rv travel trailer mods

The Wandering RV

27 rv upgrades & mods you have to see (plus how-to guides).

• Bill Widmer
• Updated: June 27, 2023

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So you’ve got your RV and you’re ready to upgrade it with all the cool mods and hacks?

You’re in luck! We’ve found 27 fun ideas to mod and upgrade both the interior and exterior of your RV for storage , entertainment, looks, and more.

Plus, we have step-by-step guides so you can DIY any cool RV hacks you want!

Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

1. get a new rv mattress, 2. ditch the carpet, 3. solar power, 4. wireless rv backup camera, 5. let there be light… under the bed, 6. counter extensions, 7. chalkboard fridge door, 8. new storage bay locks, 9. switch out your lights, 10. bulk up your inverter, 11. increase your battery capacity, 12. digital thermostat, 13. diy towel rack, 14. shoe storage, 15. replace your shower (and faucet) heads, 16. pull out garbage can, 17. bumper mount, 18. unlimited wifi, 19. better stabilization, 20. new and improved shelving, 21. shampoo and conditioner holder, 22. create the perfect workspace, 23. under-the-counter spice rack, 24. upgrade your sewer system, 25. rvskampcan (a must have), 26. upgraded vent fans, 27. headphone jacks for your tv, the dyrt camping app.

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27 RV Upgrades Too Good to Pass Up

Here are the killer RV upgrades we found:

Custom RV Mattress

• 3 choices: Value, Premium or Dual Zone Adjustable
• Fits Any RV
• Far More Comfortable Than Traditional RV Matresses!

Time to complete:  Less than 10 minutes

Difficulty:  Easy

Cost:  $199-$496+

If you’ve spent any amount of time in an RV, you know the mattresses they come with… kinda suck.

Luckily, there are custom RV mattress companies like Mattress Insider ! They can build you a mattress to match any RV, camper, or travel trailer. And they have three options:

• A value mattress (still way better than the one your RV came with).
• A premium memory foam mattress.
• A luxury mattress.

Time to complete: 2+ hours (depending on how big your RV is)

Difficulty: Hard

Cost: About $2-$5 per square foot

Whether you buy a new or used RV, the first thing I’d suggest is to ditch the carpet. Laminate floors are easier to clean and, in my opinion, they look much better.

Think about where you’ll be traveling to. The mountains? The beach? Wherever you go, chances are you’ll end up bringing dirt (or sand) into your RV. These particles can get trapped underneath your carpet and can be a royal pain to get out.

Our friends over at the Fun Times Guide share how to remove RV carpet correctly.

Time to complete: Less than 2 hours

Difficulty: Medium

Cost: $500+

If you’re a huge fan of boondocking (or are interested in trying it), I’d recommend getting a few solar panels for the roof of your RV.

Not only will these solar panels charge your RV battery while boondocking, they derive clean energy from the sun which ends up reducing our dependence on fossil fuel.

Time to complete: Less than 10 minutes

Cost: $50-$400 (Depending on quality and number of cameras)

Want to view some of the best RV backup cameras in 2021?

Click Here!

Backing into a campground site is a pain in the butt. Hell, backing up anywhere in an RV is a pain! (Don’t even get me started on fifth wheels.)

While a rear view camera may be a bit pricey, it’s definitely a must-have RV product for those who feel a bit uneasy backing into tight corners.

There are tons of rear view cameras you could purchase, but here’s the best-rated camera on Amazon .

Difficulty: Easy

Cost: About $10+

In most RVs, the master bed lifts up and has extra storage space – score!

However… there aren’t any light bulbs under the bed (because, why the heck would there be, right?).

Installing a light (or a row of LED string lights ) will help you navigate your way around when it’s a bit darker outside. Especially if you have a toy hauler and like to take your toys out at night.

You can also install some nice colored lights under your awning to give you some better lighting at night (or throw the coolest RV happy hour in the campground).

Time to complete: 20-30 minutes

One of my biggest gripes when it comes to RVs is the lack of counter space in the kitchen. I love to cook (I even made a cooking blog to share my recipes with the world).

Some fifth wheels have an island which gives you more space to prepare and cook your food, but Class As, Bs, and Cs have barely any extra room. Which is why counter extensions are a great buy.

These counter extensions have an oak accent which will work beautifully if your counter tops also have an oak finish – however, you can purchase plain counter tops to blend in with any design you currently have.

Time to complete: About 2 hours

One of the first things Bill and I did when we bought our RV was use chalk paint on one of our RV fridge doors.

It came in handy when we were packing up the campsite, going for groceries, and when we just needed to write something down.

We used this type of chalkboard paint , but there are plenty of options out there if you’d like to look around! 🙂

Quick RV Tip: Chalkboard paint makes an awesome addition to your RV. However, if you find that the dust from the chalk bothers you too much, there are ways to get rid of it! Check out this article by Sandpaper and Glue for more information!

Related Post — 100 Best Camping Gear to Conquer the Wilderness

Time to complete: Less than 20 minutes

Cost: $20+ depending on the lock you choose

Believe it or not but your storage bins might be open to the general public…

…at least, open to people who have the same RV key as you. If you have a key marked “CH751” your storage bay units can be opened by basically anyone who has the same key!

Our friends at Motor Homes 2 Go wrote an article explaining how to properly change out your current lock with a safer alternative.

Here’s an example of what you’d want to get to differentiate your lock from the rest!

