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As more people hit the road in their RVs, the idea of creating an RV garden is becoming increasingly popular. Most RVers are well aware of the awesome benefits of surrounding themselves with greenery, so it just makes sense that they’d want to bring a garden with them wherever they roam.

The question, of course, is how to go about it?

Obviously, a traveling RVer can’t just plant a garden in their yard, as it would be left behind on the first travel day. So how can a plant-enthusiast grow an RV garden that travels with them?

In this article we will discuss the steps involved in growing an RV garden, as well as the best RV plants to grow on the road. Use these tips and you can put your green thumb to use even as you wander the country. 

Determine the Type and Size of Garden

Before starting your RV garden, it is important to determine the types of plants you want to grow and the amount of space that you have available to do so. As we all know, space is limited when you live in an RV. Therefore, you need to consider the plant varieties you will grow based on the space available. 

You might choose to grow plants like herbs that don’t need a lot of space to thrive. Alternatively, you could create a vertical garden by using hanging baskets or containers, which is space-efficient. Some RVers will grow small container gardens that sit outside most of the time and are moved indoors for travel day. We’ve even seen people hang an over-the-door shoe organizer on the outside of their RV door and grow plants in the individual pockets. 

Choosing the Right Plants

The next step actually goes hand-in-hand with the first step, as one can affect the other: You need to decide what kinds of plants you will be growing. 

Choosing plants that can thrive in small spaces and with little access to sunlight is definitely important when creating an indoor RV garden. That said, if you’re willing to grow in containers on your campsite, your options increase a lot. 

Here are some of our favorite RV garden plant options:

Lettuce — Believe it or not, some types of lettuce grow very well indoors. If you’re looking to be able to eat from your RV garden, lettuce is an excellent choice. 

Herbs — Another edible option, herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary are perfect to grow in RVs as they don’t require much space. We love that they can be used in your cooking, because eating what you grow makes gardening so much more rewarding. 

Strawberries — Most strawberries do very well in containers. That said, because they need a lot of sunlight, they really should be outside and you will want to stick to warm, sunny places when making travel plans. 

Spider Plants — Spider plants are easy to grow, low-maintenance plants. We appreciate that they also have air-purifying properties and can remove harmful chemicals from the air.

Succulents — Another low-maintenance plant option, succulents can survive in extreme temperatures, making them perfect for RVs and the ideal choice for first time gardeners. Aloe vera is a particularly great succulent choice, as it can be used to treat sunburns. 

Pothos — Lastly, we must mention pothos. These are beautiful, easy-to-grow plants that thrive in low light conditions. They can be grown in water or soil, and their trailing vines add a lovely touch to any space.

These are some of our favorite plants to grow in an RV garden. That said, there are many other indoor plants that can thrive in an RV, so if you don’t love these ideas, feel free to try other plants. 

Choosing Your Container

Obviously, your RV garden will need to be grown in some sort of container (or set of containers). The type of container you choose can make or break your RV garden, so be sure to pick carefully. 

Containers come in many different sizes, shapes, and materials. When choosing a container, you must consider the size of the plant, the weight of the container, and the frequency of watering. Generally speaking, lightweight containers are ideal when you’ll be moving around the RV frequently. You’ll also want to make sure the container has drainage holes in the bottom to allow water to drain out and prevent root rot.

Watering and Maintenance of your RV Garden

Obviously, watering and maintenance are important parts of growing an RV garden. Check the soil moisture daily and water your plants when the soil feels dry. Be careful not to overwater or underwater your plants, as this can cause plant stress or root rot. 

As you move from campsite to campsite, the location of the sun in relation to your windows will likely change. Because of this, you may need to change where your plants live in the RV in order to ensure they are receiving enough sunlight. 

Finally, you will want to prune your plants regularly. This keeps them in shape and ensures they continue to thrive and provide clean air, food, and a lovely green setting for you and those who travel with you. 

As you can see, growing an RV garden is totally possible and is a fun way to provide your family with fresh air and yummy food. Use the tips above to get your RV going, but don’t be afraid to get creative, try new things, and see what kind of RV garden ideas you can come up with to make your little garden-on-wheels work for you!

need more RV living tips? Check out this post!

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When you’re living in an RV, some of the most everyday things can become a bit more challenging. Showering when water is limited, for instance, or cooking a meal when the propane runs out. Another thing that can be challenging? Garbage.

Finding a camping trash can that works well in your rig can be a gigantic pain in the neck, and figuring out how to dispose of trash while boondocking is another challenge entirely. In today’s article we are going to tackle both of these issues so you can enjoy your RV life without all the trash. 

Finding the Right Camping Trash Can

First things first, let’s find a camping trash can that works well for your rig. Having the right trash can can make all the difference in the world when it comes to disposing of garbage in your RV. 

Find the Right Size

Sometimes all it takes to find the ideal trash can for your situation is a bit of shopping around for something that is the perfect size. If you have an odd-shaped nook, measure it and see if you can find a camping trash can to fit. There are tall skinny trash cans out there, as well as plenty of super short options. You might even be able to use a storage container or some other box to use as a trash can. 

Stick It under a Cabinet

Sometimes it’s best to store the trash can out of sight. If this is your preference, you might consider an over-the-door trash can that lives under your cabinet. We love that these types of trash cans are out of the way and hidden from sight, but you should keep in mind that they are quite small, meaning you’ll have to take out the trash more regularly. 

Mount It on the Wall

Another option if you don’t mind a smaller camping trash can is to get a wall- or cabinet-mounted can. Yes, these are teeny tiny, but we love that they live on the wall, meaning they don’t take up any valuable floor space at all. 

Try a Seat Back Trash Can

The seat back trash can is another tiny camping trash can option, but it works well, especially if you have a super small rig such as a campervan. Simply mount this can to the back of one of the front seats to get it up and out of the way. We love that it has convenient storage pockets too!

Consider a Collapsible Camping Trash Can

This collapsible camping trash can is ideal if you’re looking for something to put outside once you arrive at your campsite. It folds down super small so it’s easy to store, but is quite large when popped up so it holds a lot of trash. Just make sure you have some way to weigh the can down, as the wind might just carry it away. 

Disposing of Garbage while Boondocking

Now that you have the perfect camping trash can in your home-on-wheels, the next step is figuring out where to dispose of the trash once the can is full. If you’re staying in a campground or RV park, this is easy enough—just head to the campground dumpster. That said, when you’re camping off-grid, things get a little bit more difficult. 

You see, most dry camping spots do not have a place to dispose of garbage, so those who boondock regularly have to get a little creative. Here are our top tips for emptying your camping trash can while staying off-grid. 

Skip the Packaging when Possible

The first step you can take is pretty simple: Just avoid bringing trash into the RV. The best way to go about this is to avoid purchasing food that is sold in lots of packaging. Fresh fruits and veggies usually come without packaging, and the packaging found on meats tends to be minimal. Additionally, some stores allow shoppers to bring their own containers from home and fill them with bulk foods.

By choosing package-free foods, you 1) reduce the amount of trash you have to get rid of while boondocking, 2) live a greener life, and 3) likely cut out a lot of processed foods that aren’t really good for you anyway. 

Dispose of Packaging at the Store

Of course, you won’t be able to avoid all packaging all the time. When you do buy something that comes in a box or a bag, dispose of as much of the packaging as you can at the store. 

Most stores have garbage cans in their parking lots and many even have recycle bins available in the front of the store. You can strip your foods of unnecessary packaging right there in your car and let the store deal with the resulting waste. 

Compost what You Can

Fruit and vegetable peelings, uneaten food, and other organic matter that needs to be disposed of doesn’t have to take up room in your trash can. Instead, grab a well-sealed countertop compost bin and compost these items. When the compost is ready, it can be left on the ground pretty much anywhere, making it easy to dispose of. 

Burn Paper Products

Some kinds of trash can be added to a campfire, removing the need to find a trash can to toss them into. We find that this works well with paper and cardboard, as these items burn nicely without giving off a stench or releasing potentially toxic fumes into the air. Unfortunately, plastics and styrofoam really shouldn’t be burned. 

Watch for Trash Cans and Recycle Bins in Public Places

Okay, so you’ve shopped for package-free foods, composted organic material, and burned paper products. What should you do with the rest? Look for places to get rid of it, of course. 

Most gas stations and rest stops provide garbage cans where you can dump your camping trash cans, and some even have recycle bins where you can get rid of cans and bottles. Grocery stores are another place to look, and in some cases you’ll find trash cans outside of gyms, libraries, and other places you visit on a day-to-day basis.

Make a habit of keeping your eyes peeled. You might just be surprised by how many trash cans you pass in a given day.

Book a Campground Stay

If you have a lot of trash built up in your camping trash can and you don’t want to go out searching for a public dumpster to put it all in, it might just be time to book a campground stay. Even just a single night at a campground will allow you to dump your trash, dump and clean your tanks, refill your fresh water, squeeze in a shower, and leave feeling refreshed and ready for the next adventure. 

There you have it, everything you need to know to find the perfect camping trash can and dump that can once it’s full. With this info, you should be able to join the world of RVers without any trash cluttering your experience. 

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Perhaps your water has started smelling funny or tasting a bit off, or maybe it’s just been a minute since you gave your RV water system any TLC. It could even be that you just pulled your RV out of storage and want to ensure your tank has a fresh start for the camping season. Whatever the reason, it’s never a bad idea to sanitize RV fresh water tank and water lines. In fact, this is something all RV owners should be doing fairly regularly. 

In this article we will discuss why you need to sanitize RV fresh water tank systems, when this should be done, and how to go about it. Let’s get started!

Why Sanitize Your RV Fresh Water Tank?

Your RV fresh water tank gets filled wherever you happen to roam. Sometimes the water used may not be as clean as you’d like. On top of that, when water sits in the tank for a long period of time, bacteria, mold, and mildew can grow in the tank as well as in the water lines. 

By sanitizing your fresh water tank and RV water system, you kill off anything that might be starting to grow in the tank and/or lines. This helps keep your family healthy and happy so you can continue to enjoy your RV travels for years to come. 

When to Sanitize RV Fresh Water Tank Systems

Okay, so cleaning your fresh water system is important, but how do you know when it should be done? Generally speaking, it’s best to sanitize your RV fresh water tank every six months or so. That said, if A) you notice that your fresh water has an odd taste or smell, 2) it has been sitting in storage for quite a while, or 3) you have reason to believe that less-than-clean water was used to fill the tank, cleaning it is definitely a good idea. 

What You Need to Sanitize RV Fresh Water Tank and System

Fortunately, cleaning your RV fresh water tank and lines is pretty straightforward, and the supplies are even simpler. All you need to get that system sparkly clean is some regular bleach, a funnel, and a good, clean water source. Run out to the store and grab some bleach and a funnel so we can get started! 

How to Sanitize RV Fresh Water Tank

Now that you know why and when to sanitize your RV fresh water tank and you’ve gathered the supplies to do so, let’s get started on the actual cleaning process. 

Below are the steps you’ll need to follow for a shiny clean tank. 

Turn Off the Water Heater and Pump

Start by turning off both the water heater and the water pump to avoid damaging either one while the fresh water system is empty. 

Bypass the Water Heater and Filter

Bypass the water heater as well as any onboard filtering system you may have. 

Drain the System

Drain the entire fresh water system by removing the water heater plug and opening the low-point drains on your RV. Opening faucets will also help with this process. 

Close Low-Point Drain Valves

Once all water has drained, close the low-point drain valves. 

Create Bleach Mixture and Add to the Tank

To create your tank sanitizing solution, you will need about ¼ cup of bleach for every 15 gallons of water your fresh water tank holds (so about ½ cup for a 30-gallon tank). Calculate how much bleach you need and add that amount to about a gallon of water. Using your funnel, add the mixture to your freshwater tank. 

Fill the Fresh Water Tank

Once the bleach mixture has been added, fill the fresh tank the rest of the way with potable water. 

Turn On the Pump and Open Faucets

Turn your water pump back on and run every faucet in the RV one at a time until you smell bleach, turning each faucet off before you move onto the next. 

Turn Off Pump and Let Sit for 24 Hours

Turn your water pump back off and let the bleach sit in the system overnight. 

Drain the System

Drain the tank and the lines by opening the low-point drains once again. You can also open the faucets (without running the pump) to assist with the draining. 

Close Low-Point Drains and Refill the Tank

Close the drain valves and faucets and refill the tank with potable water. 

Turn on Pump and Open Faucets

Turn on the water pump and open each faucet individually, letting each one run until you no longer smell bleach. In this instance, it’s better to run too long than turn off the flow prematurely. You want to be sure all of the bleach is gone from the tank and lines.

Refill and Flush as Needed

If you go through a whole tank of water and can still smell bleach, refill and drain as needed.

Replace Water Heater Plug and Turn Off Bypass Mode

Finish the job by replacing the water heater plug and switching out of bypass mode. You will also have to add your onboard filtration system back into the mix if you have one. 

Note: Because you’ll be running your faucets throughout this process, you will want to start with an empty gray tank and might even want to have sewer hookups for dumping mid-project. 

Prefer a visual of this process? This video is a good place to get just that.

As you can see, it is fairly easy to sanitize RV fresh water tank systems. Adding this process to your RV maintenance schedule is a great way to ensure your RV plumbing is in tip-top shape while you explore the country!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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In our opinion, an outdoor RV shower is a must-have when you’re living the RV life, especially if you happen to have kids or pets. The outdoor RV shower is an incredibly useful tool, and with a few minor tweaks you can make it an even more handy thing to have around. 

In this article we will take a look at the amazing uses for RV outdoor showers and discuss how you can make your outdoor RV shower even better.

Great Uses for an RV Outdoor Shower

Wondering what’s so great about an outdoor shower for RV motorhomes and trailers? Honestly, the RV outdoor shower has a variety of great uses, and many RVing families will tell you that they couldn’t live without it. 

Below are some of the best benefits of owning an outdoor RV shower. 

Rinsing Off Before Going Inside

The most common and most obvious use for RV outdoor showers is simply to rinse off before going inside the RV. It’s no secret that spending time outdoors is messy business. Whether you’ve spent the day hiking a muddy trail or building sandcastles on the beach, having a way to rinse the sand, dust, and dirt from your body before you enter your home is always nice. 

Showering Pets

If you travel with a dog, you know how quickly a stinky dog can cause your tiny home-on-wheels to stink. Besides, just like children, dogs have a tendency to get messy when playing outside. All of these things mean you really need a way to clean your pup off in between visits to the groomer. This is where your RV outdoor shower can come into play. 

An outdoor RV shower is the perfect option for washing your dog off without squeezing them into a tiny RV tub or getting your floors soaking wet. 

Saving Gray Tank Space While Boondocking

If you enjoy boondocking and want to find ways to extend your time out in nature, your RV outdoor shower might be the key. You see, the thing that limits most RVers when it comes to how long they can boondock is water. 

It’s easy enough to go into town and fill up some jugs with fresh water to pour into your tank, but when your gray tank is full, emptying it is a bigger ordeal, especially if you don’t have a large wastewater bladder and/or pump. 

By using your outdoor RV shower to wash off, you avoid filling your gray tank with shower water, and thus extend the amount of time you are able to spend in one boondocking spot before dumping is necessary. 

Showering when the Bathroom is In Use

Finally, we love the outdoor shower for bigger families sharing a single RV bathroom. Sure, you can head to the bathhouse when parked in a campground, but if you’re dry camping and need to get multiple people clean in a short amount of time, RV outdoor showers can feel like a miracle.

Improving Your Outdoor RV Shower

RV outdoor showers are great straight from the factory. That said, there’s always room for improvement, and in the case of the outdoor RV shower, making those improvements is really quite simple. Not only that, but making even the simplest of changes can drastically improve your outdoor showering experience.

Below are some of our favorite ways to improve upon an outdoor shower to make it even more useful. 

Changing the Shower Head

We’ve mentioned changing out the stock RV shower head on your indoor shower before. This improvement works just as well on an outdoor RV shower. 

Choosing a shower head that reduces water usage while improving the water pressure is especially nice for improving the shower experience and reducing water usage. Oxygenics products are great for this (just make sure it’s small enough to fit in the outdoor shower box on the RV). 

Hanging a Shower Curtain

Nobody wants to shower out in the open, barring a certain subset of travelers out there (you know who you are). Honestly, even if you wear a bathing suit and park in the middle of nowhere, showering outside can still feel a little bit odd. Adding some sort of outdoor RV shower enclosure is the solution to this problem. 

The easiest way to go about this? Hang a shower curtain using a U-shaped curtain rod for privacy while you get cleaned up. 

There are only a couple of issues with this option. For one, the curtain will stick to you if it is blown your way during your shower. Secondly, these curtain rods don’t always stay in place with the suction cups provided, meaning a creative temporary mounting solution might need to be employed. 

Using A Shower Tent

If the curtain and curtain rod don’t provide the level of privacy you were hoping for, you can use a shower tent as an outdoor RV shower enclosure instead.

A shower tent is a bit more sturdy than a curtain and won’t stick to you as you’re trying to shower. They fold down small for easy storage and pop up quickly and easily when it’s time to set up camp.

The major downfall of the shower tent is its tendency to blow away in heavy winds, so you will want to find a way to anchor it down. 

Adding a Raised Floor

We’ve addressed issues with water pressure and usage, as well as privacy problems. Another problem many people have with using RV outdoor showers? Standing in the mud puddle created on the ground as they shower. This can be solved with the addition of a raised bamboo shower mat. 

Putting down a raised platform such as the one linked above gets your feet up out of the mud, so you can end your shower with clean feet. (Just make sure you have a clean path from the shower to the door of your home.)

Clearly, RV outdoor showers are wonderfully useful, and making major improvements to an outdoor RV shower is surprisingly easy. Why not start making improvements now and put your RV outdoor shower to use as soon as possible?

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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Off grid camping is an amazing thing. It gives you the freedom to wander off the beaten path and really escape into nature. The best part? Off grid camping in an RV (AKA boondocking) allows you to enjoy all of the benefits of camping in the middle of nature without roughing it. 

That said, you will need to do a bit of preparation in order to camp off grid in comfort. We talk in detail about this in our Boondocking 101 post. That said, some people have already got those basics figured out and just want to find ways to dry camp for longer periods of time. If this sounds like you, the tips below are sure to help!

Dealing with Water

First, let’s talk about water. Conserving water and finding ways to put as little water as possible down your gray tanks will ensure you can continue off grid camping for quite some time. 

Just Use a Trickle

Just barely turning the faucet when washing dishes or washing hands will ensure you don’t run any more water than what you actually need. We recommend making this a habit even when you aren’t camping off grid, so it becomes second nature for the whole family. 

Reduce Dish Usage

Obviously, the fewer dishes you have to wash, the less water you’ll have to use on dishwashing. For this reason, it’s a great idea to pick one-pot meals and/or grill out whenever possible. Many families also choose to eat off of paper plates when boondocking. 

Wipe Out Dishes

When you’re finished eating, be sure to wipe out the dishes with paper towels or wet wipes right away. In some cases, this will be enough to make the dish usable again, but even when this isn’t the case, it makes washing dishes easier, leading to less water usage. 

Use Dishwater to Flush

When you do have to use some of your precious water to wash dishes (or take a shower), catch it in a tub. You can then put that water in a jug near the toilet, switch off the water pump when flushing, and use the dishwater (or shower water) to flush. 

If It’s Yellow, Let It Mellow

Speaking of flushing, you really don’t have to flush every time. Many boondockers abide by the “if it’s yellow, let it mellow” rule, meaning they only use water to flush a few times a day. 

Consider Other Toilet Options

If you’ll be boondocking regularly, it’s worth considering putting in a composting toilet instead of a traditional RV toilet. If you don’t mind making a big investment, an incinerating toilet is another interesting option. Another idea? Try to stick to dry camping spots that include vault toilets and use those whenever possible. 

Switch Out the Shower Head

Showering can use a lot of water. One of the best ways to cut back on the amount of water you use while bathing is to install a low flow shower head that includes a switch so the water can easily be turned on and off throughout the shower. We recommend Oxygenics products for this.

Bathe in Natural Water Sources

If you’re parked near a stream or a decently clean lake, you could use that water to bathe. This is an enormous water saver, but you will want to make sure the water is safe for swimming and then ensure you use soap that is safe for the environment. 

Stick to Navy Showers

If you do need to shower in your rig, make use of that showerhead switch we mentioned before and stick to navy showers. This involves turning the water on just long enough to get wet, turning it off to lather up, and turning it back on to rinse as quickly as possible. 

Invest in Body Wipes and Dry Shampoo

If you want to go off grid camping for any length of time you won’t be able to shower every day. For this reason, we highly recommend investing in some Venture Wipes as well as a good quality dry shampoo to get you through in between showers. 

Keeping the Power On

Having problems ensuring you have power for the entirety of your boondocking stints? Not sure how to do all you need to do with the power you do have? Here are our tips for off grid power usage. 

Improve Your Power Setup

If you get out there and find that your battery just isn’t lasting long enough, you will want to make some kind of a change to increase the amount of time you can go off grid camping. You have some choices here, and you really can pick and choose just one of them if you like, so don’t feel as though you have to throw thousands of dollars down to do all of these things at once. 

The best ways to increase the amount of time you get out of your RV battery include:

• Investing in solar panels. You can install these on the roof using easy-to-understand kits such as this one or even just use a portable solar suitcase. There’s no reason this has to be a super complicated add-on. 
• Buying a generator. You could choose to buy a generator to keep your batteries charged. The generator you buy doesn’t have to be super huge or expensive to get the job done. We like this little generator for charging batteries back up. 
• Expanding your battery bank. This is as easy as purchasing two (or more) of the same battery and running them side by side. While you won’t be able to charge the bank while off grid camping without a generator or solar panels, you will get more hours out of them. 

Pick Up a Small Inverter

If you need to run something that is not a part of your DC power system (like the microwave or anything plugged into power outlets), you may be wondering how to go about that. 

Many people invest in huge inverters that can run their entire rig off of battery power. That said, these are cost prohibitive and can be confusing to install. If you have the funds and know-how to install a large inverter, go for it (though we don’t recommend Sungold inverters). If you don’t though, you might consider buying a small inverter just to run the things you absolutely need. 

Note: In many cases, people use small inverters to run their Starlink. If you are buying the inverter to run or charge electronics such as Starlink or a laptop, you will want a pure sine wave inverter in order to avoid damage. 

Install a Power Panel

One frustrating thing about camping off grid is that RVs don’t usually come equipped with a way to charge your devices off of the RV battery. You could use a small inverter like we mentioned above, but we actually much prefer a small power panel that is wired into the DC system for this purpose. 

Switch to LED Lights

The lights found in many older RVs can eat through power really quickly. If your RV is older, you will definitely want to switch over to LED lightbulbs. This is a super simple change that will ensure you get as much life as possible out of your RV batteries when boondocking. 

Make Use of Propane Appliances

We also recommend avoiding your electric appliances when off grid camping. In some cases this will be forced on you anyway, but if you happen to have a hefty inverter, you might be tempted to pull out the air fryer or hair dryer. Don’t do this, as it eats through your battery power very quickly.

Instead, stick to the propane stove and oven for cooking, use the RV furnace or a Buddy Heater for heat, and make sure your fridge is on the gas setting. 

Staying Connected

Worried about staying connected to the outside world while off grid camping? If you need to work on the road, this can be a serious concern. Here’s how most working full timers handle this. 

Check Campendium

If you’re working with a mobile hotspot, your best bet is to check Campendium before heading to any camping spot. Most of the time, the reviews will mention whether the spot has cell reception, and they’ll even go so far as to tell you which carriers have reception and how many bars are available. 

Invest in Starlink

Plan to do a lot of off grid camping? If so, we highly recommend investing in Starlink. This is an awesome satellite internet option that allows you to have high speed internet absolutely anywhere as long as you have a clear view of the north sky. Essentially it’s a boondocker’s dream come true. 

Note: If you do decide to invest in Starlink for off grid camping, know that you will need a small pure sine wave inverter like the one listed above in order to run the hardware. 

Related: Starlink RV Mount: 9 Great Options

There you have it, our top tips for going off grid camping and extending your stay for as long as possible. Ready for an adventure?

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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Have you ever considered doing some Baja Mexico camping in your RV? You aren’t alone. RV camping in Baja California has gotten pretty popular in recent years, and for good reason. The place is absolutely stunning and 100% worth visiting. 

All that said, you will want to prepare some things and make sure you have all the information you need to have a great time. That’s where this article comes into play. Read on to learn our top tips for fully enjoying your Baja Mexico camping adventure.  

Gathering Your Paperwork for Baja Mexico Camping

The first thing you need to do to prepare for camping in Baja Mexico? Get your paperwork in order. There are certain things you will need in order to cross the border, and some of them can take some time to obtain. Therefore, you will want to start this process as soon as you know you’re headed to Baja. 

The items you need to be gathering include:

• Valid passport or passport card for every member of your family. If you don’t have these already, be sure to apply for them as early as you can. 
• Mexican liability insurance. US liability insurance is not valid in Mexico. Therefore, it is a law that you must have Mexican liability insurance on any vehicle you bring into Mexico. We also recommend getting Mexican comprehensive and collision insurance or your vehicles. Fortunately, Mexican insurance can be bought at the last minute. 
• Letter of permission from your lender. If your RV or another vehicle you plan to cross the border with still has lien on it you will need to get a letter of permission from your lender to drive to Mexico. While you likely won’t be asked for this at border crossing, not having it could cause issues with insurance claims. 
• An FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple — translation: Multiple Immigration Form). This is a small piece of paper that you must have in order to legally spend any amount of time in Mexico. You do need it even if you’ll only spend a single day across the border. You can get your FMM online, but you want to make sure to order from the official government site only. Otherwise, you can just get one as you cross the border. 

What to Pack for Camping in Baja Mexico

Besides the items above, you will also need to pack a few extra things in order to ensure you are well prepared for whatever camping in Mexico may bring your way. In addition to the usual things you carry in your camper, we also recommend packing the following:

• Extra tires
• Tools needed to change a tire
• Fix-a-Flat
• An air compressor
• Tire traction boards
• A long-handled shovel
• Anything you absolutely can’t live without
• Nothing valuable that you can live without

Things to Download Before Camping in Mexico

You also want to download a few things to your phone before heading down for some Baja Mexico camping. Having these apps and tools on hand will be extremely helpful:

• iOverlander — This app is ideal for finding RV parks in Baja and other spots to camp as you make your way down the peninsula. 
• Google Maps of the peninsula — Google Maps is no good on its own if you don’t have internet access, which you’re likely to deal with from time to time. Therefore, we highly recommend downloading maps of the peninsula to the app so you can find your way whether or not you have cell service. (Due to size restrictions in the app, we had to download a series of slightly overlapping areas to capture a map for all of Baja.)
• Google Translate and the Spanish translations — Google Translate can be a lifesaver if you don’t speak Spanish. Therefore, we highly recommend downloading both the app and the Spanish language translations for use when the internet is unavailable.

Getting Internet while RV Camping Baja California

One of the things that keeps many people from RV camping in Baja Mexico is the idea that they may not be able to stay connected. Obviously, this would be a huge problem for anyone who had to work as they traveled (*raises hand*). Fortunately, connectivity isn’t really a big issue in Baja anymore. 

The two best options for staying connected while RV camping in Baja Mexico are Telcel cell service and Starlink. Telcel is the main cell provider in Baja and provides coverage in most cities, as well as some more remote places. Meanwhile, Starlink will keep you connected pretty much anywhere as long as you have a clear view of the north sky and a way to power it up. 

To get Telcel service, simply stop in at any OXXO convenience store (there are loads of them throughout Baja, often within blocks of one another) and ask for a Telcel “chip” (SIM card). They will ask you how much data you’d like to put on the card. You can respond with a small peso amount to start with and then top up with more data on the “Mi Telcel” app as you need it.

If you’re having trouble topping up via the app, simply stop by an OXXO and let them know you need to “recarga Telcel.” You’ll select a prepaid plan on the screen next to the register, pay whatever amount for it, and then give the cashier your Telcel phone number to input for activation. It’s pretty easy to get the hang of after you’ve done it once.

The US Starlink hardware will work for at least 60 days while you’re in Mexico, provided you have the RV-specific plan. There have been reports of it lasting longer, but on paper, 60 days is the limit. After this amount of time, you will need to switch to a Mexican Starlink dish. Some people travel in groups and rotate through Starlink hardware together in order to get around this limit. 

Tips for Driving in Baja Mexico

Finally, we’d like to give you some tips for driving in Baja. If you’ll be RV camping in Baja California, you will likely be traveling in a relatively big rig. Because the roads in Baja can be quite narrow, this can be scary at times. Additionally, there are often potholes and extremely rough roads to contend with. Add in animals wandering across the highway, and you can imagine why many people are concerned about driving in Baja Mexico. 

The good news? You actually can drive down the entire peninsula fairly safely even with an RV. Below are our top tips for doing so. 

