37 Unique RV Living Hacks That Will Transform Your RV Life

1. Add a Multi-Function Dry Erase Board

Add a lightweight dry-erase board with removable Command strips to transform an RV wall into a planning and organization center. These boards can be used for various purposes, but some of the most popular are for writing down important reminders, planning your week, and making shopping lists.

Some dry-erase boards even offer a small shelf and magnets to stick items to the board.

2. Use Command Hooks Everywhere

Stop drilling holes in your RV walls! Use heavy-duty command hooks strategically placed throughout your RV to create instant storage solutions.

They’re perfect for hanging towels, keys, jackets, bags, pet supplies, and even cooking utensils. I’ve also found these work wonders on the back of bathroom doors and inside cabinet doors where traditional hooks aren’t practical. And when you want to change things up, they remove easily without damaging your RV walls or painted surfaces.

3. Add a Cork Board for a Fun Catch-All

Install a lightweight corkboard to an RV wall with easy-to-remove Command strips as a fun catch-all for everything related to your RV travels.

A corkboard can be a great place for postcards, maps, campground information, and important documents. You can also pin up photos from your favorite destinations or keep cherished memories of your adventures within view.

4. Utilize Lightweight Stackable Drawers

Replace bulky storage totes with slim, modular drawer units that fit perfectly under your RV bed or inside cabinets. Look for lightweight drawer systems designed for college dorms, like this Amazon option, as they’re typically the perfect size and pretty cheap.

These units maximize vertical space while keeping everything organized and easily accessible. You can even label each drawer by season or category, and you’ll never have to dig through piles of stuff again.

5. Add a Shower Tension Rod

Add an extra tension rod in your RV shower. This creates a perfect hanging space for wet swimsuits, beach towels, and general drying.

This simple RV living hack adds shower storage without taking up any floor space. And when you don’t need it, you can easily remove it.

6. Use Vacuum Bags for Seasonal Clothing

Maximize your limited RV closet space by using vacuum bags to store all your seasonal clothing.

Offered in various sizes and capacities you can dramatically reduce the footprint of your off-season clothing. Plus, the bags also help protect the clothes and keep moisture out. Perfect for all those ugly Christmas sweaters you break out for the RV holidays. 😜

7. Hang an Over-the-door Shoe Organizer

Grab a clear, over-the-door shoe organizer like this Amazon option, and turn it into the ultimate vertical storage space. Hang or mount it on any RV door, bathroom, bedroom, or even exterior storage bay.

Those little pockets are perfect for storing cleaning supplies, snacks, toiletries, small tools, or anything else you can think of. Plus, the clear pockets make it easy to spot what you need, and everything stays put while you’re on the move.

To see even more RV living storage tips, check out our blog post “47 RV Storage Ideas to Maximize Your Space for Compact Living“.

8. Add a Sink Cover Cutting Board

Turn your RV sink into extra counter space by fitting a custom board over it.

Use thick, high-quality wood, add blocks underneath to create a lip, and drill a large finger hole for easy removal. If you’re looking for a wood suggestion, bamboo works great, because it’s naturally antimicrobial and water-resistant.

9. Install Mason Jar Storage Rails

Install thin wooden rails along your kitchen walls to hold mason jars. Simply screw the jar lids to the underside of the rail, and you can twist the jars on and off for easy access.

It’s perfect for storing cooking ingredients like flour, sugar, and salt as well as single-serving dry goods like pasta, rice, and snacks.

10. Add Refrigerator Bars to Your RV Fridge

Install adjustable RV refrigerator bars like these popular ones on Amazon to keep items from shifting during travel.

This simple solution will help keep food items secure, and unbroken, and prevent messy spills. And when you arrive at your campsite you can quickly remove them to regain full use of the fridge shelves. As a bonus tip, I’ve also found them helpful in other places around the RV to keep things in place, like kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, and overhead cupboards.

11. Add an Under-Cabinet Paper Towel Sling

Make a simple paper towel bungee sling under your RV kitchen cabinets using heavy-duty command hooks and a short bungee cord.

This creates a secure spot for a paper towel roll that doesn’t take up precious counter space. The sling also keeps the paper towels securely in place and prevents them from unrolling while traveling.

12. Install a Magnetic Knife Strip

Create a safe easily accessible storage solution for your kitchen knives while RV living using a mountable magnetic knife strip

Magnetic knife strips come in all different sizes and finishes but one of the most popular options is this one on Amazon.

13. Utilize Magnetic Spice Storage Containers

Transform your RV kitchen’s functionality and save space by using round magnetic spice containers like these popular ones on Amazon.

