There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road in your RV. The RVing lifestyle gives you the ultimate sense of freedom as you explore the country, never knowing quite what tomorrow will bring.
However, there are certain limitations that can be a problem for RVers, particularly in terms of storage space and the day-to-day functionality of their setup.
Fortunately, there are numerous hacks and ideas that you can put into practice today to improve your RVing experience.
Many of these hacks are super simple and only take a moment to get set up. So buckle up your seat belt, and get ready to learn the very best, tried and tested RV hacks.
Preparing Your RV For Departure.
Driving an RV can take a little getting used to, so it’s always advisable to take it slowly until you become a more confident driver. Allow faster traffic to pass you and also give yourself plenty of time to brake.
In fact, if it’s your first time driving an RV, or you’re still quite inexperienced, then you might want to consider practicing your driving skills in an area you already know well. This will let you concentrate on improving your driving instead of worrying about checking maps or getting lost.
1. Keep A List Of Your RV’s Specs On Hand.
Before you set off you should carefully measure the height and width of your RV. This includes any additional baggage or accessories that you have on the roof. If you don’t know how high your RV is you could have an accident when driving under a low bridge or through a tunnel. Similarly, when you’re parking your RV it’s vital to know how wide the vehicle is so you can gauge whether or not you can fit into a parking spot.
Togo RV GPS is a really useful GPS app that not only helps you to navigate but also takes into account the height, width and length of your RV, as well as the gradient of the terrain, overhead clearances and a selection of route options that are specifically tailored to your RV. To find out more about the Togo RV GPS app, or download it, you can visit their website here where you can claim your free 7-day trial.
2. Mirrors, Blind spots And Safety While Driving.
When you’re driving an RV it’s vital that you have properly adjusted your mirrors and are aware of where the blindspots are. Ideally, you should position your mirrors to enable you to see the maximum amount of space on both sides of the RV.
However, you shouldn’t only rely on the mirrors because of the blindspots. Therefore, you should regularly check your blind spot or use a wireless observation camera so you can see that space in real-time.
Preparing Your RV For A Trip.
Every time you prepare to set off you should conduct a quick inspection of your RV. If it helps you remember what you need to inspect then you can write yourself a checklist that you keep in the dashboard.
1. Checking The Exterior Of Your RV.
Tires. Check your tires’ treads and make sure that your tires are not overinflated or underinflated. Both overinflated and underinflated tires can blow out and lead to dangerous accidents on the road. If you’re parking your RV for more than a day or two then you can further reduce the wear and tear on your tires by blocking and leveling your RV.
Lights. Before you hit the road make sure that all your headlights, brake lights, turning signals and hazard flashers are working. You should also check that your headlights’ low and high beams are operating correctly.
Fluids. Check the levels of your RV’s coolant, brake fluids, hydraulic steering fluid, washer fluid and oil before each trip. If anything needs filling up, top it up as soon as you can.
Propane. Always fill up your propane tanks before you set off. This will save you from having to search around later on to find a supply to fill up from. While you’re checking your propane make sure your burners are not lit! Also, check that your RV’s vents are clear. If you want to be extra safe, you can buy a propane gas detector to ensure that you don’t have any leaks.
Hatches and Doors. Ensure that all your compartment doors are securely shut and extra accessories, such as awnings, are stowed away safely.
2. Checking Your RV’s Interior.
Make sure any heavy objects, bags and boxes are securely stowed and won’t slip around the cabin as your drive. You should also try to stow heavy items in an evenly distributed way so that you retain the correct center of gravity for your RV.
Adjust your mirrors and confirm they are giving you the best possible visibility.
Adjust your driving seat before you set off so you’re comfortable and won’t have to pull over later to readjust your seat.
How Fast Should You Drive Your RV?
When you’re traveling in an RV you should aim for a cruising speed of between 55 and 65 miles per hour, the most fuel-efficient speed to drive. You should also try to avoid braking or accelerating aggressively because this uses a lot more fuel than smoother transitions.
3 Tips For Towing With Your RV
Towable RVs like Travel trailer, Fifth wheels or tear drop trailers are popular among those who want to enjoy the outdoors within budget.
1. Practice Makes Perfect.
If you’re not used to towing with your RV then you should set aside some time before you depart for your trip to practice on quiet roads where you know there won’t be too much traffic.
A great place to practice is in a large, empty car park where you can back up, make turns and get used to the new dynamics of your RV.