• Slow down — This is the most important tip for a safe drive in Baja. Narrow roads, tight turns, and steep climbs are much less intimidating if you take them slow. Don’t worry about the people behind you. They will go around. (In our experience, they’d probably do so even if you were going the speed limit.)
• Watch out for topes — Speed bumps are everywhere in Baja, and they are often pretty darn rough. Watch for signs for “topes” (they will occasionally depict multiple humps in a row, with or without the word “tope”) and slow down before going over them. It’s also good to know that these topes are not always marked, so you will want to keep an eye out for them on the road ahead of you. 
• Plan short drives — Even short drives can be exhausting when the road is less than ideal. Plan for short drive days to give yourself a break. 
• Fill the gas tank when you can — There are some areas of the peninsula where gas stations are few and far between. Therefore, it’s a good idea to always top off your gas tank when you see a station, even if you don’t really need it just yet. 
• Never drive at night — As mentioned before, there are animals that like to wander across the road throughout Baja. These animals can be very hard to see at night, and running into one is quite dangerous. Therefore, we recommend avoiding driving at night. 

Hopefully this article helps you feel more confident as you head down to do some Baja Mexico camping. The place is truly magical and we know you’re going to have an amazing time!

Want some help on your first trip down? Be sure to join our Baja caravan next fall! Watch the events page for details.

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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One of the trickiest things about traveling long term is making sure you are able to build relationships with like-minded individuals along the way. Sure, you might meet new people at each campground, but how do you build a close-knit traveling community with deep connections, a willingness to help one another in times of need, and that “village” mentality we all long for? 

To the surprise of many, building an RV community such as this is totally possible! That said, you will need to put in some effort in order to find your traveling tribe and make those connections. 

In this article, we will give you our top tips on creating a traveling community that becomes like family. These tips will help you create the friendships you’ve always wanted for your family while also allowing you to live the travel life of your dreams. 

Attend Fulltime Families Events

The first thing we recommend doing when seeking out an RV community? Join Fulltime Families and attend an event. You can choose a full rally event with tons of other families, a smaller and more laid-back hangout, or even just one of the field trips offered in certain locations.

Whatever you choose, make a point of chatting with as many people as possible, and take note of the kids your kids seem to connect with. As you do this, you should start to get a feel for the people you would choose as part of your tribe and can make plans to see those individuals again. 

Snag a Thousand Trails Membership

An enormous number of Fulltime Families members have Thousand Trails memberships. In fact, many families only stay in Thousand Trails parks. This is awesome because it means you are likely to find another Fulltime Families member every time you visit a Thousand Trails location.

For this reason, we highly recommend investing in a Thousand Trails membership so you can meet up with families in these budget-friendly parks and even meet some new friends during your visits to these locations. 

Join Fulltime Families Branches

The Fulltime Families branches are another great way to connect with other traveling families. There are branches for certain locations that allow you to find people nearby, as well as branches for those with certain interests that give you a chance to connect with like-minded nomads.

Use social media to join the branch groups that apply to you and your family, and stay active in the groups you join. Be sure to post your location in the weekly location roundup posts, and if you see someone nearby, give them a shout!

Share Travel Plans

Once you find some people you really enjoy spending time with, share your travel plans (RV Trip Wizard works well for this) with them and ask to see theirs. Because many travelers head north in summer and south in winter, there is a decent chance your travel paths will overlap here and there. Knowing you’re going to see that person again can make goodbyes a whole lot easier and will encourage everyone involved to be more invested in the friendship. 

Be Flexible with Your Travel Plans

In addition to the tip above, it’s also a good idea to be flexible with your travel plans. If you and your new friends share your plans and realize you overlap by just a day in a certain location, consider altering your plans slightly to overlap a bit longer. If you’ll be in the same area but not the same campground, think about adjusting so you are camping in the same spot.

Changing plans to be with friends is worth the extra effort and will help you build the relationships needed to create a true RV community. 

Plan to Caravan

Eventually, you will likely find yourself planning routes alongside your tribe to ensure you are carvaning together or at least meeting up regularly.

Often, winter is the best time to plan these long periods of time with your traveling community, as most people are headed to the same few areas and plan to stay there for a few months. That said, there are plenty of RV families who travel together throughout the summer months.

No matter how you do it, this is the ultimate way to build a traveling community, so be sure you are being flexible enough to make it work. 

Plan Experiences with Your RV Community

The best way to build deep connections with anybody is to experience things with them. Sure, sitting in the campground around the fire counts as an experience, and you will definitely connect with others this way, but sometimes it’s good to get out of the campground and experience other things together.

Plan field trips with your RV community. Go on hikes, visit museums, and check out local zoos. Volunteer together if you can! The more you see and do with your nomadic tribe, the closer you’re going to feel. 

Offer a Helping Hand

One of the major benefits of having a traveling community is the fact that they are there to help out when problems arise. Of course, this aspect of the relationship needs to be reciprocal, so be sure to offer a helping hand whenever you can, even if the community member isn’t asking for help directly.

Have a buddy without internet? Offer your extra hotspot or give them your Starlink password. Just heard your friend ran out of gas? Hop in the truck and get them a can of fuel. Little acts of kindness like this help build trust between community members and are probably the fastest way to create the bond that comes with a close-knit community. 

Yes, building a strong traveling community while on the road can be tricky, but it is possible and is 100% worth the effort. In fact, many long-term RVers will tell you that their traveling community is exactly what has kept them on the road for years and years. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and make some friends!

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Have you been wondering, “How much do campgrounds cost per night?” This is a very common question that is a bit difficult to answer, as the average campground cost varies greatly from one area to another. 

What we can say for sure is that because RVing has become so popular recently, the average campground cost has skyrocketed. This higher cost of camping has caused many to shy away from RV camping and full time RV living. This is a real shame because there are ways to lower your camping cost and make RVing affordable, even if you’re on a limited budget. 

Not sure how to begin cutting back on camping prices? You’ve come to the right place! In this article we will give you a number of ways to lower your average campground cost so you can have the RV adventures of your dreams—without spending a fortune. 

Boondock Whenever Possible

The first and most important tip we have for saving money on the cost of camping? Learn to boondock and do it as often as possible. There are tons of boondocking opportunities across the country, and many of these places offer amazing views and an incredible escape into nature. The best part? Most boondocking is 100% free!

Wallydock Between Travel Days

Another free camping option? Wallydocking. This involves camping out in a Walmart parking lot for a single night between travel days and is a great way to break up long drives without spending money on a campground. If you want to try Wallydocking (or camping out in any parking lot), be sure to check out our guide on Wallydocking first.

Try Moochdocking

You could also give moochdocking a try. This type of camping involves parking in the yard or driveway of a loved one and “mooching” off of them rather than paying for a campsite. In some cases, you might even be able to hook up to water and the house electric.

That said, you should never expect hookups of any kind and you should always make sure your friend or family member is okay with you staying. You will also want to make sure you don’t wear out your welcome by staying too long. 

Invest in a Thousand Trails Membership

Boondocking, Wallydocking, and moochdocking are awesome free camping options that will absolutely help lower your average camping cost. That said, they are far from the only ways to save money. Another great option is to invest in camping memberships such as Thousand Trails.

We love Thousand Trails because it allows you to camp at no additional cost at dozens of campgrounds across the country. These campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, and many include sewer hookups as well. You’ll also find many families in Thousand Trails parks, making it easy to make friends on the road. 

Grab a Boondockers Welcome or Harvest Hosts Membership

Some other fantastic camping memberships to pick up are Boondockers Welcome and Harvest Hosts. Owned by the same people, these two memberships are very similar in that they give you access to private property that individuals have opened up to RVers. 

The spots listed on Boondockers Welcome tend to be yards and driveways. Meanwhile, the spots on Harvest Hosts are at wineries, farms, and museums. With both memberships, the sites may or may not have hookups of any kind, and those that do provide hookups may request a small amount of money to cover costs, or a small purchase of the goods produced there. Otherwise, the sites listed on both Boondockers Welcome and Harvest Hosts are completely free. 

Buy a Passport America Membership

Passport America is another camping membership that is well worth looking into. This membership works by giving you 50% off campsites across the country.

Unfortunately, most of the campgrounds have restrictions that limit the number of nights you can stay at a reduced rate, as well as when you can use the discount. Even so, we still find it’s easy to get use out of the membership, and you will easily save enough to cover the cost of it.

Join Escapees

Escapees is an RV club that offers members a mailing service, exclusive member discounts, access to RV events, and more. One other benefit of joining Escapees? Camping discounts. 

Escapees has a list of over 800 RV parks that offer a 15%–50% discount to Escapee members. Additionally, Escapees has some member-exclusive RV parks and co-op parks for more discounted camping options. 

Check Out Other Membership Options

We’ve already listed some of the best camping memberships out there, but there are still more great options that will help you save on the average campground cost. Other camping membership options you might want to look into include Good Sam Club, Coast to Coast, Trails Collection (as a Thousand Trails add-on) and Resort Parks International (as an add-on to another campground membership). 

Look for City Park Campgrounds

Let’s say you’re headed to a place where you can’t boondock and you camping memberships can’t help you save on campground costs. In this case you will want to look for affordable camping, and the first places you should look are the city parks in the area.

Many city parks across the country offer RV camping at a a fraction of the average campground cost, and some even host campers for free for a few nights! In some cases, the best way to find such campgrounds is through sites such as free campsites.net and Campendium. 

Head to State Parks

If there are no low-cost city parks nearby, you can also check out the state parks near where you’d like to be. In some cases, state parks aren’t much cheaper than private parks. However, there are many states with super low cost state park camping available, making it possible to save on the average campground cost.

Depending on where you are, you might have the option of having hookups, but in some cases state park campgrounds only offer dry camping. 

Note: If you’ll be in one state for a while and plan to use state parks often, look into getting a state park pass there. In some cases, a state park pass will help you save on camping fees. 

Stay for a While

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: The best way to save money while RVing full time is to slow down. One of the reasons this is true is because many private campgrounds offer weekly and monthly camping rates.

In these cases, the per-night camping prices almost always come out to be significantly less than it would be if you had stayed only a few nights. Therefore, planning on monthly stays in each area you visit can be a great way to save on the average campsite cost. 

Avoid Peak Season

Our final tip? Avoid visiting an area during peak season. During peak season in popular places, camping prices usually go up, and sometimes monthly and weekly camping is not available during these times. Besides, visiting a place during peak season means dealing with crowds. 

There you have it, 12 awesome ways to save money on the cost of camping. Want even more amazing ways to save on your average campground cost? Check out this article on finding free campsites!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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Recently we discussed moochdocking. Today, we will be discussing another free camping option: “Wallydocking.” Wallydocking involves parking your camper at Walmart overnight to sleep, and it is an excellent option for those looking for a quick one-night stay while traveling from one spot to the next. 

Unfortunately, more and more Walmarts are prohibiting this practice. We can only imagine this is due to some RVers who have been less than considerate when Walmart camping. Therefore, we feel it is very important that all travelers fully understand the unwritten rules that come into play when parking an RV at Walmart. 

In today’s article we will discuss the rules you should know before parking your camper at Walmart, then we’ll offer some suggestions of other places to stay if Walmart camping doesn’t work out for you. 

Always Ask First

Rule number one: Always ask before you stay. This rule is good to keep in mind no matter where you’re planning to stay, and Walmart is no exception. If you can, call ahead and ask the manager on duty if you may stay the night. If you don’t know where you’re going ahead of time, run inside once you arrive to make sure it’s okay if you park your camper at Walmart for the night. If the answer is no, be sure to move on. 

Park Out of the Way

Often, the manager you speak with will tell you where to park. If they don’t give a suggestion, do your best to park somewhere out of the way of customers. The far back or side of the lot is probably a good bet. You can also look at where semis and other RVs are parked and head to that area of the lot. 

Only Stay One Night

Obviously, Walmart is not a true campground and it shouldn’t be treated as such. These parking lots are for one-night stopovers only, meaning you should stop to sleep and pack up and leave first thing the next day. If you have a problem and must stay longer, be sure to explain your situation to the manager on duty and ask to stay another night. 

Keep the Slides In

Unless it’s possible to put your slides out over a patch of grass or somewhere else that is totally out of the way of other vehicles, keep the slides in when you park your camper at Walmart. If you can’t use your RV without putting the slides out, your best bet is to arrive early in the evening in order to try to snag a spot near the grass so your slides can be put out without bothering anyone. 

Don’t Set Up Camp

Grills, camp chairs, and awnings are all fantastic things to have in a campground. That said, those items should not come out while you’re parked in a Walmart parking lot. In fact, nothing at all should be set up around your RV. After all, a cluttered lot is not a good look for the store, and it would be disrespectful to potentially harm their business, especially after they let you stay the night for free.

Keep the Volume Down 

Many Walmart parking lots are full of RVers and truck drivers each night. Additionally, because Walmart tends to be open late, shoppers will be in the lot until that later closing time. Because of these things, it is important to keep your volume down so you don’t disturb fellow Walmart campers or shoppers. 

Do Some Shopping

Yes, Walmart camping is completely free, but that doesn’t mean you can’t support the store financially in some way. While staying in your camper at Walmart, head into the store to pick up any groceries or other essentials you need. This is seen as good manners and it helps the RV community keep their good name so we can continue to enjoy Wallydocking. 

Clean Up After Yourself

Another thing that helps give the RV community a good name? Leaving the parking lot the way we found it. Avoid dumping things on the ground in a Walmart parking lot, and be sure all trash makes its way to the trash cans in the lot or to the garbage can in your RV. Never do work on your vehicle or RV in a Walmart lot unless it is totally unavoidable, and if you must make a repair, be sure you clean up any mess you make. 

Other Parking Lot Camping Options

The ability to stay in your camper at Walmart is wonderful, especially if you like to travel long distances and just need places to stop and sleep once in a while. Unfortunately, as mentioned before, not all Walmarts allow Wallydocking. If you come across a store that prohibits Walmart camping, you will need to find another option.

Fortunately, there are other businesses that allow overnight stays in some of their parking lots. These include:

• Cracker Barrel
• Cabela’s
• Camping World
• Costco 
• Sam’s Club
• Casinos
• Some truck stop chains

You can also stay the night in many highway rest areas, but you will want to look for signage to be sure it is allowed, as some states have laws against it. 

There you have it, everything you need to know about parking a camper at Walmart overnight. Keep these simple rules in mind, find a Walmart along your route, and give Walmart camping a try to see what you think!

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When given the chance, water loves to make its way into your rig where it isn’t supposed to be. It happens to all RVers at one point or another. Many times, it makes its way into your home-on-wheels via a leaking RV window, something that can only be fixed by sealing camper windows.

If you’re dealing with a leaking RV window, you’ve come to the right place. In this article we will be discussing everything you need to know to seal RV windows.

The Best Sealant for RV Windows

First, let’s talk a bit about what you’ll need to seal RV windows. Gather these materials before you begin resealing RV windows in order to make the job go as quickly and smoothly as possible:

• Putty knife
• Cleaning alcohol
• Cleaning cloth
• Butyl tape
• RV-specific sealant
• Caulk gun

When it comes to choosing a sealant for sealing camper windows, stick to RV-specific options such as Dicor or Geocel ProFlex RV. You want a non-sag sealant (not a self-leveling one) and remember that you should never use silicone sealant on your RV, as it will inevitably be a nightmare to deal with down the line.

Sealing Camper Windows

Now that you have the materials you need for sealing camper windows, the next step is to jump into the job. Below is a step-by-step guide for resealing RV windows to help you out.

Check the Weather

Make sure you check the weather forecast before jumping into the task fo sealing camper windows! You want a dry day (or better yet, two days in a row) because the sealant needs time to cure. Warmer weather also tends to be better for sealing jobs, while cold weather might make working with butyl tape pretty difficult or even impossible. 

Remove Screws

Find the screws around your RV window frame and remove them. Depending on how old your RV is, these could be inside or outside. The window may or may not be secure once the screws are removed, so we recommend having someone help you hold the window in place and catch it if it does fall. 

Push and Pry the Window

If the window doesn’t come out on its own, you will probably have to push on it or even gently pry it away from the wall. The original sealant might make this a bit difficult. Using the putty knife from the list above to separate the window frame from the sealant can be helpful. 

Remove Old Sealant

Perhaps the most time-consuming part of sealing camper windows is removing the old sealant from the exterior wall and window frame. You will need your putty knife and plenty of patience as you carefully remove all the little bits of butyl tape and sealant from everything. 

Clean Everything

Once the old sealant is gone, you will want to clean everything well. This is where the cleaning alcohol comes into play. Use a soft cloth to rub the alcohol all along the window frame and the exterior wall around the window cutout in order to ensure no dirt or debris is left behind.

Apply Butyl Tape

The next step is to apply a new layer of butyl tape on the RV exterior wall around the window cutout. Start at the bottom of the cutout where the window weep holes are and work your way around the entire hole. Try to place the butyl tape about ⅛ of an inch away from the window cutout and overlap by about half an inch at the bottom. 

Once the tape is applied, visually inspect your work for gaps that could let air or water into the RV. 

Replace Window

Now it’s time to replace the window. Again, we recommend having a helper to assist you with getting the window back into its cutout in the wall. Make sure the window is turned right side up and have your helper hold it in place while you replace all of the screws. The butyl tape should squish and spread while you do this in order to create a watertight seal. 

Add a Bead of Sealant

Finally, you will want to use your caulk gun to add a bead of RV-specific sealant such as Dicor or Geocel ProFlex RV along the top of the window. Make this bead extend a few inches down each side for extra measure.

By following these instructions, you should be able to reseal any leaking RV window. That said, if you need a visual, the video below should help you get a better understanding of the process of sealing camper windows.

Temporary Fix for Leaking Window

Sealing camper windows can be time consuming. Let’s say your window starts leaking when you can’t really take the time to remove it and reseal it properly. Don’t worry, there is a quick and easy temporary solution that should stop the leak until you can fix the problem the right way.

All you have to do is use one of the aforementioned RV-specific sealants to cover the gap that is letting water in. Be sure to choose a time when the sealant has enough time to cure before it gets wet, and be liberal with your application in order to ensure the leak is completely taken care of.

How Often Should I Be Resealing RV Windows?

Once you deal with a leaking RV window once, it’s not something you really want to do again. The best way to avoid this problem in the future? Keep up with resealing your RV on a regular basis in order to ensure all seals are in tip-top shape at all times. 

Wondering how often you need to be sealing camper windows? We recommend checking the seals every six months and resealing once a year in order to avoid leaks. 

Hopefully these instructions helped you better understand how to seal RV windows. Now it’s time to get to work so you don’t have to worry the next time a rainstorm rolls in. 

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RV window insulation is far from great. In fact, the vast majority of RVs come with single paned windows that do almost nothing to keep the cold at bay during the winter, nor do they block out the heat during the hot months. 

This is a problem for those who want to stay in their RV year-round, as it means dealing with extreme cold and extreme heat inside their tiny home-on-wheels. The good news? There are ways to improve upon RV window insulation! That’s what we’re going to talk about today. 

Temporary RV Window Insulation Solutions

Let’s start with some temporary RV window insulation quick fixes that will get the job done with little to no fuss. These solutions are enough for the vast majority of RVers out there, especially when a couple of methods are combined to create extra good RV window insulation. 

Reflectix

Perhaps the most effective (and most popular) way to insulate RV windows is to cover them with Reflectix. This stuff is excellent at trapping heat in the winter and blocking out heat and sunlight in the summer. It comes in rolls or sheets so you can cut it to whatever size you need for a given window, and it can be cut so it fits snug and doesn’t move—or, you can use tape or Command Strips to hold it in place. 

The one downside to using Reflectix as RV window insulation? It blocks out all light, making your RV feel a lot more like a cave than a home.

Shrink Film Window Insulation Kits

If you’re one who needs sunlight to function properly, you might wonder what RV window insulation options are out there that allow some light to enter your home without letting all the heat escape. This is where shrink film window insulation kits come into play. These kits are pretty easy to use but can be time-consuming. The film is applied using double-sided tape and a hairdryer, and it stays in place very nicely.

Shrink film does a decent job of insulating windows, and we love that we can still see outside and that sunlight still comes in through the covered windows. 

Bubble Wrap

We’ve also heard of RVers using bubble wrap to as RV window insulation. This is done by cutting the bubble wrap to size, lightly spritzing the window with water, and sticking the bubble wrap in place on the water. Surprisingly, the bubble wrap seems to stay in place just fine, and applying it is much easier than putting up the shrink film mentioned above. The bubble wrap does also offer some level of insulation. 

All that said, while light will still make its way into your RV with bubble wrap over the windows, you will not be able to see outside very well. 

DIY Vinyl Window Covers

Another idea? DIY vinyl window covers. These can be made using a clear plastic shower curtain or vinyl from a roll found at the fabric store. To make the covers, simply cut your vinyl to size, add hook-and-loop Command Strips to both the covers and the wall, and hang.

These covers are great because they let light in, are relatively see-through, and can be removed if you want to open the window. They do not look as polished as some of the other options—especially if you use shower curtains, which tend to hold onto creases—but they get the job done just fine. 

Motorhome Windshield Cover

If you have a motorhome, you will also want to cover your windshield. In the vast majority of cases, people don’t want their windshield cover to be transparent, so we recommend an insulated motorhome windshield cover for the job. 

These are relatively inexpensive and super easy to put up and take down when moving day rolls around. Additionally, these covers do an excellent job of insulating your RV and blocking out any unwanted sunlight that could wake the kids up extra early in the mornings. 

Note: There are covers for both class C RVs and class A RVs. Be sure you buy the right kind!

Upgrading to Double Pane RV Windows

Want a more permanent RV window insulation option? You could upgrade to double pane RV windows. This solution isn’t for everyone, but it can be a very helpful option for those who wish to stay in especially hot or cold climates on a regular basis. 

What are Double Pane Windows?

As the name suggests, double pane windows are windows made with two panes of glass. The space between the two panes is filled with gas, which offers extra insulation. 

Most RVs come equipped with single pane windows, but you can double check whether you already have dual panes by holding a match up to a window. If you see one reflection, you have single pane windows; if you see two reflections, there are two panes of glass. 

The Pros and Cons of Double Pane RV Windows

Double pane windows have both pros and cons that you will want to consider before putting them in your RV. 

The pros of RV double pane windows are:

• Better temperature control
• Outside noise reduction
• Windows with more structural integrity
• Condensation control

The cons of RV double pane windows are:

• Expensive
• Extra weight
• Potential for broken seals in the windows, which could lead to irreparable damage, making replacement necessary. 

Many people find that even after taking the cons into consideration, double pane windows are a great choice for their travel style. If that’s the case for you, go for it! You can even replace the windows yourself using the video below as a guide.

Using these tips, you should be able to vastly improve your RV window insulation. Still cold or hot? This article offers some other ideas for improving motorhome and trailer insulation. 

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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In the past, we’ve talked about our favorite winter RVing gear, as well as some tips for cold weather camping. What we haven’t covered in depth is how to insulate a camper for winter. 

Generally speaking, RVs aren’t very well insulated straight out of the factory. This is unfortunate because it makes cold weather camping much more difficult. The good news? It is possible to improve upon your trailer insulation so you and your family can stay nice and cozy this winter season. Without further ado, we give you our top tips on how to insulate a camper for winter. 

Add a Skirt

The most effective thing you can do when insulating RV campers is add a skirt. There are many different kinds of RV skirts out there, and the one that works best for you will depend on your budget, how handy you are, and whether you will be traveling or stationary during the winter months. Deciding on a skirt type is the first step when figuring out how to insulate a camper for winter. 

We discuss RV skirting in depth here, but some of our favorites are vinyl skirting by The Skirting Co and inflatable skirting by AirSkirts. We like these options because they are lightweight, so you can carry them while you travel and they are easy to set up and take down. 

No matter which type of skirting you choose, it will help keep your RV warm by preventing cold air from getting under the rig. This makes a major difference, especially when it comes to the temperature of your floors. Add some rugs to the floor for an extra layer of insulation on the floor!

Improve RV Window Insulation

The place where a lot of warm air leaves the RV? The windows. For this reason, it is incredibly important to ensure you have the best RV window insulation possible. Fortunately, this is pretty easy to do.

In order to insulate your RV windows, we recommend using a shrink wrap window insulation kit. These kits are quick and easy to install, and the plastic coverings are a surprisingly effective way to improve your trailer insulation. We love that this type of window insulation allows light to come into the RV, so you aren’t left feeling like you live in a cave. 

Upgrade the Windows

Most RVs come with single-pane windows. These are fine as long as the weather is pleasant, but as mentioned before, they are one of the first places heat escapes while winter camping, and they let heat in when summer camping. 

For this reason, you might want to think about upgrading to double-paned windows in your RV when deciding how to insulate a camper for winter. There are pros and cons to this upgrade, so be sure to do your research, but we think it’s worth considering if you’ll be spending a lot of time in super cold or especially hot climates. 

Replace Caulk, Seals, and Weather Stripping

It’s important to keep up with all of the seals on your RV no matter what weather you’re camping in. That said, if you’ll be camping in cold weather, it becomes even more important. A worn bit of weather stripping or a missing bit of caulk could be letting in a cold draft that keeps you up at night. 

Before you head to a cold location, add a new layer of RV sealant to everything. It’s also a good idea to check that your slide seals are still holding up and doing their job properly. Lastly, check the weather stripping around your RV door and in all the storage bays, and replace any pieces that are flattened out or missing entirely. 

Cover Skylights and Vents

Heat rises. Therefore, it only makes sense that it would leave via the skylights and vents in your roof once it gets to them. Addressing this is an important step when figuring out how to insulate a camper for winter. 

In order to ensure the warm air stays inside where it belongs, consider covering the skylights and roof vents in your RV. There are special pillows that are made for this purpose, but you can also make your own pillows, use throw pillows, tape some Relectix in place over each opening, or make your own covers like in the video below.

Add Insulation Under the Mattress

Many RV beds have a storage area under them with doors that lead outside. Unfortunately, these storage bays are rarely well-insulated, and the cold air from the storage area can make the bed above it pretty chilly at night. 

To fix this problem, add a layer of insulation under your RV mattress. Foam board insulation works well for this, as does Reflectix. This is a great step to take when trying to figure out how to insulate a camper for winter. 

Fill the Gaps

Lastly, be sure to look and feel around your rig and find any spots where cold air might be coming in. Look for cracks around the slides or the door and find ways to cover them. Many people find door snakes helpful, but rolled-up towels do the job just as well if you don’t want another thing to carry around in your RV. If you find a lot of cold is coming in through the door, consider hanging a tapestry to help keep the cold at bay. 

There you have it, the best tips on how to insulate a camper for winter. These tips should help you keep warm air in and cold air out as you continue to enjoy RV life during the winter season. That said, they will also help you out in the hot summer months, as insulation is just as useful for keeping the cool air in and the heat out. Therefore, there’s really no reason not to take at least some of these steps to improve the insulation in your RV. 

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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RVing full time is a grand adventure, and we rarely find somebody who regrets giving it a try, even if they find the lifestyle doesn’t suit them. That said, we do find plenty of full timers out there who have regrets about how they’ve done things. Some of these regrets are quite unique. That said, there are also some common full time RV regrets that we hear over and over again. 

If you’re planning on jumping into the world of full time RVing soon (or if you have done so recently), it can be nice to know what other people wish they had done differently so you don’t make the same mistakes. In this article, we will share the most common full time RV regrets for just this reason. 

Buying the Wrong RV

The first common full time RV regret? Buying the wrong RV. This is a super easy mistake to make because it’s really hard to know what you want until you actually experience living in an RV.

Fortunately, buying the wrong RV isn’t the end of the world because you can always switch rigs later. That said, you can also do your best to avoid this mistake by renting a few RVs to see what you like and what you hate about each.

Going to RV shows and touring many different RVs also helps you make an informed decision. 

Related: Finding the Best RV for Large Family Groups

Being Financially Unprepared

A lot of people think the full time RV lifestyle is an inexpensive way to live. While this can be true, it does require that you budget carefully and go in with a plan. Additionally, living on the cheap isn’t going to be enough if you don’t have some sort of income coming in.

Be sure to carefully calculate how much RVing is going to cost on a month-to-month basis and figure out a way to bring in a bit more than that each month. It’s also a good idea to have a decent savings account built up before hitting the road just in case something goes wrong. 

Overspending on Camping and Sightseeing

In the same vein as the budgeting full time RV regret mentioned above, a lot of people say they started out spending way too much money on things that really aren’t necessary to enjoy the lifestyle. You don’t need to stay in fancy resorts every night or see every amusement park to have fun RVing.

Remember, living in your RV full time is a way of life, not a vacation. Learn to appreciate state parks, get a Thousand Trails membership, and get set up for boondocking. Find some outdoor hobbies like hiking and kayaking, and use reciprocal memberships and free attractions to go sightseeing without breaking the bank. 

Skimping on Insurance

Insurance is one of those things that nobody likes to pay for, but everyone is happy to have when they need it. No, you don’t necessarily plan to have issues when you’re out on the road, but things will come up, and since your RV is your home, it’s very important that you’re fully covered. Therefore, you don’t want to skimp on insurance.

