Ever wanted to experience a wonderful, exciting, yet affordable outdoor camping or you want to enjoy the great outdoors and yet still feel as comfy as if you are within the four walls of your home. If yes, welcome to the RV lifestyle. RVing is a type of outdoor camping that allows you to explore the great outdoors while still enjoying the comfort and amenities of your home. RVing requires using an RV (recreational vehicle), which is a vehicle equipped with space for sleeping and dining. This vehicle often includes a variety of extra amenities as well, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces. Although RVing is not a preferred option for every adventurous outdoor camper, some people are simply obsessed with it and prefer to stay in hotels or rent. Planning a trip in your RV can be a huge task, especially for those who are new to RVing. In this article, we will provide tips on what to do before your RV trip as a checklist, so you will be prepared like an RV pro and enjoy your outdoor experience to the fullest.

Top 21 RV Travel Tips and Hacks to Know If You are RVing

These are tips and hacks that every RV camper should know regardless of their experience level. Consider this as a checklist before you embark on your RV trip

Before you travel

1. Write down the height of your RV

Source: mortonsonthemove

Knowing your RV’s height is important, especially if you will be traveling through cities and towns. With a measuring tape, measure the height of your RV and write it down on paper inside your RV. You don’t want to be approaching a low bridge and trying to recall if you are 12′ or 13′ tall!

2. Level your RV before filling your water tank

Source: Homeowner Repair

Ensure that you level your RV tank before filling it with water. This will help you to obtain the full tank needed for your trip.

3. Get a high pressure showerhead

A high-pressure shower head such as Oxygenics showerhead makes it possible for you to enjoy longer, better showers in the RV. It also gives more options for spray patterns, like a gentle mist, powerful stream, or a pulsating massage

4. Pack a basic tool kit

Prepare to do small repairs while on your trip. Having basic tool kits like a screwdriver, hammer, duct tape, flashlight, pocket Knife, tire pressure gauge, pliers, adjustable wrench, etc., in your RV will really be helpful. You don’t want to be stranded in the middle of nowhere due to a loose bolt and nut.

5. Pack a first aid kit

Also, be prepared for emergencies by packing a first aid kit for both humans and pets if you are camping with one. Ensure that all items are complete in the kit.

6. Check the route for safe RV traveling

Check for a safe route for your RV trip before embarking on the journey. You can use the RV LIFE App and RV LIFE Trip Wizard to plan for the best route as well as find fantastic camping spots that are ideal for your camping style. You will get RV-friendly directions, find important campground information and you can also read other people’s reviews for better understanding, all on the app

7. Turn the propane valve off

Ensure you turn off your RV propane value before you kick-off. This is because, if left open the rolling rigs may start shaking vigorously as you travel. It feels like an earthquake. This can easily result in screw loosening and things falling apart in your RV.

8. Install motion sensor lights inside your RV

Most RVs have dim lighting in the closets and other confined areas of the vehicle. Motion sensor lights are quite inexpensive and can be used to easily illuminate previously dark areas.

9. Stick glow in the dark tape on stairs and low hanging areas as well

Glow in the dark tape-free electricity illumination emits a strong photo-luminescent that can illuminate different areas of your RV. Stick this tape on places that need additional lighting such as stairs, doors, walkways, entrance, and exit ways as well as low-hanging areas.

10. Cushion the low-hanging areas of your RV

If you're over 5ft tall, you might have probably been bumped on the head in an RV. Try as much as possible to cushion the low-hanging areas of your RV with substances like foam pads which can help lessen the impact, if you have one

11. Make sure everything is move proof especially the glassware

You won’t want things moving or scattering about in your RV. Make sure you have every utensil, appliance, etc., in its proper position, especially your glassware. Ensure they are move-proof, so they won’t scatter around as you go on your RV journey.

12. Invest in a tire monitoring system

Having a flat tire on your RV trip can cost you thousands of dollars. This is why a tire-monitoring system is a necessary RV travel hack. A tire monitoring system will monitor the air pressure in the tires with a wheel-mounted sensor and transmit constant information about your tire’s health to you. The system will help keep you safe and on the road.

13. Adhesive window filming for privacy

Adhesive window films significantly reduce the sun's glare, protecting upholstery and plastic in the RV, improving your comfort by enhancing your privacy as well as creating safer driving in direct sunlight. To fully enjoy your RV trip, an adhesive window film is recommended.

14. Pack some Pine cones for the campfire

Wondering what you need pine cones for in your RV? Yes, pine cones are not simply for Christmas decorations.  Pine cones are also nature’s perfect fire starter and readily burst into enough flames to start kindling when you put a flame to them.

15. Use styrofoam for temperature control, you can use a vent cushion as well

Styrofoam is an excellent insulator that is made of trapped air bubbles that prevent heat energy from passing through it. Basically, they prevent heat loss This property makes them suitable for temperature control in your RV. Styrofoam is necessary to keep your temperature regulated in your RV.

Space Utilization

1. Hang a suspension rod in your shower area for hanging clothes

One way to utilize space in your RV is to have a suspension rod to hang clothes in your shower, instead of creating another space for it elsewhere.

2. Install command hooks in various areas for hanging stuff

For RVers, command hooks may just be the best thing since sliced bread. They can be used to help you with just about any storage problem in the RV. Use them to hang your cooking utensils, towels, coats, or just about anything else you can think of. They’re even a great alternative for hanging up pictures — forget drilling into your RV.

3. Utilize nesting ware, using space efficiently is everything

Nesting bowls and spoons are an all-around win for the RV. They can also double as toys for the kids!

4. Utilize your oven and dishwasher as a storage area

The oven is prime real estate for just about anything that needs to be kept close at hand. When it’s not being used, of course!

5. Put a pizza stone or ceramic tile in your oven to distribute the heat evenly for easier cooking

Is your oven not cooperating? Simply place a ceramic tile in the center of the RV oven and you are done. The perfect recipe becomes the perfect dinner.

6. Pack a collapsible storage tote

Recycling centers can be hard to come by living on the road and at campgrounds, but you can still sort recyclables from garbage without cluttering up your kitchen counter by using collapsible storage, which is small enough to be used inside the RV, and it has separate spaces for different kinds of waste such as bottles, cans, and paper.

For everything else if it is available use a community center

Community centers are the unsung heroes of RV parks and campgrounds. Use them when you need seclusion, open space, or a nice couch with pixel-free TV. Many even offer sinks, refrigerators, microwaves, and wifi!

Your RV adventure has just begun:

RVing is an awesome adventurous experience when you adequately prepare before embarking on the journey. Careful planning is required to make the trip fully enjoyable, especially for people new to RVing. We believe that after reading through all the tips and hacks, preparing for your next RV trip will no longer be a daunting task. If you are planning to take your RV across different countries it will help you to know different languages to communicate with fellow RVers or explore the countries you visit. At AmazingTalker you will find English Tutors and Online Tutors for 1 on 1 language learning experiences.

AmazingTalker is an online platform where you can efficiently learn English and other languages, from professional tutors and speak like a native in a very short time. Check it out now, so you will be able to communicate with fellow RVers anywhere in the world.