13 Clever RV Hacks to Transform Your Next Trip
RV travel offers the freedom of the open road combined with the comforts of home. But living in a compact space presents unique challenges that require creative solutions.
The good news? Experienced RVers have developed clever hacks that maximize space, improve organization, and make life on the road more comfortable. Here are 13 practical solutions you'll wish you'd known from day one.
Storage Solutions
Shower Rod Closet
Running out of hanging space? Install a tension rod across your shower when it's not in use. This creates an instant closet for clothes, jackets, or damp towels. When shower time arrives, simply remove the rod and your temporary closet disappears.
Command Hooks Everywhere
Command hooks are an RV essential. These removable adhesive hooks solve countless storage challenges without damaging walls. Use them to hang kitchen utensils, coats, towels, hats, keys, or even to display family photos. The versatility is nearly limitless, and they remove cleanly when you're ready to reorganize.
Oven Storage
Your oven likely sits unused most of the time. When you're not cooking, it becomes prime real estate for storing pots, pans, or dry goods. Just remember to remove everything before preheating. While the space might seem small, it's surprisingly valuable when you're trying to secure items before hitting the road.
Kitchen Hacks
Pre-Cracked Eggs in Creamer Bottles
Eggs break easily during travel, leaving you with a messy cleanup. The solution? Pre-crack your eggs at home and store them in empty coffee creamer containers. These bottles are perfectly sized, seal tightly, and pour cleanly. When you're ready for breakfast, just squeeze out what you need for scrambled eggs or omelets.
Bungee Cord Solutions
Bungee cords are the duct tape of RV life. Stretch one across your paper towel holder to prevent unrolling during travel. Use another to prop open screen doors for ventilation. Secure cabinet doors, hold items in place, or create makeshift organizers. Keep several sizes on hand for endless applications.
Frozen 2-Liter Ice Blocks
Save your empty soda bottles and repurpose them as super-efficient ice packs. Fill them with water and freeze them solid before your trip. These large blocks keep coolers and refrigerators cold far longer than regular ice cubes, and as they melt, you have clean drinking water. They're reusable, free, and more effective than buying bags of ice.
Bathroom Upgrades
Suction Cup Toothbrush Holders
Tired of toothbrushes rolling around in drawers or falling off counters? Suction cup holders mount securely to mirrors or smooth walls, keeping toothbrushes clean, accessible, and germ-free during travel. They're inexpensive and eliminate one small but annoying problem.
Bathtub Drying Rack
Laundry on the road is expensive and time-consuming. Install a tension rod or expandable rack in your bathtub to air-dry clothes. This saves money on dryers and makes use of otherwise wasted space. If you'll be driving with wet clothes hanging, make sure the rod is secured properly so it doesn't shift during turns.
Rubber Interlocking Floor Tiles
These versatile tiles serve double duty. Place them in your outdoor shower area for a clean, non-slip surface when rinsing off after beach trips. They also work perfectly inside your RV shower to prevent slipping. They're easy to clean, drain well, and can be configured to fit any space.
Magnetic Strips for Small Items
Small bathroom items like bobby pins, nail clippers, tweezers, and razors have a talent for disappearing. Mount a magnetic strip inside a cabinet or above the sink to keep metal items organized and visible. No more digging through drawers or losing essentials.
Microfiber Towels with Loops
Standard towels take forever to dry in cramped RV bathrooms, creating mildew risks. Switch to quick-dry microfiber towels with hanging loops. The loops let you hang multiple towels on a single hook or rod, and the fabric dries rapidly, preventing musty odors and saving space.
Outdoor and General Hacks
Dishpan Foot Wash Station
Tracking dirt, sand, and mud into your RV is inevitable unless you create a barrier. Place a dishwashing tub filled with water near your entrance. Before entering, dip your feet, rinse your sandals, or skim the bottoms of your shoes through the water. This simple habit keeps floors dramatically cleaner and reduces cleaning time.
Collapsible Water Bags
When you need extra water capacity, skip the bulky plastic jugs. Collapsible water bags store flat when empty and expand to hold several gallons when needed. They're lighter, take up minimal space, and many include spouts designed for filling freshwater tanks. They're also more environmentally friendly than disposable bottles.
Making It Work
RV life doesn't need to be complicated. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a full-time traveler, these simple hacks solve common frustrations with minimal cost and effort.
The key is thinking creatively about your space. Every inch counts in an RV, so items that serve multiple purposes or fold away when not needed become invaluable. Start with the hacks that address your biggest pain points, then experiment with others as you discover what works for your setup and travel style.
Most importantly, don't be afraid to adapt these ideas to your specific needs. The best RV hack is the one that makes your life easier.