Get a plan that is specifically for full timers, make sure it covers everything inside of and on the RV, and then hope you never have to use it, but rest easy knowing you have it if you do happen to need it. 

Skipping Maintenance Tasks

RVs get moved down the road, parked in unusual places, and beaten up a little more than a traditional home. On top of that, they typically aren’t made for full time living. The result? A home that requires a lot of maintenance.

Tasks such as resealing the roof, adding grease to the wheel bearings, making sure your motorhome oil gets changed regularly, and cleaning the awning are not fun. That said, skipping these tasks is a big mistake that could lead to some serious damages down the line. Unfortunately it is also a common mistake, and therefore one of the most common full time RV regrets.

Traveling Too Quickly

Hitting the road in your RV is exciting. Most people want to see it all and do it all right away, and this leads to the next entry on our list of full time RV regrets: traveling too quickly.

Trying to see and do everything as fast as possible will lead to travel burnout. It also makes it impossible to keep up with day-to-day life. Again, we must point out that when you RV full time you aren’t on vacation, and things like work, school, laundry, and dishes do need to be done. 

Traveling slowly allows time for these things as well as getting to know each area well before you move on. (Psst… it can also be a major budget saver.)

Taking On Too Much

Filling your plate too full is so easy to do when you travel full time. Almost all RVers have experienced this. Trying to balance travel days, sightseeing, and all the normal life stuff can sometimes feel impossible, and if you add in a side hustle or a hobby, it can easily tip the scales leading to one of the well known full time RV regrets: burn out. 

Slowing down your travels will help with this, but you will also have to be very conscious about what you agree to. Carefully consider how everything is going to fit in and only commit to the things that actually fulfill you.

Your time is valuable after all, and you want to be able to fully enjoy your travels.

Not Finding Community

Last on our list of full time RV regrets is one we have heard too many times to count: not finding community right away.

When you first get on the road, it can be easy to spend all your time sightseeing and go without community for a while. That said, the need for friends will eventually kick in, and if you don’t find community soon after, you’re likely to throw in the towel and settle back down. 

For this reason, it’s a good idea to start seeking out friendships and a nomad community as soon as you start RVing (or even before you officially get out there). That’s where Fulltime Families come into play! We are here to help foster a strong and supportive community of families who have decided to make the road their home. Join today to become a part of our amazing group and start making meaningful connections that will last for years to come!

These are the top 8 full time RV regrets. Luckily, all of these are avoidable with a little bit of planning, and we’re sure you’ll skip over these common mistakes with ease. 

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The cold season is in full swing. Many RVers have headed south to keep warm during the winter months. Meanwhile, there are a number of other full-timers who have chosen to remain north and try their hand at RVing in winter. 

Honestly, we don’t recommend winter RVing if you can help it. It can be extremely difficult and can damage your rig. That said, sometimes RVing in the winter weather cannot be avoided. In these cases, there are gadgets you can buy to make your winter RVing experience more comfortable and help ensure your RV doesn’t incur damage during those cold months. 

Below are our favorite gadgets for RVing in winter. Stock up on a few of these items and you should be in good shape until the warm weather rolls around again. 

AirSkirts Inflatable RV Skirt

One of the best things you can do to ensure your RV’s plumbing is protected and your feet stay as warm as possible while winter RVing? Add a skirt to your home-on-wheels!

There are a number of different RV skirt options out there. Some choose to use bales of hay or plywood, while others buy custom-made snap-on skirting. Our favorite type of RV skirting though is the inflatable RV skirt from AirSkirts. 

We love this particular skirt because it is small, lightweight, and easy to set up and take down. These things make it perfect for RV living. 

RecPro RV Tank Heater Pads

Another great thing to have when RVing in the winter? A set of RecPro tank heater pads. These are awesome because they keep your water holding tanks warm enough to ensure they don’t freeze, no matter the weather. 

If you use these in conjunction with a skirt like the one mentioned above, the heat they provide might even help keep water lines warm under the rig, making these an extra great product!

Camco Heated Drinking Water Hose

One of the most annoying things that can happen when winter RVing is waking up to a frozen freshwater hose. This means no running water until the hose thaws out, and if the weather is cold enough, it might not thaw out at all. Not only that, but if your hose is frozen, there’s a good chance the hose, inlet, and/or water lines received some damage from the freezing. 

Fortunately, there is a fairly easy way to avoid this problem. A heated fresh water hose should do the trick just fine. These work by heating the water in the fresh hose, and they are extra great because they are such a cinch to use and are actually quite affordable. 

Lasko Ceramic Space Heater

Using your RV furnace is fine, and if you’re camping in below-freezing temperatures, you’ll want to use the furnace in order to keep your water lines from freezing.

That said, if the temperatures are above freezing but still chilly enough to require a heater, you might consider using something besides your RV furnace. This is because RV furnaces tend to be very inefficient, eating through propane at an astounding rate and costing RVers a ton of extra money. 

The vast majority of full-time RVers choose to use ceramic space heaters like this Lasko version when camping in a spot with electric hookups. These tend to work well when it comes to keeping the RV warm during winter RVing, and since electricity is usually included in camping fees, you won’t be spending an arm and a leg to run one or two. 

Mr. Heater Buddy Heater

Let’s say you do a lot of winter boondocking. In this case, you will still want to use your furnace if the temperature will be below freezing for more than an hour or so, but you really can’t turn to electric space heaters during other times. This is where the Mr. Heater Buddy Heater comes into play. 

The Mr. Heater Buddy Heater is an indoor-safe, portable propane heater. It does not require electricity and will heat your tiny home using much less propane than the RV furnace. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully, including cracking a window while running the heater. 

hOmeLabs Energy Star Dehumidifier

In addition to keeping warm, you also have to worry about keeping condensation from taking over your rig when winter RVing. One of the best ways to do this is by using a dehumidifier. For this, we recommend the hOmeLabs Energy Star Dehumidifier. 

This dehumidifier can hold up to 22 pints of water, meaning you can go quite some time before emptying it. We also like that the machine is fairly quiet when running. That said, it is a big dehumidifier and might be overkill for those with smaller rigs. 

DampRid Moisture Absorber

If A) your RV is on the small side, B) you will be boondocking a lot and cannot run a dehumidifier, or C) you need extra defense against moisture in the cabinets and closets, DampRid is the product for you. This awesome product is essentially a container full of moisture-absorbing crystals that pull moisture out of the air and trap it. 

DampRid doesn’t require electricity to work, but you might find yourself needing several large containers if you plan to use them in lieu of a dehumidifier.

POP Design The Hot Seat

Lastly, we have a fun addition to the list that will allow you to sit outside with friends even when it gets chilly after the fun goes down. This “Hot Seat” from POP Design is heated using a rechargeable battery pack, so you can stay nice and warm when hanging out in cooler weather. Not only that, but the chair is actually very comfortable, so you won’t mind using it even when the weather warms up again (minus the heat feature, of course).

Note: The battery pack is not included with this chair, so be sure to add that to your purchase!

No, RVing in winter is not our first choice. That said, as long as you prepare properly, winter RVing can still be a fun experience. If you plan to spend the next couple of months in a colder climate, stock up on these items and get ready to have some winter fun!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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One of the greatest things about traveling in an RV is the ability to see the country on a budget. That said, as RV park prices increase, more and more campers are looking for ways to save on camping fees. The good news? There are ways to go about this. One of our favorite options is called moochdocking.

It might have a funny name, but there are some things about moochdocking that are pretty important. For this reason, we’ve put together a guide for beginners. If you’ve never been moochdocking and are considering it—or if you’re wondering what in the world moochdocking is—this is the place for you. 

Let’s get started!

What is Moochdocking?

First, let’s take a minute to address the question many of you are likely asking: What in the world is moochdocking? Also known as driveway surfing, moochdocking is a lot like couch surfing in your RV. Basically, you park on someone’s driveway or land, and you camp there. 

The name comes from the word mooch (meaning “to obtain something without paying for it”) and the term boondocking (i.e. camping in the wilderness without any hookups).

This combination of terms makes sense, as you are often camping without hookups when driveway surfing—albeit not in the wilderness. You are also usually “mooching” in one sense or another, though that doesn’t have to mean the setup can’t be beneficial to all involved. In fact, many people enjoy hosting moochdockers!

Why Choose Driveway Surfing?

Now that you know what moochdocking is, the next question is, why do it? Honestly, there are a lot of reasons one might choose driveway surfing over a traditional campground or RV park. 

Save Money

The first and most obvious reason for moochdocking is the one we’ve already mentioned: money. Since you don’t generally have to pay to camp on a friend’s driveway, you save whatever you would have spent on a campsite for the amount of time you’re there. Depending on how long you stay and where your friend is located, this might just save you a bundle!

Spend Time with Friends and Family

When you stay on someone’s property, you’re going to be spending a lot of time with them. For this reason, moochdocking is often the best way to go when you want to get the most out of a short visit to see family or friends. Just make sure everyone involved wants to be spending a lot of time together before you dive in!

Take a Break

If you’ve been driving all day long and spending a lot of nights in Walmart and Cracker Barrel parking lots, a driveway in a quiet neighborhood can be a welcome break. Who knows? If you’re close enough to the person you’re staying with, you might even get a real bath in a real bathtub to boot!

Moochdocking Etiquette

Clearly, moochdocking is awesome for us RVers. That said, it is very important that we consider the feelings of our hosts as well. After all, we want to be welcomed back, right? 

The best way to go about this? Follow the unspoken but oh-so-important moochdocking etiquette rules—which, to be honest, are mostly just common courtesy.

Know the Official Rules

Before you set anything up, make sure you know the official rules surrounding parking an RV on your host’s property. Many HOAs do not allow RVs in the neighborhood at all. Meanwhile, some cities have rules against RVs parked in driveways. Look these rules up and know them before you park on your friend’s land. After all, you wouldn’t want to be the one to get them in trouble. 

Ensure You’ll Fit

Not all driveways are big enough for our homes-on-wheels. Not only that, but some are so sloped they are impossible for an RV to get into or out of. Before you show up at your host’s home, ask them to measure the place where you will be parked to ensure you will fit. You’ll also want to ask about any dips or slopes that may make things difficult for you. A photo of the spot could also help you spot potential problems before you arrive.

Discuss Length of Stay Before You Arrive

One thing you absolutely do not want to do when driveway surfing? Overstay your welcome. You can do your best to avoid this by discussing length of stay before you arrive and then sticking to the departure date that was discussed. No extending your stay, especially not indefinitely.

Additionally, when asking to stay during certain dates, you should try to stick to shorter periods of time. Keep in mind that some people have a hard time saying no, even if they’d rather you didn’t stay quite so long, so keeping your requested dates to a minimum will help ensure you don’t overstay your welcome.

Ask Before You Use

Always, always ask before you use anything on your friend or family member’s property. This includes the water and electricity, of course, but also the dumpster, outdoor toys, and the internet. Even if you know your host will agree to let you use these things, using them without asking is (obviously) extremely rude.

Limit Electricity and Water Usage

If your host does agree to let you plug into their electricity or hookup to their water spigot, be sure to use these resources sparingly. You definitely don’t want to be the cause of an enormous bill for your generous friend or family member. Besides, if all your host has to offer is a 15-amp outlet, you will absolutely flip a breaker if you draw too much electricity. 

Note: To connect to a 15-amp outlet, you will need an adapter like this one for 30-amp rigs or this one for 50-amp rigs.

Dispose of Wastewater Properly

Never, ever dump waste water on the ground, especially not on your host’s property. Obviously, black water is absolutely disgusting and not something someone wants in their yard, and it is always illegal to dump it on the ground besides. Gray water is pretty gross in its own right, and dumping it on the ground is stinky and also illegal in many places. 

So what should you do about your wastewater? Some people might have a septic cleanout you can dump into. Otherwise, you will need to head to a nearby dump station. 

Offer Payment

At the end of your stay, be sure to offer to pay for the resources you used. Your friend may insist that you don’t owe them anything for your stay. In this case, we highly recommend going out and getting your host a nice gift with which to thank them. A gift card or a bottle of wine is sure to leave a smile on your friend’s face!

Where to Find Moochdocking Opportunities

The most obvious place to set up a driveway campsite is at the home of a friend or family member. These are a great place to start, and we love that they allow for such good visits. That said, they aren’t the only driveway surfing opportunities out there.

If you find you love moochdocking and you want to do more of it, you might love Boondockers Welcome. This is a service that connects those who love hosting campers with campers looking for a spot to stop for a night or two. It’s a great way to find free or super cheap stays during your travels, and an even better way to meet new people and make new friends!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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The holiday season is here, and that means it’s time to start thinking about your RV Christmas decorations. Decorating the inside of your RV requires some amount of creativity, and we cover a lot of that right here, but what about the outside? For that, we recommend RV Christmas inflatable decorations!

Inflatables are the perfect outdoor RV Christmas decorations for a couple of reasons. Unlike RV Christmas lights, they are easy to set up and take down, making travel a lot easier. Best of all, you can find Christmas RV inflatable options that stick with a camping theme. This is of course just perfect for decorating an RV for Christmas!

Santa Claus in Trailer With Christmas Tree

First up is this super cute Santa Claus in a trailer. We love that Santa is peeking his head out of the door to say hello. It’s the perfect classic RV Christmas inflatable. It’s very affordable and big enough to stand on its own should you choose to use it as your only campsite decoration this year.

Campfire Santa and Reindeer

Campfires are great in summer, but they are even more wonderful when the chilly season rolls around. For this reason, it only seems fitting that Santa and his reindeer would enjoy sitting around roasting marshmallows just like they are in this cute inflatable.

Giant Santa and Flamingo

If you’re like many full time RVers, you might be spending the holidays in a tropical climate. In this case, this Santa on a flamingo floatie is the perfect option for decorating an RV for Christmas. No, this isn’t technically camping-specific, but we love it anyway!

Santa Claus with Trailer, Christmas Tree, and Gifts

Another version of Santa with a travel trailer, we really like the addition of a wreath on the door here. Instead of being inside of the trailer, Santa stands outside of his home-on-wheels, waving at all who happen to walk or drive by. Clearly, this is one of the best outdoor RV Christmas decorations.

Inflatable RV with Snowman, Christmas Wreath and Gift Boxes

If you like the RV Christmas inflatable above but prefer the look of snowmen over Santa decor, this is the inflatable for you. Overall, this is almost identical to the Santa and trailer blow-up linked above. The differences? A cheery “Merry Christmas” sign instead of a tree on top of the rig, and a smiling snowman in the place of Santa. 

Snowman Around Campfire Roasting Marshmallows

Another campfire option, this snowman around a campfire inflatable really couldn’t be any cuter. It’s a bit silly because, of course, snowmen couldn’t possibly sit so close to a fire in real life. Luckily, the magic of an LED-lit campfire makes it possible for these icy friends to enjoy roasting marshmallows just as much as you and I. 

Gingerbread Trailer

Perhaps our favorite Christmas RV inflatable, this gingerbread trailer blow-up is pretty fun all on its own. Adding in the fact that Santa opens and closes the door in order to peek out at passersby makes it even better. This is definitely the inflatable to buy if you want your site to be the talk of the campground. After all, who could forget the inflatable that moves all on its own?

Santa with Reindeer and Penguin Friends in Holiday RV

If you’re a motorhome RVer, you might prefer a motorhome inflatable over the trailer inflatables mentioned so far. That’s where this fun Santa in a holiday RV decoration comes into play. Santa and his reindeer buddy drive along in their class C RV with a penguin hitchhiker catching a ride on the roof. We love the added touch of Santa’s sunshades!

Inflatable Uncle Eddie’s RV

We mentioned in our RV movies article that National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a must-see Christmas movie. If you love the movie as much as we do, you might just want to include this Uncle Eddie’s RV National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation inflatable in your outdoor RV Christmas decorations. No, it isn’t exactly pretty, but “that there’s an RV” and it’s all decorated for Christmas, making it a funny and fitting inflatable to add to your campsite. 

Clearly, RV Christmas inflatables are the ideal outdoor RV Christmas decorations. Better yet, you have a lot of options when it comes to RV-themed inflatables, so you can pick something unique and fun that is sure to spread an extra dose of RV Christmas cheer!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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The cold weather is here, and that means more chilly days spent snuggled up inside. One of our favorite things to do when the weather gets cold? Watching movies—or more specifically, watching RV movies!

There are tons of awesome movies with RVs out there, and many of them are perfect for family movie night. Wondering where to find these awesome movies about camping and RVing? Below is a list of our favorite family-friendly RV movies and movies with RVs. Pick and choose from this list and you really can’t go wrong. 

Now grab your popcorn and your comfiest PJs and get ready to be inspired to head out on an epic road trip (as soon as the weather warms up a little, of course). 

Family-Friendly RV Movies

RV

The first movie on our list is also possibly the most obvious. Starring Robin Williams, RV (aka R.V. Runaway Vacation) is a silly comedy about a family that rents an RV for a road trip from LA to the Rocky Mountains. As you might imagine, hijinks ensue—but in the end, the family ends up closer than ever. This is something that tends to happen when you spend a lot of time in an RV with your family members, and this movie definitely helps you appreciate it more than ever.

Wondering where to watch RV? Right now the best RV movie streaming option is Netflix. That said, you can also pay for RV streaming on services such as Prime Video. 

The Long, Long Trailer

An oldie, but a goodie, The Long, Long Trailer is a Lucille Ball movie that premiered in 1953. It centers around the newly married Tacy and Nicky, who decide to move into a trailer and tow it to Nicky’s new job site. Classic Lucille Ball-style comedy follows, including a tipping trailer, backing into a carport, and an attempt to cook a meal in the trailer while it is in motion. You’ll also get some absolutely beautiful glimpses of Yosemite for future travel inspiration!

The Long, Long Trailer is not included on any streaming services at the moment. That said, it can be rented on most platforms that offer paid rentals. 

Toy Story 4

Have younger kids in your family? Toy Story 4 is a great RV movie pick. This one follows Woody, Buzz, the rest of the old gang, and Forky, a new homemade toy friend. The group takes off with Bonnie on an RV adventure across the country. The challenge? Keep Forky (and each other) safe as they experience just how big the world really is. 

As you might have guessed, Toy Story 4 is available for streaming on Disney+. Digital rentals can also be found on Amazon, Apple TV, and other such platforms. 

The Incredibles

Another of the Disney-Pixar movies with RVs, The Incredibles is admittedly not about RVing per se. That said, it does feature one pretty awesome and action-packed scene where the family travels by airborne RV, landing in the middle of the city, and going for an intense ride in their home-on-wheels. Of course, the rest of the movie is equally good, especially for young superhero fans!

The Incredibles can be found on Disney+. It can also be rented on many platforms that offer digital video rentals. 

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

“That there is an RV, Clark!” No Christmas season is complete without hearing that phrase. Therefore, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is one of the must-watch RV movies this winter, especially if you’ll be having an RV Christmas.

This movie centers around Clark Griswold, who wants nothing more than to have a quiet Christmas at home. Unfortunately, when family arrives, things are anything but quiet, especially after cousin Eddie arrives in his run-down RV. 

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is on the HBO Max streaming platform. It can also be rented on most rental platforms. 

*Note that National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is rated PG-13, so isn’t ideal for the youngest RVers. 

There you have it, five wonderful movies with RVs that you can use to pass the time while in your RV (or at home waiting to be in your RV) this winter. Hopefully these RV movies help keep you in the travel spirit even when the weather isn’t ideal for travel.

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More and more RVers are jumping on the Starlink bandwagon, and many of them are eager for a good, solid Starlink RV mount. Sure, you can leave your Dishy sitting on the ground outside of your rig, but this leaves it susceptible to theft, not to mention the animals that might try to mess with it.

Considering the Starlink hardware costs around $500, having something happen to a satellite dish would obviously be terrible. 

The good news? There are Starlink RV mounts out there! Some are products that can be purchased, while others are DIY options created by clever individuals. No matter which Starlink RV mount you choose, you’re sure to feel more comfortable with your Dishy secured to your rig rather than on the ground. 

Where is the Best Place for an RV Starlink Mount?

First, let’s talk about the ideal spot to mount Dishy. Because your satellite needs a clear view of the sky, the higher you can safely mount it, the better. This leads most people to mount it on the roof or on a flagpole attached to the rig. 

Keep in mind that installing a mount that cannot be moved around—i.e. the vast majority of mount options out there—means you can’t always move the dish around a given campsite to find the clearest spot. In areas with trees, this may become a problem, but generally, you should be able to park in such a way that Dishy can do her job. 

Can You Mount Starlink on an RV Permanently? 

The official answer is no, you cannot mount your Starlink to your RV permanently. Dishy moves around to find satellites, something she’s not yet able to do on the move. Driving with the dish on the roof will cause issues with the hardware. It could also break from the speed of the wind while driving. 

All that said, some people have chosen to take their chances and mount the satellite to their roof permanently, but most turn off the motors that move the dish and install it laying flat. This seems to work alright for some, but if the motor is off, the lack of dish movement is sure to result in less-than-stellar connectivity. 

Since permanent RV mounts are not currently recommended by Starlink, we have to recommend against doing this.

The Best Starlink RV Mount Products

So you aren’t really supposed to mount your Starlink to your RV permanently, but this definitely doesn’t mean you can’t mount it at all. There are a number of Starlink RV mounts out on the road already. Below are some of our favorite products that are currently on the market for mounting your Starlink dish to your RV. 

Axia Alloys Starlink RV Ladder/Tubing Mount

The Axia Alloys Starlink RV Ladder/Lubing Mount is just a tiny piece. We like that it is super small and simple—two things that tend to go hand-in-hand with RV living. It’s also one of the less expensive mounting options out there. To use it, you just attach the piece to your RV ladder (of any other sturdy tube) and then clip Dishy into place. The dish will need to be taken down before you drive, but the mount can be left in place. 

Pyramid LED Whips Starlink RV Ladder Mount System

The Pyramid LED Whips Starlink RV Ladder Mount System is just a traditional RV ladder-mounted flag pole with a Starlink adapter on the end. It can be installed in just 20 minutes and with very basic tools and skills. It’s also a very sturdy option. That said, you will of course need to remove the satellite and pole before driving, leaving the mount in place. 

Flag Pole Buddy Starlink Mount

We really like the Flag Pole Buddy Starlink Mount option as a Starlink RV mount. It’s similar to the more traditional flag pole mount style above, but it uses two poles, making it easy to mount your satellite without climbing a ladder. The two separate poles also help distribute the stresses of the wind, making this a very sturdy option. 

Hitched 4 Fun Starlink RV Hitch Mount Kit

Lastly, there is the Hitched 4 Fun Starlink RV Hitch Mount Kit. Unlike the above options, this kit mounts to your hitch receiver and sends a sturdy pole straight up above the roof of your RV. The Starlink dish then clips onto the end of the pole, ensuring you get the best connection possible. This is a great option for those without built-in RV ladders. 

DIY Flagpole Starlink RV Mounts

Maybe you prefer finding and/or building your own RV Starlink mount solution over buying premade products. This is totally possible, and might even be a bit more affordable if you do it right.

DIY Ladder Mount

To make your own DIY ladder mount, we recommend using a product like this to mount a sturdy flagpole to your RV ladder. From there, use the Axia Alloys piece listed above or the official Starlink flagpole adapter to attach Dishy to your mounting pole. 

DIY Hitch Flagpole Mount

You can do a similar thing by purchasing a hitch mount flag pole holder and using it to hold a tall flagpole. Again, you will need the aforementioned Axia Alloys piece or the Starlink flagpole adapter to attach the dish to the pole. 

Starlink RV Roof Mount Ideas

Perhaps you prefer to have your satellite on the roof rather than using a ladder or hitch mount. There are a few Starlink RV roof mount options as well, and not all of them involve permanently attaching the dish like in the video above. 

Included Tripod and Weights

The cheapest and easiest Starlink RV mount option is, of course, to use the included tripod to hold Dishy and place the whole setup on your RV roof. If you choose this option, you will want to be very careful not to damage your roof with the tripod legs. You’ll also want to find a way to weigh the tripod down. Ankle weights or sandbags could be good for this. 

Starlink Pivot Mount With Magnet Mounting Bracket

Unfortunately, simply putting the tripod on your roof is not the safest option. Even if you weigh it down, there is a chance that the whole satellite could blow down in a storm. For this reason, we highly recommend finding a sturdier way of mounting your Starlink to your RV roof. 

One way to do this is to purchase the Starlink pivot mount. This can be screwed into place, but since you’ll want to remove the dish while in motion, we recommend using a super strong magnetic mounting bracket to hold the dish in place. 

Closet Channel Mounting Brackets

Another fantastic semi-permanent Starlink RV mount idea involves a set of two closet channels, some bolts, and some wing nuts. This solution is shown in the video below and is absolutely genius.

Clearly, there are plenty of Starlink RV mount methods and options out there. Hopefully one of these great ideas will work for you and your rig so you can continue to stay connected wherever you roam!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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Everyone loves a good, hot shower. One of the best things about RV life is the fact that you have an RV water heater wherever you roam, meaning you can get one of those showers even if you happen to be parking in a Walmart parking lot. 

Of course, you will want to know how to properly use your RV hot water heater before you dive into RV life. That’s where this article comes into play. Below, we’ve included all the most important information on RV water heaters so you can take that first RV shower with complete confidence and ensure your RV water heater lasts for years to come. 

Types of RV Water Heaters

First, let’s talk about the different types of RV water heaters. Understanding the options out there and knowing what you have in your rig will help you understand how to use and care for your water heater down the line. 

Traditional RV Water Heater

First, there is the traditional RV water heater. These come in two sizes: the 10 gallon RV water heater and the 6 gallon RV water heater. The size refers to the tank on the heater, which holds the water to be heated up. Obviously, most people prefer the larger 10 gallon size, but in many cases, this larger tank simply isn’t practical in the tiny space of an RV. 

RV Tankless Water Heater

These days, many rigs come with a tankless water heater for an RV motorhome or trailer. These RV hot water heaters heat water on demand without the use of a tank. Not only does this save space, it also cuts back on weight in the RV and removes the need to wait for water to heat up.

Unfortunately, RV tankless water heaters also require a certain amount of water pressure to function properly. Most RV water pumps don’t provide this pressure, meaning those who camp without city water hookups may want to do some research before choosing a tankless option. 

Wondering how to convert an RV water heater to tankless? The video below offers some great information. 

 

Gas vs Electric RV Water Heater

Some RV water heaters run off of propane, using a small flame in a burner to heat the water. Others use electricity, heating the water with an electric RV water heater element. There are both gas and electric versions of traditional-style water heaters, and there are gas and electric versions of tankless water heaters. Additionally, many traditional water heaters offer both electric and gas heating capabilities. 

Gas water heaters are ideal for those who camp without electric hookups, as they can heat water with very little electricity. Meanwhile, many who spend all of their time in RV parks with electrical hookups prefer electric RV hot water heaters, as they don’t deplete the propane tanks on the RV.

If you plan to do a bit of boondocking and a bit of RV park camping, a combo water heater is probably your best bet. 

How to Use an RV Water Heater

Using a tankless RV water heater is pretty straightforward. That said, if you have a traditional water heater with a tank, there are some things you’ll want to know before your first use. 

How to Fill RV Hot Water Heater

It is very important that you never run your RV water heater when the tank is empty. Doing so can result in damage to the tank and may even burn out the electric element completely. 

Wondering how to fill RV water heater tanks? Lucky for you, it’s pretty easy to do:

1. First, make sure your water heater bypass valve is open so you aren’t bypassing the tank entirely. 
2. Next, connect the RV to city water or fill your freshwater tank. 
3. If you’re using water from the fresh tank, turn the pump on. 
4. In both cases, you will want to open the hot water side of a tap and let it run until the stream of water is steady and no more air is coming through. 
5. Once that happens, you know your tank is full. 

How to Turn Your Water Heater On

The next step is to turn your RV water heater on. In most modern RVs, this happens with the flip of a switch that can be found on the control panel of your rig. If you have both gas and electric options available, you can flip both switches on to run both the electric element and the gas burner and thus heat the water faster.

If you aren’t finding a water heater switch on your control panel, it might be that you have to manually light your gas water heater. To do this, turn the pilot knob to the “pilot” position (you may have to press it in and hold it down, depending on the water heater model). Using a long utility lighter, light the propane that is now flowing into the burner, holding the lighter in place until you’re sure the pilot is lit. Once the pilot is lit, turn the knob from “pilot” to “on”. The flame should grow tremendously and will begin to heat the water. 

How Long for an RV Water Heater to Heat Up?

Now that you’ve turned your water heater on, you may be wondering how long you need to wait for hot water. In most cases, you will need to wait about 30 minutes for a tank to heat completely. If your tank is the larger 10 gallon size, you may need to wait even longer (up to an hour). 

If you prefer not to wait this long every time you shower, you might consider leaving the RV water heater on until it’s time for the tank to be emptied. Just be aware that this will use up propane if you have a gas heater!

