Category: RV Picks

You know what keeps us on the road juussst a little longer? Small comforts. There are a multitude of small and simple additions that can radically change the feel of your RV. But since a hypothetical list of infinite potential purchases can seem daunting, we have narrowed down our list to a very manageable seven. (Remember, it’s the small things.)

These are our favorite low-cost, high-impact items that can instantly make your RV cozier and more comfortable.

A Breath of Purer Air

Strangely enough, we’re not just talking about the fresh air your RV gives you access to. We’re talking about the air in your RV itself. Small space living can come with some challenges. When you confine multiple people and pets into a small area, and then park said small confined area in a field, you are naturally going to have concentrated dust, dander, and yes, odor. All of these things can increase allergy symptoms and decrease fun.

So, opt for the small — but powerful — comfort of a compact air purifier. LEVOIT air purifiers help get rid of unwanted allergens. You can even add a few drops of essential oils to this model for a fresh smell. They also come in a variety of sizes to fit your need and your available space.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $49.99.

What Your Naked Toe Touches

Cold feet be gone! On chilly mornings, it is flat-out to land directly on the RV floor. Grab this non-slip, washable carpet runner to take the sting out of cold mornings. Carpet runners are the perfect for the narrow alleys of an RV cabin. And unlike carpet, you can just pick it up and wash it when it’s picked up too much trail.

Available in nine sizes and six colors, you’re going to find something you love. Customers have noted that these rugs are soft, thick and live up to their claims of being washable. And worst-case scenario, they’re cheap enough to replace (or swap out for a new look).

Pricing starts on Amazon at $29.95.

Comfort in the Coziest Place

You can probably tell that we take sleepy time pretty seriously around here. In fact — deep breath — these sheets may look familiar … because this isn’t the first time we’ve recommended them!

No matter what size your RV beds are, these sheets have you, quite literally, covered. You can expect these sheets to come out of the dryer wrinkle free and as soft as ever after each wash. The deep corner pockets mean that your bedding will stay put all night long, allowing you to have the night of deep snuggly sleep that you deserve after a day driving and hiking, towing and trekking.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $29.99.

Because Fluff Feels Good

Did someone say Hotel Collection? It was us. We said it. We can’t get enough of these down, alternative-cooling pillows that have glowing reviews from back, stomach and side sleepers. If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it, well, at least twice — don’t skimp on the products that you use when you sleep.

A good pillow can make or break a night of sleep, and we want you ready for the open road each morning. (Note that if you purchase these pillows, they will take a couple of days to reach maximum fluffiness.)

Pricing starts on Amazon at $59.99.

The Warmest Wrap

OK, so this might feel like a bit of a splurge for a blanket, but we promise it’s worth it. In fact, multiple top reviewers reported buying several of these for their homes so that every room would have a touch of comfort and texture. And that can come in especially handy in an RV where insulation is not the same as an ole brick-and-mortar house. In your RV, these blankets make warmth a grab away.

Your new favorite blanket is machine-washable, but we do recommend using a laundry mesh bag to extend its life. If you happen to be looking for a gift for your favorite RVer, looks like you just found it.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $49.99.

A Memory Foam Top Off

If you want to upgrade your RV bed (a smart move), but don’t want to spend hundreds replacing the entire mattress (a savvy idea), then we recommend trying a memory foam mattress topper. If you experience pressure points when you sleep, then this is the product you’ve been looking for.

RV-specific reviews are quick to point out that it’s not too heavy, and the queen short “is actually the correct size for an RV mattress.” Once it comes out of the box, give it 48 hours to fully expand and then you’re all set!

Pricing starts on Amazon at $184.41.

A Soft and Simple Safeguard

If you want something to improve the surface of your mattress, but aren’t ready to commit to memory foam, this mattress protector and padded pillow cover is an excellent compromise. One added bonus: You can pop this topper into the washing machine because let’s face it, life happens. (Especially if you are camping with kids!).

There are over 76,000 5-star reviews, touting the comfort and cooling properties, which — again — may be small comforts. But don’t forget that in the RV life, those are the ones that count.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $39.90.

