camper living hacks

by Wilton Kassulke V Published 5 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Top Ten Camping Hacks for First-time Campers

Gear Up. You’re going to need a few pieces of equipment. ...
Test Out Your Equipment. Even the best camping equipment is useless in the hands of someone who doesn’t know how to use it. ...
Check The Weather. ...
Don’t Go Too Far From Home. ...
Find Your Comfort. ...
Light up Your Life. ...

Fire It Up. ...

Bug Off. ...

Don’t Scrimp on the Food. ...

Don’t Panic. ...

Full Answer

What are some RV hacks that every camper should know?

These are hacks that every camper should know, regardless of their experience level. 1. Use an RV departure checklist There is nothing like getting on the road and finding out that you forgot to unplug your shore power cord. There are a lot of things to remember before you pull out.

How can I Make my camper easier to get in and out?

At night it can be tricky getting in and out of your camper. Adding strips of glow-in-the-dark tape to the stairs is a quick and easy solution. 15. Upholster with crib sheets.

Are there life hacks for RVers?

RVs are prime spots for life hacks because you have to figure out how to pack a lot of adventure and equipment into just a few hundred square feet. RV hacks go a long way in making your life easier! Even the smallest space-saving and decor tips can add to your adventure experience.

Are there any tips and tricks for living in an RV?

Below, we’ve listed a hundred tips and tricks that clever members of the RV community have come up with. The first thing you’ll notice about RV life is the limited living space. For most people, especially those who don’t live in luxury RVs, it can be quite cramped. Below, you’ll find space-saving hacks.

How can I make a living in a camper better?

5 tips for living in a camper trailer full timeDon't leave (all) the greenery at home.Brighten your space with white walls and pops of color.Collect mementos on the road.Create the perfect nook.Make your URL friends into your IRL community.

Is it smart to live in a camper to save money?

If you live thoughtfully, you can absolutely save money while living in an RV, even while traveling. But, if you're the kind of person who wants to stay at luxury RV parks and spend money on food and experiences, you might find it just as pricey (if not more so) than stationary life. There's no right or wrong here.

Can you permanently live in a camper?

Yes, an RV can be a permanent residence for tax purposes or to claim residency in many states. The IRS considers any structure as a possible primary (or secondary) residence if it has sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities. For other purposes, you can get an address assigned to your RV property like any other home.

Is living in a camper easy?

Living in an RV has its moments, but it's not always easy. Moving an RV camper can be expensive and may cause wear and tear on your vehicle. You have little privacy when living in an RV, whether you're inside trying to sleep or outside trying to get some fresh air.

Is camper living worth it?

Some of the many advantages of living in an RV include: Freedom: RV life allows you to change locations whenever you want. You're never obligated to stay in one place for longer than you want. It's a great option for anyone who isn't ready to settle down and for individuals who want to explore and wander.

How much would it cost a year to live in an RV?

We have seen monthly full time RV living budgets from fellow travelers as low as $1,600 and as high as $5,000. If you really want to go minimal, you can easily live this life for around $1,000 per month by finding a free spot to park your rig for extended periods or by becoming a camp host.

Is living in an RV considered homeless?

A person with an RV is considered homeless if they don't have amenities that make it a suitable place for habitation, such as running water or access to a working toilet. She said her agency's Housing Hotline is contacted every day by people living out of their vehicles.

Can you live in a camper in the winter?

Most RVers prefer to travel with the seasons, sticking to mild temperatures to ensure they don't encounter extreme weather, especially considering that RVing in the winter is no easy feat. Most RVs are not well-insulated, and water pipes can freeze and cause damage once the temperatures drop too low.

Can I live on a campsite all year round?

No, you can't live all year round on a holiday park as static caravans and lodges on holiday parks are designed to be used as holiday homes rather than primary addresses. You must have a main address as your permanent residence, which your holiday home cannot be.

Storage

While most RVs come equipped with lots of storage solutions, sometimes it just isn’t enough. Install a suspension rod in the shower to create an extra closet.

Temperature Control

Covering the door window in your RV is a great way to get some extra privacy and temperature control. A simple method is to cut a piece of styrofoam to size, then tape it to the window. Voila!

Lighting

Let there be light! Place a cheap work light in a five-gallon bucket around your the campsite for a bright glow. around your the campground site.

