The RV lifestyle offers unparalleled freedom and adventure, but it can also present unique challenges in terms of comfort and convenience. With a few simple upgrades and additions, however, you can transform your RV into a cozy and efficient home on wheels. Here are the top 15 things you can do to make your RV life more comfortable:
1. Change Out Old Bulbs for LED Bulbs
Replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs can significantly improve the lighting in your RV while also reducing energy consumption. LED bulbs last longer, generate less heat, and provide a more natural light quality that can make your living space feel brighter and more inviting.
When we changed our our old incandescent bulbs for new LEDs the difference was immediately noticeable. Our motorhome always felt dark – even with all the lights on. But now, the new brighter (and whiter) light makes RV living clearer.
2. Use Eye Masks for Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep in an RV can be challenging due to varying levels of light and noise. Eye masks can help block out light, allowing you to create a dark, sleep-conducive environment regardless of your surroundings.
In addition to an eye mask, consider earplugs to help minimize noises which could impact your sleep, or, as we have done:
3. Use a “White Noise” noisemaker for Sleep
A white noise maker can drown out unwanted sounds and create a consistent, soothing background noise to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. This small device can make a big difference when it comes to getting quality rest on the road.
We purchased one of these many years ago and have never looked back. The unit we bought works off 120V power or batteries, and has several sounds to use in addition to white noise (such as rain falling, a thunderstorm and more). The one that helps is sleep is the sound of a creek flowing. If you use a smart device, or your phone or tablet, you can also use an app to generate the sound that best helps you sleep.
4. Install a Water Filter
Installing a water filter in your RV ensures you have clean, safe drinking water wherever you travel. This can save you money on bottled water and reduce plastic waste, all while providing peace of mind regarding your water quality.
We purchased a “whole house” single stage filter at first and we noticed an immediate difference in the quality of water. We now have a 2 stage “whole house” filter which uses a charcoal filter, along with a lighter duty secondary finer filter. Between the 2 filters we can remove almost anything out of the water. If you are still concerned about water quality you might also consider a water distiller.
5. Invest in a few portable Appliances
Investing in portable appliances like an Instant Pot, induction cooktop, and toaster oven, or air fryer, can make cooking in your RV more convenient and enjoyable. These versatile devices save space and energy, allowing you to prepare a variety of meals with ease.
Further, if you spend a lot of your time hooked up to shore power, these appliances can save you propane. Induction cooktops boil water more quickly, while a toaster oven or air fryer can be used to replace your less efficient propane oven.
We still do use our propane appliances when needed, but try to use the electric ones, especially if we’re parked in an RV park.
6. Change Out Furniture
Replacing outdated or uncomfortable furniture with new, ergonomically designed pieces can greatly improve the comfort of your RV living space. Consider swapping out old chairs and sofas for more supportive options or adding a recliner for ultimate relaxation.
For example, in our motorhome we removed both the dinette and the folding couch. We places a more comfortable love seat where the dinette was, and mounted our flat screen TV above where the folding couch used to be. We also park our folding electric bicycles below the TV, and can lock them there securely for transport (IE when we’re moving).
7. Invest in a New Mattress
Upgrading your RV mattress can dramatically improve the quality of your sleep. Look for a mattress that offers the right balance of support and comfort, tailored to your specific sleep preferences.
There are many options for new mattresses. We have replaced the mattresses in all our RVs – starting with our very first travel trailer. For our first trailer we didn’t replace the mattress, but we did incorporate a thick piece of memory foam over the existing foam mattress, which made a huge difference. In our motorhome, we went to a local mattress manufacturer who sells a properly sized queen RV mattress. I find it one of the most comfortable mattresses I’ve ever slept on.
8. Air Filter/Purifier
An air filter or purifier can help remove dust, allergens, and pollutants from your RV’s indoor air, promoting a healthier living environment. This can be particularly beneficial for those with allergies or respiratory issues.
We have taken our air filtration system (with a HEPA filter) with us many times. It doesn’t matter if there’s excess pollen in the air, or even smoke – it filters everything and makes the indoor air quality in our motorhome incredible. This is particularly useful if you want to travel in the summer as forest fires are becoming more the norm and not the exception – especially in BC and Alberta.
9. Essential Oil Diffuser
Incorporating an essential oil diffuser into your RV can create a soothing atmosphere and provide a range of health benefits. Choose your favorite scents to promote relaxation, boost mood, or improve sleep quality.
In addition to an air filtration system, an oil diffuser can help improve the air in your RV. They can be used together or separately.