This article includes affiliate links that generate small referral commissions for RV Trader.

There is an old saying: “Though the bathroom be but little she is fierce!” We’re pretty sure that’s from Shakespeare. Or maybe Shakespeare in the park. After emptying the black tank. What really matters is that when you upgrade your RV bathroom it has an impact that is bigger than the square footage on the floorplan.

So, we’re here with some quick and easy upgrades that will take your privy from blah to spa in no time flat. These items are low on cost and effort, but they’re big on style and impact. Our suggestions to upgrade your RV bathroom range from the practical (storage solutions) to the downright beautiful (updated lighting). And there are more in between.

Increase Shower Power and Access

Your whole family will thank you when you replace your shower head with this beauty! With five settings and flow control, your shower experience can be completely customized to your liking. (Best enjoyed, of course, when you have a full hookup and water aplenty.) The 72-inch hose, combined with the ability to mount the holder at any height, will turn your shower into a more inviting space for every RV passenger that uses it. Best of all, that strong and steady stream is just what you need to wash off the trail.

Prices start on Amazon at $34.15.

Enjoy Sleeker Shower Storage

This sleek organizer will be a total game changer when it comes to your shower products. Why? Because no one wants to use valuable RV storage space for soaps and shampoos and sponges. If we can store that stuff where it’s used, all the best. And with this clever organizer, we can do just that.

Applied with adhesive, you won’t even need tools to take your bathroom from cluttered mess to controlled chaos. The design of this product is well thought out, with multiple compartments of varying sizes for all of your family’s products. If you have a family with a penchant for body wash and scented soaps, this rack stores up to 40 pounds worth of shower accessories. So your passengers don’t have to be relegated to tiny hotel shampoos … unless they like that.

Prices start on Amazon at $9.99.

Switch In a Swivel Rack

Racks that only hold one towel are so out of place in an RV. You need a rack that can support the towel needs of the whole fam. In other words, check out this four-arm, swivel towel rack that only swings out when you want it to and fits snuggly against the wall when you don’t. This, combined with this must-have towel warmer, will give you a luxury towel experience in your little corner of the campground.

Don’t simply take our word for it. Reviewers state that this towel storage solution “works great, looks nice, and only takes 10 minutes to install.” That sounds easy. And easy goes great with the RV life.

Prices start on Amazon at $17.99.

Give the Sink a Modern Makeover

Add a touch of personal style to any RV bathroom with this ceramic sink. Designed for small spaces with easy installation in mind, this sink is a no-brainer for RV owners looking for a quick and easy upgrade that will make a big difference. The shape and finish work with both rustic and modern bathroom finishes, and as one reviewer noted, “What’s not to like?”

If you’re worried about a white sink taking a beating after a day of exploring dusty mountain roads, don’t be. This bad boy is stain-resistant and easy to clean, so keep making messes! This sink can take it.

Prices start on Amazon at $87.90.

Let Your Vanity Lighting Shine

Does your RV décor evoke a modern style? Well, we have something that will give your bathroom a little bit of wow. This LED, modern sconce is striking. And just as wonderful, it’s easily installed by connecting to your RVs existing wiring, so it won’t require batteries or recharging.

Even better? It comes with a 24-month warranty, and you have up to 60 days to receive a full refund, no questions asked. Not overly bright, it won’t overpower your small RV loo, but will illuminate your bathroom with warm light. Even though we know we have the smartest readers around, don’t be shy if you want to pass this job to an electrician. Better safe than sorry!

Prices start on Amazon at $35.88.

The Bottom Line

There you have it! With a few reasonably priced, easy-to-install products, you will look forward to the next time you have to go see a man about a horse. If you’d like to share any other great ways to upgrade your RV bathroom, help out your fellow RVers and let us know in the comments.

This article includes affiliate links that generate small referral commissions for RV Trader.

Let’s face it. We own RVs because we love nature. And we love travel. But we also crave a few creature comforts that aren’t readily available if you’re tent camping alone. We want to watch the sunset and then climb into a bed. We enjoy a good hike, followed by a real shower. Protein bars are fine, but a hot meal is ever better.

