RV living: Onboard tips & tools
RVillage members share their tips, tricks & advice for traveling & living in an RV.
Note: You will need to be logged in to RVillage and join discussion groups to add your comments & tips. It's a great way to meet lots of new RVing friends!
What's it like living in an RV? Top 3 tips for newbies!
Tiny home living! Everything is so much smaller, and storage space must be considered at all times—especially when planning what to bring along. Living in a smaller space with multiple people and pets can be an overwhelming idea—but the RVillage community is full of experienced, helpful and friendly RVers who are happy to share their tips and experiences with newbies!
See the long list of RVillagers Top 3 tips for new RVers.
Lifestyle tips
- If you're considering going full time, here are some tips for downsizing and getting out of that sticks n bricks (house).
- What is full-timing? See the RVillager Guide to Full Time RVing
- Experienced full timers recommend you do a dry run first.
- Thinking about renting an RV? Check that post for 21 Need-to-Know Tips to get you started!
Related post: Camping & RV living styles
The RV kitchen & cooking

There's no doubt RVers love to eat! And many enjoy cooking as well. Get inspired with this post: Let's Eat! RVillagers talk about RV cooking.
Besides grilling and baking, Instant Pots are one of the most popular ways RVers love to cook. Check out the RVs and Instant Pots group for recipes, information & inspiration. Also see this helpful post about the different sizes that are available.
Join some other cooking groups to share techniques & recipes:
More kitchen tips
If you have a choice, park your rig so that the refrigerator is facing north. If it's facing the south or west, it will work harder. If you can't do that, here are some possible ways you can help with its cooling.
Here's a great tip for defrosting that freezer!
Related post: RV Refrigerators
Considering an RV dishwasher? SO MANY honest shares about those here, (as well as washer/dryer tips).
Reflectix is not just for blocking sun & excess heat in your windows, but also works well as a liner inside south & west-facing cupboards!
Here are some water conservation tips (not just for dry camping/boondockers or kitchens, also showers, etc.)
The RV bathroom

Where do you get this great space-saver?
Tips for soap storage & dispensing in that small RV shower!
Is special TP necessary in an RV toilet? Opinions vary among RVers.
Can you have your own washer and dryer onboard? Which type is favored among RVers?
Related post: Doing Laundry on the Road
RV bedrooms
- Need some recommended replacement ideas for a queen mattress?
- What's the actual size of an RV King mattress? And what size sheets do you buy for it?
- See all the mattress preferences for ideas! And more ideas here. Add your tips, too!
- Humidity problem in the bedroom? Here are some helpful tips to hopefully remedy that.
Overall storage ideas
Experienced RVers have learned that you can find & create storage just about anywhere, with a little planning and elbow grease.

See the responses and more tips here.

Visit this discussion thread to see the detailed description of all the solutions with more photos, plus all the replies with tips!
Related post: Organizing Your RV
Renovations
RVillagers enjoy fixing up their homes, making it theirs—and showing it off!
See:
- Tips for replacing flooring
- Ideas for replacing window shades or blinds
- Replacing the sofa with recliners (a very popular improvement)
Related post: Renovating your RV
For more ideas, join this group to share tips & inspiration with fellow RVillagers: RV Remodeling, Renovation and Restoration
A few helpful general tips
- How do you keep things from shifting around when rolling down the road? ...and breakables from breaking? (and LOTS of other very helpful RVing tips!)
- On windy days, do you try to point your rig into the wind? See all the great responses here.
- Tips for pest prevention & eradication!
Furry family members
Can you take all your pets on the road with you? Of course you can! Experienced RVillagers share their tips & tales from the road: Traveling with Pets in an RV
Internet & TV
How do you stay connected for work or pleasure, and be entertained wherever you go? RVillagers have LOTS of great tips & info about this.
See: Mobile internet and TV
Working from the road
How do you setup a mobile office and work from the road? There are lots of working-age RVers on the road today. Join these groups to learn & share:
Get more ideas in this post: The RVillagers guide to working from the road
Hobbies, Crafts & Artists
Is there room onboard for your particular hobby? Yes! RVillagers share all about their favorites things to do in these posts: RVillagers favorite Stay-at-Home hobbies and Artists on the Road.
Off-grid living
If RV parks aren't your thing, you can live happily off-grid in an RV and experience the beauty of the wide-open spaces on millions of acres of public lands in the US & Canada. Learn all about "boondocking" here: The RVillagers Guide to Boondocking
Learn how to outfit your rig for generating solar energy—and stay unplugged! See: RV Solar
RVillage groups
Join these RVillage groups to ask questions and learn!
Related posts
How do you take care of all the mechanical aspects of your RV home on wheels?
See: Care & maintenance of your RV
Storing, living in or traveling with your RV during the winter? This post covers it all: Getting you & your RV winterized—it's not just about the pink stuff!
Return to The Guide index page
Disclaimer: The information gathered here is compiled from the posts and opinions of RVillagers, and not of RVillage itself. RVillage assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions.
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