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I gathered the top-rated hacks from our own community, our Facebook page, and a viral RV Reddit thread packed with advice from experienced campers. These aren’t gimmicks or gear ads, just practical tips that real RVers swear by.
From setup tricks to space-saving ideas, these are the highest-voted hacks that RVers swear by. Nothing fancy, just smart solutions that make camping easier, faster, or more comfortable.
1. Adopt the “I’ve Got Nowhere to Be” Mindset
Why it works: With over 130 upvotes and a few mentions on our Facebook page, this is one of the most popular tips for a reason. RV life can get stressful fast. Things break, plans change, delays happen. Taking a relaxed approach helps keep your trip enjoyable. You’re not racing against the clock. You’re already on vacation.
2. Keep the RV Stocked Year-Round
Why it works: Having essentials like towels, toiletries, plates, chargers, and clothes already in the RV means you’re not re-packing every time. It saves time, reduces stress, and allows for last-minute trips without forgetting something.
3. Install/Upgrade a Handrail on the Stairs
Why it works: RV steps can feel unsteady, especially for older campers or during bad weather. Adding a handrail gives you something solid to hold onto, making entry and exit safer and more comfortable. And while some RVs come with a handrail, those can often be flimsy. In that case, upgrading to a MORride handrail can improve stability and safety.
4. Use Hanging Shoe Organizers in Closets
Why it works: Canvas hanging shelves or shoe organizers create instant compartments for clothes and gear. They help maximize vertical space and eliminate the need for drawers or digging through piles.
5. Add Quick-Disconnects to Water Hoses
Why it works: These save time during setup and teardown. You won’t have to wrestle with stuck hoses or threads. Just click and go. It also helps prevent cross-threading or leaks from overtightening. This one came highly recommended.
6. Command Hooks and Velcro Everywhere
Why it works: Storage is limited in an RV. Using command hooks, velcro, or wall organizers lets you use every available inch. People use them to hang everything from spatulas to hairbrushes.
7. Spray Paint the Trailer Coupler
Why it works: It’s hard to see the black coupler when backing up to hitch. A quick coat of white or chrome spray paint helps it stand out in the rearview camera, saving time and frustration.
8. Install a Maxxair Vent Cover
Why it works: This simple add-on lets you keep your RV vent open during rain or while driving. It helps with airflow, reduces heat, and keeps bugs and debris out.
9. Pipe Insulation on Noisy Roller Shades
Why it works: If your roller shades bang in the breeze, sliding foam pipe insulation onto the ends quiets them instantly. It’s cheap, fast, and works.
10. Replace the Mattress
Why it works: Factory RV mattresses are notoriously uncomfortable. Swapping it out (Zinus short queen is a common choice) instantly improves your sleep, especially on longer trips or for full-timers.
11. Slide-Out Pantry Baskets
Why it works: No more unloading everything to find that one can of soup in the back. Slide-out baskets make it easier to use deep pantry spaces and reduce frustration.
12. Use a Toilet Tank Sprayer to Clean the Black Tank
Why it works: A high-pressure toilet sprayer clears stuck paper and gunk from the black tank. Keeps smells down and helps your tank sensors work properly.
13. Level Mate Pro
Why it works: This device shows your RV’s level in real-time on your phone, so you don’t need to hop in and out of the truck while leveling. Makes the setup smoother.
14. Install a Keypad Lock Instead of Keys
Why it works: Losing or forgetting keys is easy to do. A keypad lock means you always have a way in and can give others the code if needed.
15. Use Setup/Teardown Checklists
Why it works: Whether you’re setting up camp or packing up to hit the road, these checklists will ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. Download yours here.
16. Plan Shorter Driving Days
Why it works: Long driving days are tiring and can be dangerous to you and others on the road. Sticking to fewer hours on the road means you arrive with energy to actually enjoy your destination. It’s also easier on your pets if they travel with you.
17. Install a Soft Start on the A/C
Why it works: A soft start lets your air conditioner power up gradually so you can run it off smaller generators or limited shore power without tripping breakers.
18. Install Shelves Inside Cabinets and Closets
Why it works: Many RV cabinets are just open boxes. Adding shelves, either permanent or soft organizers, turns unused space into something functional and keeps items from piling up.
19. Use a Collapsible Ottoman
Why it works: These foldable pieces work as storage, footrests, tables, or even extra seating. When not in use, they pack down flat, which is helpful in a small space.