You know exactly what we mean. As RVers, our vacations feature a unique blend of natural splendor and niche luxury. And no matter how nice your RV is (and there are some really nice ones on the market), you can always make it just a little more luxurious with a few extra touches. Because who says that a vacation home can’t come on wheels? (Definitely not us.)

Check out these five items that will take your RV from ordinary to resort-worthy with just a few clicks on Amazon.

Sheets, Glorious Sheets!

Breathable, cooling, hotel-style luxury every night.

You will likely average around eight hours a day in bed — don’t skimp on your sheets. These bad boys from CGK have more than 229K 5-star reviews and cost (just) under $30, so really it would be silly not to purchase them. Available in multiple sizes and an impressive 45 colors, you’ll have no problem matching your personal RV style. Shoppers also note that these sheets do not easily slip off the mattress and maintain their softness after multiple washes.

For you, that means you can lie down in luxury. No matter where you park.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $29.99.

Warm Towels On-Demand

Give your cabin the day-spa experience.

Nothing says vacation like heated towels. When that warm towel touches your skin, it’s a day-spa experience — the kind that transports you into the realm of total relaxation. This towel warmer has multiple timer settings and auto shutoff in case you get distracted by the luxury sheets that you just bought. (See above).  Sleek, lightweight, and space saving, you don’t want to skip this one.

Remember that towels are just the beginning! Almost any textile in your RV can be warmed, as long as it safely fits. Think of warm bathrobes, blankets and PJs. That’s the feeling of vacation. And if you camp in cooler climes, all the better.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $69.98.

A Little Fire Stick Binge

Float down a stream of movies and shows.

If your vacations are like ours, they’re busy. Beautiful, fun and busy! So when you retire from the hike, head back from the campfire or take a day to lie around, you may just want to relax. And float down the mighty Amazon Fire Stick stream.

It’s easy to install. You basically just plug it into your TV’s HDMI port and sign on. After that, you can lie back on those luxury sheets and wade into a river of streaming content that includes over 1.5 million TV episodes and movies. If you have a subscription to Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max and others, you just log in. That way, you can make “Netflix and chill” your last vacay task each day.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $49.99.

Stunning Vacation Ambiance

Solar-powered tiki torches turn your RV into a mini resort.

Tiki torch light does something for the soul. And it is a good, good thing. But even though we love a beachy vibe, but who wants to deal with buying and transporting torch fuel? Not us.

The good news is that these solar-powered tiki torches change everything. This set of four solar powered lights give off flickering, realistic light that transforms a campsite in seconds. Need the perfect ambiance for dining al fresco? Done. These tikis hold a charge for up to ten hours in the summer and up to five hours in the winter, you can depend on these lights to illuminate all evening long while you watch the sun slip beneath the horizon. Waterproof and specifically designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, you won’t find yourself constantly moving these in and out of your RV.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $59.99

Softer Landings

Enjoy that first step outside your RV.

Durable, waterproof, reversible, stain-resistant and portable—these are a few of our favorite things when it comes to RV accessories. Lucky for you, we found a glorious outdoor rug that meets all of these requirements. Which means no more stepping outside in your bare feet directly onto campsite dirt and rocks. No, ma’am. You’re on vacation.

Also, being made from recycled plastic straws means that, not only can you feel morally superior about your purchase (look at you parking on the high ground), but you can also easily rinse your rug when it’s time to pack it up and head home. Available in four color patterns and multiple sizes, you can find the exact match for your camping setup.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $27.99.

A Final Word

Now, be advised: Once you up your RV game with these vacation worthy additions, you may never want to leave! At the very least you’re going to want to bring that towel warmer everywhere you go. Whether you go full-time or just head out for a weekend, we wish you health, happiness and soft sheets now and forevermore.

This article includes affiliate links that generate small referral commissions for RV Trader.

We can all agree that one of the best things about the RV life is quality family time — in theory. We can also agree that kiddos have a way of disrupting even the best laid plans. Which means that when that first inevitable cry of “I’m bored” echoes through the cabin, you need a plan. A plan to make your next stop with your sanity intact. A plan to enjoy a little time for yourself. And a plan to make that family time together truly memorable — both indoors and out.