This RV living hack not only frees up drawer and counter space but also keeps your seasonings visible and easily accessible. Plus, the magnets keep everything securely in place during travel, preventing spice avalanches when you open your cabinets!

14. Build Your Own Slide-Out Pantry

Transform that awkward narrow space in your RV into a pull-out pantry.

Install single-direction casters or wheels to the bottom of a tall, slim shelving unit to create a vertical storage solution that holds canned goods, spices, and other pantry items. You can also build your own using plywood to create a fully custom slide-out pantry. This hack reclaims otherwise wasted space and keeps everything easily accessible. Just make sure to add a latch to keep it secure while driving.

15. Buy Collapsible Everything

Replace rigid items with collapsible versions whenever possible.

This includes dish-drying racks, colanders, measuring cups, and food storage containers. When not in use, these items fold down to a fraction of their size, saving precious storage space. The silicone versions are particularly durable and easy to clean. Just avoid the cheapest options, as they tend to break quickly.

To see other Kitchen gadgets perfect for RVs, check out our blog post “53 Best RV Kitchen Accessories to Upgrade Your Camper“.

17. Add a Pause Button to Your RV Shower Head

Water conservation is critical in an RV, especially when boondocking, and one of the best ways to conserve water is to take a Navy shower. The problem though is that you have to constantly fiddle with the temperature when turning the water off and on.

So to make it easier to conserve water during RV showers install a shower head with a pause button like this top-rated model on Amazon. This lets you stop the water flow while lathering up without losing your temperature setting.

18. Install A Wine Rack Towel Holder

Mount a wine rack on your bathroom wall to store rolled towels. This not only saves limited cabinet space but also adds a spa-like feel to your tiny bathroom.

Roll towels tightly and place them in the rack’s compartments, they will stay secure during travel and look surprisingly stylish.

19. Create a Toothbrush Command Center

Create a toothbrush organization station using a small plastic organizer mounted with command strips. Include spots for toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other daily essentials. The key is positioning it so that it won’t interfere with mirror access or any sink functions.

20. Maximize Under-Sink Storage with a Shower Tension Rod

Install a tension rod under your bathroom sink to hang spray bottles and cleaning supplies. Add small hooks for washcloths and sponges. This utilizes the vertical space that’s often wasted and keeps items from tumbling around during travel.

As a bonus, you can also add additional storage organization by adding simple plastic shelves or drawers inside the cabinet.

21. Add a Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Getting a good night’s sleep in an RV can be challenging due to the often unsupportive, paper-thin stock RV mattress. To help with this, you can add a memory foam topper cut to size. I recommend getting at least a 3-inch thick high-density option and trimming it slightly smaller than your mattress to prevent bunching in the corners. Amazon sells one that’s highly rated and available in an RV queen for cheap.

For even more sleep comfort you can also replace the RV mattress altogether with an upgraded RV mattress including RV mattresses specifically designed for those with back pain.

22. Stay Warmer with DIY Window Insulation

Create instant insulation with removable thermal window covers using Reflectix and heavy-duty suction cups.

Cut the Reflectix to fit each window with a 1-inch overlap, then attach small suction cups or magnets at the corners. You can pop them on at night for temperature control and privacy, then store them during the day.

23. Add Rubber Bumpers for Sound-Deadening

Silence annoying rattles by adding rubber bumpers to cabinet doors and drawers.

By placing small clear bumpers at contact points you can eliminate maddening road noise. This simple fix in a motorhome or campervan can make travel days much more enjoyable.

24. Place a Small Dehumidifier in the RV

Moisture and condensation are a never-ending battle inside an RV, so to help keep them both at bay a small dehumidifier is an RV essential, like this best-selling model on Amazon.

Not only will it help keep the moisture inside your RV in check but it will also prevent musty odors and mold/mildew growth on surfaces.

25. Sleep Cozier & Longer with RV Blackout Curtains

Install lightweight thermal blackout curtains with snap fasteners instead of traditional RV window coverings.

They block light better, improve temperature control, and create instant privacy. The snap system lets you remove them easily for cleaning while ensuring they stay put during travel. You can also add small magnets at the edges for extra light blocking.

26. Convert a Dinette Bench into a Pet Crate

Convert the space under your dinette bench into a cozy pet crate by adding a secure door and ventilation. Line it with cushioning and their favorite toys.

This creates a safe space for your pet during travel without taking up additional floor space. You can also install a battery-operated fan and a small LED light to keep them more comfortable.