2. Always Double Check The Connections.
Even if you’re an experienced RVer, you should always double-check the trailer connections to ensure that they are properly secured in place.
Take a quick walk around your vehicle before you start driving, double-checking all the external features of your RV and the trailer. At the same time, you can check all the storage bays and doors are properly closed.
3. Load Your Trailer Correctly.
When you’re driving with a trailer you should make sure that at least 60% of your cargo weight is in the front half of your RV. You should also load your trailer so that the weight is evenly distributed. A badly loaded trailer can be extremely dangerous!
5 RV Hacks For Camping At The Campground.
Camping out is one of the greatest joys of RVing and there is a wide range of ways that you can improve your comfort and the functionality of your setup.
1. Use An Eco-friendly Solar Generator.
One of the most useful accessories that you can have while camping is a backup source of power. An eco-friendly, portable solar generator is a wonderful way to recharge your devices and light your campsite.
If you want to charge your batteries as you drive then you can invest in a solar panel RV kit. You then attach the solar panels to the roof of your RV and generate power as you drive.
2. Make A PVC Pipe Hammock!
Laying back in a hammock is great fun and a lovely way to relax in the campground. It’s easy to make your own hammock stand by using 2-inch PVC pipes for the main span of your hammock holder and 1.5-inch PVC pipes for the cross pieces.
Alternatively, you can buy a premade hammock stand which you can stash in the RV during the day and bring out at night once you pull up in the campground. As well as being hugely popular with kids, a hammock can also double as a bed for the night.
3. Improve Your Wifi Signal.
One of the most frustrating aspects of camping is that you’ll often have pretty poor Wifi reception. However, there’s a super simple fix! You can buy yourself a reliable WiFi Reception Booster for as little as $20.
4. Use A Collapsible Garbage Can.
RVs don’t have great storage and so making use of a collapsible garbage can will save you space and make it easy to keep your campsite clean and tidy. A well-made collapsible garbage can is a much better option than relying on a plastic bag instead.
5. Bungee Cords.
Every RVer needs to have a good selection of bungee cords that can be used for almost anything you can imagine! You can use your bungee cords to keep things securely in place, use them to make a DIY awning or create a camper screen to maintain your privacy while you’re outside the vehicle.
RV Kitchen Hacks – Making The Most Of The Available Space.
One of the hardest areas of an RV to keep tidy is the kitchen where you’ll often be very short of space. However, with the help of a few clever hacks, you can fit more into your kitchen while keeping everything neat and well-organized.
1. Mount Items On The Walls.
You can save a lot of space by mounting certain items on the walls. For instance, you can use wall hooks to hang your pots, pans and kitchen utensils on as well as hand towels, travel mugs and other small kitchenware. Just remember to check that the hooks can hold the amount of weight you’re hanging on to them.
Alternatively, you can use magnetic strips and racks which easily attach to your kitchen’s walls. You can use magnetic strips to hang your kitchen knives on and a magnetic spice rack is the perfect space-saving solution for all your herbs and condiments.
2. Use Dromedary Bags For Water Storage.
Instead of using plastic jugs, you can use a dromedary bag which can be folded up when you’re not using it. This will save you loads of space in the kitchen. You can also take your dromedary bag of water with you if you’re hiking or spending the day at the beach.
3. Attach Pressure Rods In Your Refrigerators And Cupboards.
Using pressure curtain rods in your fridges and cupboards will allow you to keep the items in the right place. This stops them from sliding around while you’re driving and since they are highly versatile you can use them in all your cupboards and storage spaces.
Easy RV Shower And Bathroom Hacks.
1. Use Rubber Floor Tiles.
Whether you’re showering inside your RV or outside of it, using rubber floor tiles will stop you from slipping and keep your feet clean. However, you can also use them in other parts of your RV to create areas of non-slip flooring.
2. Soap On A Rope.
A great way to keep your soap dry and safely stored in your shower is to buy soap on a rope and keep it attached to a hook on the wall. Not only will it be easy to access while you’re having a shower but it will also give the soap time to dry out during the day.
3. Install A Hanging Rod Across The Back Of Your Shower.
One of the handiest ways that you can utilize the space in your shower is to install a rod across the back where you can hang your coats or dry out wet clothes. If you want to create a towel rack as well then you can use another rod, which you can place lower down the wall, to hang up your towels.
4. Use Microfiber Towels.
Not only are microfiber towels much more compact than traditional towels but they also dry out more quickly and are easier to wash while you’re on the road. You can get yourself a fold-away towel rack which you can put outside in the evening to dry your towels on.