These parent- and kid-approved items will help life on the road run a little smoother. Here’s our list of tools you need to entertain and safeguard your favorite little disruptors.

Indoor Activities

Easy-to-store activities for the road, rainy days and down time.

Connect 4

Since 1974, Connect 4 has been a part of family game nights — for brick-and-mortar and mobile homes alike. But what makes this particular game so great for RV families is that it’s simple. Young and old alike can play. This classic game is easy to understand and quick to set up (as long as things are relatively stationary … and yes, cruise control counts). Also, the games don’t take much time. That’s great if you only have a few minutes to spare while you make a stop.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $9.99.

Hedbanz

Hedbanz is another great game for all ages, again due to ease of play. Basically, it’s an updated version of “Who Am I?” that feels a little like charades. Except that you are allowed to talk (you’ll get some gems out of this), and you don’t have to stand up (perfect to play while driving). Also, a big win/win for parents is that the game itself is interactive for everyone involved. Everyone will laugh (good vibes), and you get a funny close-up of how your kids think (away from a screen). Best of all, because you can play it en route to your next destination, it makes the journey fun —which is right at the heart of RVing.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $16.99.

Collapsible Toy Chest

Look, we already know what you’re thinking: “Now that I’m buying this amazing stuff, where will I put it?” It’s the adult question every Rver has. Here’s the answer. This lightweight and foldable toy chest is sturdy with ample space for games, toys, stuffies and any other items that are kid-deemed necessities. Which is why reviewers love it.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $19.99.

Outdoor Activities

Kick the kids out of the RV and equip them for fun.

Foldable Pail Bucket with Shovels

Here’s a warning. If you park your RV near any sand at all, your kids will find it. They will play in it. And they will bring that sand into your RV. (Unless you spray them off with your outdoor shower head first!)

But the truth is, you don’t want to slow them down. Everyone loves driving to the beach. And for just under $20, your kids can spend afternoons outside making the best kind of mess. Just equip them. This foldable pail bucket with shovels is great if you’re near water, but can also be used to make some pretty amazing dirt pies — or if you’ve got the RV near a creek. The best part? The buckets fold up, so storage (we know your heart) in the RV is a breeze.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $19.99.

Play Tent and Camping Set

Teach ‘em young! This camping set will give your little one a feeling of independence as they go camping while you get to prep the s’mores. And don’t trivialize how big the impact can be. Inside their play camping set. They’ll do what they see you do. And they’ll naturally pick up on a big life lesson: The wild is more fun than any screen. Having your kids learn that is one of the biggest benefits of RVing.

Happy campers report that this toy is a big hit with kids age 5 and under. (But if you want to buy one for yourself, we won’t tell.)

Pricing starts on Amazon at $39.99.

Collapsible, Portable Cornhole Game

Yes, this little cornhole set is for kids. But good luck keeping the adults from playing it, because the only thing better than playing cornhole next to a campfire is playing cornhole on a set that folds up and weighs a mere 3.8 pounds! Moms, dads, kids and campsite neighbors will love this addition to your RV arsenal.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $36.99.

Safe Space for Babies

We want all members of the family to enjoy their time in the great outdoors, and this includes even the tiniest RVers. But the reality is that it can be hard. Especially when you need your hands and arms to prep your RV campsite.

This playpen from ZEEBABA clocks in at under 10 pounds and provides a safe place for hours of fun and (hopefully) napping. You don’t need to worry about your little one being isolated — one purchaser reported that this playpen had plenty of room for a baby, toddler, and an adult to sit on the padded mat for playtime. Sit them inside. Sit them outside. Wherever you are really. They’ll enjoy the open air, and you’ll enjoy having two free hands.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $51.09.

Sun and Pest Protection

Safeguard your kiddos from the elements and bugs.

Sunscreen

Nothing can ruin a vacation faster than a nasty sunburn. So, no one needs to convince you — RV parent sharing the outdoors with your progeny — that your kids need sunscreen. What you want to know is which one is the right one.

