12 RV Living Tips for New and Seasoned RVers

Dwelling in an RV or any small area can have its challenges. Our RV journey started again in 2015, and for the primary 6.5 years, we embraced full-time RV dwelling. Now, we’ve transitioned to touring part-time, however the classes we’ve discovered alongside the best way stay simply as related. As we mirror on the previous decade, these RV dwelling ideas stand out because the keys to surviving and thriving on this life-style. Whether or not you’re a solo RVer, a household of 5, or a pair touring with pets, we hope you discover these insights useful as you navigate your personal RV journey.

12 RV Dwelling Suggestions

In the event you’d slightly watch than learn, check out our RV Living Tips video here. Desire studying? Carry on scrolling!

1. Talk

Good communication is as stimulating as black espresso, and simply as exhausting to sleep after.”

– Anne Morrow Lindbergh

The important thing to thriving in RV life is sweet communication. With restricted area in an RV, it doesn’t take lengthy for issues to really feel cramped—particularly if frustrations or conflicts come up. When tensions construct, that small area can really feel even smaller. Certain, you possibly can step outdoors, go for a stroll, or take a drive (you probably have a tow vehicle), however we’ve discovered that creating short-term distance gained’t remedy the underlying points.

In our first month of transitioning to RV dwelling, a scarcity of communication added pointless stress to our relationship. As soon as we recognized the breakdown and labored by way of it, life on the highway turned rather more pleasing—and it finally made our relationship stronger. Communication isn’t one thing you determine as soon as and transfer on; it’s a each day observe that is still simply as vital now, whilst part-time vacationers.

In the event you’d prefer to dive deeper into our first yr of RV dwelling, make sure to take a look at Joe’s second e-book, Tales From the Open Road.

2. Have the Proper Gear

Having the proper gear can prevent numerous complications whereas on the highway, however determining what’s really “best for you” takes time and expertise. Earlier than we began RV dwelling, we did in depth analysis to seek out the most effective gear for our wants. That analysis paid off, however we’ve additionally discovered alongside the best way that not each merchandise we thought we would have liked was important—and a few of the finest gear choices got here after we had extra expertise on the highway.

It’s vital to do not forget that what works for us could not give you the results you want. Each RVer’s wants are completely different, relying on elements like your RV setup, journey fashion, and private preferences. Don’t really feel like it is advisable purchase every thing earlier than you hit the highway. In reality, some gear is price ready on till you get a greater sense of the way you RV and what you really must make your journey pleasing.

In the event you’re in search of concepts, we’ve put collectively a couple of useful lists of our favourite gear. Take a look at these posts or visit our store for inspiration:

3. Know Your RV

Each camper we’ve owned has include a stack of person manuals—overlaying every thing from how you can clear and preserve the RV and awning to guides for the fireplace extinguisher, home equipment, and even the tires.

We learn by way of each guide and downloaded the net variations as a backup. Having a PDF model will make looking for a selected subject sooner and simpler. There are additionally construct sheets, diagrams for every fuse field and data on correct tire inflation. We’ve referenced all the knowledge many instances all through our years of RVing.

For instance, when a fuse goes out at 1 a.m., you’ll wish to know precisely which fuse field to verify. In our first RV, there have been 4 fuse and breaker packing containers—two of which have been outdoors. Belief us, working round within the pouring rain making an attempt to determine which one to open isn’t enjoyable. Realizing your rig’s format forward of time could make conditions like this far much less nerve-racking.

For extra ideas, take a look at our put up on RV Safety & Preparedness

4. Spring Cleansing

Determining what to pack for RV life—whether or not it’s a brief weekend journey or full-time dwelling—could be a problem. Questions like, “Is one pair of sandals sufficient, or do I would like a second pair for campground showers?” can depart you second-guessing each resolution. It’s simple to overpack, and we’ve been there. After our first month on the highway, we realized we had an excessive amount of stuff and determined to promote the bicycles we by no means used.

Just a few months in, we did an intensive spring cleansing, re-evaluating every thing within the RV. Many articles of clothes landed within the donation pile as a result of we hadn’t touched them since shifting in. We even discovered gadgets we’d forgotten we introduced, saying issues like, “I’ve been in search of this!” It was an important reminder that packing gentle and staying organized could make RV life rather more pleasing.

Spring cleansing can be the right time to reorganize and optimize your RV’s storage. After we decluttered, most of our cabinets, drawers, and storage bays have been half empty—and that’s after we realized we might comfortably downsize to a smaller RV. Whether or not you’re simply beginning out or a couple of months into your journey, revisiting what you’re carrying could make a world of distinction in how you reside on the highway.

5. Share the Drive

Wanting again on the miles we lined in our first yr on the highway, we are able to’t think about doing it solo. Until you intend to remain in a single place for lengthy stretches or solely transfer quick distances, it’s a good suggestion to share the driving obligations.

It’s not unusual for campground neighbors to cease by after we pull in and say to Joe, “I want my spouse drove.” However the reality is, studying to drive an RV isn’t as intimidating because it might sound. In the event you’re not comfy behind the wheel but, there are driving lessons obtainable that will help you construct confidence and grasp the fundamentals.

The extra you drive, the simpler it will get. Earlier than lengthy, you’ll be pondering, “It is a piece of cake!” You would possibly even begin trying ahead to your flip behind the wheel. Sharing the drive not solely lightens the load but in addition makes the journey extra pleasing for everybody.

6. Develop a Guidelines

After coping with gadgets flying off counters and drawers coming unlatched on corners one too many instances, we realized we would have liked a pre-departure checklist. Similar to pilots depend on a pre-flight guidelines, having a routine guidelines to your RV is important to make sure every thing is safe earlier than you hit the highway.

