucket with a tightly fitting lid to prevent spills.

Step 3: Store the bucket in the back of your vehicle during travel, where movement from the drive will agitate and clean the clothes.

Step 4: Upon reaching your destination, rinse the clothes and hang them to dry, enjoying the convenience of freshly laundered items without needing traditional laundry facilities.

Adopt a Hands-Free Dog Leash for Flexible RV Trips

Maximize your mobility and convenience on RV trips with a hands-free dog leash.

Step 1: Select a hands-free leash that can be worn around your waist or used traditionally.

Step 2: Attach the leash to your dog’s collar and adjust it for comfort, whether around your waist or in your hand.

Step 3: Use the leash’s versatility to secure your dog to a stationary object when necessary, ensuring their safety while you manage other tasks.

Step 4: Enjoy enhanced freedom and control during outdoor activities, making each trip more enjoyable for you and your pet.

Utilize Ruffwear Dirtbag Dog Towels for Clean RV Interiors

Keep your RV clean from wet and muddy pets by using Ruffwear Dirtbag dog towels.

Step 1: Purchase a Ruffwear Dirtbag towel to fit your dog comfortably.

Step 2: After outdoor activities, place the towel on your dog like a coat, securing it to absorb moisture and trap mud.

Step 3: Remove the towel once it has effectively captured the dirt and moisture, preventing these from getting inside your RV.

Step 4: Clean the towel as necessary, readying it for the next outdoor adventure with your furry friend.

Install Magnetic Motion Sensor Lights for Wildlife Deterrence

Keep nocturnal wildlife away from your campsite by installing magnetic motion sensor lights around and under your RV.

Step 1: Choose magnetic motion sensor lights that are easy to attach and detach from the RV’s exterior.

Step 2: Strategically place the lights around areas prone to wildlife visits, such as under the RV and near food storage areas.

Step 3: Test the sensor range and adjust the positioning to ensure optimal coverage.

Step 4: Enjoy a safer, undisturbed night as the lights deter unwanted wildlife encounters.

Enhance Outdoor Showers with Rubber Matting

Prevent the messy aftermath of using your RV’s outdoor shower with interlocking rubber matting squares.

Step 1: Measure the area around your RV’s outdoor shower to determine the number of rubber matting squares you’ll need.

Step 2: Purchase interlocking rubber tiles that are durable and easy to clean.

Step 3: Assemble the tiles around the shower area to create a solid, non-slip surface that prevents mud formation.

Step 4: Enjoy a cleaner, more convenient outdoor shower experience, whether you’re rinsing off sandy feet or washing your dog.

Stay Warm with Fleece Bedsheets

Keep warm during colder weather in your RV with the added comfort of fleece bedsheets, avoiding the need for constant heating.

Step 1: Choose high-quality microfiber fleece sheets that fit your RV’s bed dimensions.

Step 2: Make your bed with fleece sheets designed to retain body heat more efficiently than regular sheets.

Step 3: Enjoy the extra warmth and softness, which can reduce the need to run a furnace or heater at night.

Step 4: Wash and care for your fleece sheets according to the fabric care instructions to maintain their softness and thermal properties.

Efficient Trip Planning with the RV LIFE App and Trip Wizard

Streamline your travel planning and enhance your road trip experience using the RV LIFE App and Trip Wizard.

Step 1: Download the RV LIFE App and register for the RV LIFE Trip Wizard.

Step 2: Use the app to input your travel dates, destinations, route, and amenities preferences.

Step 3: Explore the integrated maps to find RV-friendly routes, gas stations, and exciting sightseeing spots.

Step 4: Use the offline functionality to ensure you can access your travel plans without an internet connection.

Secure Cabinets with Magnetic Childproofing Locks

Enhance the safety and security of your RV cabinets during travel with magnetic childproofing locks.

Step 1: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install magnetic childproofing locks on your RV’s drawers and cabinet doors.

Step 2: Before starting your journey, set the locks to the “lock” position to ensure everything stays in place.