Thinkbaby 50 SPF is vegan, water resistant and provides broad spectrum protection against the sun, from sea to shining sea. One satisfied customer even declared this product to be the “holy grail of sunscreen.” Which means your quest is over.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $8.65.

Canopy Tent

The RV life exposes us all to a lot of sun. (Like tons.) Which means the whole family is always looking for a source of shade. So why not bring your own shade? Sure, you have your awning, but sometimes the right spot is not your parking spot.

We recommend this popup canopy that only requires one person to set up, and that’s no trail story. In addition, the canopy is sturdy and holds up well in the rain. So the whole family can sit outside and enjoy the elements without being *in* the elements.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $129.99.

Mosquito Repellent Stickers

One thing we could do without while camping are the mosquitos. If you prefer for your kids not to have that oily feel and bug spray smell (we know you do), check out these all-natural citronella stickers. The cute designs will be loved by the kids, and you will appreciate the portability and ease of application.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $14.95.

Mosquito Repellent Spray

If you want your ‘skeeter protection to pack a little more punch, this repellant spray from Babyganics utilizes plant and essential oils to keep the little buzzers at bay. Lasts for several hours, and is safe for both kids and adults.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $20.83.

This article includes affiliate links that generate small referral commissions for RV Trader.

Marie Kondo sparked a revolution in tidying up by using joy as a measuring stick for what to keep and what to toss. For many, this is also the right metric for choosing the right cleaning products. Because whether or not my choice in soap has a significant impact on the global ecological system, it brings me more joy when I know I’m doing my part to take care of my little corner of the earth.

Maybe just as importantly, it brings me joy at the local level to know that I’m not slathering potentially toxic health hazards all over the tiny RV that I’m about to sit in for hours on end. Fortunately, so much progress has been made in earth-friendly cleaning supplies that you no longer have to choose between something that works and something that makes you feel good.

Here are six products that pass the Kondo test, bringing joy and killing germs wherever they’re swiped.

Fragrance-Free, Plant-Based Dish Soap

Guilt-free, worry-free cleaning, leaving your dishes residue-free.

I once made the mistake of buying an apple-scented dish soap. I don’t know where that fruity, nasal-assaulting smell would work well, but I can say for sure I wouldn’t want to be cooped up in an RV with it for any amount of time. That’s where this gallon of concentrated dish soap shines. Your dishes will sparkle without your nose facing an onslaught of overbearing odor.

It’s Paraben-free, of course, without phthalates, MEA, DEA, dyes and triclosan. Which means your skin will thank you, along with your nose. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free and septic tank-safe, ready for the heaviest duty, even in the tiniest spaces.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $19.99.

Natural, Biodegradable Kitchen Sponges

Compostable and effective sponging without clogging landfills.

I’m not going to hide it any longer: My sponges gross me out. They spend all of their working days rubbing up against my grossest of messes — and let’s be honest about how many of them I’ve deposited into landfills after only a few uses. (A lot.) Making matters worse, they’re mostly made of plastic.

Fortunately, the folks at Airnex have the perfect product to replace those icky scrubbers. It’s a sponge made from plant-based, biodegradable cellulose and coconut husk. Because the cleaning material is so porous, it dries faster than traditional sponges, reducing the buildup of gross smells or unhealthy germs. And it’s so earth-friendly that you can even compost the white spongy section. My favorite review says, “I feel good about using it, as it contains no plastic or other harmful substances.” That’s the kind of feel-good joy sparking I’m looking for in my cleaning products!

Pricing starts on Amazon at $15.26.

Antibac Bathroom Cleaner from Method

A safer, residue-free tool in the fight against germs.

The lineup of microorganisms that this stuff kills reads like a who’s-who of recall-inducers, including household germs including staphylococcus aureus, influenza, a flu virus, rhinovirus, escherichia coli, enterobacter aerogenes and salmonella enterica. The list goes on from there, as it will kill 99.9 percent of germs.

It pains me to think that I’ve spent this much of my life using products that have the same cleaning power, but also deposit chemicals onto every surface they touch. But no longer!

