Ok, so you’re getting ready for your very first RV adventure? Here are 25 RV hacks for first time campers that should make RV life a little easier.
You’re probably excited, but also a bit overwhelmed. I get it, it’s a lot..
Between learning how to set up camp, trying to keep stuff organized, and avoiding newbie mistakes, it can feel like a lot to take in. Luckily, there are a ton of little tricks that will make your first few trips go smoother, safer, and way more enjoyable.
These hacks are practical, inexpensive, and hopefully going to help you spend less time stressing and more time enjoying your trip.
Camper Organization Hacks
1. Command Hooks Everywhere
Don’t bother with drilling holes, Command hooks are perfect for hanging jackets, keys, towels, or even lightweight cookware. If you want to move them, they come off clean.
2. Pipe Lagging for Protection
Cut the lagging to size and slide it onto anything that looks like you’re going bang or bump yourself (you will). You’ll only find out where these places are when you’ve done it..
3. Velcro Strips for Loose Bits and Pieces
Stick Velcro under remotes, or lightweight gadgets to keep them from flying around while you’re driving.
4. Collapsible Kitchenware
Get collapsible bowls, kettles, pots and storage containers. They take up a fraction of the space and don’t fly around in your cupboards (as much).
5. Magnetic Knife or Spice Rack
A magnetic strip mounted in your kitchen keeps knives and other kitchen related stuff secure and within easy reach.
Smaller RVs get cluttered fast. Little hacks like this free up space and help keep you organized.
RV Hacks for Storage and Safety
6. Over Door Shoe Organizer
Use these in bathrooms or bedrooms for toiletries, cleaning supplies, or even snacks (perfect Pringle holder 🙂 ) Every pocket is a mini storage bin.
7. Tension Rods in Cabinets
A small tension rod across a cabinet will keep plates and canned stuff from moving around when you’re traveling.
8. Luminous Tape on Steps
Avoid late night stumbles by adding glow in the dark tape to your camper steps and main entry.
9. Quick Connect Hose Attachments
Save time setting up with quick connect adapters for water and sewer hoses. They don’t cost a whole lot, and cut down on camp setup time.
10. Write Up a Setup and Departure Checklist
There’s nothing worse than realizing you’ve forgotten something when you get to your destination. A checklist will help a lot.
As well as your setup and departure list, it’s handy to have an RV maintenance checklist. Check out my RV maintenance list and download a free printable.
Tools and RV Gadgets That Can Save the Day
11. Sticky Labels
Label water hoses, and the various power cables and hookups until you’ve got them memorized.
12. Silicone Funnel
Keep a collapsible funnel handy for filling fluids without a mess.
13. Headlamp for Hands Free Light
Way more useful than a flashlight, a headlamp is pretty much an RV essential. An invaluable piece of kit for any camper.
14. Duct Tape & Zip Ties
The emergency toolkit must haves. Duct tape and zip ties have saved many a trip for me. These two items will get you out of a tight spot until you get home for a proper repair.
15. Always Use a Surge Protector
Plug your RV into a surge protector before connecting to campground power. It could save your rig from electrical damage. See my review of some of the best surge protector choices.
Even on the shortest trips, small problems pop up constantly. A few cheap items and tools can save you from an early trip home.
Setup and Travel Hacks
16. Stabilizer Jack Pads
Get some jack pads, I prefer the flexible ones. They’ll stop stabilizers and jacks sinking into the ground. The DIY RV hack is to cut some carpet tiles into 8” squares (the rubber backed type).
17. Bungee Cord Around Paper Towels
Secure your paper towel roll so it doesn’t unravel while driving. (ask me how I know this..)
18. Pack a “First Night Bag”
Keep pj’s, toiletries, and any medications in one smaller bag so you’re not digging through everything on the first night.
19. Camper Vacuum
Pack a lightweight RV vacuum for sand, dirt, and pet hair in tight spaces.
20. Leveling Blocks
Definitely get a pack of leveling blocks, along with the jack pads, they’ll make short work of your camp setup.
After a long drive, little items and hacks make camp setup much easier.
Everyday Camper Hacks
21. Collapsible Laundry Hamper
It will store easily when you’re not using it, and it will easily double as extra storage for toys or shoes.
22. Binder Clips
Binder clips are really handy for lots of things in a camper. i.e. If your curtains are a poor fit and don’t close fully, binder clips are an instant fix.
23. Magnetic Screen for Doorway
A friend of mine has one of these bug screen doors, she rates it highly for those buggy environments. I mean to get one myself.
24. Change Over All Old Bulbs to LED
Swap out standard bulbs for LEDs. They use way less power and produce less heat. You’ll often find incandescent bulbs in older RVs.
25. Keep a Journal of Each Trip
Write down what worked, what didn’t, and what you wish you’d packed (or not packed). With each trip you’ll get your own little routine down.
The best part about RVing is that you’ll find your own way, and over time, you’ll find your own RV hacks that make things just that little bit easier and more fun. When you’re just starting out, these hacks will help keep you stay organized, and hopefully avoid some of those early mistakes.
Just remember that nobody got it right on the first trip. Each outing is practice, write down important stuff, and don’t worry about asking other RV folks for advice, there’s a whole mine of info out there. Before you know it, you’ll have your own RV hacks to share.
Good luck, and safe travels!