Taking Care of Your RV Hot Water Heater

Obviously, you will want to take good care of your RV hot water heater. The tips below will help you do just that so you can have hot water on the road for years to come. 

Should You Sanitize RV Hot Water Heater?

Most people sanitize their freshwater tank once or twice a year. Should you sanitize your RV water heater as well? Most people do run the bleach water mixture used to clean their fresh water tank through the water heater and the water lines using the RV water pump. 

We also recommend cleaning the water heater twice a year using an RV water heater rinser and white vinegar. This helps get rid of buildup and sediment. 

Should I Drain My RV Water Heater after Each Use?

Many people wonder, “Should I drain my water heater after each use?” If you are living in the RV full time and using the water heater daily, no, you don’t need to empty the tank every time you move. Simply cleaning twice a year should be sufficient.

That said, if you will be leaving the RV to sit for more than two weeks at a time, you probably should empty the tank in order to avoid returning to a tank full of yucky water. This is super easy to do, as it only requires you to remove a plug. 

Changing Your RV Water Heater Anode Rod

If you have an Atwood RV water heater, you will need to remember to keep up with the anode rod. You see, these heaters are porcelain lined, and a sacrificial anode rod is used to attract minerals that may otherwise eat up that porcelain lining. The anode rod gets used up over time and must be replaced in order to protect the tank.

We recommend checking your RV water heater anode rod each time you clean the water heater tank. If it is 50% gone, it’s time for a new one. 

Cleaning the Water Heater Burner Tube

Did you know spiders are attracted to the smell of propane? Because of this, these little critters LOVE to make themselves at home in RV water heater burner tubes. This leads to a clogged tube and a water heater burner that will not light. 

For this reason, we recommend blowing out the water heater burner tube with compressed air after pulling your RV out of storage and anytime it doesn’t want to light. For particularly difficult clogs, you might also consider using pipe cleaners. 

Winterizing an RV Hot Water Heater

If you’ll be living in your RV over the winter, you are probably planning to head south, add skirting, or take other precautions. In this case, winterizing the water system likely isn’t necessary. 

That said, if your RV will be in storage during the winter months, you will need to winterize the water system, including the water heater. To do this, you will need a water heater bypass valve, something that some RVs come equipped with but others need added aftermarket. 

Winterizing your RV hot water heater involves turning the heater off, waiting for the water to cool, emptying the tank completely, rinsing out debris with the aforementioned rinsing tool, and turning the bypass valve so the tank is disconnected from the rest of the water system. 

From there, you can continue winterizing the rest of the water system. Be sure to remember the water heater when de-winterizing in the spring!

Inspect Before Each Use

Our last bit of advice? Be sure to visually inspect your water heater after each move. This will help you catch black marks caused by an improper air/fuel mixture, debris caught in the vent, gunk in the burner, and other potential problems. 

With these tips and tricks, you should be able to take many hot showers as you tour the country. Enjoy!
There you have it, our top tips for family RV living. Use these tips and you might just find yourself enjoying fulltime RV living for years to come!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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Have you ever been to an RV rally? If not, it’s high time you got yourself to one. And honestly, even if you’ve already been to a dozen RV events, you should be making plans to attend upcoming rallies. Why? Because whether you’re brand new to the road or an old pro, an RV rally will have something great to offer you! 

Fulltime Families has a large number of RV rallies in 2022, and even some already planned for 2023. These RV events are crucial for making and nurturing the connections that make long-term travel feasible. They also offer a variety of other opportunities and benefits that RVers can take advantage of, and because any rally run by FtF is going to be a full-time family RV rally, you can rest assured your kids will have some awesome opportunities too. 

Here are the top reasons to attend a Fulltime Families RV rally in 2022, 2023, and beyond!

Make New Friends

The first and most obvious reason to attend an RV rally is to make like-minded friends. This is why many new RVers end up at Fulltime Families rallies and events, and if it’s the main reason you head to one yourself, you won’t be disappointed.

FtF events always have a huge number of families in attendance. Not only that, the organized fun at these events also ensures everyone has a chance to meet new friends. In fact, some rally events are put together specifically to encourage interaction between families who have never met!

Yes, those who are new to full time RV living will find new friends, but even those who’ve been on the road for years are likely to find some new buddies when attending an RV rally. 

Spend Time with Old Friends

If you’ve been traveling for a few months or more, you’ve likely connected with a few RVing families, especially if you’ve attended other RV events or spent time in Thousand Trails campgrounds.

In many cases, full time family RV rally events serve as reunion events, bringing families who have already met back together, as well as strengthening previously established relationships. Rallies are what makes the Fulltime Families community as strong as it is!

Bond as a Family

Yes, you’re going to connect with other families while at an RV rally. You won’t be able to help it, as you’ll be surrounded by potential friends and the kids will be meeting other kids by the dozens. Surprisingly though, many find that Fulltime Families rallies also help bring their own family unit closer together. 

You see, some of the organized games and events at these rallies are focused on getting the kids and adults to play together. A lot of parents take off work for a few days in order to enjoy the festivities. This leads to families making memories together, something that is sure to create a stronger family bond. 

See the Sights

When most people think “RV Rally,” they imagine staying within the campground and hanging out with other RVers there. And yes, a lot of what happens at a Fulltime Families rally is in the host campground.

That said, most rallies also include at least one field trip. This is an opportunity to get in some sightseeing with friends. In some cases, it might mean checking out something you would not have thought to see otherwise, and seeing cool attractions with friends always adds another layer of fun and excitement!

Enhance Your Roadschooling

Fulltime Families RV rally events are perfect for roadschoolers. Not only do they offer plenty of opportunities for socializing and having fun, they also offer a huge number of educational activities. 

The aforementioned field trips are always educational in some way, and the Kids’ Marketplace gives kids a chance to try their hand at running a business. Crafts encourage creativity, games encourage teamwork, and Fulltime Families Explorer events give kids a chance to earn a badge when they learn important life skills. Additionally, most FtF rallies include guest speakers who come in to talk to families about their field of expertise. 

These events pack so much education into a week that most families take a break from any traditional schooling they would normally do in order to take full advantage of the event activities. 

Gather Ideas

One of the benefits of having a community is that members within the community help one another. Many families use rallies as a chance to get ideas and input from other full timers, finding out what has worked for others and how their peers are solving problems that are stumping them.

Coffee talks about specific topics are great opportunities for gathering such information, so be prepared to take notes! 

Get Help and Offer Assistance

Another benefit of being part of a strong community? You’ll never have to be concerned about finding help when you need it. Some Fulltime Families members use rallies and other RV events to offer and/or ask for a helping hand.

We’ve seen many major RV projects happen during rallies. Whether you need bunk beds built or a mechanical issue fixed, a rally could be the time to find that helping hand you’ve been looking for. Just know that because many RVers make RV repairs and modifications for a living, you might need to pay for your fellow travelers’ services!

Grow Your Business

Are you one of those individuals who runs an RV repair company? Do you have a handyman business you’re looking to build? If so, offering your services during a rally might be the perfect way to grow your business and get the boost you’ve been needing. 

Don’t have one of these types of businesses? Don’t worry, this benefit isn’t limited to those who can make repairs and build things. In fact, pretty much any business owner can benefit from networking at RV rallies. Many RV rally events even include an adult marketplace specifically for this purpose. 

Clearly, there is a lot to be gained from attending an RV rally. Are you ready to be a part of the Fulltime Families community and feel that sense of connection you’ve been searching for? Grab a membership today and sign up for one of our many upcoming RV events. We can’t wait to meet you!

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Looking to become a full time RV family? Great choice! Family RV living allows you to go to new places and experience new things, all while becoming closer as a family.

That said, there are definitely some things you’ll want to know before jumping into fulltime RV living. Below are our top tips on full time RV living for beginners. These tips were chosen specifically for those looking to try family RV living, so those of you with kids will find them particularly helpful. 

Give Yourself Space

This first tip comes into play before you’re ever on the road—that is, while you’re still shopping for your home-on-wheels. You know by now that all RVs are small—at least relative to houses and most apartments—but some are much smaller than others, and if you’re going to be living in your rig with kids you are going to want more space than what a van or small trailer can offer. 

Generally, we think fifth wheels are the best choice for family RV living because they tend to offer the most space. That said, larger class A motorhomes, class C motorhomes, and even bumper-pull travel trailers can be found, and many are plenty big enough for a family. 

Just make sure everyone has their own bed and that there is enough room to spread out. A great way to do this? Go through the motions of day-to-day living in every RV you are seriously considering. Really get a feel for what the space is like to live in, especially with people moving around one another.

Doors are a Must-Have

Besides space, you will also want your full time RV family rig to have doors. Believe it or not, there are a good number of RVs out there that do not have doors on the bedroom spaces. This is an issue when your kids need to go to bed before you do. It also makes it difficult to find privacy when changing clothes or when you just need a break.

Therefore, we highly recommend making doors a high priority during the RV shopping process. 

Use the Outdoors

Honestly, no matter how big your RV is, you’re likely to feel cramped at times. For this reason, we highly recommend making the most of your outdoor space by investing in outdoor furniture, using your RV awning, setting up a Clam tent, and generally ensuring your campsite is comfortable enough to spend time in. 

Once your outdoor living space is set up, you can use it for the kids’ playtime, as a place to work, or even as a place to enjoy dinner together without feeling squished. 

Choose Toys Wisely

Your kids will want to have some toys, and really, they should have them. However, we recommend being very selective about the toys you bring in. Open-ended toys such as blocks and play silks are ideal, as they can be used in a variety of games. We also like small toys that are easily stored, outdoor toys that can be enjoyed on your site, and consumable playthings such as Play-Doh and bubbles. 

Find Ways to Organize

It can be hard to keep an RV organized even when kids aren’t involved. When you’re a full time RV family with all the accompanying toys and kids’ clothes added to the mix…well, you can imagine how things become even more cluttered. 

As you’re moving into your rig, find ways to organize toys, clothes, dishes, and food in a way that makes sense to you. Use existing cabinets and drawers and organize them using containers. Over-the-door organizers work well for toiletries and small toys, and stuffed animal hammocks are ideal for stuffies, dolls, and more. 

Get creative and see what clever RV storage ideas you can come up with, but be sure everything is secure so nothing goes flying while you’re driving. 

Purge Regularly

When you have kids, stuff seems to accumulate quickly, especially when holidays and birthdays roll around. For this reason, we recommend planning on a big purge every six months or so. 

Set aside a couple of days and use this time to get rid of things that are no longer being used and reorganize areas of the RV that just aren’t working well for you. 

…But Learn to Love the Mess

Unfortunately, no matter how much you limit the toys, no matter how much you organize and purge, there is always, always going to be some sort of mess in your home when you’re family RV living. Small spaces get messy fast, and when you’re in your tiny home all the time, it’s going to be nearly impossible to keep up with the messes.

For this reason, you will probably have to learn to embrace a little bit of mess instead of letting it drive you crazy. 

Talk About Conservation

Nobody wants their kids to waste water or electricity, but when you live in an RV, this becomes even more important. You see, most RVers find themselves in sites without sewer hookups from time to time. Not only that, but many even choose to camp off-grid without any hookups at all!

When camping without hookups, conserving water and electricity is a must. Therefore, every full time RV family will need to teach their kids to remember to turn off lights, as well as how to wash up with as little water as possible. 

Teach the Kids to Help

Another thing you’ll want to teach the kids? How to help out around the RV. Of course, most kids have chores around the house, so why wouldn’t RV kids have chores around the RV?

Chores could include the usual things like cleaning up toys or wiping down the bathroom sink, but they could also be things like helping pack up on travel day or even helping dump the tanks. 

Always Have a Meal Plan

Hungry kids are cranky kids. Unfortunately, there isn’t a whole lot of room for food in an RV fridge. Additionally, RVers often find themselves out sightseeing or driving from one campground to another at meal times. Often, this leads to eating out, but we all know that eating out is expensive and most families can’t afford to eat at restaurants every day. 

The key to solving this problem? Meal planning. Always have a plan for meals. Plan to head to the store every few days to restock the fridge. If you plan to be out on a certain day, plan to pack lunch. Have quick, easy meals handy for travel days, and make use of time-saving tools such as an air fryer or Instant Pot. 

Make Your Schooling Fit Your Life

Most people who choose family RV living also choose homeschooling (aka roadschooling). If you have no experience with even “normal” homeschooling, jumping into roadschooling can definitely feel overwhelming.

The number one thing to keep in mind? Homeschooling does not have to look like traditional schooling!

From virtual school to all-in-one curriculum bundles, and from project-based learning to full-on unschooling, there are a huge number of ways to go about educating your kids on the road. Try not to get too wrapped up in labels or whether you’re doing things “right,” and instead focus on figuring out the kind of schooling that best fits your family, keeping in mind that this could change over time. 

Note: Some states make it easier to homeschool than others. As a roadschooling family, you might want to consider domiciling in one of these states. 

Wrap Your Travels into Your Studies

You’d have to be crazy not to use your fulltime RVing adventures to educate your kids. We highly recommend making a point of visiting educational attractions such as national parks, museums, and historic sites along the way.

Consider reading a bit about each of the places you’ll be visiting as a family, and encourage your kids to dive into interesting topics that come up during field trips. Use programs such as the Junior Ranger Program and docent talks to expand upon the educational aspects of any place you visit.

You could even create entire unit studies about certain areas of the country, or relevant time periods for historic sites you come across, or whatever! Roadschooling is flexible like that.

Find Friends and Keep in Touch

Everyone needs friends. Therefore, it is crucial that you find friends when family RV living. Ideally, you’ll find families that mesh with your own family so that the adults and kids alike will have somebody to hang out with. 

The best way to find full-time RV family friends? Join Fulltime Families! From there, plan to attend an event—or head to either Florida or South Texas for the winter—as you’re sure to find several Fulltime Families members there.

However you go about finding your RVing friends, be sure to keep in touch through social media and plan meetups whenever possible. Some families even choose to caravan with each other. 

Join Thousand Trails 

As we just mentioned, many Fulltime Families members like to hang out in Florida and South Texas in the winter (for weather reasons, obviously). A huge number of these are staying in Thousand Trails campgrounds, both during their winter stints in the south and as they travel to other areas of the country. 

For this reason, it’s a good idea to snag a Thousand Trails campground membership. Not only will this allow you to meet up with friends more easily, but because there are always families in Thousand Trails campgrounds, you’ll probably even make new friends by staying in this campground system. 

Let the Kids Help Plan

When possible, let your kids help you plan your travels. Ask them where they’d like to go, what they’d like to see, and what kinds of things are most important to them. Weaving everyone’s preferences into your travels will help keep the whole family happier on the road, making it easier to keep up your family RV living lifestyle for longer. 

Make Travel Days Short and Sweet

Long travel days and kids do not go well together. For this reason, we highly recommend limiting your travel days to 200–300 miles and planning to stop every two hours or so. Many families also prefer to avoid back-to-back travel days. Of course, having plenty of things for the kids to do as you travel is also a good idea. 

Take It Slow

When you first get on the road, it can be tempting to go, go, go. After all, there is a whole lot to see out there, and only so much time to see it. 

That said, traveling too quickly gets tiring before too long, and those who try to keep up a fast pace are likely to burn out. This is even more true when you’re trying to keep up with work, roadschooling, and household tasks on top of traveling and sightseeing.

To avoid this travel fatigue, we highly recommend traveling slowly. Stopping in each place for a longer amount of time allows you to really get to know the area. It also gives you time to keep up with day-to-day life and helps make RVing a little more affordable by giving you access to weekly or monthly campground rates, not to mention cutting back on monthly fuel usage. 

There you have it, our top tips for family RV living. Use these tips and you might just find yourself enjoying fulltime RV living for years to come!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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For the most part, we full-time RVers don’t have to think about finding affordable RV storage. We do live in the things, after all, and a home isn’t something you just put away very often. That said, there are certain times when it does come up. Perhaps you’re headed out on a cruise, or you need to fly out to see family. In these cases, RV storage is necessary.

Fortunately, RV & boat storage is something you can find in most places. However, traditional storage isn’t always cheap. If you’re low on funds, you might be looking for RV storage ideas that’ll save you money. The good news? Affordable RV storage solutions are out there!

In this article, we are going to give you info on what you might expect to pay for storage, offer some affordable RV storage ideas, and give you some tips on choosing the right RV storage option. 

How Much Does RV Storage Cost? 

First, let’s address the burning question: How much does RV storage cost? Obviously, RV storage fees depend on where you are located, the type of storage you choose, and what kind of RV you need to store. That said, on average, people spend between $50 and $200 a month on traditional RV storage. 

If this is within your budget, you’ll likely be perfectly happy paying to store your rig at an RV & boat storage lot. Better yet, if you can afford to pay a little more, you might want to consider indoor/climate-controlled storage to keep your home-on-wheels extra safe. 

That said, not everyone can afford these prices. Not only that, but most RV storage lots charge by the month and are looking for a multi-month commitment. If you’ll be back in your tiny home in just a week or two (and most full-timers will), this likely won’t work for you. That’s where the creative solutions below come into play.

Affordable RV Storage Solutions

Wondering where to store RV campers if not on a traditional RV & boat storage lot? Don’t worry, there are a lot of great options, and many of them might even save you a few bucks on RV storage fees.

Here are our top picks when it comes to affordable RV storage.

A Friend’s Property

The best option—if you don’t have property of your own—is to store your RV on some property owned by a friend or family member. This might mean parking in an empty spot in the driveway, or it could mean getting set up in the grass. In some cases, you might even get lucky enough to park in a garage or under a carport.

No matter where you end up parked on a friend’s property, you will likely feel safer that they can keep an eye on it. Just be sure you thank them and offer something in return! 

Campgrounds

There are some campgrounds that will allow you to pay for a nightly spot and leave your camper there unoccupied. That said, there are also many that don’t allow this, and in our experience, most membership campgrounds and budget options (such as state parks) do not allow this. 

The better way to go? Campground storage areas. Many campgrounds have a special area set aside for RV & boat storage. While you will pay to use these storage areas, they tend to be cheaper than dedicated RV storage lots. They are also pretty handy because you can easily put your RV in storage after staying at the campground, and then move right into a site once you get back to your RV. 

Church Parking Lots

Church parking lots are another one of our ideas for RV storage. This one is best for those who only need RV storage for a few days. Why? Because many churches have huge parking lots that aren’t used at all during the week, but could easily fill up on Sunday. If you’ll only be gone for a few days during the week, a local church might be happy to help you out with a place to park your rig. 

Of course, whether this will work depends a lot on where you are, what churches are around, and if you have any sort of relationship with any of the churches. It is definitely something worth considering though! 

Other Local Lots

If a church lot won’t work but you happen to know a local business owner, you could be in luck! Many businesses have parking lots that never fill completely. A business owner who is also a friend might just be willing to store your RV in their business parking lot for a bit, an affordable RV storage idea that many don’t consider. 

Choosing the Right RV & Boat Storage

Still not sure which RV storage option is best for you? There are a few factors you should consider when making your decision. Thinking about these things should help you make the best choice for you and your rig. 

Cost

Cost is the most obvious factor to consider. You can definitely shop around and find the least expensive storage lot in the area. That said, because traditional RV storage is so expensive, one of the RV storage ideas above might just be your best bet for affordable RV storage.

Location

Location is also important to keep in mind. If you’re traveling by plane, for example, parking close to wherever you are flying from is a good idea. Leaving the rig in a decent part of town and away from a lot of traffic is also a good idea to prevent theft or vandalism. 

Security

It’s also important to consider the security of the spot you choose to leave your rig. Is it gated? Will someone be around to keep an eye on the RV? Is the space it’ll be parked in well-lit? You definitely want your home-on-wheels to be there when you get back, so these are things you’ll want to ask yourself. 

Weather

Lastly, you will want to consider the weather in the place where the RV will be stored. If you’ll be leaving the rig for a long time, you might want to skip any place with extreme weather conditions such as intense sunlight, lots of rain, or huge amounts of snow. These things all take their toll on RVs, so leaving your rig sitting still in these elements for a long period of time is never a good idea. 

If you must leave your RV in cold weather, be sure to fully winterize it and then leave time to de-winterize when you return.

Need even more info on RV storage? Check out the video below.

With this information, you should be able to seek out an ideal RV storage solution without breaking the bank. Not sure how to begin the search? Ask around to see if a friend or family member has a yard or lot they’d be willing to lend. Check with local campgrounds about their storage options.

If all else fails, search “RV parking storage near me” and start gathering information on RV storage fees so you can make the best decision for you and your budget.

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The summer is coming to a close, and if you’re in your RV full-time (or plan to be in it for the winter), that means it’s time to start thinking about the colder months. RVing in winter can be tricky, but it definitely isn’t impossible.

One way that many full-time RVers make it work? They choose RV living in Florida for the winter.

Not sure if RV living in Florida is the right fit for your family this winter? Read on to learn 1) why you should go RVing in Florida this cold season, 2) where to find the best RV parks in Florida, and 3) how to make some RVing friends in Florida, all so you can have an amazing winter of fun in the sun. 

Why Choose Florida for RVing in Winter?

First, let’s talk a little bit about why you might want to choose Florida as your winter RVing destination. Below are our top four reasons why we think this is an excellent choice. 

Reason #1: Weather

The most obvious reason for heading to Florida in the winter is the weather. RVs are notorious for being under-insulated, and they can actually be damaged by super cold weather. By going RVing in Florida during the winter months, you escape the worst of the cold. In fact, central and south Florida rarely see freezing temperatures—and if they do, it’s only for an hour or two in the middle of the night. 

Reason #2: Attractions

In addition to the great weather, there are also a number of amazing well-known attractions in Florida, as well as some awesome hidden gems. Exploring the state, experiencing world-class attractions, and seeking out Florida hidden gems will keep you busy all winter long. 

Reason #3: Friends

Florida is one of the most popular places for RV living in the winter. This is true for the older generation, yes, but it’s also true for RVing families. For this reason, RVing in Florida in the winter is a great way to make friends while traveling full-time. Not only will you get to hang out all winter, but many RVers also find themselves caravaning with their Florida friends after the cold finally lets up. 

Reason #4: Membership Campgrounds

Another great reason to head to Florida for the winter? This state is home to three Thousand Trails campgrounds and an enormous number of Encore parks that are included with the Trails Collection membership. If you have a Thousand Trails Membership with the Trails Collection add-on, you should be able to camp in Florida without spending any more than what you already spend on membership payments and fees. 

Finding a Campground in Florida

As mentioned above, Florida is a super popular winter RVing destination. This means lots of friends, yes, but it also means there is some pretty fierce competition for campsites, especially those in what many consider to be the best RV parks in Florida. Read on to learn our top tips for securing campsites in Florida this winter. 

Book Early

The number one thing to keep in mind about booking Florida RV parks in the winter? Book early. As early as you can, in fact. Some of the best RV parks in Florida book up a full year in advance. That said, you aren’t doomed if you haven’t booked a year out. We’ll talk a bit about that below. 

Use Thousand Trails

One way to get into full-hookup Florida RV parks without booking 12 months in advance is to invest in a Thousand Trails membership. Each member of Thousand Trails has a set booking window. In some cases this is 180 days out, but the majority of memberships out there have a 90–120 day booking window. This means nobody is booking any more than six months in advance, and most people have to wait until 3–4 months out.

The end result? Available sites, even if you don’t start booking your winter until August or September. 

All that said, you do want to stay on top of your Thousand Trails and Trails Collection reservations, especially if you plan to use this system exclusively. Take note of when your booking windows open and set reminders to hop on at midnight central time to book your next stay as soon as that window opens. 

Employ Wandering Labs

Another way to find sites closer to when you need to stay? Wandering Labs. This awesome program allows you to choose the place(s) you’d like to stay and the dates you need to fill, and will send you an alert if and when something becomes available. This is definitely an excellent tool to have on hand when RVing in Florida in the winter. 

Invest in Boondockers Welcome and Harvest Hosts

Sometimes you just need to fill a day or two in between campground stays. Maybe you couldn’t get the exact dates you wanted, or maybe you have a long drive from one campground to the next and need a halfway stop.

Either way, Boondockers Welcome and Harvest Hosts are both great memberships to have for filling short stints. There are a number of Florida locations on both memberships, and most don’t even accept bookings until 14–90 days out. 

Try Florida Dry Camping 

Many people don’t believe it when they hear that Florida has dry-camping opportunities. Better yet, many of these campsites are 100% free!

If you need a place to stay and hookups aren’t a need, be sure to check out the many Florida boondocking and dry camping spots found on Free Campsites and Campendium. Many of these do require you to make a reservation even if they’re free, so keep that in mind.

Consider a Seasonal Site

Don’t want to deal with fighting for campsites and/or hopping from one spot to another this winter? You might consider getting a seasonal or annual site at one of the best RV parks in Florida. This allows you to relax while you regroup over the winter, so you’re rejuvenated and ready to go once spring rolls around. 

Finding Friends while RV Living in Florida

Many people use their time RVing in Florida to find friends. There are tons of full-time RVers down here, and finding people to hang out with really couldn’t be easier. If you’re heading to Florida with no contacts and want to make sure your family makes friends, we recommend keeping the following tips in mind. 

Join Fulltime Families

First and foremost, make sure you’re a member of Fulltime Families. Join groups on social media and display your sticker!

Go Outside and Don’t be Afraid to Say Hello

In many Florida RV parks, kids are around every corner. This is especially true in Thousand Trails Orlando and Peace River RV Campground, as both are Thousand Trails parks and many Fulltime Families members consider these their home parks. 

If you see families outside, go out there. Don’t be afraid to approach others to say hello. Most RVers are incredibly kind and welcoming and will be happy to let you into the circle to join the conversation. 

Watch Social Media for Events

Those social media groups you joined? Keep an eye on them! Members of Fulltime Families host many events in Florida throughout the winter. These will be posted on social media and include everything from field trips and parties to campfires and potlucks. Be sure to attend as many events as you can, as these are excellent places to meet new people!

Organize Events of Your Own

You can also organize your own meetups, campfires, field trips, and parties. If it’s a laid-back invitation to join your family at a campfire, simply post it in the chat or group for your park or area. If you want to host a more official event, contact Fulltime Families to set something up!

Attend the Madison Rally

Each year at the end of the winter, Fulltime Families hosts a large Family Reunion Rally in Madison, Florida. This event is perfect for those who spent the winter in Florida and are heading out for summer adventures, and presents a great opportunity to meet some new caravan buddies to join you on your summer adventures!

More Tips for RVing in Florida

By now you have a pretty good idea of what RV living in Florida in winter entails. That said, there are a few more tips we want to toss your way to make your stay in the Sunshine State even better. 

Carry a Jacket Everywhere

Winter days in Florida are typically warm, and some are downright hot. Most people find themselves wearing shorts and t-shirts through most of the winter season. That said, it can get chilly once the sun goes down. For this reason, we recommend carrying a jacket in your car or around your waist so you have it should you get a bit cold. 

Invest in Space Heaters

We rarely find that the weather gets cool enough to turn on our furnace while wintering in Florida. That said, there are times when the inside of our rig gets a tiny bit chilly. For this, we much prefer to use a space heater or two instead of the furnace. Space heaters work just fine when the weather isn’t too terribly cold, and they are more efficient and cost-effective than RV furnaces tend to be. 

Grab Some Bug Repellent

It’s no secret that Florida is a buggy place, and this is just as true in winter as it is in summer. If you plan to spend any time outside (and you absolutely should), grab some bug repellent—we like Bug Defense by Venture Wipes—and some citronella candles, so you can enjoy the outdoors without being eaten alive. 

Consider a Clam Tent

Another great way to defend yourself against Florida bugs? A Clam Tent. One of these pop-up tents gives you a place to sit in the evenings without being attacked by mosquitos. It also works well as an office or play space in the daytime and offers shade that is typically very welcome in Florida.

With these tips, you are 100% ready to spend your winter RV living in Florida. Be sure to check out our article on things to do in Florida and get ready to have an amazing and sunny winter!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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Florida is a fantastic state for a huge number of reasons. For one thing, it’s a great place to spend the winter, as the weather stays sunny and warm practically all year long. We also appreciate the fact that many Fulltime Families winter in the state, meaning it’s a cinch to make friends while RV living in Florida. Finally, we love that there are simply so many things to do in Florida. 

Seriously, there are so many amazing attractions, sights, and hidden gems in Florida that one could easily spend multiple winters there and never once get bored. If you’re trying to plan your winter in Florida and aren’t sure how to fill your time, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ve listed 19+ amazing things to see and do in the Sunshine State. 

Let’s dive in!

Things to Do in North Florida

Headed to the northern part of the Sunshine State? You won’t be bored! These are some of the best things to do in north Florida. 

Castillo de San Marcos

A must-see Florida attraction, the Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental US. It’s full of history and makes a great roadschool destination. Be sure to watch the firing of the cannon and get a Junior Ranger badge!

Historic Downtown St. Augustine

We also love wandering around Historic Downtown St. Augustine. If you want a nice tour, consider hopping on a trolley. If you’re looking for a museum experience, both the Pirate and Treasure Museum and Colonial Quarter are fantastic!