27. Install a Window Perch

Mount a removable window perch using strong suction cups and lightweight materials. This gives cats or small dogs a place to sunbathe and watch the world inside the camper.

Make sure the platform you use is padded and has raised edges for safety and that the suction cups are rated for your pet’s weight.

28. Create a Pet/Grooming Station

Create a wall-mounted pet/grooming station using a pegboard and hooks. Store brushes, leashes, nail clippers, treats, and other pet supplies in an organized, easy-to-access way.

You can also add a foldable bath basin that collapses for storage. This pegboard system lets you rearrange items as needed and keeps everything secure during travel.

29. Add Non-Slip Pet Path Runners

When the RV industry switched from carpet to vinyl plank flooring it was a no-brainer for RV living. The only ones who weren’t happy with the change though, were pets, as they can have a hard time getting traction and walking on slick hard surfaces.

So to help with this, you can add rugs and runners throughout your RV to help your pets move confidently while traveling. This simple solution prevents slipping and as a bonus also helps to protect your RV flooring from wear and tear.

30. Create a Dedicated Pet Corner

Transform an unused interior corner into a dedicated pet space that keeps them comfortable and relaxed while keeping pet supplies organized and easily accessible.

Ideas you can incorporate into your pet corner include:

• Large comfy pet bed with a non-slip runner underneath
• Hooks for leashes, harnesses, and waste bags,
• Small storage cabinet for treats and toys,
• Pet toy hammock that they can reach
• Clean-up station with brushes, small collapsible tub, and rags/towels to clean those messy paws.

31. Build a Custom Pull-Out Feeding Drawer

Transform an existing lower cabinet drawer into a hidden feeding station for your furry travel companion.

This smart solution keeps food and water bowls off the floor, prevents spills during travel, and tucks away neatly.

To see even more pet-friendly RV living hacks, check out our blog post “29 Genius RV Hacks for Dogs Every Pet Owner Needs to Know“.

32. Add a Solar-Powered Battery Bank

Whether your camper has factory-equipped solar or not, in my opinion, you can never have too much energy to feed all of today’s power-hungry gadgets and gizmos, which is where a solar-powered battery bank comes into play.

There are endless out-of-the-box plug-and-play systems available today that make off-grid RV power simple from Jackery, Go-zero, and countless other manufacturers. Look for systems that offer portability, flexibility, and the ability to add to them over time. To get you started, you can get a basic setup and a 100-watt panel for a few hundred bucks.

33. Install a Cell Signal Booster

Install a multi-carrier cell booster to boost cell signal and internet connectivity in remote areas while RV living. There are many brands and options on the market but one of the most trusted and popular is the weBoost Drive Reach RV Cell Phone Signal Booster.

You can easily spend $500+ on a decent setup but it’s more than worth it if you spend a lot of time boondocking in remote areas. Just keep in mind that they are not miracle workers, if there is no cellular internet in the area, it doesn’t do any good to boost a non-existent signal.

34. Let Velcro Help You Manage Cable Clutter

Say goodbye to tangled cords and messy electronics!

Attach small Velcro strips to your RV walls near power outlets and wrap matching strips around your device chargers and cables. This keeps charging cords exactly where you need them without creating a jumbled mess. This tip is especially useful near bedside tables and in an “office” area.

35. Convert Your RV Dinette into a Flexible Workspace

Turn your standard RV dinette booth into a versatile workspace that switches effortlessly between dining and work modes without sacrificing comfort or functionality.

You can replace your bulky dinette booth with a flexible flip-up bar and a couple of bar stools. This allows you to work or eat while standing or sitting. And when you need extra space you can simply fold the bar top against the wall. For even more functionality you can also add USB outlets to the space.

36. Use a Smart Power Strip

Install a smart power strip with individual outlet monitoring like this popular one from Amazon. This will allow you to track power usage per device and remotely control lights or electronics via your phone.

This RV living hack is great for managing power consumption when boondocking or running on solar power. Allowing you to quickly identify power-hungry devices and adjust usage to extend your RV’s battery life.

37. Connect to Satellite Internet

For the ultimate mobile internet connection, you can’t beat satellite internet, especially since the release of Starlink.

While it’s not cheap, if you live remotely in an RV, it’s almost the price of admission, particularly if you need a reliable internet connection for work.

Even More RV Living Hacks & Tips

• 24 Things You Should Never Do While Full-Time RV Living
• 35 Clever RV Campsite Setup Ideas Every Camper Should Try
• 27 Cute Camper Decor Ideas that Cost Less than $100!