Each guidelines will look somewhat completely different relying in your RV kind and equipment, however the hot button is to make it as complete as attainable—and to make use of it each single time you journey. Complacency can creep in, and belief us, the instances we skipped the guidelines have been the instances one thing was forgotten.

Save your self the headache and stress by making this part of your routine. For inspiration, check out our Pre-Departure Checklist.

7. Every part Has A Place

In an RV, identical to in a home, every thing ought to have a chosen place—however the stakes are larger once you’re on the highway. A misplaced bottle of vinegar won’t seem to be a giant deal till it comes unfastened on a bumpy highway and leaves you with a sticky mess to scrub up.

Having a set spot for every thing not solely prevents spills and accidents but in addition makes packing up and unpacking a lot sooner and simpler. When you already know precisely the place all of the items of the puzzle go, you’ll spend much less time trying to find gadgets and extra time having fun with your journey.

Check Out Tools We Carry in Our RV

8. One In, One Out

The “one in, one out” rule is a sport changer for anybody trying to keep away from a buildup of pointless “stuff” of their RV. This mindset utterly modified the best way we shopped. A visit to Costco turned about shopping for solely what we would have liked on the time, not what we thought we’d want six months down the highway. Simply because there’s space for storing doesn’t imply it needs to be crammed.

We do attempt to retailer no less than one months price of meals in our camper always. For ingesting water, we are able to use our Berkey water filter for clear water with out having to purchase and retailer bottled water.

That stated, after we have been on the highway full-time, we made it a precedence to retailer no less than a month’s price of meals in our camper always. For ingesting water, our gravity water filtration system has been a lifesaver, offering clear water with out the necessity to purchase and retailer bottled water.

A minimalist strategy to RV dwelling labored finest for us. As soon as we embraced it, life on the highway turned rather more pleasing. No extra “explosions” of litter after we stayed someplace for every week or longer. Over time, our rule naturally developed right into a “one in, two out” coverage, and the bonus? We saved cash within the course of.

Now that we’ve transitioned to part-time RV journey, we’ve barely modified this rule. For every journey, we pack solely what we want for the particular journey we have now deliberate. Having a house base provides us the luxurious of leaving pointless gadgets behind—a comfort we didn’t have throughout our full-time RVing days.

9. Count on the Surprising

If you’re dwelling or touring in an RV, sudden challenges are sure to occur—whether or not it’s extreme climate, a flat tire, or a cracked windshield. Being ready for the unpredictable could make all of the distinction.

Listed here are some methods to remain prepared for no matter comes your means:

• Have an RV Restore Fund: Put aside cash particularly for sudden repairs or emergencies. Realizing you possibly can cowl a expensive repair takes a few of the stress out of the state of affairs.
• Carry a Spare Tire: A flat tire can occur anyplace, so having a spare and understanding how you can change it may prevent time and frustration. For tips on how we carried a spare tire on our Class A RV, check out this post. Questioning if you actually need a spare tire? Watch our video: Do You Really Need a Spare Tire?
• Develop an emergency plan: Assume by way of eventualities and have a plan for how you can deal with them.
  • If it is advisable evacuate the RV, are your necessities in a single simply accessible place?
  • What’s your plan if a flash flood threatens the river you’re camped subsequent to?
  • How will you deal with a medical emergency if there’s no mobile phone sign?
  • If the campground or space you’re in is being evacuated or locked down, are you aware the place to go?

Being proactive will help you navigate these conditions calmly and safely.

For a glimpse of the sudden, take a look at this video of the extreme thunderstorm and twister warning we skilled throughout our first yr on the highway.

However there’s extra to the sudden than simply challenges—it may additionally deliver sudden joys. Fellow River, Melanie Garrido places it finest:

“It’s best to at all times anticipate the sudden… to offer your self the time and the area to permit these sudden issues to enter into your area… that’s the place the true magnificence is available in, is once you permit it to seek out its strategy to you.”

For extra on discovering the wonder in sudden moments, check out our podcast with Melanie, where she shares her tips for RVers.

10. Be Versatile

Flexibility is essential to having fun with RV life. Give your self the choice to remain a couple of further nights or depart early if wanted. It’s nice to have a basic concept of the place you’re going, what you wish to do, and the way lengthy you intend to remain, however inflexible schedules can take the enjoyable out of exploring.

Each city we drive into provides a brand new expertise. Generally we completely love the vibe, and different instances it’s simply not our cup of tea. By holding our schedule versatile, we are able to linger longer in locations we get pleasure from and transfer on rapidly after we’re prepared for one thing new.

Flexibility lets you embrace the sudden, make spontaneous discoveries, and really benefit from the freedom that RV journey provides.

11. Enjoyable Fund

Put aside a “enjoyable fund” for these spur-of-the-moment adventures that make RV journey unforgettable. Whether or not it’s a scorching air balloon experience, a zip-lining tour, or tickets to a particular occasion, having cash earmarked for these experiences can add an entire new layer of enjoyment to your RV travels.

Whereas we love searching for out free and inexpensive activities alongside the best way, there are particular experiences which are well worth the splurge. For us, a type of was RV camping at Fort Wilderness and spending time at Walt Disney World. We loved the expertise a lot that we’ve made it a practice, planning a return journey in every camper we’ve owned.

12. Benefit from the Journey

Above all else, bear in mind to benefit from the journey. RV dwelling, like all life-style, has its share of challenges—flat tires, sudden repairs, and the occasional “what have been we pondering?” moments. Belief us, we’ve been there. However these frustrations are simply tiny blips on the radar in comparison with the wealthy experiences and recollections that include life on the highway.

Embrace the little moments, giggle on the mishaps, and savor the alternatives to discover the world at your personal tempo. And don’t overlook to create space for the magic that life on the highway can deliver. You by no means know what wonderful experiences are simply across the subsequent bend.