Bulow Sugar Plantation Ruins Historic State Park

For a more laid-back roadschool history lesson, head to Bulow Sugar Plantation Ruins Historic State Park. This was an excellent lesson on how sugar was made, and the other historical events that went down here were fascinating. 

Toronita Avenue Beach Park

Okay, so this one might seem a bit funny at first glance. There are tons of beaches lining the state. Why list this one? Well, to be honest, this is one of our favorite little beaches in Florida. 

Parking is free and not far from the beach, there are clean restrooms and outdoor showers available, trash cans and recycle bins are right on the beach, and the beach itself is always clean and beautiful. Definitely one of those hidden gems in Florida!

Things to Do in Central Florida

Planning to be in central Florida? These are far from the only awesome things to do in Florida in this area, but they are some of our absolute favorites!

Paddling with Manatees in the Crystal River

No winter in Florida is complete without at least one manatee encounter. The best place for this? Crystal River.

There are a number of spots to put a kayak or paddle board in Crystal River, and in the coldest months (typically January and February) the manatee are plentiful. When you do find a manatee, feel free to hop in and go for a swim with the gentle giant. You can even let it swim up and touch you—just be sure you don’t initiate the touch. 

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

The original Florida amusement park, Weeki Wachee Springs first opened in 1947. The park offered a live mermaid show that captivated people of all ages. Today, mermaid shows are still attracting visitors and they are fantastic. On top of that, visitors can now enjoy a water park, river boat tour, and animal presentations during their visit. 

This place is an absolute blast and was one of our favorite adventures in Florida for sure!

The Ringling

If you’re into circuses, you really must visit The Ringling. This museum campus has four parts: two circus museums, an art museum, outdoor gardens (with a super cool playground and banyan tree), and the family’s own historic mansion. 

We saw the circus museum, gardens, and art museum and thoroughly enjoyed all three. Even our then-6-year-old had a good time!

Siesta Key Beach

We already mentioned a northern Florida beach, but it’s far from the only good beach in the state. Another one of our favorites? Siesta Key Beach. This is an incredibly popular beach, so you will want to arrive with time to search the large lots for parking. 

That said, the search for parking is definitely worthwhile for us, as this is one of our favorite adventures in Florida. The sand here is as soft and cool to the touch as powdered sugar, and the water is a lovely blue. Best of all, there is a drum circle that plays on Sunday evenings that is fantastic. 

Kelly Park Rock Springs

To be honest, we haven’t made it to this one yet, but we’ve heard from countless other Fulltime Families that Kelly Park Rock Springs is an excellent Florida hidden gem. Not only will you get to swim in one of Florida’s famous springs, this is actually a super fun place to go tubing as well. 

Be sure to bring your own tube so you don’t have to pay for a rental! If you do need to rent one, you will have to do so from a business outside of the park, as the park itself does not have rental tubes available. 

Orlando-Area Theme Parks

Obviously, you will want to hit at least one of the world-class amusement parks while in central Florida. Walt Disney World is great for younger children and Universal is fantastic for thrill seekers. Young animal enthusiasts might appreciate a visit to SeaWorld Orlando, and little builders will love LEGOLAND Florida. 

If you plan to hit up LEGOLAND, consider joining the official Fulltime Families field trip for a discount and some friends to play with!

Things to Do in South Florida

Finally, these are our favorite things to do in south Florida. Pick and choose from this list and you really can’t go wrong.

Everglades National Park

Easily our favorite Florida field trip to date, Everglades National Park is a must-see if you make it all the way to south Florida. We highly recommend the ranger-led night walk on the Anhinga Trail for seeing active gators (but bring bug spray, trust us). Of course, any visitor center, site, or hike you decide to check out is sure to be fantastic!

Biscayne National Park

Unfortunately we didn’t plan well, so we didn’t get to see much of Biscayne National Park. We did check out the visitor center though, and cannot wait to get back and see more. 

Most of this park is covered in water, meaning you really need to get in a boat to explore it. Our plan for next time? Go on a snorkel tour!

Frost Museum of Science

We use our reciprocal museum membership to visit a lot of science museums. The Frost Museum of Science was one of our favorites so far and was definitely our favorite science center in Florida. This museum is huge, so you will want the whole day to explore it all. We loved the open-air design of the space and found that it had a lot of unique exhibits, something that is nice when you visit a lot of science museums. 

History of Diving Museum

An odd little niche museum, the History of Diving Museum was incredibly educational and definitely stuck with us in a way many museums don’t. It explores the history of diving in-depth (we were surprised to learn how far back diving actually goes!) and has many antique diving helmets as well as other dive gear from over the centuries. 

Bahia Honda State Park

Probably the prettiest Florida State Park we’ve had the chance to visit, Bahia Honda State Park is located on Big Pine Key, and getting there is quite a drive from the mainland. That said, it is worth the drive. The park has a beautiful beach area where the kids played for hours, and the sunset from the bridge is incredible!

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Another fantastic place to watch a sunset in the keys, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is home to a historic fort that is tons of fun to explore. There is also a beautiful beach in the park where you can watch cruise ships coming and going and then watch as the sun sets over the water. 

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Yet another state park in the Florida Keys, John Pennekamp is the place to go if you love to snorkel and don’t want to pay for a snorkeling boat tour. You see, there is a shipwreck under the water in this park, and it actually isn’t too far from the beach. Several people in our group swam to see the shipwreck, and even the kids made it without an issue.

Of course, you will need to bring snorkeling gear if you plan to check it out!

Hiking Any Keys State Park

We’ve also visited Curry Hammock State Park and Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park. Like the other parks on this list, they were well worth visiting and exploring. We’re guessing hiking/walking in any of the parks in the Keys would be a fun and interesting experience. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for animals, as there are tons of different species that call the Keys home!

Paddling in the Keys

So much of the beauty found in the Keys is in and on the water. For this reason, we highly recommend kayaking or paddleboarding while in the Keys. There are even some places where you can paddle to tiny islands, a great adventure that your kids are sure to remember!

Rental kayaks are an option, but you can also buy an inflatable one to use over and over again.

There you have it, 19+ amazing things to do in Florida, including some wonderful Florida hidden gems. Pick and choose from this list, add some cool finds of your own, take some Fulltime Families friends along on your adventures, and you’re sure to have an absolutely epic Florida winter!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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Having an RV awning is a fantastic thing. It can give you some shade even in the sunniest campsites, and there’s nothing like hanging out under the awning with family and friends. 

That said, these awnings don’t last forever. Sudden wind and rain can damage them really quickly, but even age alone will eventually create a need for an RV awning replacement. Fortunately, many damaged RV awnings can be fixed by owners, and if yours simply cannot be repaired, a replacement RV awning can be ordered. 

Not sure where to begin researching how to repair an RV awning, or where to buy and how to install a replacement RV awning? This is the article for you! Read on to learn our top tips for those with damaged RV awnings. 

How to Clean RV Awning Fabric

Sometimes the problem with an RV awning is just that it is incredibly dirty and smelly. Mildew and even mold can grow on awnings that are rolled up wet, and the dirt and debris that these things gather over time is incredible. If you can’t stand the smell when you pull your awning out, you might be able to solve your problems with something as simple as a good cleaning. 

Of course, you will need to know how to clean RV awning fabric. Here’s how we go about it:

• Unroll your awning and spray the underside with soap and water, or a cleaner such as Camco Pro Strength Awning Cleaner.
• Roll the awning back up and let it sit for an hour or so.
• Unroll the awning, rinse it off, and let it dry. 

If there are some stubborn spots of mildew, try rubbing them gently with a long-handled brush and a mixture of one part bleach to ten parts water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly after and avoid using bleach with every wash. 

This video has some great suggestions for cleaning RV awning fabric:

Repairing RV Awning Fabric

If your awning fabric is not just dirty but also has holes or tears, you might be able to get away with making a simple repair to the fabric rather than replacing the entire thing. This is much easier and costs a lot less. An RV awning fabric repair likely won’t last forever, but it will definitely buy you some time before you have to look into replacement RV awning fabric.

To repair your RV awning fabric, follow the steps below:

• Unroll and clean your RV awning.
• If you’re dealing with a big hole, try to acquire a piece of fabric to fill the void.
• Use Camco Awning Repair Tape or clear Gorilla Tape to cover both sides of the tear or hole and hold the extra fabric in place (if applicable).

This video might help you better understand how to go about this:

How to Replace RV Awning Fabric

Sometimes a simple patch just won’t cut it. If your RV awning fabric is ruined beyond repair, it’s time to look into replacement RV awning fabric. This is possible to purchase and isn’t too terribly expensive. It is also possible to install your RV awning replacement fabric yourself, making this an even more affordable job to get done. 

If you want to tackle this job yourself, we recommend ordering from a company such as ShadePro. This company creates RV awning replacement fabrics that perfectly fit into the most common awning hardware types out there, making them super easy to install. 

To make your RV awning fabric installation go as smoothly as possible, you will want to…

1. Determine what awning fabric type you need. We recommend sticking with the type of fabric your RV is currently using. 
2. Measure your current awning fabric. Be sure to carefully follow the measuring instructions on the site you’re ordering from (measure from center of arm to center of arm) in order to get the correct size. 
3. When your fabric arrives, follow the included instructions carefully, calling in a friend for help if possible. 

This video might help you get a better idea of what to do with your RV awning replacement fabric:

Replacing the fabric on an electric awning? This is a different process. Check out the video below for some tips on doing this:

Replacing Broken Awning Hardware

Have an awning with a broken arm? Dealing with broken hardware in another area? In this case, you might be able to replace just the broken part, or you might have to splurge on a full RV awning replacement. 

Replacing RV awning arms and other pieces of hardware can be a little bit more difficult than a fabric replacement, so if you aren’t 100% confident, you might want to consider calling in a tech. 

Check stores like Camping World to find the replacement parts you need, making sure they match your current setup. From there, follow the instructions included in the packaging or look for YouTube videos such as the one below to help you along:

RV Awning Alternatives

Don’t have the skills to fix your own RV awning? In this case, you might want to look for an RV awning alternative. This will ensure you can continue to enjoy the shade offered by an awning without investing in an RV awning replacement (and the cost of a mobile tech to install said awning). 

Some of our favorite RV awning alternatives are listed below.

Clam Shelter

We’ve mentioned before how much we love Clam Shelters. These things come in a variety of sizes, are quick and easy to set up, and can be used as outdoor offices, play spaces, and more. We love that the sides can be rolled up to let the breeze in or put them back down when the weather is cold or rainy, making it a super versatile option. 

MoonShade Portable Awning

MoonShade Portable Awnings are another great option. These can’t be used with bigger RVs, but are perfect for smaller trailers, camper vans, Jeeps, and trucks. They attach to the top of the vehicle and provide shade on the side of the vehicle just like a traditional RV awning. Best of all, they pack up super small!

Sun Ninja Pop-Up Beach Tent

A perfect option for those who want an awning that can stand on its own, a Sun Ninja Pop-Up Beach Tent is lightweight, easy to pack, and pops up super easily. We love that it can be set up even when no RV or vehicle is nearby, and we’ve found it’s great for those who prefer the shade offered by a Clam but don’t want side walls. 

There you have it, a variety of options for fixing or replacing your RV awning. Hopefully these ideas help you continue to enjoy shade in your campsite for years to come!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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One of the very best things about RV travel with kids is having the ability to roadschool them along the way, weaving education into your travels as your family directly experiences and learns about all kinds of places, people, nature, and events rather than only reading about them in books. And one of our favorite ways to do this? The NPS Junior Ranger Program!

In this article, we are going to discuss this program in detail so you can take full advantage of it during your roadschooling adventure. Let’s get started.

What is the NPS Junior Ranger Program?

The Junior Ranger Program encourages kids to get excited about our country’s national parks. It gives young visitors a chance to play a part in the conservation of these lands and helps them understand the history and geology behind each park.

We love that the Junior Ranger Program really gets young national parks visitors thinking about the places they visit, ensuring they get the most out of every visit. 

How Does the NPS Junior Ranger Program Work?

How does it work? Well, all of this national parks learning begins with a Junior Ranger book.

Junior Ranger books are available at all national parks, as well as national memorials, national monuments, national historic sites, and national historical parks. Each site has its own book, tailored to what the park is and what it has to offer. Most of the time, the books are 100% free, but we have come across a very few NPS sites that charge a small fee (usually just a few bucks).

Junior Ranger books are full of fun activities that the participant is asked to complete as they explore the park. Some common activities include nature scavenger hunts, questionnaires about the park (answers are usually found in the visitor center), and opportunities to draw and/or write about your visit. 

Generally, Junior Rangers are also required to go to a Ranger program and/or walk on a trail, check out a museum or visitor center, or participate in another park activity. Specific instructions for each park can be found in the Junior Ranger book you recieve there. 

Once a child has completed the activity book, a ranger will look it over and might ask some questions or have a discussion about their experience in the park. The participant will then be sworn in as a Junior Ranger and will receive a signed certificate as well as a Junior Ranger badge (or patch, depending on the park). 

How Can We Participate in the NPS Junior Ranger Program?

Ready to get involved but not sure how? It’s simple!

1. First, visit any national parks site. 
2. Head to a visitor center and ask for a Junior Ranger book (as stated earlier, very few NPS sites charge a small fee for the book; more often than not, you’ll get one for free).
3. Follow the instructions in the book, completing the activities in the book as well as the required in-park activities. (Pay attention, as some books have age-based requirements.)
4. Head to a visitor center and hand your completed book over to a ranger. 
5. Say the Junior Ranger pledge and don your new Junior Ranger badge!

What Are the Benefits of the Junior Ranger Program?

Not convinced the National Parks Junior Ranger program is for your family? You might want to think again. Here are some of the awesome benefits the program offers participants and their families.

Motivation to See and Do More

If you have trouble getting your kids excited about taking a hike or attending a ranger program when visiting a national park, the Junior Ranger program could be a huge help. A promise of a new badge might be the motivation they need to get out there and explore some more. 

Opportunities to Learn New Things

In many cases, Junior Ranger books offer information that isn’t found in visitor centers and signage throughout the park—and even if the info does exist elsewhere in the park, the books at least present it in a kid-friendly way. Thus, these books are the perfect option for those who like to learn as much as they can in each park they visit. 

Recurring Lessons on Caring for the Natural World

We love that Junior Ranger books are so focused on protecting the natural world. There are recurring lessons on this topic, meaning those who complete multiple Junior Ranger books should have a pretty good idea about how to take care of the Earth. 

Chances to Connect with Rangers

National parks rangers are some of the friendliest and most knowledgeable people we’ve had the pleasure of chatting with. Participating in the Junior Ranger program gives kids the chance to connect with rangers, and they will almost certainly end up finding some awesome conversations and learning opportunities in the process. 

Cool Collectible Badges and Patches

Finally, we love that Junior Ranger badges are so collectible. They also double as souvenirs, helping your kids remember every park they visit. Best of all, these badges are free and are small, making them easy to store and display in an RV. 

Are There Other Ways to Earn Badges?

Chances are, your kids are going to adore earning and collecting Junior Ranger badges as they travel. If you find that your family would like to earn more badges, you might just be in luck! You see, there are even more ways to earn badges. 

One option is to ask for extra badge-earning opportunities at the various national parks you visit. In addition to their main Junior Ranger badges, some parks offer specialty patches or badges as well. These can be earned by completing a separate book. 

Another option? Those who want to continue their Junior Ranger experience when away from the parks can head to this page for online activities and opportunities to earn more badges. 

We also recommend asking about possible badges for kids whenever you visit a park or other natural site. We’ve found badge-based programs for kids in many state park systems, including Washington State Parks and Florida State Parks. Additionally, the National Forest Service has a Junior Ranger Program that is very similar to the one offered by the NPS. 

Last but not least, we should mention the Fulltime Families Explorers program, a great way for kids to earn badges on the go.

What Should We Do with Our Junior Ranger Badges? 

With so many ways to earn Junior Ranger badges, you may be wondering where to keep them all. 

Many kids enjoy displaying their collections on a Junior Ranger vest, which can then be worn when they visit national parks. That said, your vest is likely to get pretty heavy over time. You also might end up losing some badges along the way. 

If you prefer to leave the badges at home, we suggest a banner for displaying them in your child’s bunk area. Another option is to pin the badges onto a wide ribbon, which can then be hung up in the bunk area.

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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RV toilets are everyone’s absolute favorite conversation topic…right? Okay, maybe not, but they are an important part of any RV setup. They allow you to—er, go when you’re on the go, or when you’re parked in a Walmart parking lot, or even when you’re sitting in the middle of the desert. If you think about it, RV toilets are actually one of the main keys to freedom. 

That said, many people don’t think about their RV toilet all that much. They simply use the potty that was given to them at the factory and leave it at that. But what if I told you that traditional RV toilets aren’t always the best option? What if I told you there are a number of other RV toilet types out there? 

That’s right, you have options other than that toilet they installed in your RV when it was made, and you might just find that one of those other RV toilet types is better for you and your travel style. Today, we’re going to discuss the many types of RV toilets so you can make sure your throne is the best one for you. 

Traditional RV Toilet

Best for: 1) Those who stay mainly in full hookup parks; 2) Those on a budget

First, let’s talk about the traditional RV toilet that is probably in your RV already. These are usually made of plastic, but there are also porcelain RV toilet options out there. This type of toilet is flushed using a foot pedal or a handle at the back of the toilet. This opens a ball piece at the bottom of the bowl, causing the waste to drop into a black tank below. The ball then closes and the bowl fills with water, sealing smells within the tank.

You will need to use a good amount of water when flushing solids in order to ensure they break down. That said, you can use a minimal amount when flushing liquid waste, something many boondockers do. Either way, you will need to keep up with your black tank, dumping it, spraying it out, and adding treatment. 

Pros:

• Already installed (no extra cost or installation effort required)
• Relatively minimal water usage

Cons:

• Black tank maintenance required
• Does use some water

Buy a traditional RV toilet now!

RV Cassette Toilet

Best for: Those with class B camper vans and pop-up campers

An RV cassette toilet is very much the same as a traditional RV toilet, at least in function. They do look a bit different and tend to be smaller in order to fit into smaller rigs, but the flushing mechanism works the same way. 

The big difference? Cassette toilets dump into a small, portable waste tank (usually on wheels) that can be removed and dumped in a dump station or a bathroom. This type of tank makes an RV cassette toilet a versatile solution that works well when dump stations aren’t always available. 

Pros:

• Fits well in small spaces (no large black tank required)
• Easy to clean tank can be dumped in a public bathroom

Cons:

• Tiny waste tank can’t hold much
• Does use some water

Buy an RV cassette toilet now!

RV Composting Toilet

Best for: 1) Eco-conscious campers; 2) Those looking to save tank space while boondocking 

Next up on our list of RV toilet types, there is the RV composting toilet. These have become very popular lately, and for good reason. You see, these toilets don’t use any water. Instead, they drop liquid waste into a tiny tank while putting solid waste into a container of compost starter, where it is mixed in and composted. 

The urine tank can be dumped pretty much anywhere. Meanwhile, the compost resulting from solid waste can be thrown into a dumpster or compost pile when available. 

Some people claim these toilets do not cause smells to enter the RV, while others say some smells do stick around. Either way, the smell is nothing worse than the fumes that often escape a black tank. 

Pros:

• No water required
• Waste can be disposed of in a trash can (no dump station needed)

Cons:

• Can create smells
• Must purchase liner liner bags
• Some people are uncomfortable with throwing waste away

Buy an RV composting toilet now!

RV Macerator Toilet

Best for: 1) Those who stay only in parks with full hookups; 2) Luxury campers

The RV macerator toilet is an interesting RV toilet option. These actually macerate solid waste immediately after you flush. The liquid slurry is then pumped into a black tank until it is dumped. 

Some people like this option because it seals the toilet off from the black tank completely, eliminating all smells that could otherwise enter the RV. It’s also nice to know you won’t be dealing with black tank clogs down the line. That said, this toilet uses a lot of water and requires electricity, so it really isn’t an option if you want to boondock at all. 

Pros:

• Breaks solids down, preventing clogs
• Black tank is sealed off
• Can dump with a small hose

Cons:

• Uses a lot of water
• Requires electricity
• Dumps very slowly

Buy an RV macerating toilet now!

RV Incinerator Toilet

Best for: 1) Those looking to save tank space while boondocking; 2) Those with a big budget

Unlike the toilet above, the RV incinerator toilet is an excellent choice for boondocking. As the name suggests, this toilet literally incinerates your waste, leaving you with nothing but ashes to dispose of. 

Not only does this make disposing of waste easier—just throw those ashes away!—it also eliminates the need to deal with sewer hookups, “stinky slinkies” (i.e. sewer hoses), and poo water. In fact, this toilet doesn’t use any water at all. 

The biggest issue with this RV toilet type? It’s incredibly expensive. 

Pros:

• Turns solid waste to ash that can be thrown away
• Does not use water

Cons:

• Very expensive
• Uses liners
• Can take up to two hours to finish incinerating

Buy an RV incinerator toilet now!

Portable Toilets for RVs

Best for: 1) Campers in a small RV without a bathroom; 2) Tent campers

Last but not least, there is the portable RV toilet. These mobile commodes are ideal for people who are doing a van or trailer build and don’t want to put in plumbing. They also work well for tent camping. 

Because they aren’t attached to anything, portable toilets can be used anywhere. They use a bit of fresh water (which is added to an onboard tank), and they store waste in a separate tank that can be dumped in a public toilet or a dump station. 

The waste tank is very small. Additionally, these toilets tend to be quite small and awkward to sit on, especially if you happen to be a taller or larger individual. 

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Can be taken anywhere
• Doesn’t require plumbing

Cons:

• Uses some water
• Tiny waste tank
• Usually small and not very sturdy

Buy a portable RV toilet now!

Hopefully this overview of the various types of RV toilets helps you make the best bathroom decisions for your rig. Maybe that means sticking with the traditional RV toilet you have already, or maybe there is another potty option that would better suit your adventure style. No matter what, we encourage you to find the throne that makes you most comfortable.

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Many say that the thing they miss most about living in a house after hitting the road full-time is having a dishwasher. Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem. Enter the RV dishwasher.

Finding an RV with a dishwasher pre-installed is possible but tricky. Most of them are luxury fifth wheels and class A motorhomes. Some examples are the Tiffin Phaeton 40 IH and Forest River Cardinal Luxury 3525SOX.

If you weren’t lucky enough to get an RV with a dishwasher installed at the factory and you’re traveling with kids, you’ve probably been tempted to invest in a dishwasher for RV motorhomes and trailers, and we definitely wouldn’t blame you. That said, we do recommend doing a bit of research before you buy a dishwasher for your rig.

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know before you buy a dishwasher for your RV. 

RV Dishwasher Pros and Cons

First, let’s talk a bit about the benefits and drawbacks of owning an RV dishwasher. This will help you get a better idea of whether or not such an appliance would suit you, your RV, and your travel style. 

Pros of Having an RV Dishwasher:

• Makes dishwashing easy. The most obvious benefit of installing a dishwasher in your RV is the fact that it makes washing the dishes so easy. This is especially nice if you RV full-time, and even more wonderful if you happen to be washing dishes for an entire family. 
• Sanitizes dishes well. When hand-cleaning dishes, you may miss spots. A dishwasher will ensure your dishes come out sparkling clean every time. 
• Uses a predictable amount of water. Handwashing dishes can use a lot of water. While you won’t be able to control the amount of water used by your RV dishwasher, you will at least be able to know exactly how much you’re using each time you run it, and it may not use as much as you imagine. 
• Puts dirty dishes out of sight. If you find you always have a small stack of dirty dishes in the sink, you’ll love the fact that you can load those dishes up into the dishwasher to wait until it’s time to run a load. 

Cons of Having an RV Dishwasher:

• Requires electricity. There are no 12-volt RV dishwashers on the market. This means you will either need a large amount of battery power and an inverter, or you will need to run your generator or be connected to shore power in order to run your dishwasher. 
• Can’t control the amount of water used. Handwashing can use a lot of water, but it doesn’t have to if you’re careful, since you have more control over the amount you use. With a dishwasher, you have no control over how much water is used, meaning it may not be ideal when boondocking.
• Uses valuable space. No matter what kind of RV dishwasher you choose, it’s going to take up valuable space in your RV. If you have very little space to work with, this can be a major drawback. 
• Potential for leaks. Water is an RV’s worst enemy. Installing a dishwasher (or any other appliance that uses water) introduces another way for leaks to develop. However, if it’s installed properly and winterized each year, this shouldn’t be a problem. 

How Much Water Does an RV Dishwasher Use?

We’ve mentioned the amount of water used by dishwashers in RVs twice now. This probably has you wondering, “How much water does an RV dishwasher use?” Honestly, the amount used might not be as much as you’re thinking.

On average, an RV dishwasher uses between four and six gallons of water. This means the dishwasher could be run around 10 times before filling a 50-gallon gray tank (if no other water was used, of course). 

This really isn’t all that bad. In fact, we’d even go so far as to say handwashing uses more water than that in many cases. Of course, this is dependent on how you go about handwashing your dishes and if you make a point of conserving water while doing it. 

Types of RV Dishwashers

There are two basic types of RV dishwashers: countertop RV dishwashers and built-in RV dishwashers. Both do basically the same thing, but a countertop dishwasher will consume some of your counter space while a built-in option will take up some cabinet space. 

Countertop models tend to be RV portable dishwashers, meaning they can be moved around when needed. They might have a door that swings open, but are often RV drawer dishwasher models.

While you certainly could use a freestanding RV portable dishwasher, most people opt for built-in models to make travel easier. Built-in RV dishwashers are not portable. They tend to be bigger than countertop versions, meaning they will hold a bit more, but are rarely as big as residential dishwashers. They come in swing-door and drawer options. 

How to Winterize an RV Dishwasher 

We mentioned briefly that dishwashers in RVs should be winterized each year. Really, this is only true if you’ll be spending time in a cold climate and must winterize the rest of your RV water system. In this case, you will definitely want to either winterize your unit—or if it’s portable, take it into a heated space for the winter. 

Fortunately, winterizing an RV dishwasher isn’t at all difficult. To do this, follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to get antifreeze into the lines of your dishwasher. 

How to Install RV Dishwasher

If you choose an RV countertop dishwasher, installation is a breeze. Simply place the dishwasher where you want it to live, hook it up to power and water, place the drain hose in the sink, and you’re good to go. You might need to find a way to anchor the dishwasher in place for moving days, or you might need to move it to the floor or another safe place when you move, but that’s about it. 

That said, those who prefer a built-in option will need to do a bit more to get their RV dishwasher up and running. The video below is helpful when trying to figure out the RV dishwasher installation process:

Best RV Dishwasher Options

Now that you have a good understanding of what to expect from a dishwasher in your RV, let’s take a minute to discuss the best RV dishwasher options out there. If you’re overwhelmed by the idea of shopping for a dishwasher for your RV, simply pick from this list and you’re sure to be happy with your choice. 

Fisher & Paykel Integrated DishDrawer

Quite possibly the best RV dishwasher on the market, the Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer built-in RV dishwasher comes in multiple sizes and has six different wash modes. Best of all, it only uses 1.9 to 2.4 gallons of water per load!

Vesta Built-In RV Dishwasher

Another fantastic pick is the Vesta Built-In RV Dishwasher. This top-of-the-line appliance gives your kitchen a sleek, polished look. It uses only 1.7 gallons of water per load and is super quiet. 

(Psst…The countertop version of this dishwasher is also fantastic!)

Farberware Countertop RV Dishwasher

Prefer a countertop option? The super lightweight Farberware Countertop RV Dishwasher is a great pick. This is a super affordable dishwasher and fits nicely on most countertops. It can be easily hooked up to the sink, or you can find a way to create more permanent connections. 

In our opinion, an RV dishwasher is an excellent upgrade for many full-time RVers, especially families with kids. That said, they aren’t a need, and you can certainly enjoy RV life without this luxury. 

What do you think? Will you be buying a dishwasher for your RV?

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Have you ever stayed in a partial-hookup site and had to pack up your entire RV just to drive to the dump station and empty your tanks? If the answer is yes, it might be time to consider investing in a portable RV waste tank. 

While you might be hesitant to make such a big purchase just to carry dirty water from one place to another, a huge number of RVers swear by these RV accessories. In this article we will answer all of your questions about RV portable waste tanks so you can decide whether you might agree with those who love their camper waste totes.

What is an RV Portable Waste Tank?

First, let’s take a minute to explain what a portable RV waste tank is. After all, not everyone has heard of these things.

Essentially, this accessory is a portable camper sewage tank, designed to carry your waste water from your RV to a proper dumping spot. These portable RV waste tanks are usually rectangular plastic boxes on wheels. They come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose one that works best for your camper.

Most have a wagon-like pull handle of some sort, and a huge number of them are blue. For the latter reason, these tanks are often referred to as “blue boys”. 

Who Needs a Portable RV Waste Tank?

Now that you have a better understanding of what a portable camper tank is, let’s talk about who might need one. 