Step 3: Use a magnetic key to unlock the cabinets easily upon arrival at your destination.

Step 4: Remember to relock the cabinets before departing to maintain security throughout your travels.

Keep Snacks Fresh with Desiccant Packets

Preserve the freshness and crispiness of your snacks by reusing desiccant packets in your RV.

Step 1: Collect desiccant packets from product packaging or purchase them online.

Step 2: Place a desiccant packet inside snack bags like chips or crackers to absorb excess moisture.

Step 3: Seal the snack bags tightly after each use to maximize the effectiveness of the desiccant packets.

Step 4: Replace the desiccant packets periodically to ensure they continue to keep your snacks fresh during your travels.

Maximize Space with Microfiber Towels

Replace bulky cotton towels with microfiber ones to save space and enhance drying efficiency in your RV.

Step 1: Purchase high-quality microfiber towels, which are available in various sizes and colors.

Step 2: Store these lightweight towels in your bathroom or kitchen; their compact size means they won’t take up much space.

Step 3: Use the towels as needed—they absorb moisture quickly and dry significantly faster than standard towels.

Step 4: Wash and dry the towels regularly to maintain their absorbency and quick-drying properties, ensuring they are always ready for your next use.

Compact Water Storage Solution

Utilize water packs for a flexible, space-efficient method of storing and transporting water in your RV.

Step 1: Select a durable water pack like the HydraPak or MSR Dromedary, available in sizes up to 3 gallons.

Step 2: Fill the water pack to your needed capacity and securely close it.

Step 3: When unused, empty, clean, and fold or roll the water pack to take up minimal space.

Step 4: Rehydrate the pack as needed. This provides a reliable water source without the bulk of traditional containers.

Efficient Pet Food Storage with Backpacking Dry Bags

Optimize pet food storage and maintain freshness while saving space using backpacking dry storage bags.

Step 1: Divide large, bulk bags of dog or cat food into manageable portions and store them in two separate dry storage bags.

Step 2: Seal the bags to keep the food fresh and prevent spills.

Step 3: Use one bag at a time, and once empty, compress and store it away to minimize space usage.

Step 4: Because these bags are flexible, they can easily fit into various nooks within your RV, ensuring efficient use of space.

Keep Your RV Cool with Frozen Water Bottles

Maintain a chilled environment in your RV fridge or cooler by using frozen water bottles as a dual-purpose cooling solution.

Step 1: Fill clean water bottles or upcycled beverage containers with water and place them in your freezer.

Step 2: Once frozen, strategically place these ice bottles in your RV fridge or cooler.

Step 3: Add milk, juice, or other beverages by freezing them in advance and using them similarly to keep the interior cool.

Step 4: Enjoy the bonus of having icy cold drinks ready when you reach your destination, perfect for immediate refreshment.

Use Museum Putty to Secure Items

Keep your countertop items securely in place while traveling by using museum putty, a simple yet effective way to prevent slips and spills.

Step 1: Purchase a pack of museum putty from a hardware or craft store.

Step 2: Apply a small amount of putty to the base of items like plant pots, coffee makers, or decorative objects.

Step 3: Press the items down onto the countertop where they are least likely to interfere with daily activities.

Step 4: Test the stability of the items by gently nudging to ensure they remain fixed during travel.

Get some 5-gallon Buckets

Utilize 5-gallon buckets with lids for versatile storage solutions in your RV. From securing dry goods to creating a makeshift laundry washer, they enhance functionality without sacrificing space.

Step 1: Purchase several 5-gallon buckets with tight-sealing lids.

Step 2: Label each bucket based on its intended use—food storage, laundry, tool storage, etc.

Step 3: Place appropriate contents in each bucket and secure the lids tightly.

Step 4: Store the buckets in easily accessible places within your RV, ensuring they are stable and won’t tip over while traveling.

Use Peel and Stick Tile

Upgrade the look of your RV with peel-and-stick tiles. They are an easy and effective way to add stylish backsplashes or update the shower area without permanent alterations.

