Heading out on an RV adventure? You won’t want to hit the road without these 20 clever camper travel hacks to keep things cozy, organized, and stress-free on your trip!
1. Install Supplemental Lighting
Installing battery-powered motion sensor lights inside closets and cabinets brightens up dark corners and improves visibility for rummaging around. The lights also enhance the overall ambiance on dim evenings.
I use puck lights with strong adhesives to mount them out of the way inside my storage spaces.
2. Turn a Clear Shoe Organizer Into an Everything Organizer
A clear plastic shoe organizer hung on the wall is perfect for neatly stowing all sorts of essentials, from flashlights and first-aid kits to bug spray and sunscreen.
The visibility ensures I can locate items quickly while the vertical design maximizes storage space.
3. Hold Items in Place With Museum Gel
Museum gel is a clear, removable adhesive that secures small items in place. I use it on shelves and countertops to keep things from shifting during travel. It’s great for holding my camp stove and other essentials in place inside cabinets.
4. Bring Along Pint-Sized Pantry Staples
To save precious space, I portion spices, seasonings, and other pantry staples into old pill containers. The small compartments are the perfect size for 1-2 tablespoons. It’s an easy way to maximize flavor options when cooking without hauling around bulk containers.
5. Install a Drop-Down Table
One great space-saving solution is installing a small drop-down table with folding hairpin legs. When raised, it transforms a seating area into an impromptu dining space.
And when guests leave, it easily folds down flush against the wall to open up valuable walking room inside my tiny camper.
6. Keep Dishes From Rattling
Preventing broken dishes and noisy drawers is a top priority when traveling down bumpy roads. I line cabinets and drawers with non-slip shelf liner and cut small pieces to place between stacked plates and bowls. The cushions keep everything securely in place.
7. Don’t Forget Extra Fuel
When adventure calls, the last thing I want is to get stranded without fuel out in the middle of nowhere. So I always keep spare gas cans secured on board for long trips into remote areas.
The extra fuel gives me peace of mind to travel deeper into the wilderness, knowing I can make it back to civilization just fine.
8. Pile On the Plants
Bringing a few small houseplants instantly livens up my camper’s interior with eye-catching greenery. I use a combination of real and faux plants for a pleasing aesthetic.
The plants also help purify indoor air while creating a welcoming, homey atmosphere inside my cozy camper.
9. Make a Sink-Cover Cutting Board
To make the most of my tiny galley kitchen, I transformed the round sink cutout piece from my wood countertop into a cutting board that doubles as a sink cover.
When I need to chop veggies, I place the wood board over the sink basin to maximize work surface area. It’s an efficient way to repurpose materials already on hand.
10. Install a Backup Cam
Backing into tight campsites would be much trickier without my wireless backup camera. The slim camera mounts to the rear of my camper and links to a monitor up front, providing a clear view behind me.
This helps improve spatial awareness and prevents backing accidents during parking maneuvers.
11. Stay Organized With Labeled Storage Bins
Collapsible storage bins are a camping essential for keeping items securely stowed and organized while traveling. I label each bin by category so I can quickly locate needed items. The rigid sides prevent loose items from rolling around on the road.
12. Use Tension Rods to Keep Food in Its Place
Prevent messy spills inside the fridge and cabinets by placing small tension rods horizontally to secure food containers, condiments, and other items during transit. It only takes a moment to install the rods before traveling. Then they’re easily removed upon arrival at my destination.
13. Decorate Your RV’s Walls With Removable Adhesive Strips
I add a personal flair to my camper by using removable adhesive strips to display small artwork and photos on the curved walls.
The strong adhesive holds securely yet removes easily later on without damaging surfaces. It allows me to decorate my tiny home on wheels with my favorite pictures.
14. Create a More Functional Kitchenette
To make better use of my camper’s kitchenette, I took time to rethink the layout and determine which appliances I actually need on a regular basis.
By choosing space-saving appliances designed for RVs and optimizing the layout for efficiency, I was able to greatly improve functionality of my cooking space.
15. Mount Spice Jars With Magnetic Strips
Installing magnetic strips allows me to securely mount an assortment of spice jars inside cabinets. This clears out clutter from the drawers while keeping essential seasoning within arm’s reach.
And I can easily identify which spice is which while cooking, making meal prep much more convenient.
16. Re-Cover Dingy Cushions
Breathing new life into worn, dirty cushions is quite simple. After removing the old covers, I sewed new cushion covers out of bright, fun fabric to give my camper a mini makeover.
The new covers spruce up the living space with color and style while also improving cleanliness.
17. Put Up Peel-And-Stick Tile
I added a peel-and-stick tile backsplash in my kitchenette for an eye-catching pop of style that suits my taste. The adhesive tile goes up easily to instantly transform the look.
But it won’t crack or become damaged from road vibrations. When it’s time for a change, I can simply peel it off without hassle.
18. Save Space With a Stowaway Stove
To free up storage space, I swapped the oven for extra counter and cabinet space, since I rarely bake on camping trips. Instead, I keep a low-profile induction cooktop that easily tucks away into a drawer.
This allows me to whip up quick meals without sacrificing valuable storage real estate for a bulky appliance.
19. Buy Some Roll-Up Blackout Blinds
Some good sleep is essential when camping, so I installed customizable roll-up window shades that quickly black out any outside light.
The compact, retractable design with magnets along the edges is perfect for securing against my camper’s curved walls for maximum darkness.
20. Hang Up Some Foldaway Lighting
Rather than fumbling for headlamps after dark, I mounted slim LED sconces with foldaway arms near the bed and sitting area.
At night, I simply flip them open to cast a warm glow for reading or getting ready for bed. And during the day, they fold flush against the wall to free up space.