Pricing starts on Amazon at $3.78.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Flush all other toilet bowl cleaners forever.

The people who market this product hit the nail on the head with their brand name, which is, “Better Life.” Because when it comes to cleaning supplies, a better life is only achievable by products that do what they say they’re going to do. This product says it’s going to clean your toilets.

And you don’t have to read too far into the reviews to see that it does just that. One reads, “I really love this toilet cleaner because it is organic & still does the job and it does it good.” And another good summary, “The best ever!” Like all the items on this list, it also has plant-based cleaning agents, a must for any RV toilet system.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $12.10.

Multi-Surface All Purpose Cleaning Spray

Removes plastics from the globe and germs from surfaces.

Using refillable bottles is a great way to reduce waste. Blueland’s multi-purpose cleaning spray doesn’t just come with refills—the refills are tablet-based, requiring up to ten times less packaging and storage space. According to Blueland, this approach is so effective that they’ve helped eliminate over 1 billion plastic cleaning bottles. The solution is safe for both kids and pets, and several reviews report a great scent.

Like all our choices on this list, most importantly, Blueland has crammed a ton of cleaning power into this bottle. They’ve even had it scientifically tested, with the description declaring that the product is, “Proven by independent labs to power away dirt and grime on stovetops, countertops, sealed stone, wood and more. Tested alongside leading competitors. Scientist developed with over 40 patents and patents pending.” That’s some serious cleaning cred.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $21.99.

Window and Mirror Cleaner

Live the streak-free, globe-friendly life.

If sparkling windows that don’t come at the expense of our earth don’t spark joy for you, then I don’t know what will. ATTITUDE is appropriately named, with a straightforward company tagline of, “No nasties, less impact, no compromise on performance. That’s the essence of their glass cleaner.

In the bottle you’ll find none of the gross stuff. And after you use it on your windows, you’ll find none of the gross stuff there either.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $17.54.

This article includes affiliate links that generate small referral commissions for RV Trader.

A lot of things complement life in the RV nicely, but one stands above them all: Life next to the RV. So many great memories are born there. That RV park with the incredible pool. That secret boondocking spot with a great view. And everywhere in between. Next to the RV is where you find the best outdoor movie nights, dad joke marathons and retold (again) family stories. It’s where the best campfire dinners happen. In practice, it’s where much of the RV life is lived.

Truth is, we don’t go camping to just sit inside our cabins. So, to help you maximize your life next to the RV, here are our favorite five outdoor toys to toss in the camper. Because you can never have too many great memories.

Pickleball Set

Because 36.5 Million Americans Can’t Be Wrong

Athleticism Required: 4/5
Casual Fun Factor: 5/5
Friend-Making: 3/5
Weird Name Factor: 5/5

According to the Association of Pickleball Professionals (yes, my friend, there are professional pickleballers), 36.5 million Americans picked up a paddle in 2022, up from just under 5 million in 2021. The game has obvious connections to tennis, played on a very similar court and with a similar net. But because it’s played with a wiffle ball, the gameplay is almost more like ping pong — that is, if you were standing on a giant ping pong table.

If you paddle a pickleball with all your strength, it’s going to have plenty of zip. But the rules and smaller court demand finesse, almost evoking badminton. It can be played as a game or a sport, depending on how sweaty you want to get playing it. There are some unusual rules, but they’re easy to learn. (Not that the game is easy to master.)

Altogether, it’s an intoxicating way to spend an afternoon, a fact confirmed by its celebrity endorsers, which include Hollywood A-listers like Emma Watson and Will Ferrell, and sports legends like Olympian Michael Phelps and Lebron James, who owns a pro pickleball team. And with the same 2022 study claiming 13,969 places to play and more added every week across the U.S., the likelihood of finding a pickleball court at your next RV park is growing exponentially. This pickleball set, with a rating of 4.8 with over 2,600 ratings, will give you everything you need to join the phenomenon.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $35.99.