Those who stay only in full-hookup sites probably don’t need to invest in a portable RV waste tank. Likewise, those who only stay in one spot for two or three days at a time—and can simply dump when they leave—likely wouldn’t get much use out of such a tank. 

Who would use a portable waste tank for an RV? Boondockers, as well as people who tend to stay in one spot for several days or weeks and often find themselves in sites without a sewer hookup. A portable RV waste tank allows these individuals to dump their tanks and take the waste to the nearest dump station without breaking camp. 

Cons of Owning a Camper Waste Tote

Before you decide that a portable RV waste tank is for you, it’s important that you understand the cons of owning such a thing. You see, as handy as this tool is, it does have some annoying drawbacks that could make it a no-go for you. 

These drawbacks include:

• Expensive
• Large and difficult to store
• Must be cleaned regularly
• Can be difficult to manage when full

Even with these cons, we still think a portable RV waste tank is a good investment for many campers out there. 

Related: RV Toilet Types: Choosing the Right One

How to Empty a Portable RV Waste Tank

Of course, if you get a portable RV waste tank, you will need to learn how to use it. Fortunately, this is easy enough. Simply dump into the tank the same way you’d normally dump into a sewer hookup, drag the tank to the dump station by hitching it up to your car or truck, and empty the tank into the sewer dump. 

Some people do choose to keep their camper waste tote in the bed of their truck and pump the waste water into it. This makes it easier to move the tank longer distances and works especially well if you plan on boondocking. 

The trickiest part of this whole process is definitely emptying the tank without making a mess. Fortunately, it’s totally possible to do so. The video below shows you how to empty a portable RV waste tank so you can jump into the task with confidence:

How to Clean a Portable RV Waste Tank

After using your tank, you will want to make sure to clean it. This is actually fairly simple to do. Simply fill the tank ¾ of the way with clean water (do not use a fresh water hose for this), give it a little shake, and dump it. You can use a clear elbow adapter to see when the water runs clear. You can also add a bit of tank cleaner to the water before shaking the tank for extra measure. 

What to Look For in Portable RV Waste Tanks

By now, you’ve probably decided whether or not a portable camper sewage tank is for you. If you think you need one, it’s time to start shopping. The next question? How do you decide which one to get?

Below are the things you’ll want to look for as you shop for the best camper waste tank.

Capacity

As mentioned before, portable RV waste tanks come in a variety of sizes. You will want to buy one that matches the size of your RV’s waste tanks. Some people buy one tank to hold all of the water from both the black and gray tanks at once. Others opt for a smaller tank that can only dump one tank at a time. Just keep in mind that water is heavy, and the bigger the tank, the more it’s going to weigh when filled. 

Transportability

You will obviously need a way to transport that heavy full tank. This is where transportability comes into play. Make sure whatever tank you choose has a good set of wheels as well as a sturdy handle. A way to attach that handle to the hitch on your car or truck is also key. 

Storage Options

Finally, you will want to be sure you can store the tank that you choose. Smaller tanks tend to be easier to store, but many RVers are able to store large, full-size tanks by strapping them onto their ladders or even under the RV. Just make sure you’re able to lift the tank to wherever you plan to store it. 

The Best Portable RV Waste Tanks

So which tank is best? Honestly, there’s no one best camper waste tank. The option that is best for you might not be ideal for the next camper. That said, there are a few tanks that stand out from the rest, and we’ve listed them below:

• Barker 4-Wheeler Tote Tank
• Camco 39006 Rhino Heavy Duty Portable Waste Holding Tank with Hose and Accessories
• Camco 39006 Rhino Heavy Duty Portable Waste Holding Tank with Hose and Accessories

All of these tanks come in a variety of sizes, so you can pick the one that best suits your needs. They are also very durable, easy to use, and relatively easy to transport. Pick from this list and you’re bound to be happy with your portable RV waste tank!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Your RV sink is probably not something you think much about. Every RV comes with one, and its reason for being is pretty obvious. For the most part, using an RV sink is as easy as using a sink in a house, and honestly, there isn’t much to think about in most cases. 

That said, there are those times when your RV sink demands a bit more attention. Perhaps you are brand new to owning an RV and aren’t sure how the sink works, or maybe you just need some tips for using your RV sink more efficiently. In some cases, it might be that your sink is stained and you’re looking for ways to remove those stains, and in other cases it could be that you’d like to replace your RV sink entirely. 

If you have questions about your RV sink, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about your RV sink. 

How Does an RV Sink Work?

First, let’s talk about how your RV sink works. This section will be useful if you’re brand new to RVing and looking to get a basic idea of how the plumbing in your rig is set up. 

RV sink faucets are connected to your RV’s fresh water system. This system can pull water from a freshwater tank using a pump (which your rig likely has built in), but can also be connected to “city” water via an inlet on the outside of your RV. Either method will allow you to have running water in your RV sink when the faucet is opened. 

If you choose to hook your RV up to city water, all you have to do is connect a water pressure regulator to a freshwater hose, connect the regulator and hose to the outside spigot, connect the other end to your city water inlet, and turn the water on at the spigot. After doing this, you should have water at your RV sink (and elsewhere throughout the RV).

Those who will be dry camping will need to fill their fresh tank at a potable water spigot before heading to their campsite. Your freshwater fill is on the outside of your RV and is usually labeled as such. Once the tank is filled, you will need to turn the pump on before opening your tap for running water in your sink. 

Of course, all of that running water has to go somewhere. This is where your gray water tank comes into play. Water that drains out of your RV sinks goes through the drain pipes and is stored in the RV gray tank. When the tank is full, it must be dumped at an RV dump station or into a sewer connection at your campsite. 

How to Clean an RV Sink

Using your RV sink is simple enough, and the directions above should be enough to get you started—but after a bit, you will need to clean your RV sink. What then? Fortunately, cleaning your RV sink is no more difficult than cleaning any other sink.

Cleaning a Stainless Steel RV Sink

If you don’t mind using a store-bought cleaner, Bar Keeper’s Friend is a great option for cleaning your stainless steel RV sink. 

Many people don’t like to use chemical cleaners in their RV sinks because they don’t want those cleaners going down the drain and into the gray tank. Others don’t like to use them simply because they prefer to reduce the number of chemicals used in their home.

Either way, if you want to skip the chemicals, baking soda rubbed in the direction of the stainless steel grain should be enough to remove stains. Don’t rinse the baking soda right away, though. Instead, spray the sink down with undiluted white vinegar and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing the whole thing with water. 

Want even more stain removing power? Try creating a paste of vinegar and cream of tartar. Gently rub this paste on any stains, let it 5–10 minutes, and rinse. 

Cleaning a Plastic RV Sink

Many RV sinks are plastic. These are prone to staining, so you will want to be sure to clean them often. The baking soda and vinegar cleaning method above works well for plastic sinks. The stain-removing paste works as well, but many people prefer to use toothpaste for removing stains from plastic RV sinks. 

How to Clean RV Sink Drains

Dealing with stinky RV sink drains? It happens! To put this right, just sprinkle three tablespoons of baking soda down the drain and follow with a cup of white vinegar. 

How to Unclog RV Sink Drains

Stains are one common RV sink problem. Another issue that comes up often? Clogged RV sink drains. There are a few ways to handle this issue. 

Related: How to Unclog an RV Black Tank

Check Your Drain Vents

There are drain vents on your RV roof. A clogged rooftop drain vent can actually make your sink drain slowly or even prevent your RV sink from draining entirely. For this reason, we recommend checking these vents first. 

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Yes, we are putting baking soda and vinegar to work again. You see, the baking soda and vinegar drain-cleaning solution above can actually work to remove some clogs as well. If you have a clogged RV sink, this is the first thing we recommend trying. 

Plunger

If the baking soda and vinegar don’t do the trick, the next step is to pull out the plunger. In most cases, the plunger will work to dislodge the clog and get things moving again. 

Natural Drain Cleaners

The next tool you can pull out is a drain cleaner that won’t hurt your RV’s pipes and holding tanks. You’ll want to look for an enzyme cleaner that uses bacteria to eat away grease, food, and other clogs. Green Gobbler is a great example of this.  

Drain Snake

Finally there is the option of using a drain snake. We recommend using this only as a last resort and being very careful as you put the snake down your drain so that you don’t cause damage. 

Replacement RV Sink and Faucet

If your RV sink is horribly stained or damaged, it might be time to replace it. This is something most handy people can do, so pull out your tools and get ready for a DIY project. 

Replacing an RV Sink Faucet

Perhaps only the RV faucet is damaged and you prefer to keep the actual sink. That’s totally doable and is actually a very simple project. You can use any sink faucet you prefer, but may need to purchase an adapter for some sink types. We prefer removing the old faucet and matching it to the new one to make the process as easy as possible. 

The video below will help you get an idea of how to replace your RV sink faucet.

Replacing Your RV Sink

Let’s say your whole sink needs replacing. This is also something you can do, but will take a bit more effort. You may be wondering, “can you put a regular sink in an RV?” The answer is, you can! The trick is simply finding a sink that will fit in place of your current sink or creating a space that is the right size and shape. 

The video below is helpful when trying to figure out how to replace an RV sink. 

Tips for Using Your RV Sink

Now you know how your RV sink works, how to clean it, how to get rid of clogs, and even how to replace it. That said, there are still a few things you may want to know about your RV sink before we send you on your way. 

Here are our top tips for using your RV sink. 

Remember to Turn on the Water Heater

Many camping newbies don’t realize that they have to turn their water heater on, and even those who’ve been on the road for years can forget to turn the heater on from time to time. This means washing dishes in cold water, which is never any fun, so be sure to remember to turn on your water heater when you get to your campsite or before you want to wash dishes. (And, leave enough time for the water to fully heat. 30 minutes to an hour usually does the trick.)

Use Water Sparingly

If you’re dry camping, you will be working with a very limited amount of water and limited gray tank space. Even if you aren’t dry camping, you’ll likely be working with a limited amount of hot water. For these reasons, it’s important that you limit your water usage. 

Dump Dish Water Outside when Tank Space is Limited

If you are boondocking and looking to save as much gray tank space as possible, consider placing a dish pan in the sink when washing dishes and throwing dirty dish water outside rather than letting it go down the drain. 

Get Creative when Washing Dishes

It’s no secret that space is limited in an RV. This means you might have to get creative when washing dishes. Some of our favorite hacks include using a TV tray for extra drying space or investing in an over-the-sink drying rack. You can also use a dish pan set to the side for added sink space if your sink is too small. 

Cover the Sink for Additional Counter Space

Lastly, if you have very little counter space (most of us do), you can give yourself some extra counter space while cooking by covering the sink with a sink cover or cutting board. This is an especially useful hack if you’re traveling in an extra small rig. 

Who knew there could be so much to know about RV sinks? Hopefully this article answers any and all questions you might have had on the subject so you can quit worrying about your sink and start thinking more about the adventures you’re going to have next!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Sharing is caring!

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

One RV accessory that you will see in front of almost every camper when visiting a campground? RV outdoor rugs. This might leave you scratching your head. Why are these rugs so popular, and do you need an outdoor rug for your RV?

In this article we will discuss what exactly an RV outdoor rug is and how it could help you, as well as the cons to owning one. We’ll also talk a bit about choosing the best RV outside rug for your campsite so you can shop with confidence. 

What is an RV Outdoor Rug?

First, it’s important that we’re all on the same page, so let’s take just a minute to discuss what exactly an RV outdoor rug is.

As you might have guessed, these are rugs that are used outside of your RV. They are usually made of polypropylene, a synthetic material that is tough and heat-resistant, but still breathable enough to keep grass healthy beneath it. On top of all that, polypropylene is resistant to mildew, dries quickly, and even has anti-fatigue qualities. 

An outdoor rug for RV use has many pros which we will discuss below. It also comes with some drawbacks, but these are generally small and easily overlooked. 

Pros of an Outdoor Rug for RV

The benefits of owning an RV outside rug are plentiful. However, the most popular reasons for investing in one include:

• Reducing the amount of dirt tracked indoors
• Creating a comfortable place to walk barefoot outdoors
• Giving kids a place to play off of the dirt, gravel, and grass
• Creating a nice-looking site with a personal touch

Cons of an RV Outdoor Rug

The pros listed above are wonderful, of course. That said, there are a few cons you’ll want to consider before you decide to make your purchase. These include:

• Can be difficult to put away on travel day
• Must be cleaned 
• Can develop mildew

Preventing Mildew on Your RV Outdoor Rug

Obviously, the worst of those drawbacks is the fact that RV outdoor rugs have been known to develop mildew over time, especially in wet conditions. Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent this. 

For starters, you will want to purchase a rug made with a mildew-resistant material such as the aforementioned polypropylene. Cleaning your rug well and allowing it to dry completely before storing it will also help, as will ensuring your storage area is dry. If you will be using your rug long-term, be sure to flip it and clean it on occasion. 

Types of RV Outside Rugs

While most RV rugs are made out of polypropylene, there are a few other options on the market. These include foam mats, which are perfect for young children but cannot be left outdoors long-term, as well as woven high-density polyethylene, an awesome sand-free option that is perfect for those who find themselves in sandy places regularly.

Lastly, we should mention the fact that some rug companies are now making outdoor rugs using recycled materials, the perfect option for the eco-conscious RVer. 

What Size Outdoor Rug for RV?

Deciding on the material you want your outdoor RV mat to be made with is only the first step. The next step? Figuring out what size your RV outdoor rug should be.

Honestly, this is completely up to you. That said, those with smaller campers might want to stick with smaller rugs for easier storage, and those with larger RVs with two doors might prefer a bigger rug that can sit in front of both doors.

In all cases, it tends to make sense to purchase a rug that will cover the space under your awning, as this creates a nice outdoor living space. 

The Best RV Outdoor Rugs

Now that you have an idea of what you’re looking for in an outdoor rug for RV use, we’d like to take a minute to point out a few of our favorite options. Hopefully this helps get you started as you search for the perfect mat to place outside of your RV.

Best Overall: Ming’s Mark Mats

Ming’s Mark Mats are made using the ever-popular polypropylene. This makes them tough, meaning you’re likely to get a lot of use out of yours. We also like that these mats can be easily rolled or folded for storage, something RVers really need to think about, especially those who move often. 

These outdoor rugs for RVs come in a wide variety of shapes and styles, meaning you will almost certainly find one that suits your tastes and needs. 

Best Green Option: Fab Habitat Eco-Friendly RV Patio Mat

The Fab Habitat Eco-Friendly RV Patio Mat is the ideal RV outdoor rug option for those who’d prefer to purchase something eco-friendly. Why? Because these rugs are made from recycled plastic water bottles and straws, meaning you can help keep plastic out of oceans and landfills while also sporting a stylish RV mat. 

To top it all off, this rug is mildew-resistant and UV-protected, so it’ll last for years!

Best Sand-Free Mat: CGear Multimat

Looking for one of those sand-free RV outdoor rugs? The CGear Multimat is just the thing for you. Created using a fabric that was first used by the military, these rugs are incredibly durable. Better yet, this high-quality mat was made to allow sand to fall through the weave but won’t let it come up through the bottom, creating a clean, sand-free spot to hang out on. 

Folks who enjoy making their campsite a personal space will like that this rug comes in a variety of colors and is reversible.

Best for Kids: Skip Hop Doubleplay Reversible Playmat

Technically, the Skip Hop Doubleplay Reversible Playmat was not created specifically for outdoor use. That said, it is perfect for outdoor play spaces for little ones. Made with a lovely foam material, this mat is reversible, offering two different colorful scenes to play in. 

This mat is lightweight, easy to roll away, and perfect for playtime (or for those looking for a soft spot to exercise). 

There you have it, everything you need to know about outdoor rugs for RV travel. Will you pick up a rug for your campsite? Which one do you think best suits your style? Whatever you pick, we’re sure your campsite is going to look fantastic and be an even better place to hang out with friends once it’s rolled out!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Sharing is caring!

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Your RV sink is probably not something you think much about. Every RV comes with one, and its reason for being is pretty obvious. For the most part, using an RV sink is as easy as using a sink in a house, and honestly, there isn’t much to think about in most cases. 

That said, there are those times when your RV sink demands a bit more attention. Perhaps you are brand new to owning an RV and aren’t sure how the sink works, or maybe you just need some tips for using your RV sink more efficiently. In some cases, it might be that your sink is stained and you’re looking for ways to remove those stains, and in other cases it could be that you’d like to replace your RV sink entirely. 

If you have questions about your RV sink, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about your RV sink. 

How Does an RV Sink Work?

First, let’s talk about how your RV sink works. This section will be useful if you’re brand new to RVing and looking to get a basic idea of how the plumbing in your rig is set up. 

RV sink faucets are connected to your RV’s fresh water system. This system can pull water from a freshwater tank using a pump (which your rig likely has built in), but can also be connected to “city” water via an inlet on the outside of your RV. Either method will allow you to have running water in your RV sink when the faucet is opened. 

If you choose to hook your RV up to city water, all you have to do is connect a water pressure regulator to a freshwater hose, connect the regulator and hose to the outside spigot, connect the other end to your city water inlet, and turn the water on at the spigot. After doing this, you should have water at your RV sink (and elsewhere throughout the RV).

Those who will be dry camping will need to fill their fresh tank at a potable water spigot before heading to their campsite. Your freshwater fill is on the outside of your RV and is usually labeled as such. Once the tank is filled, you will need to turn the pump on before opening your tap for running water in your sink. 

Of course, all of that running water has to go somewhere. This is where your gray water tank comes into play. Water that drains out of your RV sinks goes through the drain pipes and is stored in the RV gray tank. When the tank is full, it must be dumped at an RV dump station or into a sewer connection at your campsite. 

How to Clean an RV Sink

Using your RV sink is simple enough, and the directions above should be enough to get you started—but after a bit, you will need to clean your RV sink. What then? Fortunately, cleaning your RV sink is no more difficult than cleaning any other sink.

Cleaning a Stainless Steel RV Sink

If you don’t mind using a store-bought cleaner, Bar Keeper’s Friend is a great option for cleaning your stainless steel RV sink. 

Many people don’t like to use chemical cleaners in their RV sinks because they don’t want those cleaners going down the drain and into the gray tank. Others don’t like to use them simply because they prefer to reduce the number of chemicals used in their home.

Either way, if you want to skip the chemicals, baking soda rubbed in the direction of the stainless steel grain should be enough to remove stains. Don’t rinse the baking soda right away, though. Instead, spray the sink down with undiluted white vinegar and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing the whole thing with water. 

Want even more stain removing power? Try creating a paste of vinegar and cream of tartar. Gently rub this paste on any stains, let it 5–10 minutes, and rinse. 

Cleaning a Plastic RV Sink

Many RV sinks are plastic. These are prone to staining, so you will want to be sure to clean them often. The baking soda and vinegar cleaning method above works well for plastic sinks. The stain-removing paste works as well, but many people prefer to use toothpaste for removing stains from plastic RV sinks. 

How to Clean RV Sink Drains

Dealing with stinky RV sink drains? It happens! To put this right, just sprinkle three tablespoons of baking soda down the drain and follow with a cup of white vinegar. 

How to Unclog RV Sink Drains

Stains are one common RV sink problem. Another issue that comes up often? Clogged RV sink drains. There are a few ways to handle this issue. 

Related: How to Unclog an RV Black Tank

Check Your Drain Vents

There are drain vents on your RV roof. A clogged rooftop drain vent can actually make your sink drain slowly or even prevent your RV sink from draining entirely. For this reason, we recommend checking these vents first. 

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Yes, we are putting baking soda and vinegar to work again. You see, the baking soda and vinegar drain-cleaning solution above can actually work to remove some clogs as well. If you have a clogged RV sink, this is the first thing we recommend trying. 

Plunger

If the baking soda and vinegar don’t do the trick, the next step is to pull out the plunger. In most cases, the plunger will work to dislodge the clog and get things moving again. 

Natural Drain Cleaners

The next tool you can pull out is a drain cleaner that won’t hurt your RV’s pipes and holding tanks. You’ll want to look for an enzyme cleaner that uses bacteria to eat away grease, food, and other clogs. Green Gobbler is a great example of this.  

Drain Snake

Finally there is the option of using a drain snake. We recommend using this only as a last resort and being very careful as you put the snake down your drain so that you don’t cause damage. 

Replacement RV Sink and Faucet

If your RV sink is horribly stained or damaged, it might be time to replace it. This is something most handy people can do, so pull out your tools and get ready for a DIY project. 

Replacing an RV Sink Faucet

Perhaps only the RV faucet is damaged and you prefer to keep the actual sink. That’s totally doable and is actually a very simple project. You can use any sink faucet you prefer, but may need to purchase an adapter for some sink types. We prefer removing the old faucet and matching it to the new one to make the process as easy as possible. 

The video below will help you get an idea of how to replace your RV sink faucet.

Replacing Your RV Sink

Let’s say your whole sink needs replacing. This is also something you can do, but will take a bit more effort. You may be wondering, “can you put a regular sink in an RV?” The answer is, you can! The trick is simply finding a sink that will fit in place of your current sink or creating a space that is the right size and shape. 

The video below is helpful when trying to figure out how to replace an RV sink. 

Tips for Using Your RV Sink

Now you know how your RV sink works, how to clean it, how to get rid of clogs, and even how to replace it. That said, there are still a few things you may want to know about your RV sink before we send you on your way. 

Here are our top tips for using your RV sink. 

Remember to Turn on the Water Heater

Many camping newbies don’t realize that they have to turn their water heater on, and even those who’ve been on the road for years can forget to turn the heater on from time to time. This means washing dishes in cold water, which is never any fun, so be sure to remember to turn on your water heater when you get to your campsite or before you want to wash dishes. (And, leave enough time for the water to fully heat. 30 minutes to an hour usually does the trick.)

Use Water Sparingly

If you’re dry camping, you will be working with a very limited amount of water and limited gray tank space. Even if you aren’t dry camping, you’ll likely be working with a limited amount of hot water. For these reasons, it’s important that you limit your water usage. 

Dump Dish Water Outside when Tank Space is Limited

If you are boondocking and looking to save as much gray tank space as possible, consider placing a dish pan in the sink when washing dishes and throwing dirty dish water outside rather than letting it go down the drain. 

Get Creative when Washing Dishes

It’s no secret that space is limited in an RV. This means you might have to get creative when washing dishes. Some of our favorite hacks include using a TV tray for extra drying space or investing in an over-the-sink drying rack. You can also use a dish pan set to the side for added sink space if your sink is too small. 

Cover the Sink for Additional Counter Space

Lastly, if you have very little counter space (most of us do), you can give yourself some extra counter space while cooking by covering the sink with a sink cover or cutting board. This is an especially useful hack if you’re traveling in an extra small rig. 

Who knew there could be so much to know about RV sinks? Hopefully this article answers any and all questions you might have had on the subject so you can quit worrying about your sink and start thinking more about the adventures you’re going to have next!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Sharing is caring!

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

One RV accessory that you will see in front of almost every camper when visiting a campground? RV outdoor rugs. This might leave you scratching your head. Why are these rugs so popular, and do you need an outdoor rug for your RV?

In this article we will discuss what exactly an RV outdoor rug is and how it could help you, as well as the cons to owning one. We’ll also talk a bit about choosing the best RV outside rug for your campsite so you can shop with confidence. 

What is an RV Outdoor Rug?

First, it’s important that we’re all on the same page, so let’s take just a minute to discuss what exactly an RV outdoor rug is.

As you might have guessed, these are rugs that are used outside of your RV. They are usually made of polypropylene, a synthetic material that is tough and heat-resistant, but still breathable enough to keep grass healthy beneath it. On top of all that, polypropylene is resistant to mildew, dries quickly, and even has anti-fatigue qualities. 

An outdoor rug for RV use has many pros which we will discuss below. It also comes with some drawbacks, but these are generally small and easily overlooked. 

Pros of an Outdoor Rug for RV

The benefits of owning an RV outside rug are plentiful. However, the most popular reasons for investing in one include:

• Reducing the amount of dirt tracked indoors
• Creating a comfortable place to walk barefoot outdoors
• Giving kids a place to play off of the dirt, gravel, and grass
• Creating a nice-looking site with a personal touch

Cons of an RV Outdoor Rug

The pros listed above are wonderful, of course. That said, there are a few cons you’ll want to consider before you decide to make your purchase. These include:

• Can be difficult to put away on travel day
• Must be cleaned 
• Can develop mildew

Preventing Mildew on Your RV Outdoor Rug

Obviously, the worst of those drawbacks is the fact that RV outdoor rugs have been known to develop mildew over time, especially in wet conditions. Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent this. 

For starters, you will want to purchase a rug made with a mildew-resistant material such as the aforementioned polypropylene. Cleaning your rug well and allowing it to dry completely before storing it will also help, as will ensuring your storage area is dry. If you will be using your rug long-term, be sure to flip it and clean it on occasion. 

Types of RV Outside Rugs

While most RV rugs are made out of polypropylene, there are a few other options on the market. These include foam mats, which are perfect for young children but cannot be left outdoors long-term, as well as woven high-density polyethylene, an awesome sand-free option that is perfect for those who find themselves in sandy places regularly.

Lastly, we should mention the fact that some rug companies are now making outdoor rugs using recycled materials, the perfect option for the eco-conscious RVer. 

What Size Outdoor Rug for RV?

Deciding on the material you want your outdoor RV mat to be made with is only the first step. The next step? Figuring out what size your RV outdoor rug should be.

Honestly, this is completely up to you. That said, those with smaller campers might want to stick with smaller rugs for easier storage, and those with larger RVs with two doors might prefer a bigger rug that can sit in front of both doors.

In all cases, it tends to make sense to purchase a rug that will cover the space under your awning, as this creates a nice outdoor living space. 

The Best RV Outdoor Rugs

Now that you have an idea of what you’re looking for in an outdoor rug for RV use, we’d like to take a minute to point out a few of our favorite options. Hopefully this helps get you started as you search for the perfect mat to place outside of your RV.

Best Overall: Ming’s Mark Mats

Ming’s Mark Mats are made using the ever-popular polypropylene. This makes them tough, meaning you’re likely to get a lot of use out of yours. We also like that these mats can be easily rolled or folded for storage, something RVers really need to think about, especially those who move often. 

These outdoor rugs for RVs come in a wide variety of shapes and styles, meaning you will almost certainly find one that suits your tastes and needs. 

Best Green Option: Fab Habitat Eco-Friendly RV Patio Mat

The Fab Habitat Eco-Friendly RV Patio Mat is the ideal RV outdoor rug option for those who’d prefer to purchase something eco-friendly. Why? Because these rugs are made from recycled plastic water bottles and straws, meaning you can help keep plastic out of oceans and landfills while also sporting a stylish RV mat. 

To top it all off, this rug is mildew-resistant and UV-protected, so it’ll last for years!

Best Sand-Free Mat: CGear Multimat

Looking for one of those sand-free RV outdoor rugs? The CGear Multimat is just the thing for you. Created using a fabric that was first used by the military, these rugs are incredibly durable. Better yet, this high-quality mat was made to allow sand to fall through the weave but won’t let it come up through the bottom, creating a clean, sand-free spot to hang out on. 

Folks who enjoy making their campsite a personal space will like that this rug comes in a variety of colors and is reversible.

Best for Kids: Skip Hop Doubleplay Reversible Playmat

Technically, the Skip Hop Doubleplay Reversible Playmat was not created specifically for outdoor use. That said, it is perfect for outdoor play spaces for little ones. Made with a lovely foam material, this mat is reversible, offering two different colorful scenes to play in. 

This mat is lightweight, easy to roll away, and perfect for playtime (or for those looking for a soft spot to exercise). 

There you have it, everything you need to know about outdoor rugs for RV travel. Will you pick up a rug for your campsite? Which one do you think best suits your style? Whatever you pick, we’re sure your campsite is going to look fantastic and be an even better place to hang out with friends once it’s rolled out!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Sharing is caring!

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Have you ever stayed in a partial-hookup site and had to pack up your entire RV just to drive to the dump station and empty your tanks? If the answer is yes, it might be time to consider investing in a portable RV waste tank. 

While you might be hesitant to make such a big purchase just to carry dirty water from one place to another, a huge number of RVers swear by these RV accessories. In this article we will answer all of your questions about RV portable waste tanks so you can decide whether you might agree with those who love their camper waste totes.

What is an RV Portable Waste Tank?

First, let’s take a minute to explain what a portable RV waste tank is. After all, not everyone has heard of these things.

Essentially, this accessory is a portable camper sewage tank, designed to carry your waste water from your RV to a proper dumping spot. These portable RV waste tanks are usually rectangular plastic boxes on wheels. They come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose one that works best for your camper.

Most have a wagon-like pull handle of some sort, and a huge number of them are blue. For the latter reason, these tanks are often referred to as “blue boys”. 

Who Needs a Portable RV Waste Tank?

Now that you have a better understanding of what a portable camper tank is, let’s talk about who might need one. 