20. Add a Shower Valve
Why it works: This is one of those tips that went completely over my head when I first read it, but it’s become one of my favorite tips in this whole list. This small valve lets you set your hot and cold water valves to the temperature you want once and leave it. You won’t have to fiddle with the cold and hot knobs each time, and it helps save water.
21. Use a Dedicated Bin for Counter Items While Traveling
Why it works: A plastic tote or bus tub lets you toss your coffee maker, dish rack, and other loose items in one place. Just set it on a secure surface before driving.
22. Use a Cordless Drill for Manual Stabilizers
Why it works: You can raise and lower stabilizer jacks much faster using a drill with a socket adapter. It’s quicker than cranking and doesn’t require wiring like electric stabilizers.
23. Run a Small Plug-In Dehumidifier
Why it works: It removes moisture more effectively than disposable options and doesn’t tip over. This helps prevent mold and keeps your RV smelling fresh.
24. Get a Small Bike Tent for Outdoor Items
Why it works: Outdoor chairs, trash bins, and cooking gear often clutter up the site. A foldable tent or storage bin keeps it all in one place without having to pack everything inside each night.
25. Add Hangable Storage Pockets on Every Wall
Why it works: Wall space is often underused in RVs. Adding storage pockets for a clean look or repurposing items like jeans pockets creates storage for tools, toiletries, and accessories.
26. Use Dimmable LEDs for Overhead Lights
Why it works: Standard RV lights can be harsh. Dimmable LEDs allow softer lighting in the evening and can make the space feel more like home.
27. Keep Clothes in Packing Cubes Inside the RV
Why it works: Packing cubes make it easy to store clothing for different weather without clutter. They’re especially useful for keeping the RV ready for surprise trips or sudden temperature drops. Plus, they fold flat when not in use.
28. Use Magnetic Spice Jars
Why it works: Magnetic jars stick to metal surfaces like your oven or range hood. They stay secure in transit and free up cabinet or drawer space.
29. Use a Notes App for Specs and Maintenance
Why it works: Instead of digging through manuals, store your rig’s torque specs, tire pressure, and maintenance notes in your phone. It’s faster to access and helps you stay on top of small repairs.
30. Switch to a Lithium Battery
Why it works: Lithium batteries can run longer and charge faster than traditional lead-acid ones. Bonus tip, put it in a battery box to help protect and store it securely.
31. Mount a Canvas Tool Organizer on the Wall
Why it works: Instead of digging through totes, mount a roll-up tool pouch inside a pass-through or near the entry for quick access to common tools.
32. Install Motion Lights
Why it works: Small LED lights that activate when you open closet or storage bay doors save time and make finding items in dark spaces much easier.
33. Use Plastic Magazine Holders in Overhead Cabinets
Why it works: They help separate items and hold them upright, preventing spills and sliding while driving.
34. Use Glow-in-the-Dark Tape
Why it works: Add glow-in-the-dark tape to awning arms, stairs, etc. It helps prevent injuries by making these high-risk spots easier to see at night.
35. Mount a Retractable Faucet Sprayer in the Kitchen
Why it works: A retractable sprayer gives more flexibility when washing dishes or filling large containers and is easier to use in a tight RV sink.
36. Use a Soft Collapsible Cooler
Why it works: A soft collapsible cooler saves fridge space and can be used outdoors, at the beach, or for extra cold storage at the campground. Bonus, you can fold it up when not in use to save space!
37. Hang LED Strip Lights Under Cabinets and Inside Closets
Why it works: They’re easy to install, battery-powered, and add a lot of visibility in otherwise dark spaces.
38. Keep a Small Portable Vacuum Onboard
Why it works: A cordless vacuum keeps sand and dirt under control without taking up much space. Great for quick daily cleanups.
39. Get a Mat for the Entry Area
Why it works: A durable RV mat at the door catches dirt before it gets inside. It cuts down how often you have to sweep or vacuum.
Before you go, if there’s a hack not in this list that made a big difference in your camping life, let us know in the comments below!
This was wonderful!!!!!!!! LOVED the ideas. I put a coat rack ( looks like a tree) …in my bathroom for towels or wet clothes. I even move it outside and the towels from the beach or swim suits dry fast and it doesn’t look bad. Narrow and stands upright. Heavy enough not to move when in transit or you could lay it down. Best idea so far I have come up with. I use to have the racks on my bathroom doors. Took up so much space. You can even use it to hang jammies and not take up limited drawer space.
Thank you! That’s a great tip, as well! Thanks for sharing.