Spikeball 

Energetic Game, Playable Anywhere

Athleticism Required: 5/5
Casual Fun Factor: 3/5
Friend-Making: 3/5
Weird Name Factor: 5/5

Unlike Pickleball, everything you need to play Spikeball comes in a large bag, so you can play it anywhere. All you need is an open, preferably grassy, area to play, with no out-of-bounds. Also unlike Pickleball, it’s hard to play a casual game of Spikeball. There’s going to be running. Lunging. Swinging. Diving, even. But there’s also a reason for its explosive popularity on college campuses — the game is incredibly easy to pick up, with very few rules and enormous fun factor. I

Spikeball is played with a small trampoline-like net placed on the ground. Teams take turns hitting a palm-sized ball against it, with the receiving team having three alternating hits to bounce the ball back off the net. The novelty of no “sides” is part of the allure — the game is technically called “roundnet,” and the 360-degree play requires both creativity and dynamic movement to win. Extremely simple. Extraordinary fun. And just the right amount of challenging for those who like a little fitness mixed into their leisure time.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $67.99.

Inflatable Stand-Up Paddleboard

Row, Row, Row Gently Down the Stream

Athleticism Required: 3/5
Casual Fun Factor: 5/5
Friend-Making: 3/5
Weird Name Factor: 2/5

Paddleboarding is a great way to spend an afternoon on the water. It’s not particularly demanding physically if you don’t want it to be, although there is a balance requirement. But multiple reviewers report this board as stable. Once you get your balance down, you can put in as little or as much effort as you like — paddling your heart out for fitness is always an option. Or, much like kayaking, it’s perfectly acceptable to just go for a float, using the paddles to splish and splash around whatever body of water you have handy.

One of the reasons we’ve chosen this particular paddleboard, ranked No. 1 in stand-up paddleboards at time of writing, is that the package includes an installable kayak seat, which makes this activity even more leisurely. Another thing we like is the two-year warranty, which you love to see in an inflatable. It’s also easy to inflate, lightweight (especially valuable if you have to cart it from the RV to the water). The board is an all-around winner at a reasonable price point — one reviewer says, “As a full-time van dweller in my mid-50s, I needed something light, compact, and easy to use. This board is perfect.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!

Pricing starts on Amazon at $224.95.

Kan Jam

Finally, a Frisbee Game with No Running or Walking!

Athleticism Required: 1/5
Casual Fun Factor: 5/5
Friend-Making: 4/5
Weird Name Factor: 4/5

Sure, one can just toss a frisbee back and forth. But how am I supposed to exert full and overwhelming gaming dominance over my RV-mates if that’s all we’re doing? And while ultimate frisbee and disc golf might reign supreme throughout the frisbee zeitgeist, Kan Jam is coming on strong. This disc toss set combines the skill of a frisbee game, the nonexistent physical requirements of horseshoes and the “I want to stay close to my beverage” quality of the all-time best lawn games like bocce.

Kan Jam is a simple game — throw the frisbee into the can (or kan, as it were), with your teammate able to assist by “jamming” it in. The simple premise, and a game that requires just the right amount of skill (which is to say, not a lot), makes this a fantastic choice for a lawn game fit for RV park superstardom.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $39.97.

Cornhole

The Reigning King of Casual Games

Athleticism Required: 1/5
Casual Fun Factor: 5/5
Friend-Making: 5/5
Weird Name Factor: 5/5

One 2023 study reported that a whopping 20 percent of Americans said they played cornhole in 2022, edging out bowling as America’s most popular “sport.” The American Cornhole League reports 55,000 dues-paying members. Why the overwhelming popularity? It’s the perfect yard game. The concept, “Throw this bag in the hole,” doesn’t get any simpler. You’re never out of reach of your beverage — in fact, you really don’t even need to set it down. And if you break a sweat playing it, you’re doing it wrong.

Cornhole boards are simple and cheap, you can play pretty much anywhere with a setup that takes about 45 seconds. This set looks great, lasts a long time, travels easy, and will give you all you need to be holing it up wherever your next trip takes you.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $65.48.

This article includes affiliate links that generate small referral commissions for RV Trader.