Those who stay only in full-hookup sites probably don’t need to invest in a portable RV waste tank. Likewise, those who only stay in one spot for two or three days at a time—and can simply dump when they leave—likely wouldn’t get much use out of such a tank. 

Who would use a portable waste tank for an RV? Boondockers, as well as people who tend to stay in one spot for several days or weeks and often find themselves in sites without a sewer hookup. A portable RV waste tank allows these individuals to dump their tanks and take the waste to the nearest dump station without breaking camp. 

Cons of Owning a Camper Waste Tote

Before you decide that a portable RV waste tank is for you, it’s important that you understand the cons of owning such a thing. You see, as handy as this tool is, it does have some annoying drawbacks that could make it a no-go for you. 

These drawbacks include:

• Expensive
• Large and difficult to store
• Must be cleaned regularly
• Can be difficult to manage when full

Even with these cons, we still think a portable RV waste tank is a good investment for many campers out there. 

Related: RV Toilet Types: Choosing the Right One

How to Empty a Portable RV Waste Tank

Of course, if you get a portable RV waste tank, you will need to learn how to use it. Fortunately, this is easy enough. Simply dump into the tank the same way you’d normally dump into a sewer hookup, drag the tank to the dump station by hitching it up to your car or truck, and empty the tank into the sewer dump. 

Some people do choose to keep their camper waste tote in the bed of their truck and pump the waste water into it. This makes it easier to move the tank longer distances and works especially well if you plan on boondocking. 

The trickiest part of this whole process is definitely emptying the tank without making a mess. Fortunately, it’s totally possible to do so. The video below shows you how to empty a portable RV waste tank so you can jump into the task with confidence:

How to Clean a Portable RV Waste Tank

After using your tank, you will want to make sure to clean it. This is actually fairly simple to do. Simply fill the tank ¾ of the way with clean water (do not use a fresh water hose for this), give it a little shake, and dump it. You can use a clear elbow adapter to see when the water runs clear. You can also add a bit of tank cleaner to the water before shaking the tank for extra measure. 

What to Look For in Portable RV Waste Tanks

By now, you’ve probably decided whether or not a portable camper sewage tank is for you. If you think you need one, it’s time to start shopping. The next question? How do you decide which one to get?

Below are the things you’ll want to look for as you shop for the best camper waste tank.

Capacity

As mentioned before, portable RV waste tanks come in a variety of sizes. You will want to buy one that matches the size of your RV’s waste tanks. Some people buy one tank to hold all of the water from both the black and gray tanks at once. Others opt for a smaller tank that can only dump one tank at a time. Just keep in mind that water is heavy, and the bigger the tank, the more it’s going to weigh when filled. 

Transportability

You will obviously need a way to transport that heavy full tank. This is where transportability comes into play. Make sure whatever tank you choose has a good set of wheels as well as a sturdy handle. A way to attach that handle to the hitch on your car or truck is also key. 

Storage Options

Finally, you will want to be sure you can store the tank that you choose. Smaller tanks tend to be easier to store, but many RVers are able to store large, full-size tanks by strapping them onto their ladders or even under the RV. Just make sure you’re able to lift the tank to wherever you plan to store it. 

The Best Portable RV Waste Tanks

So which tank is best? Honestly, there’s no one best camper waste tank. The option that is best for you might not be ideal for the next camper. That said, there are a few tanks that stand out from the rest, and we’ve listed them below:

• Barker 4-Wheeler Tote Tank
• Camco 39006 Rhino Heavy Duty Portable Waste Holding Tank with Hose and Accessories
• Camco 39006 Rhino Heavy Duty Portable Waste Holding Tank with Hose and Accessories

All of these tanks come in a variety of sizes, so you can pick the one that best suits your needs. They are also very durable, easy to use, and relatively easy to transport. Pick from this list and you’re bound to be happy with your portable RV waste tank!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Sharing is caring!

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

One of the very best things about RV travel with kids is having the ability to roadschool them along the way, weaving education into your travels as your family directly experiences and learns about all kinds of places, people, nature, and events rather than only reading about them in books. And one of our favorite ways to do this? The NPS Junior Ranger Program!

In this article, we are going to discuss this program in detail so you can take full advantage of it during your roadschooling adventure. Let’s get started.

What is the NPS Junior Ranger Program?

The Junior Ranger Program encourages kids to get excited about our country’s national parks. It gives young visitors a chance to play a part in the conservation of these lands and helps them understand the history and geology behind each park.

We love that the Junior Ranger Program really gets young national parks visitors thinking about the places they visit, ensuring they get the most out of every visit. 

How Does the NPS Junior Ranger Program Work?

How does it work? Well, all of this national parks learning begins with a Junior Ranger book.

Junior Ranger books are available at all national parks, as well as national memorials, national monuments, national historic sites, and national historical parks. Each site has its own book, tailored to what the park is and what it has to offer. Most of the time, the books are 100% free, but we have come across a very few NPS sites that charge a small fee (usually just a few bucks).

Junior Ranger books are full of fun activities that the participant is asked to complete as they explore the park. Some common activities include nature scavenger hunts, questionnaires about the park (answers are usually found in the visitor center), and opportunities to draw and/or write about your visit. 

Generally, Junior Rangers are also required to go to a Ranger program and/or walk on a trail, check out a museum or visitor center, or participate in another park activity. Specific instructions for each park can be found in the Junior Ranger book you recieve there. 

Once a child has completed the activity book, a ranger will look it over and might ask some questions or have a discussion about their experience in the park. The participant will then be sworn in as a Junior Ranger and will receive a signed certificate as well as a Junior Ranger badge (or patch, depending on the park). 

How Can We Participate in the NPS Junior Ranger Program?

Ready to get involved but not sure how? It’s simple!

1. First, visit any national parks site. 
2. Head to a visitor center and ask for a Junior Ranger book (as stated earlier, very few NPS sites charge a small fee for the book; more often than not, you’ll get one for free).
3. Follow the instructions in the book, completing the activities in the book as well as the required in-park activities. (Pay attention, as some books have age-based requirements.)
4. Head to a visitor center and hand your completed book over to a ranger. 
5. Say the Junior Ranger pledge and don your new Junior Ranger badge!

What Are the Benefits of the Junior Ranger Program?

Not convinced the National Parks Junior Ranger program is for your family? You might want to think again. Here are some of the awesome benefits the program offers participants and their families.

Motivation to See and Do More

If you have trouble getting your kids excited about taking a hike or attending a ranger program when visiting a national park, the Junior Ranger program could be a huge help. A promise of a new badge might be the motivation they need to get out there and explore some more. 

Opportunities to Learn New Things

In many cases, Junior Ranger books offer information that isn’t found in visitor centers and signage throughout the park—and even if the info does exist elsewhere in the park, the books at least present it in a kid-friendly way. Thus, these books are the perfect option for those who like to learn as much as they can in each park they visit. 

Recurring Lessons on Caring for the Natural World

We love that Junior Ranger books are so focused on protecting the natural world. There are recurring lessons on this topic, meaning those who complete multiple Junior Ranger books should have a pretty good idea about how to take care of the Earth. 

Chances to Connect with Rangers

National parks rangers are some of the friendliest and most knowledgeable people we’ve had the pleasure of chatting with. Participating in the Junior Ranger program gives kids the chance to connect with rangers, and they will almost certainly end up finding some awesome conversations and learning opportunities in the process. 

Cool Collectible Badges and Patches

Finally, we love that Junior Ranger badges are so collectible. They also double as souvenirs, helping your kids remember every park they visit. Best of all, these badges are free and are small, making them easy to store and display in an RV. 

Are There Other Ways to Earn Badges?

Chances are, your kids are going to adore earning and collecting Junior Ranger badges as they travel. If you find that your family would like to earn more badges, you might just be in luck! You see, there are even more ways to earn badges. 

One option is to ask for extra badge-earning opportunities at the various national parks you visit. In addition to their main Junior Ranger badges, some parks offer specialty patches or badges as well. These can be earned by completing a separate book. 

Another option? Those who want to continue their Junior Ranger experience when away from the parks can head to this page for online activities and opportunities to earn more badges. 

We also recommend asking about possible badges for kids whenever you visit a park or other natural site. We’ve found badge-based programs for kids in many state park systems, including Washington State Parks and Florida State Parks. Additionally, the National Forest Service has a Junior Ranger Program that is very similar to the one offered by the NPS. 

Last but not least, we should mention the Fulltime Families Explorers program, a great way for kids to earn badges on the go.

What Should We Do with Our Junior Ranger Badges? 

With so many ways to earn Junior Ranger badges, you may be wondering where to keep them all. 

Many kids enjoy displaying their collections on a Junior Ranger vest, which can then be worn when they visit national parks. That said, your vest is likely to get pretty heavy over time. You also might end up losing some badges along the way. 

If you prefer to leave the badges at home, we suggest a banner for displaying them in your child’s bunk area. Another option is to pin the badges onto a wide ribbon, which can then be hung up in the bunk area.

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RV toilets are everyone’s absolute favorite conversation topic…right? Okay, maybe not, but they are an important part of any RV setup. They allow you to—er, go when you’re on the go, or when you’re parked in a Walmart parking lot, or even when you’re sitting in the middle of the desert. If you think about it, RV toilets are actually one of the main keys to freedom. 

That said, many people don’t think about their RV toilet all that much. They simply use the potty that was given to them at the factory and leave it at that. But what if I told you that traditional RV toilets aren’t always the best option? What if I told you there are a number of other RV toilet types out there? 

That’s right, you have options other than that toilet they installed in your RV when it was made, and you might just find that one of those other RV toilet types is better for you and your travel style. Today, we’re going to discuss the many types of RV toilets so you can make sure your throne is the best one for you. 

Traditional RV Toilet

Best for: 1) Those who stay mainly in full hookup parks; 2) Those on a budget

First, let’s talk about the traditional RV toilet that is probably in your RV already. These are usually made of plastic, but there are also porcelain RV toilet options out there. This type of toilet is flushed using a foot pedal or a handle at the back of the toilet. This opens a ball piece at the bottom of the bowl, causing the waste to drop into a black tank below. The ball then closes and the bowl fills with water, sealing smells within the tank.

You will need to use a good amount of water when flushing solids in order to ensure they break down. That said, you can use a minimal amount when flushing liquid waste, something many boondockers do. Either way, you will need to keep up with your black tank, dumping it, spraying it out, and adding treatment. 

Pros:

• Already installed (no extra cost or installation effort required)
• Relatively minimal water usage

Cons:

• Black tank maintenance required
• Does use some water

Buy a traditional RV toilet now!

RV Cassette Toilet

Best for: Those with class B camper vans and pop-up campers

An RV cassette toilet is very much the same as a traditional RV toilet, at least in function. They do look a bit different and tend to be smaller in order to fit into smaller rigs, but the flushing mechanism works the same way. 

The big difference? Cassette toilets dump into a small, portable waste tank (usually on wheels) that can be removed and dumped in a dump station or a bathroom. This type of tank makes an RV cassette toilet a versatile solution that works well when dump stations aren’t always available. 

Pros:

• Fits well in small spaces (no large black tank required)
• Easy to clean tank can be dumped in a public bathroom

Cons:

• Tiny waste tank can’t hold much
• Does use some water

Buy an RV cassette toilet now!

RV Composting Toilet

Best for: 1) Eco-conscious campers; 2) Those looking to save tank space while boondocking 

Next up on our list of RV toilet types, there is the RV composting toilet. These have become very popular lately, and for good reason. You see, these toilets don’t use any water. Instead, they drop liquid waste into a tiny tank while putting solid waste into a container of compost starter, where it is mixed in and composted. 

The urine tank can be dumped pretty much anywhere. Meanwhile, the compost resulting from solid waste can be thrown into a dumpster or compost pile when available. 

Some people claim these toilets do not cause smells to enter the RV, while others say some smells do stick around. Either way, the smell is nothing worse than the fumes that often escape a black tank. 

Pros:

• No water required
• Waste can be disposed of in a trash can (no dump station needed)

Cons:

• Can create smells
• Must purchase liner liner bags
• Some people are uncomfortable with throwing waste away

Buy an RV composting toilet now!

RV Macerator Toilet

Best for: 1) Those who stay only in parks with full hookups; 2) Luxury campers

The RV macerator toilet is an interesting RV toilet option. These actually macerate solid waste immediately after you flush. The liquid slurry is then pumped into a black tank until it is dumped. 

Some people like this option because it seals the toilet off from the black tank completely, eliminating all smells that could otherwise enter the RV. It’s also nice to know you won’t be dealing with black tank clogs down the line. That said, this toilet uses a lot of water and requires electricity, so it really isn’t an option if you want to boondock at all. 

Pros:

• Breaks solids down, preventing clogs
• Black tank is sealed off
• Can dump with a small hose

Cons:

• Uses a lot of water
• Requires electricity
• Dumps very slowly

Buy an RV macerating toilet now!

RV Incinerator Toilet

Best for: 1) Those looking to save tank space while boondocking; 2) Those with a big budget

Unlike the toilet above, the RV incinerator toilet is an excellent choice for boondocking. As the name suggests, this toilet literally incinerates your waste, leaving you with nothing but ashes to dispose of. 

Not only does this make disposing of waste easier—just throw those ashes away!—it also eliminates the need to deal with sewer hookups, “stinky slinkies” (i.e. sewer hoses), and poo water. In fact, this toilet doesn’t use any water at all. 

The biggest issue with this RV toilet type? It’s incredibly expensive. 

Pros:

• Turns solid waste to ash that can be thrown away
• Does not use water

Cons:

• Very expensive
• Uses liners
• Can take up to two hours to finish incinerating

Buy an RV incinerator toilet now!

Portable Toilets for RVs

Best for: 1) Campers in a small RV without a bathroom; 2) Tent campers

Last but not least, there is the portable RV toilet. These mobile commodes are ideal for people who are doing a van or trailer build and don’t want to put in plumbing. They also work well for tent camping. 

Because they aren’t attached to anything, portable toilets can be used anywhere. They use a bit of fresh water (which is added to an onboard tank), and they store waste in a separate tank that can be dumped in a public toilet or a dump station. 

The waste tank is very small. Additionally, these toilets tend to be quite small and awkward to sit on, especially if you happen to be a taller or larger individual. 

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Can be taken anywhere
• Doesn’t require plumbing

Cons:

• Uses some water
• Tiny waste tank
• Usually small and not very sturdy

Buy a portable RV toilet now!

Hopefully this overview of the various types of RV toilets helps you make the best bathroom decisions for your rig. Maybe that means sticking with the traditional RV toilet you have already, or maybe there is another potty option that would better suit your adventure style. No matter what, we encourage you to find the throne that makes you most comfortable.

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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Having an RV awning is a fantastic thing. It can give you some shade even in the sunniest campsites, and there’s nothing like hanging out under the awning with family and friends. 

That said, these awnings don’t last forever. Sudden wind and rain can damage them really quickly, but even age alone will eventually create a need for an RV awning replacement. Fortunately, many damaged RV awnings can be fixed by owners, and if yours simply cannot be repaired, a replacement RV awning can be ordered. 

Not sure where to begin researching how to repair an RV awning, or where to buy and how to install a replacement RV awning? This is the article for you! Read on to learn our top tips for those with damaged RV awnings. 

How to Clean RV Awning Fabric

Sometimes the problem with an RV awning is just that it is incredibly dirty and smelly. Mildew and even mold can grow on awnings that are rolled up wet, and the dirt and debris that these things gather over time is incredible. If you can’t stand the smell when you pull your awning out, you might be able to solve your problems with something as simple as a good cleaning. 

Of course, you will need to know how to clean RV awning fabric. Here’s how we go about it:

• Unroll your awning and spray the underside with soap and water, or a cleaner such as Camco Pro Strength Awning Cleaner.
• Roll the awning back up and let it sit for an hour or so.
• Unroll the awning, rinse it off, and let it dry. 

If there are some stubborn spots of mildew, try rubbing them gently with a long-handled brush and a mixture of one part bleach to ten parts water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly after and avoid using bleach with every wash. 

This video has some great suggestions for cleaning RV awning fabric:

Repairing RV Awning Fabric

If your awning fabric is not just dirty but also has holes or tears, you might be able to get away with making a simple repair to the fabric rather than replacing the entire thing. This is much easier and costs a lot less. An RV awning fabric repair likely won’t last forever, but it will definitely buy you some time before you have to look into replacement RV awning fabric.

To repair your RV awning fabric, follow the steps below:

• Unroll and clean your RV awning.
• If you’re dealing with a big hole, try to acquire a piece of fabric to fill the void.
• Use Camco Awning Repair Tape or clear Gorilla Tape to cover both sides of the tear or hole and hold the extra fabric in place (if applicable).

This video might help you better understand how to go about this:

How to Replace RV Awning Fabric

Sometimes a simple patch just won’t cut it. If your RV awning fabric is ruined beyond repair, it’s time to look into replacement RV awning fabric. This is possible to purchase and isn’t too terribly expensive. It is also possible to install your RV awning replacement fabric yourself, making this an even more affordable job to get done. 

If you want to tackle this job yourself, we recommend ordering from a company such as ShadePro. This company creates RV awning replacement fabrics that perfectly fit into the most common awning hardware types out there, making them super easy to install. 

To make your RV awning fabric installation go as smoothly as possible, you will want to…

1. Determine what awning fabric type you need. We recommend sticking with the type of fabric your RV is currently using. 
2. Measure your current awning fabric. Be sure to carefully follow the measuring instructions on the site you’re ordering from (measure from center of arm to center of arm) in order to get the correct size. 
3. When your fabric arrives, follow the included instructions carefully, calling in a friend for help if possible. 

This video might help you get a better idea of what to do with your RV awning replacement fabric:

Replacing the fabric on an electric awning? This is a different process. Check out the video below for some tips on doing this:

Replacing Broken Awning Hardware

Have an awning with a broken arm? Dealing with broken hardware in another area? In this case, you might be able to replace just the broken part, or you might have to splurge on a full RV awning replacement. 

Replacing RV awning arms and other pieces of hardware can be a little bit more difficult than a fabric replacement, so if you aren’t 100% confident, you might want to consider calling in a tech. 

Check stores like Camping World to find the replacement parts you need, making sure they match your current setup. From there, follow the instructions included in the packaging or look for YouTube videos such as the one below to help you along:

RV Awning Alternatives

Don’t have the skills to fix your own RV awning? In this case, you might want to look for an RV awning alternative. This will ensure you can continue to enjoy the shade offered by an awning without investing in an RV awning replacement (and the cost of a mobile tech to install said awning). 

Some of our favorite RV awning alternatives are listed below.

Clam Shelter

We’ve mentioned before how much we love Clam Shelters. These things come in a variety of sizes, are quick and easy to set up, and can be used as outdoor offices, play spaces, and more. We love that the sides can be rolled up to let the breeze in or put them back down when the weather is cold or rainy, making it a super versatile option. 

MoonShade Portable Awning

MoonShade Portable Awnings are another great option. These can’t be used with bigger RVs, but are perfect for smaller trailers, camper vans, Jeeps, and trucks. They attach to the top of the vehicle and provide shade on the side of the vehicle just like a traditional RV awning. Best of all, they pack up super small!

Sun Ninja Pop-Up Beach Tent

A perfect option for those who want an awning that can stand on its own, a Sun Ninja Pop-Up Beach Tent is lightweight, easy to pack, and pops up super easily. We love that it can be set up even when no RV or vehicle is nearby, and we’ve found it’s great for those who prefer the shade offered by a Clam but don’t want side walls. 

There you have it, a variety of options for fixing or replacing your RV awning. Hopefully these ideas help you continue to enjoy shade in your campsite for years to come!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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Most outdoorsy people are well aware that hiking is a lot of fun. That said, many seem to have an idea that hiking is something that can only be enjoyed by adults when they are child-free. The truth of the matter? Hiking with kids is not only doable, but can be totally fun! In fact, we’d even go so far as to say it’s one of our very favorite family activities to do when out exploring the country. 

All that said, there are some things you should know before you jump into hiking with kids. Going in unprepared could end in disaster and leave you believing the rumors that hiking is an adults-only activity. For this reason, we highly recommend keeping the following tips in mind when planning for a family hiking expedition. 

Choose Your Trail Wisely

First and foremost, you will want to choose your family hiking trail wisely. Hiking with kids will likely mean choosing trails that are a little less challenging and a bit shorter. That said, this doesn’t mean you have to skip challenges altogether. It also doesn’t mean your family hiking trips need to be boring. There are plenty of moderately challenging and incredibly interesting trails out there that provide ideal hiking for kids. 

Not sure how to find the right trail? We recommend using the AllTrails app. Start by looking for easy trails that are under a mile or so long. A trail that fits these criteria—and also includes a creek, a waterfall, easy climbs, lots of wildlife, beautiful views, or other interesting features—is sure to be a hit when hiking with kids.

If you have older kids and they do well hiking short, easy trails, consider moving onto slightly longer trails or ones labeled as “moderate”. Of course, you’ll still want to seek out those awesome features to keep things interesting for the whole family. 

Some of our favorite hikes for kids can be found here. 

Time Your Hike Right

The next step in planning a family hike? Deciding when to go out.

If you’re hiking with toddlers or taking preschool-aged kids along, timing is everything. Naptime hiking is out of the question unless you’re hiking with baby and you know he or she will nap in the carrier. Meanwhile, late afternoon hiking likely isn’t great if it’s very warm and sunny outside. Of course, nighttime definitely isn’t ideal, as you’ll be out too close to bedtime and could find yourself hiking in the dark. 

In our opinion, the best time to hike with toddlers and preschoolers is probably before lunch. This is when the kids will have the most energy. It avoids both naptime and bedtime, and it ensures you aren’t out in the heat of the day. 

Obviously, if you’ll be hiking with older kids or teens, the time matters a bit less, but if your kids tend to be cranky at a certain time of day, keep that in mind when planning. 

Plan for Stops and a Slow Pace

Kids are natural explorers. They want to stop and look at things, touch all the sticks, and pick up all the rocks. Not only that, kids also have smaller legs and tend to need more breaks than adults might.

Because of these tendencies, you almost certainly won’t be able to hike as quickly as you would without kids—but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. You see, when it comes to hiking, it’s more about the journey than the destination, and kids will force you to slow down, take in the scenery, immerse yourself in the moment, and really connect with nature. 

Still, it is good to consider these facts going in and prepare for them. Try to give yourselves plenty of time to meander through nature. If you’re short on time, choose a shorter trail (or plan to turn back partway through) rather than trying to hurry the kids along. Rushing little hikers will only put a damper on their experience and will likely result in bad moods all around. 

Know What to Pack

Once you’ve picked out the perfect trail and carved out time for your family hike, the next step is packing your bags. The question is, what does one pack when hiking with kids? What sort of kids hiking gear is essential, and what can be skipped? 

Below is a list of must-have family hiking gear for day hiking:

• Backpack
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Hiking boots or shoes
• Water and snacks
• Navigation tool
• First aid kit
• Knife
• Flashlight
• Baby carrier
• Venture Wipes
• Ultimate Hiking Logbook

Our article on the subject of packing for family day hikes includes links to some of the best family hiking gear on the market. 

Find Way to Engage Kids

Besides the essentials, you will also want to pack some things to help engage the kids in hiking. Making a point of making the hike fun and interesting for them is sure to result in happier kids and happier parents. Not only that, it’ll leave your kids excited to go on their next hike. 

Some of the best ways to engage kids on a hike include:

• Packing a kids camera and letting them snap photos of things they find along the path.
• Picking up some good kids binoculars to do some bird watching. 
• Doing a nature scavenger hunt.
• Playing games like “I Spy” as a family as you hike.
• Playing Aqua Marooned!
• Participating in Junior Ranger programs at national parks, NPS sites, and some state parks. 

Invite Friends Along

Last but not least, we highly recommend taking friends along once in a while when hiking with kids. When kids have peers to talk and play with, they tend to complain much less about aching feet and tired legs, and even the most reluctant hikers might find themselves happy to hop on the trail if they have a buddy to share the experience with. Besides, grown-ups have more fun hiking with friends too. 

Wondering where to find friends when you travel full-time? Joining Fulltime Families and attending a rally, a hangout, or other event is a great way to start making connections and building your community on the road!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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Summertime is here, which means temperatures are starting to climb in some areas and already soaring in others. Many RVers are booking campsites with full hookups so they can use air conditioning to survive the heat, and we can’t blame them. 

But what if you need to camp without electricity sometimes? You may be wondering how to keep your RV cool in summer while boondocking. Fortunately, there are ways to keep a trailer or motorhome comfortable even when no electricity is available. That said, it is going to take some effort and creativity on your part. 

Here are our top tips for how to keep your RV cool in the summer while boondocking.

Know Where to Go

As mentioned before, we really don’t recommend boondocking in places where the average temperature climbs above 90 degrees (°F) during the day. That is just too hot to be comfortable without air conditioning, and you’re likely to spend most of the summer feeling miserable. This leads us to our first tip for keeping cool while boondocking: know where to go. 

Generally speaking, it’s best to head north, and northwest is our favorite place to be dry camping during the summer months. Montana is a good bet, but you’ll probably find some options in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Wyoming as well. 

Running an RV Air Conditioner on Batteries

Yes, it is actually possible to run an RV air conditioner on battery power and this is one answer to how to keep your RV cool in summer while boondocking. That said, you will need to have a pretty hefty battery bank to make this possible. Not only that, you’ll also need some way to replenish the battery power as you use it by running the A/C. This would require some intense solar power and/or a really strong generator. For this reason, most boondockers choose to forego running their air conditioner while camping off-grid. 

That said, if you feel having A/C while boondocking is important to you, you might find that it’s worth the (very expensive) cost to put such a system together. 

Battery Powered RV Air Conditioner

What about other battery operated options? Well, believe it or not, there is actually a battery powered RV air conditioner solution out there. This handy little A/C is called the Zero Breeze Mark 2, and it can be a lifesaver.

The Zero Breeze Mark 2 runs on rechargeable batteries and can last for 3–5 hours on a single charge. By purchasing and pre-charging several batteries, you could keep cool for quite some time while out boondocking, making this a purchase definitely worth considering. 

Making Use of Your RV Vent Fan

Another great tool for keeping cool while boondocking is your RV vent fan. RV vent fans do an excellent job of pulling old air out of your rig, and by opening your windows, you can create a lovely breeze that runs through your home-on-wheels as soon as you turn the fan on. 

Change Your Light Bulbs

Traditional RV light bulbs use a lot of electricity and put off a lot of heat. The simple act of switching all of your RV light bulbs to LED can help your battery last longer when dry camping and help reduce the temperature in your RV. This is a super simple change to make, and the cost to do so is minimal. 

Park in the Shade

It may seem like a no-brainer, but parking in the shade can make an enormous difference when it comes to how hot your home is and is one of the best options for how to keep your RV cool in summer. We highly recommend heading to a wooded area if you have the choice, and parking amongst the trees in order to stay as cool as possible. 

Can’t park in the woods? Look for shade provided by buildings and be sure to make use of your awning when possible.

Don’t Cook Indoors

Using the propane stove and oven in your RV will definitely heat the place up—and really, doing any cooking at all in your rig is going to add to the overall temperature. For this reason, we much prefer grilling out during the summer season. A lot of things can be cooked on a grill or flat top, and the things that can’t be made that way can be thrown in an Instant Pot or air fryer on a table outside. 

There really isn’t a good reason to do any cooking indoors this summer unless the weather happens to be rainy. 

With this information, you are ready to go out and take on the world in your RV, even in the heat of summer. Have fun exploring the world while staying nice and cool during this hot season!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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The ability to turn on the A/C and cool your home down certainly is fantastic. In fact, we’d even go so far as to say air conditioning is one of the greatest inventions of all time. Unfortunately, even A/Cs have their flaws. For instance, knowing how to use an RV air conditioner effectively when the temperatures are at their hottest can be difficult. 

Most RVs are poorly insulated, and many only have one air conditioning unit for the entire rig. Honestly, motorhomes and trailers just weren’t meant to be used in the hottest places in the hottest parts of the country. 

All that said, there are things you can do to get the most out of your RV air conditioner so you can stay relatively cool and comfortable this summer. Below are some of our best tips for how to use an RV air conditioner and how to cool an RV in summer. 

How Many Amps Does an RV Air Conditioner Use?

“How many amps does an RV air conditioner use?”

“Can you run an RV air conditioner on 30 amp?”

These are questions many people ask themselves when choosing campsites for the summer and are some of the first things you need to know when learning how to use an RV air conditioner. After all, nobody wants to find themselves unable to run their RV A/C while out in the middle of July. 

The good news? Yes, you can run an RV air conditioner on 30-amp electricity. That said, you cannot run two RV A/C units on 30 amps, meaning if you have a larger rig that requires two units to stay truly comfortable, you will need to seek out a site that offers 50-amp electricity (or find other ways to cool the rig down).

It should also be noted that a single RV air conditioner can’t typically be run on a 20-amp hookup. That said, if you have the time, money, and know-how to install a soft starter on your RV A/C, you will be able to use it with only 20 -amp power, something that could be a game changer for those without access to more amperage. 