Decorating

Want to give your RV a mini-makeover without all the hard work? Cover dinette couch cushions with crib sheets. Change them out periodically for a fresh look.

For Everything Else

Community centers are the hidden gems of RV parks and campgrounds. Use them when you’re in need of privacy, open space or a comfortable couch and some pixel-free TV. Many even include sinks, refrigerators, microwaves and wifi!

Not Using Your RV?

Don’t let all your clever hacks go to waste! Rent your RV on Campanda and start earning.

How to maximize space in a camper?

Another way to maximize the space of your camper is by installing convertible tables. Pull them out when you need to, but put them away when it’s time to go on the road again.

What is the first thing you notice about RV life?

The first thing you’ll notice about RV life is the limited living space. For most people, especially those who don’t live in luxury RVs, it can be quite cramped. Below, you’ll find space-saving hacks.

What can a mobile home sear hold?

For this reason, you shouldn’t discount over the sear organizers. They can hold various things such as tumblers, books, maps, and even toys of your children.

Why use empty tic tac containers?

Still in line with preparing a good meal, using empty tic tac containers to store herbs and spices is a good idea to save space and money. There’s no need to spend money on fancy spice bottles when you have a lot of tic tac containers lying around.

How to expand a tiny space?

One of the best ways to expand tiny spaces is by getting multipurpose furniture. In mobile homes where space is scarce, having furniture that serve several purposes is an advantage. Take, for example, this ottoman bench which can also serve as storage or low table.

Why is it important to have a hidden TV?

A hidden TV will not only save space, but also keep it safe and secure when you’re on the road. In particular, it will remove your worries about your monitor flying around when you encounter rough road.

What is a compact living system?

If you have limited space but want it to be versatile, a compact living system like the Casulo is a brilliant way to go about it. It has a bed, shelf, cabinet, desk, and even stools to sit on. If you need to clear your space, it can easily be boarded up into a compact rectangle, stored neatly in one corner.

How to repel bugs at campground?

Make a natural DIY bug repellent to repel bugs at the campground. In a small spray bottle, combine a few simple ingredients like lavender, rosemary, and peppermint essential oil with natural witch hazel, distilled water, and glycerin. Just shake and spray to help keep the bugs at bay.

How to keep soda bottles in RV?

A few days before you pack your RV, clean the bottles, fill them with water, and freeze. When you are ready to hit the road, use the frozen bottles inside your cooler or RV refrigerator. The large bottles help cool the spaces faster, and the frozen bottles last longer than ice cubes. When the water melts, you’ll have clean drinking water.

How to keep your head from bonking in a pool?

Cut a pool noodle in half and place it around the sharp edges of your slides to keep from bonking your head while you are accessing the storage bays. A pool noodle also works around awning tie downs. Since light-colored rope isn’t easy to see, the pool noodle hack will help you avoid a potentially dangerous situation.

What kind of lights do you use for an RV?

USB or battery-operated string lights will create just the right amount of lighting inside and outside your RV. When camping off-the-grid, opt to use string lights or fairy lights. You will use less battery power and enjoy the ambiance of the tiny, sparkling lights.

What can I use to keep things on the counter while driving?

Use museum putty to keep items, like a coffee pot, on top of the counter while driving. Museum putty won’t destroy the counters or your breakables. Leaving items on the counter helps you save space and access the things you use the most.

Do you need a binder clip for RV lights?

All RVers should have binder clips onboard their RV. Binder clips make excellent tie downs and keep your chips fresher than traditional chip clips. If you like outdoor lighting, binder clips work better than expensive mounting tape or special light hangers. Use a binder clip to hang your lights from an awning or a metal keder track. When the wind picks up, your lights will stay where you intended.

What to do when you don't get your trailer level?

Bubble Level or Leveling Blocks. When you travel off-road into nature, parking on uneven ground is common, which means you won’t get your trailer level. There’s a simple and affordable remedy for this: bubble levels or leveling blocks.

How to keep RV warm in winter?

The key to keeping your RV warm in the harsh winter is effective insulation, that is preventing cold air outside from leaking in and trapping the heat inside the RV. The two areas to focus most of your energy on if you want to improve insulation are windows and vents.

Why do you need an awning in an RV?

