Beyond the Drive: 10 More Full Timer Tips for Better RV Living (part 2)

Alright, fellow road explorers! Welcome back. In the last article, we covered some absolute non-negotiables for hitting the road safely in your rig, whether it’s a classic like our ’99 Seaview or something brand new. We talked about heights, routes, checklists, and keeping things stable and protected.

But life on the road isn’t just about getting there; it’s about living there. And after spending years calling various campgrounds, boondocking spots, and rest areas “home,” you pick up a few more tricks that make daily life smoother, more comfortable, and more sustainable.

So, let’s dive into Part 2 of the essential RV tips we’ve gathered from countless miles under the tires.

10 More Essential RV Tips from a Full-Timer (Part 2)

Okay, you’ve got the safety basics down. Now let’s talk about upgrading your comfort, convenience, and peace of mind once you’re parked. These tips are about making RV life less about roughing it and more about truly living it.

Full-time RVing looks incredibly freeing (and it is!), but it’s not free. You’ve swapped a sticks-and-bricks mortgage or rent for campground fees, fuel costs (and trust me, a V-10 engine likes its fuel!), maintenance, insurance, and all the unexpected things that pop up. Sitting down and creating a realistic budget before you commit to full-time or even extended trips is vital. Track your expenses ruthlessly for the first few months. Knowing where your money is going helps you make informed decisions and prevents that feeling of being financially adrift. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the foundation of sustainable RV life.

This might seem minor, but it makes a difference. Your freshwater tank sensor needs your RV to be reasonably level to give you an accurate reading. If you fill your tank while your rig is tilted significantly, the sensor will either show “full” when it’s not quite there, or worse, give you a false low reading when it’s actually getting full, potentially leading to overflow. Take a minute to get the RV level first using your jacks or blocks, then fill your tank. Simple step, better results.

This is a quick win for domestic tranquility on the road. The inside of an RV going down the highway can sound like a percussion convention if you’re not careful. Investing in a few rolls of non-slip cabinet and drawer liner is cheap and incredibly effective. Cut pieces to fit under your dishes, cups, glasses, pots, and pans. It helps prevent things from shifting and rattling while you’re in motion and significantly reduces the chance of arriving at your destination with broken items.

An RV, even a generous Class A like ours, is a masterclass in maximizing limited space. Anything that can collapse or fold down when not in use is your friend. Collapsible laundry baskets, storage bins, and even dedicated collapsible trash cans or bags save precious real estate. When they’re empty, they tuck away neatly, leaving more room for, well, living!

If you’re in an older rig like our ’99 Seaview, chances are you still have some power-hungry incandescent bulbs. Switching these out for LED equivalents is one of the best and easiest upgrades you can make, especially if you plan on boondocking or spending time off grid. LEDs draw a fraction of the power, meaning your house batteries will last much longer. Plus, they generate less heat and last practically forever compared to incandescent. It’s a no-brainer upgrade.

Now, I know, some people will say “but why?”  Well, just look at this picture I took – the LED bulb is the white, brighter one on the right:

RV showers aren’t known for being luxurious, but a decent shower head can make a world of difference. Many stock RV shower heads have terrible water pressure or an uncomfortable spray pattern, often designed just to conserve water. Swapping it out for an aftermarket low-flow but higher-pressure head designed for RVs can dramatically improve your showering experience. It feels like a small luxury, but trust me, after a dusty day of exploring, a decent shower is pure bliss.

You pull into a campground, excited to hook up, only to find the water spigot is just slightly too far for your standard hose. Annoying, right? Keeping an extra length of potable-water-safe hose (the white or blue kind) on board has saved me from this frustrating scenario more than once. Sometimes hookups are awkwardly placed, or you might need to fill your tank from a central spigot before moving to a dry camping spot. An extra hose is a simple item that provides valuable flexibility.

Okay, maybe the mattress that came with your RV felt okay for a weekend trip, but for full-timing? Your body will thank you for upgrading. Stock RV mattresses are often thin, unsupportive foam. You spend about a third of your life sleeping, and good rest is crucial for enjoying your travels and staying healthy. There are many comfortable RV-sized mattress options available, from foam to hybrids. It’s an investment in your well-being on the road.

Space is tight, yes, but certain small appliances can significantly enhance your cooking options and convenience. A small countertop ice maker is fantastic for cold drinks, especially in warmer climates. An air fryer is great for quick, crispy meals without heating up the whole rig. An Instant Pot can handle everything from stews to steaming. Just be mindful of your power consumption, especially if you’re not on shore power, and ensure you have space to store them securely while driving.

While propane is the standard for RV cooktops, induction is a compelling alternative to consider, perhaps as a portable unit or if you’re doing a renovation. Induction cooktops heat only the pan itself using electromagnetic energy, making them incredibly energy-efficient (when you have the power) and much safer than an open flame inside your living space. They also cool down very quickly. If you have robust electrical power (like a good inverter or are always on shore power), induction is a fantastic, modern cooking method for an RV.

There you have it – ten more tips to help you navigate the nuances of RV living beyond just the drive. Applying these will make your time parked just as enjoyable as your time on the move. Stay tuned for the final installment of essential RV wisdom! Happy trails!

Be sure to check back tomorrow to read our final 10 essential RV tips for the ultimate experience.