One of the best measures of a person’s level of RV mastery is how you use your available space. Whether you’re a Class A cruiser or a microcamper, no RV road warrior wants to head out on the road surrounded by chaos. You also need to be ready for whatever the road throws at you, and that means more gear stuffed in more places. That’s why for the true RV master, every cubic Planck matters.

Now, did I Google “smallest known unit of measurement” to find that term? Yes, I did, but that’s neither here nor there. What is important: You need to see these five space savers to find out new ways to hide things both here and there.

Broom and Mop Wall Holders

Maximize unused wall space.

There are two primary storage hacks for making the most out of your RV storage: Go vertical and find the secret storage. This MCOMCE 4-pack of broom and mop wall holders helps you do both. The sturdy attachment point helps you sneak utility out of any wall, as these will hold anything with a broom-sized handle.

Don’t limit yourself, though. They’ll even hold up something as heavy as a bike. (See Amazon’s comments for proof!). And if you’re creative with where you hide them, like hanging your dust pan in the bottom half of a closet, you can capitalize on previously untouched wall space. Double bonus!

Pricing starts on Amazon at $9.99.

Under Bed Storage Bags

Make your storage space more effective.

If you’ve been RVing for more than a weekend, you know there’s storage space under your bed. What you may not know is how to best utilize it without it turning into a cacophony of clutter. Because if you’re like me, the under bed is much like the universe: It tends toward disorder.

These convenient Budding Joy 90-liter under bed storage containers serve the same function as drawers in a dresser. They bring structure to an otherwise formless void, giving you options for categorizing by clothing type, or by season, or whatever system works for you. They also make it easy to pull stuff in and out without disruption to the rest of your stored goods.

In other words, they help you fight off the creeping entropy of the under bed, bringing maximum convenience to what would otherwise be a Place To Randomly Stuff All the Things.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $19.50.

Space Saving Hangers

Store more. It’s as simple as that.

Why more people aren’t using these House Day space-saving hangers in their stationary homes is beyond me. I might not be great at math (I’m more of a words guy), but if I can store five shirts in the same amount of space as one shirt, that’s an equation even I can handle.

That’s why in the RV or camper, they’re a flat-out no-brainer. And more is better. With over 32,000 reviews, this 10-pack of heavy-duty closet organizers brings reliability along with utility. Remember: Whenever possible, go vertical.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $9.99.

Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer

Leave no cubic Planck behind (the door).

I admit it. I feel lost without an appropriate number of footwear options. Whatever that says about me, I’m OK with it. Because the beauty of RVing is that you never know what your next parking space is going to bring. My wife and I love to sneak in a great dinner in the middle of a long haul. But we also love a dusty old trail with maybe a creek or two to frolic in. These options demand shoe choices.

Fortunately, with this over-the-door shoe organizer from Sleeping Lamb, I don’t have to choose between form or function in my shoe wear. I get it all. The organizer’s oversized pockets easily handle my waterproof Merrell hiking boots, and with its huge overall size, I can easily fit a dozen or more pairs of shoes. Even better: Because the organizer has just one long pocket per row instead of individual single-shoe pockets, I can store hats, gloves, socks, ski masks, compression gear, watches, wallets … you get the idea. It’s versatile. And in the RV life, versatility is clutch.

Pricing starts on Amazon at $18.99.

Vacuum Storage Bags for Long-Term and Off-Season Items

Make up to 80% more out of storage space.

It’s like the old saying goes … To err is human. To de-air is di-vine. When you only have a camper’s worth of storage options, vacuum-sealing items like blankets, sheets, pillows, jackets and other clothing can be a game changer, reducing the amount of storage space required by up to 80 percent according to the manufacturers of this go-to storage solution.

As of this review, it’s the No. 1 Best Seller in Space Saver Bags on Amazon for a reason — a LOT of people like it. With 20 bags included in five different sizes, you’ll have plenty of space for your off-season’s worth of gear. And they’re effective enough that one reviewer called them, “A life saver.” So, grab this storage solution and make sure you’re sucking every cubic Planck’s worth of air out of those storage bags. RV mastery is within reach!

Pricing starts on Amazon at $24.99.

This article includes affiliate links that generate small referral commissions for RV Trader.