If you love staying outdoors in great weather, an awning is a must. An awning can provide shade and help save money on cooling in hot summer weather. It can also provide a shaded place to dine, enjoy a drink or read outside your RV.

Why do you need an outside shower in an RV?

An outside shower will prevent the interior of your RV from extra moisture and is useful for getting the mud off from your trekking trip before you go inside. Make your own privacy screen for your outdoors shower using a shower curtain and wire or piping is a fun and not too challenging project. Do not forget to get a good quality RV shower head ...

How many kitchen appliances can I put in a small RV?

A multi-functional cooker will save you space on your small RV by combining typically 7 kitchen appliances in 1, including: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté, yogurt maker, and warmer.

Can you shower outside in a small RV?

Showering outdoors in good weather is a perk of the RV life. For a bit of fun, or if you do not have enough space for a shower in your small RV, which is often the case, you can fit your own outdoor shower on the side of your vehicle. Outdoor shower is an easy DIY project you will enjoy. An outside shower will prevent the interior ...

Can you use a propane heater in the winter?

In extreme winter, you would definitely need gas, electrical or pro pane heaters in addition to the passive heating techniques above. However, in milder winter, passive solar heating plus passive heating may be sufficient to replace conventional heating methods.

How to make a lantern at a campsite?

19. Make a headlamp into a lantern. Strap a headlamp (light side in) to a 1-gallon jug of water to make a lantern that lights up your campsite.

What to do when you are boondocking?

Repurpose your dishwa ter. When you are boondocking, your time off-grid and unhooked will be much better if you don’t run out of water. Washing and rinsing dishes uses more water than anything besides your RV toilet, so it makes sense to repurpose your dishwater.

Can you vent an instant pot outside?

You simply put the ingredients in, set it, and the Instant Pot takes it from there. Bonus: You can vent the Instant Pot outdoors, so cooking won’t add to the humidity levels in your RV. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.

2. Plan for RV Living

Never just look at each other and wonder what to do!! The Camping planner includes not only ALL the checklists you could need to make sure you don’t forget the important necessities, but also a GIANT list of roughly 50 memory-making activities to enjoy while you are RV living or camping… and the best thing is it’s only $7!!

3. Store Your Paper Goods In A Magazine Folder – Takes RV Living To A Whole New Level

Store paper goods in your tiny kitchen inside a magazine file. Add velcro on the bottom and on the shelf to hold everything in place while you’re on the move! Way to make use of vertical space and corral paper goods?!

4. This DIY Ladder-Mounted Table Will Make RV Living a Whole Lot Convenient

A lawn chair carrier holds a sheet of plywood to create a makeshift table. This is perfect for those days when you just want to enjoy a meal outdoors or you need a little extra space. It’s also fairly easy to make if you’re not exactly gifted in handiwork. Maybe you can even enjoy a romantic dinner in the woods. Fancy, huh?

5. Create Ambient Lamp

Create a table lamp with just a headlamp and a gallon of water. How simple is that? It’s perfect for tent camping too if you need it. I must say, this is pretty darn creative!

6. Keep Your Trash Can in Place

Attach your trash can to the inside of a cabinet door to keep it in place and out of sight. Talk about a space saver! It also makes the room look so much better, without a trashcan lying about in an already cramped space.

7. Never Lose the Remote Control Again

Use velcro to hold your remote controls in place. Not only will they have a specified “home” so you know where to find them, but they won’t slide around as you drive down the road. This is a great idea for your home as well, especially if you live with many people or have toddlers around.

9. Hang Shower Products For Easy Accessibility

Hang your shower products from a curtain rod. They will stay organized with no bending over to reach your products.

What is hacking camper life?

Hacking camper life is a fun part of the adventure on the road. Always keep your eyes open for ways to make your camper life cooler, hipper, and trendier. You’ll bring your camping experience to an exciting new level.

Why are RVs good for life hacks?

What happens if you tow a travel trailer?

If you tow a travel trailer and experience a flat, you could do thousands of dollars in damage before you know it by dragging your trailer on the road. This is why a tire-monitoring system is a necessary travel trailer life hack. The system will help keep you safe and on the road.

Is it safe to use a space heater in an RV?

Smart space heaters: RVers tend to use space heaters as a supplemental heat source, but unattended heaters can be dangerous. A smart space heater you can control from your phone is not only safer, but will give you peace of mind every time you leave the RV.