RV Air Conditioner Maintenance

Another thing you’ll want to know about how to use an RV air conditioner? These units do require some maintenance.

Keeping up with RV air conditioner maintenance is crucial, especially when you’ll be running the unit night and day for the entire summer. In fact, skipping out on maintenance tasks could even cause your RV air conditioner to cool less effectively or even stop cooling altogether, so be sure to stay on top of these tasks. 

RV air conditioner maintenance tasks include: 

• Cleaning or replacing the filter at least once a month during the summer (more if it seems dirty sooner).
• Gently cleaning coils and straightening the cooling fins. Cleaning should be done with a brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner, and straightening can be done (gently!) with a comb. 
• Check the plastic A/C shroud for damage every six months and after storms. 

Thawing a Frozen RV Air Conditioner

If you run your air conditioner constantly, and especially if you’re in a humid climate, there is a good chance you’ll find yourself with a literally frozen A/C unit at one point or another. You’ll know your air conditioner is frozen when air is no longer being blown from the A/C vents, even though you can clearly hear the unit running.

In case this happens to you, here are the steps for servicing RV A/C freeze-ups:

• Switch the thermostat from “cool” to high fan.
• Place a bowl or towel under the A/C unit to catch water drips.
• Allow the fan to run for several minutes until you are confident all the ice has melted.

If your RV air conditioner freezes up on a regular basis, it is likely time to clean the condenser coils, air filter, or both. Other causes could be a broken thermostat, low refrigerant, or even just high humidity. 

Running RV Air Conditioner on Batteries

Many people wonder about running an RV air conditioner on batteries. Is it possible? The answer is yes, but it comes at a price. 

Running an RV A/C on batteries requires a LOT of battery power. This means you will need a very large battery bank to run your air conditioner. Even then, the batteries won’t be able to keep the A/C unit running indefinitely. 

You will also need a way to replenish your charge once the A/C has depleted your batteries. If you want to run the air conditioner regularly, this means you’ll need an incredible solar system coupled with a powerful generator as a backup. 

For most people, the expense and effort involved in acquiring such a robust system and learning how to use an RV air conditioner on battery power isn’t worth the end result. Of course, this is totally up to you and if you boondock often enough, it might be a worthwhile investment. 

Portable RV A/C

Sometimes even when you know how to use an RV air conditioner properly, it just isn’t enough. If your RV only has one air conditioner unit and it can’t keep up, it might be time to look into a portable RV air conditioner. 

Buying a portable A/C for RV use allows you to put the airflow wherever you can use it most. For instance, people choose to give the rooftop A/C a break at night, using only a portable unit in the sleeping area. 

Another great benefit of having a portable RV air conditioner? You can use a heavy duty extension cord to plug the unit into the 20-amp outlet on the campground power pedestal. This is great when you only have a 30-amp connection otherwise, as the portable A/C will not be cutting into those 30 amps, meaning you can run your rooftop RV air conditioner simultaneously. 

How to Insulate an RV for Summer

Our last tip for those who will be summering in a campground in a hot climate and want to know how to use an RV air conditioner and get the most out of it? Insulation, insulation, insulation!

Most people know extra insulation is crucial for RVing in the winter, but not everyone considers it necessary in summer. Wondering how to insulate RV for summer? Take the steps below to feel confident you’re getting the most out of your RV A/C this summer. 

First and foremost, you will want to make sure you have RV window insulation for summer. We like to use Reflectix for this purpose. Simply cut a piece to fit each window, stick them in place, and enjoy the benefits of trapping cold in and keeping heat out. 

Other things you can do include using RV vent pillows and RV skylight insulators to hold onto your air conditioning. 

There you have it! A number of ways you can ensure you get the most out of your RV air conditioner. Hopefully this article helps you camp in comfort wherever you roam this summer season.

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The vast majority of RVs out there come equipped with at least one vent fan. These fans serve a variety of purposes, and once you figure out how and when to use them, they can actually be very helpful. Unfortunately, they also don’t last forever.

If your RV vent fan has broken, you may be wondering what to do about it. Obviously, you’ll want to have the fan when you need it, and unless it’s an easy fix, repairing an RV vent fan is rarely worthwhile. This means RV vent fan replacement is probably your best bet. 

In this article we will discuss what exactly an RV vent fan can be used for, how to replace an RV vent fan, which are the best RV vent fans, and how to care for your new RV vent fan once it’s been installed. After reading this, you will be ready to put in a new fan and use it properly so you are 100% comfortable on your next camping adventure. 

What is an RV Vent Fan Used For?

As mentioned above, RV vent fans can serve a few different purposes. These include:

Venting Moisture 

Considering the kind of damage moisture can do to an RV, you definitely don’t want water hanging around in your rig.

Unfortunately, condensation tends to develop in trailers and motorhomes when people are showering or cooking. Moist towels and bathing suits can leave a bathroom feeling humid and wet. Even running the propane furnace can create condensation, and when the weather is cold, this moisture will be found on every surface in the rig.

Running your RV roof vent fan helps dry everything out, helping to prevent water damage and mold. 

Venting Bad Smells

When a family spends a lot of time in a tiny space together, bad smells tend to come up. The trash can, body odor, and cooking odors all add up. Black tanks can also get quite stinky, especially in the hot summer months.

While there are ways to avoid some of these smells, it’s also good to have a way to remove them from the rig when they develop in spite of your best efforts. A vent fan is the perfect tool for this. Turn it on, open a window, and new, fresh air is quickly moved into the rig. 

Get Air Moving

Sometimes it’s not hot enough to run the air conditioner, but you still want some air moving through the RV. Other times, it’s very hot outdoors but you’re unable to run the A/C because you’re boondocking.

In both cases, the RV vent fans can be extremely helpful. Simply open the roof vents and/or windows, turn on the fans, and you’ll get a nice breeze blowing through your home in no time.  

When to Replace Vent Fan in RV

Clearly, RV vent fans are important tools for RVers to have on hand. So what should you do when your fan stops working? 

Well, the first thing you’ll want to do is a bit of troubleshooting. If there is no obvious physical damage to the fan, remove the trim ring and see if the wiring has come disconnected. Getting your fan up and running again might be as simple as adding a new wire nut to the mix. You’ll also want to check out the circuit board to see if anything is fried. If this is the case, a new plug-and-play circuit board might do the trick. 

In addition to these things, make sure your power switch is not the culprit, and change out the batteries in your remote (if applicable). If the lid is not opening, try opening it manually to see if the issue is just the lid opener motor. If the lid is opening but the fan won’t start, make sure there is not a button that should pop up when the lid opens but is stuck down (this is found on Fan-Tastic fans). Lastly, make sure to examine the fan thoroughly for anything that might be jamming it. 

Perhaps the only problem with your fan is a broken vent lid. In this case, you can just replace the lid rather than replacing the whole thing. The video below shows how to go about this:

If none of these is the issue, we recommend looking into installing a replacement RV vent fan. 

RV Vent Fan Replacement Instructions

If you determine that RV vent fan replacement is the best course of action, the next step is learning how to go about this. Fortunately, this is a job that most people who are a little bit handy can do on their own. 

Because most RV vent fans are the same size and shape, you should be able to choose any standard vent fan on the market. 

From there, you will unplug your RV from electricity and disconnect the batteries so that no power can get to the fan. Remove the current fan trim ring from the ceiling, then go up on the roof, remove the sealant around your fan, remove all screws, disconnect wiring, and remove the old fan from the roof. 

Connect your wiring to your new fan using wire nuts, making sure you connect the correct wires to one another. Test your fan before finishing the installation process by connecting the RV battery, making sure to disconnect if something needs to be changed or adjusted. Place the new fan in the hole in the roof, screw it into place, and use lap sealant to seal around the fan well. Head inside and screw the new trim ring into place. (You may have to cut the trim ring to fit.)

This video provides a nice visual of this process:

Best RV Vent Fans

Not sure which vent fan to buy? As mentioned above, most RV vent fans will fit a standard vent fan hole, so the things you should be focused on are not size, but efficiency and features. 

The best RV vent fans include the following: 

Best Overall: MaxxAir MAXXFAN Deluxe

• Built-in cover that prevents rain from entering RV
• Cover lowers when not in use
• Can be run with cover closed
• Available with a remote
• High quality
• Strong air current

See price now!

Quietest: Fan-Tastic Vent Fan

• Quietest vent fan on the market
• Many options/features available
• High quality
• Strong air current

See price now!

Budget Fan: Ventline RV Roof Vent

• Low price
• Complete installation kit

See price now!

How to Care for RV Vent Fans

Now that you have your new RV roof vent fan installed, you may be wondering how to take good care of it so it lasts as long as possible. The good news? Caring for an RV vent fan is not difficult. 

You can run your vent fan as much as you need to. That said, it should be noted that your fan motor can be worn out. Therefore, it’s a good idea to turn the fan off if you won’t be home or aren’t actively using it. 

The mesh screen on your vent fan is likely removable. It should be removed and cleaned gently every few months to remove dirt and debris. While the screen is down, clean the fan blades very gently with a damp sponge. 

Obviously, unless you have a cover that prevents water from entering the RV, you will want to close your vent during rainstorms (don’t count on rain sensors to do this for you). It’s also a good idea to check the seal around the vent fan while inspecting the rest of the roof every six months or so, and add more sealant as necessary. 

There you have it: everything you need to know about RV vent fans! Go ahead and replace that broken fan now; you’ll be glad you did when you have moisture buildup on the walls, a stinky smell to vent, or a hot rig to cool off. 

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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A motorhome is not a small investment. Therefore, it only makes sense that you would want to keep your home-on-wheels in tip-top shape for as long as possible. Unfortunately, there are some items that start to show their age before others. Upholstered furniture is one of these things, and RV captain’s chairs are often first in line when it comes to wear and tear.

If your RV captain’s chairs are looking a little worse for wear these days, you may be looking for solutions. Fortunately, there are things you can do to repair and update these seats, making them look as good as new. Another option? Replace the RV seats entirely. 

Below, we have included info on both of these options as well as some tips on the care and keeping of your updated RV captain’s

Motorhome Seat Covers

The easiest and least expensive option for updating your RV captain’s chairs is to invest in some motorhome seat covers. These are easy to find, relatively inexpensive, and super easy to put on your RV seat. 

Some people even go so far as to make their own homemade motorhome seat covers. This article gives instructions on how to do this so you can make some DIY RV seat covers of your own.

Of course, camper seat covers do have some drawbacks. For instance, they don’t always stay in place the way one would like, nor do they always fit properly. Additionally, some people find their covers get dirty or worn out pretty quickly.

Still, for a quick and easy fix, motorhome seat covers such as these are often the best bet. 

How to Reupholster RV Captain’s Chairs

Maybe you are looking for a more permanent fix than RV seat covers but don’t want to invest in replacement RV captain’s chairs. In this case, your best bet is to reupholster the chairs entirely. 

Upholstery work is a bit time-consuming and tedious. However, it isn’t impossible, even if you have no experience reupholstering furniture. That said, it is a good idea to have basic sewing skills before you jump in, as using this as a project to learn sewing would be a huge undertaking. 

Not sure how to reupholster RV captain’s chairs? Follow the steps below.

First, gather the supplies listed:

• New fabric
• Marker pen
• Seam ripper
• Straight pins
• Staple gun
• Upholstery thread
• Sewing machine
• Staple remover
• Scissors

Next, you will need to remove the old fabric by unzipping the cover or carefully pulling out seams. As you work, remove any staples you find that are holding the fabric in place. The goal is to avoid ripping the fabric while also removing all seams. This will leave you with several pieces of fabric that will work as your pattern for making the new cover. 

Now you will trace each piece of the old fabric onto the back of the new fabric and proceed to cut the new pieces out, making sure to follow your tracings as closely as possible. These new pieces will then be pinned together the same way the old ones were sewn.

Sew the pinned pieces to one another using upholstery thread and a heavy-duty sewing machine, but make sure to leave one or more seams open to allow the fabric to be placed on the chair. Some people like to add a zipper to the open seam to make removing the fabric easier in the future.

Place the cover you made over the seat and sew the remaining seams closed by hand (or zip them up if a zipper was added). Finally, you will need to staple the bottom of the cover in place under the seat. You may also find that staples are necessary in other places. 

If you’re finding this process hard to imagine, consider watching the video below:

Replacement Captain’s Chairs

The final option? Replace your RV captain’s chairs entirely. This task is easier than you might imagine, but does require some strength and tools. It’s also important to note that new RV seats can be extremely expensive, especially if you’re looking to install a luxury RV driver seat. 

The first step is to find replacement seats that suit your tastes and the look of your RV. Flexsteel is the most popular motorhome seat brand, and the company makes a wide variety of seats to suit a variety of tastes. We recommend shopping for these at Coach Supply Direct. 

Another great option? Qualitex seats. These are sold by Shop 4 Seats and also come in a variety of styles. 

The next step is to remove the old seats. The video below does an excellent job of explaining how to go about this:

Once the old seats are removed, you will bolt the new seats into place. In many cases, captain’s chairs use the same bolt pattern, making this a super simple task. In fact, we recommend double-checking the bolt pattern on any seats you buy to ensure it matches the pattern on your current seats in order to keep things simple. 

RV Captain’s Chairs Maintenance 

Now that your RV seats are recovered or replaced, you will definitely want to take good care of them. Obviously, these seats will see some wear and tear, but by maintaining them properly, you can extend their life, which means that recovering or replacing them can be put off for years. 

Cover 

If you chose to reupholster or replace your RV captain’s chairs, you might want to purchase a motorhome seat cover as well. Sure, the current upholstery looks great, but a cover will save your good-looking fabric from wear and tear.

Since it’s so much easier to replace a slipcover than it is to reupholster, this is an excellent way to extend the life of your RV seats. 

Clean

No matter how careful you are, something is bound to get spilled on your seats eventually. This is especially true if you’re traveling with kids. Fortunately, cleaning upholstered furniture is possible. We recommend using Resolve Multi Fabric Cleaner, but make sure to test for color-fastness before using in a noticeable place. 

Of course, cleaning leather seats is even easier and should be done on a regular basis. 

Correct Usage

It should go without saying that your RV captain’s chairs will last longer if they are used properly. Still, we feel better at least mentioning it. Don’t use the chairs to climb onto an overhead bunk, avoid eating in these seats, and don’t allow kids to climb around in the cab area. 

Ready to tackle your RV captain’s chair project? We’re sure you’ll have the cab of your rig looking spiffy in no time at all!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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When is the best time to buy an RV? With the RV market booming, and more and more people looking to get out on the road, this is a question that many people are asking these days. 

This is a reasonable question. After all, when you buy can affect the final purchase price of your RV. Considering how expensive RVs are right now, this can be the key to how to buy an RV cheap, and it might determine whether a person can afford to buy an RV at all. 

So when is the best time to buy an RV? In this article we will take a look at the best time of year and day of the week to buy an RV in order to get the best deal possible. We’ll also discuss how where you buy and who you buy from might have an affect on how much you end up paying. 

When is the Best Time to Buy an RV?

Okay, let’s get started by looking at the best time to buy your new (or new-to-you) RV. This includes time of year, of course, but the day of the week and even the time of day you buy can also make a difference, so we’ll discuss those as well. 

The Best Time of Year to Buy an RV

As you might have guessed, the best time of year to buy an RV is the off season. 

The end of the summer—right before everyone starts putting their rigs away for the season—is definitely the start of the off season. This means you could start shopping sometime between September and November, depending on what the weather is like where you are. That said, buying a camper during December and January is your best bet, as these are the slowest months and prices nosedive during this time. 

Another great option? Waiting until February or March, just before new models are released and old inventory is being cleared off the lots. Individuals looking to buy a new rig will often sell during this time as well.

Basically, the best time to buy an RV is winter. Starting the shopping process during late September and buying before early March should get you a decent deal. 

The Best Day of the Week to Buy an RV

As mentioned before, some days are actually better for RV shopping than others. With the exception of holiday weekends (which are often designated for clearing old RVs off the lots) it’s better to avoid weekend shopping, as these are busy times and sellers are less motivated to move inventory. 

Instead, many say the best time to buy RV campers is on Mondays. This is because most salespeople will be in a good mood after a busy weekend of sales, and fewer people will be shopping on Mondays. That said, any day between Monday and Thursday is likely just fine. 

Where Should You Buy an RV?

Now that you know when to do your RV shopping, the next question is where to buy an RV. Believe it or not, where you buy can also make a huge difference, so be sure to read on before you dive into your search for the perfect RV. 

When to Buy from a Dealership

Buying an RV from a dealership might seem like the thing to do, but it isn’t always the best option. If you’re looking to buy an RV on the cheap, we only recommend purchasing from a dealership when you want to buy brand new (not something we necessarily recommend), require a warranty, or need to finance and cannot get financing elsewhere. This is because dealers tend to mark their RVs up quite a bit and can be more difficult to negotiate with. Those who want a used rig should definitely look at buying from an individual. 

If you do choose to buy your RV from a dealership, make sure to do your research on the business in question to ensure they are honest and that they honor their warranties. Never buy a third-party warranty. 

Are RV Shows a Good Place to Buy?

Another time buying from a dealership makes sense? When attending an RV show. Buyers can save thousands of dollars by purchasing their rigs at RV shows. Not only are most RVs at the show marked down already, dealers tend to be pretty ready to haggle on the last day of the show. This is because they would rather sell the RVs than have to lug them all back to their lot. 

If you see an RV you like at an RV show, wait until the last day and make an offer. You might just get the deal of a lifetime!

Where is the Best State to Buy an RV? 

Some people are convinced that buying an RV in Indiana will save you money because so many RVs are manufactured there. Others believe purchasing in Montana is a money-saver since the state doesn’t tax vehicle sales. However, unless Montana is your domicile state, neither of these rumors are true. 

What is true is that you can find good deals in states with a lower cost of living. You might also find a better deal in a northern state in the fall, as camping is truly impossible during the winter in states like Maine and Washington. 

If you do buy out-of-state, keep the conditions of that state in mind. For instance, states that are near the ocean might have problems with ambient moisture and salt damaging vehicles. Meanwhile, states that see a lot of hail might be home to many hail-damaged RVS. 

Is Now a Good Time to Sell an RV?

What if you aren’t looking to buy, but you want to sell instead? When is the best time to sell an RV? Well, right now isn’t a bad pick, considering the incredible hot RV market. Since it’s currently spring, a lot of people will be looking for RVs to use this camping season, meaning there will be plenty of potential buyers and you’re likely to get top dollar. 

There you have it: everything you need to know about when and where to buy an RV! Start browsing now to get a feel for prices and get ready for the camping adventure of a lifetime.

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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Having a bathroom wherever you happen to travel is one of the fantastic things about RV life. You can shower when you need to, use the restroom without searching for a public toilet, and freshen up whenever you see fit.

Of course, these conveniences do come with some drawbacks. The biggest drawback? Dealing with tanks—and more specifically, figuring out how to unclog an RV black tank. 

Related: RV Maintenance Essentials

Generally speaking, this isn’t an issue. You hook up your sewer hose, pull the valve, and out comes the contents of your black tank. Unfortunately, there may be times when the water just doesn’t flow properly during your dump session. In these cases, you have a clogged black tank. 

Below are our top tips for how to deal with a clogged RV black tank. 

How Your RV Black Water Tank Works

First, let’s talk a bit about how your RV black water tank functions.

Essentially, your RV black tank is just a big tub or box that catches all of the waste that goes down your RV toilet after flushing. The tank then holds onto the waste until you hook up your sewer hose and pull the tank valve to dump. Once the valve is pulled, all of the wastewater flows out of the tank, through the sewer hose, and into the sewer. 

How to Unclog RV Black Tank

Of course, if the black water refuses to flow out of the tank when the dump valve is pulled, you have a problem. Fortunately, there are things you can do to unclog an RV black tank when it just won’t empty. 

Best RV Black Tank Treatment

If you don’t already use an RV black tank treatment, we recommend giving that a try before anything else when trying to unclog an RV black tank. Most RV black tank cleaner options actually work to break down solids, meaning pouring a good amount down the toilet and letting it sit for several hours might be enough to do the trick. 

The best RV black tank treatment? We prefer Happy Campers. Many also swear by using Dawn dish soap in RV black tanks, and a number of seasoned RVers use the “geo method” of cleaning their tanks, which involves using a combination of Dawn dish soap, Borax, and Calgon water softener.

No matter which method you choose to unclog an RV black tank, we recommend doing so after every dump, even after you have your problem sorted. 

Try Hot Water

Another option that might help unclog an RV black tank? Hot water. Boil water on the stove and pour it down your tank. This might be enough to break up any clogs and get your wastewater moving once again. 

Use a Snake

A sewer snake or even just a broom handle (that you don’t mind tossing when all is said and done) could also work to unclog an RV black tank. Simply stick the tool down the toilet and use it to move things and around and (hopefully) get rid of the clog.

You will want to be careful when using this method so you don’t damage your plumbing. Additionally, you’ll need to be prepared to deal with a gross smell.

Go for a Drive

Taking the RV for a drive could also work. This gets the water in the black tank moving, mixing things up and potentially breaking up whatever solids are causing the problem. Some people will also dump a bag of ice down the toilet before driving. They claim the ice helps break everything down.

RV Black Tank Flush Kit

Our final DIY suggestion? Flush your black tank out. 

If you don’t have one built into your rig, grab an RV black tank flush kit. This simple device twists onto your RV dump pipe. After attaching it to the pipe, you will attach a sewer hose to the other end, add a water hose to the back-flush device, open the RV black tank valve, turn on the water, and allow the strong spray of water to break up your clog. 

Please note that you will need to be careful flushing your tank when a clog is involved. If flushing doesn’t work right away, you might just end up with too much water in your black tank and a stinky mess inside of your RV. 

Call in the Pros

Once in a while, you’ll find that none of the DIY methods will be enough to get rid of a particularly stubborn RV black tank clog. If you’ve tried all of the above and are still stuck with a full black tank that just won’t dump, it might be time to call in the professionals.

That’s right, there are professional holding tank cleaners, and they can unclog an RV black tank quickly! To find someone who can help, simply do an internet search for “RV black water tank cleaning service near me”. This should help you locate an RV black tank cleaning pro that will get your RV plumbing system back up and running asap. 

 Now

Avoiding a Clogged RV Black Tank in the Future 

Once you’ve dealt with a black tank clog once, you aren’t likely to want to do that again. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to avoid clogged black tanks in the future. 

Keep the Tank Closed 

First and foremost, it is incredibly important that you keep your RV black tank valve closed until the tank is nearly full and ready to be dumped, even when you have full hookups. An open valve allows liquids to flow out of the tank right away, leaving solids behind to dry out and build up. You don’t want that.

By keeping the liquids in the tank with the solids as long as possible, you give everything a chance to break down and give the solids motivation to leave the tank with the rush of water when it comes time to dump. 

Use RV-specific Toilet Paper

Most regular toilet paper just doesn’t break down right in an RV black tank. For this reason, it is a good idea to always use RV-specific toilet paper, which is made to break down in the tank, preventing buildup that could cause a clog. 

Some RVers even go so far as to avoid putting toilet paper in the tank at all, opting instead to put it in a small trash can that gets taken out regularly. 

Always Use an RV Black Tank Treatment

We mentioned above that it’s a good idea to find a black tank treatment you like and add it to your tank after every dump. Not only will this help prevent buildup and clogs, it’ll also help if your RV black tank stinks—a major bonus, if you ask us.

Flush Out Your Black Tank Regularly

Last but not least, we highly recommend using an RV black tank flush kit like the one linked above (or the flush kit built into your RV) to do an RV black tank flush after every dump. Like the RV black tank cleaner, this will help remove buildup, preventing clogs and smells from happening down the line. 

Hopefully this helped you unclog an RV black tank and get rid of a stinky problem. Be sure to use the precautionary tips as well, as you should be able to avoid future RV black tank clogs and continue to travel in comfort.

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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Having a kitchen wherever you happen to be is a real handy thing. However, there are many RVers out there who don’t take full advantage of their RV kitchens. And the appliance that goes unused most often? The RV oven. 

We understand this to an extent. How to light an RV oven may not be completely obvious to the first-timer. On top of that, RV ovens aren’t the easiest to use, as they tend to have a hard time holding heat and often burn foods in the middle. 

Fortunately, there are ways around all of these issues. In this article, we will help you understand how to get the most out of your RV oven so you can continue to bake cookies, casseroles, and pizzas wherever you may roam. 

How to Light RV Oven

Let’s start with the basics: how to light an RV oven. After all, you can’t very well use a gas RV oven without first lighting it. Fortunately, while this little task might seem intimidating at first, it’s actually quite easy and you’re sure to get the hang of it in no time. 

First, use one hand to turn the oven knob to “light”. Holding the knob in while in the “light” position, use your other hand to put the end of a long handled lighter next to where the pilot light should be (usually located at the back bottom area inside the oven). Light the lighter and allow the flame to catch on the gas coming from the oven. After lighting, hold the knob in the “light” position for several seconds (do a slow count to 30 if you must) before finally turning it to the desired temperature. 

This video might help you get a better understanding of how to light an RV before you give it a go yourself:

How to Use an RV Oven: Tips and Tricks

Of course, getting your RV oven lit is only the first step.

In some cases, you may be able to use your RV oven just like the oven in a house, but other times, you might need to do a bit of experimentation to get your RV baking process down to a science. 

Make Sure It’s Shut

If you don’t feel like your oven is retaining heat as well as it should, make sure it’s actually closing all the way. In some cases, RV ovens will have a small gap around the door, even when closed. If this is the case for your oven, lean something against the door (such as a small stepladder) to ensure a good seal.

Spread the Heat

Because RV ovens are so small, the heat coming from the element at the bottom of the oven doesn’t really spread out as well as it should. If you find your baked goods are burning on the bottom or only cooking in the middle, try encouraging the heat to spread by placing a pizza stone on the oven rack. Another option is to put an upside-down muffin tin on the rack and place whatever you’re baking on top of that. 

Turn Partway Through

If your oven seems to cook one part of each thing you bake a bit more than the other parts, and using a pizza stone or muffin tin doesn’t solve the problem completely, your food might benefit from being turned halfway through the bake time. 

Pay Attention to Temperature

We’ve found that the temperature in our RV oven is never quite where it should be. In our current rig, the oven is just a bit cooler than what the thermostat says. Therefore, we set the temperature to be about 5 degrees warmer than we actually want it to be.

As you use your oven, you will get a feel for whether you need to set your thermostat a bit warmer or cooler than usual. 

Run the Vent Fan

Because most RV ovens use propane, they tend to heat up tiny spaces and make them very humid. This can cause an uncomfortable situation in the summer, and it is likely to lead to condensation on the walls in the winter.

Running the vent fan in the kitchen anytime you use the RV oven can help combat both of these situations. A dehumidifier is also a good investment if you plan to use propane appliances frequently. 

Tips for Using Your RV Microwave Convection Oven

Many newer RVs feature a microwave convection oven rather than a traditional gas oven. These are great because they won’t heat up your space, they don’t put off moisture, they don’t have hot spots and cold spots, and they don’t eat away at your propane supply. However, they are less than ideal if you plan to do a lot of off-grid camping. 

In any case, if you have an RV microwave convection oven, you will want to know how to use it. The good news? They’re actually pretty straightforward to use. 

Here are some tips to get the most out of your RV convection oven:

Reduce the Heat and Time

In most cases, you can reduce the heat you cook your food at by about 25 degrees. Additionally, you should check it about 10 minutes before it might normally be done. 

Use Cookware with Lower Sides

A convection oven relies on circulating hot air. Because of this, cookware with lower sides allows more air flow, faster cook times, and more even cooking. 

Always Use the Stock Rack

It’s important that you always use the rack that came with your convection oven. This ensures your oven is able to circulate hot air effectively. 

Replacing Your RV Oven

In some cases, it might be a good idea to replace your RV oven. Perhaps your old oven broke, or maybe you don’t like the look of the oven that is in your rig, or perhaps you want a different kind of oven. Whatever the case, it is possible to replace your RV oven. 

Here are our top picks for replacement RV ovens. 

RV Stove Oven Combo: Dometic Atwood RV Range Oven

Dometic is an excellent RV appliance company, and their stove and oven combo is a great pick. We especially love this stainless steel version, which looks sleek and modern, giving RVs an updated feel. 

Convection Microwave Oven for RV: RecPro Convection Microwave

This convection microwave is a direct replacement for Greystone RV convection ovens. It’s compact but 100% useful, and gives RV kitchens a lovely modern look. Just be aware that the advertised measurements are off and you might need to cut a bigger space for this appliance to fit properly. 

Other Options

In some cases, it’s better to purchase small appliances that can be put away rather than attempting to replace the entire built-in oven unit. If this is the route you decide to take, we highly recommend the following options for replacing your RV oven:

• Instant Vortex Mini Air Fryer
• NuWave Oven
• Hamilton Beach Toaster Oven

Hopefully these tips help you get use out of your RV oven, so you can continue to eat all of your baked goods as you travel.

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