Step 1: Choose a peel-and-stick tile design that complements your RV’s interior.

Step 2: Clean and dry the area where the tiles will be applied.

Step 3: Measure and cut the tiles to fit your space accurately.

Step 4: Peel the backing off and carefully stick each tile in place, smoothing out any air bubbles for a professional finish.

Turn Your Microwave Space into a Bar

Reimagine your RV’s kitchen by converting the microwave space into a chic bar area, enhancing your entertainment options, and making the most of every inch.

Step 1: Remove the microwave and unplug all connections, ensuring the space is clean and ready for transformation.

Step 2: Measure the vacant space and select a perfectly fitted mini-fridge or shelving.

Step 3: Install the mini-fridge or shelves and stock them with beverages, glassware, and bar tools.

Step 4: Add LED strip lights or small lamps to create a welcoming ambiance in your new bar area.

Create a Hidden Pet Nook

Transform an unused cabinet into a cozy, hidden nook for your pet, making your RV a welcoming space for your furry companion while optimizing available living areas.

Step 1: Identify an underused cabinet or compartment your pet can easily access.

Step 2: If necessary, remove the cabinet door and any shelves, ensuring the space is safe and free of sharp edges.

Step 3: Place a comfortable, washable pet bed inside the cabinet, adding your favorite toys or a blanket to make it inviting.

Step 4: Encourage your pet to explore and use their new nook, making adjustments based on their preferences and comfort.

Protecting Glassware with Stylish Wraps

Safeguard your glassware from the rigors of travel by creating fashionable and protective wraps from everyday materials.

Step 1: Collect soft materials like old koozies, burlap, or decorative fabrics.

Step 2: Cut the materials to size based on the dimensions of your glassware.

Step 3: Wrap each piece of glassware individually, securing the material with a ribbon or elastic band.

Step 4: Place the wrapped glassware in your cabinets, ensuring they are snug and won’t shift during travel.

Installing a Tire Monitoring System on Your RV

Install a tire monitoring system to enhance your safety on the road. This system prevents unexpected flat tires and associated damage.

Step 1: Choose a reliable tire monitoring system compatible with your RV’s tire type and size.

Step 2: Install the sensors on each tire, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 3: Sync the sensors with the monitor, which should be placed within the RV where it is easily visible during travel.

Step 4: Regularly check the monitor for alerts on tire pressure or temperature anomalies as you travel.

Creating a Move-Proof RV Environment

Secure your decorative items in your RV to create a move-proof environment that reduces setup and takedown time during travels.

Step 1: Gather your decorative items and assess which are frequently moved or at risk during travel.

Step 2: Use Velcro®, magnets, or Command strips to attach items to walls, shelves, or other stable surfaces.

Step 3: Strategically place these items so they are secure but can be easily removed if necessary.

Step 4: Test the security of these items by gently tugging them to ensure they will stay in place while you’re on the move.

Cushioning Low-Hanging Areas in Your RV

Avoid the nuisance of bumps and bruises in your RV by creatively cushioning low-hanging areas with decorative elements.

Step 1: Measure the clearance in areas that often cause bumps, like doorways and under cabinets.

Step 2: Choose soft, decorative items such as string lights, faux greenery, or small garlands that complement your RV’s decor.

Step 3: Securely hang these items in the problem areas using hooks or adhesive strips, ensuring they hang slightly to provide a visual and physical cushion.

Step 4: Regularly check and adjust the hangings to maintain effectiveness and aesthetics.

Installing Motion Sensor Lights in Your RV

Illuminate the darker corners of your RV with easy-to-install motion sensor LED lights that enhance convenience and safety.

Step 1: Purchase affordable LED motion sensor lights suitable for indoor use.

Step 2: Identify poorly lit areas in your RV, such as closets and storage compartments.

Step 3: Follow the installation instructions on the LED light package. Most can be installed using adhesive strips, ensuring they are securely attached.

Step 4: Test the lights by moving in and out of the area to ensure they activate and deactivate correctly, providing convenient illumination only when needed.