An essential oil diffuser can help mask or even remove some offensive odors that your air filtration system may not
10. LED Ribbon Light String for Inside
Installing LED ribbon light strings inside your RV adds a touch of warmth and ambiance to your living space. These flexible, energy-efficient lights can be easily customized to fit any area and create a cozy atmosphere.
We installed a flexible LED strip in our motorhome, which we purchased at Costco a few years ago, before we changed to LED bulbs because it always felt dark inside the motorhome. Plus, in the evening when you are trying to “set a mood” the RV lights are too harsh, but with the dimmable feature of the LED string we can make it as dark or bright as we want. Plus we have an assortment of colors, and even “dancing light” modes if we want.
11. LED lighting for outside
Adding LED lighting to your RV’s exterior can improve safety and visibility while also creating a welcoming outdoor space. Consider adding LED awning lights, ground lights, or even decorative string lights for added ambiance.
This is like adding LED light strip to the interior of your RV. It can improve visibility outside, as well as allow you to create some outdoor ambiance. Just a warning though, don’t leave your outdoor lights on super bright all night or you could wake up to complaints from neighbors.
12. Dedicated Wi-Fi
Having a dedicated Wi-Fi connection for your RV can make your life on the road much more comfortable. With a reliable internet connection, you can stay connected with friends and family, work remotely, and access entertainment options like streaming services.
Some Full Time RVers even have multiple redundant Wi-Fi connections.
When we travel, we take a Wi-Fi booster/repeater with us to help improve the Wi-Fi if we stay at a campground. We also have a large data plan with our cell phone carrier as a backup. This year we will likely invest in Starlink as well and make this our primary source of fast Wi-Fi.
13. Propane Fire Pit
Investing in a propane fire pit can greatly enhance your outdoor RV experience. Unlike traditional wood-burning fire pits, propane fire pits are easy to start, produce minimal smoke, and can be controlled with a simple knob. This allows you to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a campfire without the hassle of gathering wood or dealing with smoke. Many propane fire pits are also portable, making them easy to transport and set up at your campsite.
In addition, propane fire pits are often allowed in places where wood-burning fires are restricted, ensuring that you can still enjoy a cozy fire even in areas with fire bans.
But you must double check the local regulations and rules whenever you plan on using it. This is because, in extremely dry conditions, even a propane fire pit can be restricted.
14. Comfortable Outdoor Chairs
Your RV lifestyle will be even more enjoyable if you have comfortable outdoor chairs to relax in while you’re parked at your destination. When selecting chairs for your RV, look for options that are lightweight, easy to fold and store, and durable enough to withstand various weather conditions.
Comfort should be a priority, so consider chairs with padded seats, ergonomic designs, and adjustable features like reclining backs or footrests. Investing in quality outdoor chairs can make a significant difference in your overall comfort while enjoying the outdoors and will encourage you to spend more time outside, soaking in the beauty of nature around you.
While our favorite chairs are no longer made by Coleman, the ones we have are repairable and, in fact, we have had to repair both over the years. Yes, you read right – we’ve had our camp chairs for years. They were more expensive than your average chairs when we got them, but we knew that they could be repaired with common items when needed.
15. Flat Screen TV
Adding a new flat screen TV to your RV can significantly improve your entertainment options, making your RV lifestyle more comfortable and enjoyable. Flat screen TVs are more energy-efficient and lighter than older models, making them an ideal choice for RV use. With a flat screen TV, you can watch your favorite shows and movies, stream content, or even connect gaming consoles for added entertainment during your downtime.
When selecting a flat screen TV for your RV, consider the size of the space where you plan to mount or place it, ensuring that it will fit comfortably without dominating the area. Look for a TV with good resolution, vibrant colors, and excellent sound quality. Additionally, consider opting for a smart TV that can connect to the internet, allowing you to access popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video without the need for additional devices. Installing a flat screen TV in your RV can truly elevate your entertainment experience, making your RV lifestyle more enjoyable and cozier during both travel days and extended stays at your destination.
Conclusion
Making your RV lifestyle more comfortable can significantly enhance your overall enjoyment of the RV experience. By incorporating these 15 suggestions, such as upgrading your lighting to LED bulbs, investing in sleep aids like eye masks and white noise machines, optimizing your kitchen setup with portable appliances, and enhancing your outdoor living space with a propane fire pit and comfortable chairs, you can transform your RV into a cozy and inviting home away from home. Happy RVing!