Bedroom Hacks For Your RV.
1. Wall Hangings Make Your Bedroom Feel Cozy And Warm.
There’s no better way to make your bedroom a home from home than by hanging up a few lovely wall hangings. You can find beautiful wall hangings in all patterns, colors and designs so it’s easy to create a cozy space to rest in at night.
2. Use Blackout Curtains.
There may be times when you may want to sleep during the day. In order to keep your bedroom dark, you can hang up some blackout curtains. These keep out all the light and will ensure that you can get the valuable sleep you need, whenever you need it.
3. Be Creative!
When you’re setting up your bedroom in the RV, you can really go all out with the interior design. You have a completely blank slate onto which you can really express your personality and likes. Hang up a decorative mirror, use fairy lights and buy a nice set of matching cushions, blankets and sheets. All of this will give your bedroom a lovely atmosphere and a comfortable place to rest your head.
Simple RV Strategies For Bad Weather.
When you’re parking your RV in bad weather you should always avoid parking under large trees where large branches could fall and damage your vehicle. You should also try to get out of the wind and avoid parking too close to the ocean if there is a storm brewing.
You should make sure that you have plenty of food and water stored in your RV, in case you can’t get to the shops, and ensure that you have warm bedding and a heater with charged-up batteries on hand.
Ideally, you should have your own fully stocked first aid kit and a hand-cranked radio which you can fall back on to call for help in case of an emergency.
Living Full Time In An RV – The Pros And Cons.
Living full-time in an RV is a unique way of life that gives you plenty of freedom and the chance to see the world. Of course, as with any lifestyle choice, there are pros and cons which you should consider before committing to life on the open road.
The Pros Of Full-Time RV Living.
Absolute freedom to travel the country.
Low cost of living – no mortgage, bills or property tax to pay.
A fun, exciting lifestyle where you can meet new people and spend a lot of time with the ones you love.
RV living is a great option for people who aren’t sure if they want to settle down into the 9-5 lifestyle yet.
Great for young couples who don’t have family commitments yet.
The Cons Of Full-Time RV Living.
Travel fatigue. It can get tiring living full-time in an RV. The nomadic lifestyle is certainly fun, but it can also get a little draining over time.
WiFi connectivity issues. You can’t always be sure about the quality of the WiFi you’ll be able to access as you travel around.
You may start to miss your friends and family back home. It can be difficult to be away from your support network while you’re living full-time in an RV, especially if you are traveling solo.
It’s not always easy to find grocery stores, laundrettes and other services that you may be used to having easy access to back home.
Unexpected problems and issues can crop up at any time. This means you’ll have to learn how to be adaptable and ready to overcome any challenges that come your way.
Money Saving Tips For RV Living.
1. Try To Find Free Parking Spots.
It can save you a lot of money to find as many free RV spots as you can! There are many car parks and campsites where you can spend the night for free. If you’re only stopping for one evening, then it can also be worth parking up outside a Walmart or other large retail outlet.
A good place to find free camping spots is FreeCampsites.net. The site has a great interactive map that you can use to find free campsites all over the country.
2. RV Memberships.
If you’re living full-time in your RV then it’s often worth purchasing a few RV memberships. These will give you discounts on park and campground fees and also allow you to make savings on other RV-related costs.
One of the top RV membership options is Harvest Hosts. The membership, which costs less than $100 per year, gives you free access to breweries, farms, golf courses and wineries. As a Harvest Hosts member, you’ll have access to over 4000 camping spots all over the country.
There are many other RV memberships that you can also look into if you’re planning to spend a lot of time on the road, so have a hunt around before you commit to paying the subscription fee.
3. Stay In One Location For Longer Periods Of Time.
Sometimes you can save a lot of money by staying at an RV park or campground for an extended period of time. For example, the cost per night may be around $40 per night as compared to $500 for the whole month. This could save you up to $700 per month, so it’s certainly worth camping in one place sometimes instead of moving each night to a new spot.
RV Living Is Growing In Popularity.
In recent years, RV living has been exploding in popularity. This is not only because the cost of living, rent, utilities and taxes have been increasing but also as a result of people prioritizing their personal freedom over a career in the city.
Equally, remote working opportunities have made it much easier for people to work from their RV, as long as they can access a reliable source of WiFi.
There’s also a huge amount of gadgets, hacks and living tips that can make RVing a pure pleasure. So buckle up, and get ready to discover the joys of RV life.