This is especially important if you live in your RV and plan on staying at lots of campgrounds across the US.

LED light bulbs consume up to 90% less power than incandescent bulbs and have up to a 22-year life span.

They’re also eco-friendly, 100% recyclable, are able to be dimmed, and produce little infrared light.

If I were you (and didn’t have LED lights already), I’d get some LED lights today .

Time to complete: About an hour

Cost: $100+

Like the solar panels, this is another must-have for those interested in boondocking or dry camping. Bulking up your RV or travel trailer inverter will allow you to store more electricity for longer periods of time.

Take a look at this video to get a better understanding of how to upgrade your new inverter :

Time to complete: Depends on how many batteries you decide to get!

Difficulty: Medium-Hard

Cost: $115+

While most RVs come with two heavy duty batteries, some people need more (I’m talking to you, boondockers).

It’s pretty self-explanatory as to why you’d want multiple batteries while traveling – you don’t want to run out of electricity!

Plus, it doesn’t hurt to have backup batteries, right?

These batteries are awesome to have and are definitely worth the price. If you need help installing them, check out this guide .

Quick RV Tip: Even if you don’t want to bulk up your battery life – we recommend purchasing at least one (if not two) spare batteries before hitting the road. You never know when you’ll need it!

Related Post — Types of Campers: Which RV is Right for You?

A digital thermostat is able to give you more power (and more precise) temperature control in your RV.

Unless you buy a brand spanking new RV with an updated thermostat, you’ll probably have a rinky-dink one that isn’t always accurate on the exact temperature.

While there are plenty of thermostats to choose from, we recommend this one .

Time to complete: Less than 5 minutes

You may have seen this one in our RV accessories post – but it’s one that we couldn’t leave out here.

Apart from the kitchen counter flaw, RV manufacturers never seem to put in enough towel racks in the bathroom!

I’m not complaining though. Towel holders are incredibly easy to install and are super cheap. Some towel holders simply hang over the door!

There are tons you can choose from, but Bill and I went with this particular one .  

Time to complete: 10 minutes

Guys… this is a game changer. Do you know how many times Bill and I have tripped over each other’s shoes? Not anymore!

The installation for this shoe rack was stupid easy too.

We purchased a small coat rack and hung our shoes up onto it! We totally recommend this for RVers who have tons of shoes (especially anyone who has children that leave their shoes laying around).

Time to complete: Less than 1 hour

I don’t know about you, but I love taking long showers. The warm water is great but the water pressure is what makes me stay in.

RV shower heads are pretty terrible. The water pressure is dull and, in our case, there was only one setting to choose from.

What does that mean? Upgrade! This shower head worked perfectly for us – but there are plenty to choose from!

Finding a good spot to put your garbage can in your RV can be a major pain in the butt. However, this under-the-counter mod is easy to install and will come in handy whether you’re on or off the road!

Trust me… you don’t want to be that person who forgets their full garbage is still out in your kitchen as you’re cruising down the highway…

This pull out garbage can is what we use now and we love it!

(You can also install bungee cords to hold your trash can in place if you don’t have the shelf space for the pull out can, like we explain in our RV organization guide .)

If you’re not towing a car behind your RV, a bumper mount may be the best thing for you.

These are perfect to store extra totes, bikes, even kayaks!

This bumper mount is one of the best and holds up to 600 lbs. We definitely recommend picking one up for yourself – you never know when you might need it!

Roadlink Unlimited RV Wi-Fi

• Get Wi-Fi From Almost Anywhere!
• Unlimited Data Plans Starting At Just $30 Per Month
• Easy to Install

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Unlimited WiFi was a must for Bill and I because we work from our laptops, and picking up internet on the road is very difficult without having your own built in.

Not only can you get unlimited data when you buy a Togo Roadlink , but you also get your own connection – meaning you don’t have to worry about people stealing your information from public WiFi!

They’re pretty easy to install, but if you’re not comfortable with it, most RV dealerships will do it for you for a small fee.

Time to complete: Between 10-20 minutes

Cost: About $40+

Sometimes, you need a bit more stabilization than you’re given. Especially on days when you’re trying to sleep in and your partner is doing jumping jacks in the living room because it’s raining outside… (Looking at you, Bill!)

Luckily, you’re able to find stabilization rods that are easy to install on Amazon. These are well worth the money (and if you’re a light sleeper, I definitely recommend them).

These exact stabilizers can be purchased here .

Time to complete: Between 5-10 minutes

Cost: Depending on how man you purchase, $20+

Raise your hand if you’ve struggled to find room to store dishes, food, and other necessities in your RV cabinets.

Us too. It used to be a daily struggle! One day, Bill and I decided to add in a few extra shelves and voila! We had more room to work with.

This mod may be small but it’s definitely significant!

We’d suggest getting wire shelves – they’re easy as pie to install. You can also use them in your bathroom cabinets to hold towels and other small things.

Related Post — Private: 100+ RV Storage Ideas For Ultimate RV Organization

Time to complete: Between 20-30 minutes

This shampoo and conditioner holder is truly a game changer. Bill and I weren’t super lucky in the bathroom department (there just wasn’t enough space for our stuff!).

We did, however, have one of these dispensers. For that we were super thankful. They’re easy to fill, clean, and save a lot of room!

You can get one pretty cheap too! This one in particular comes with four dispensers and doesn’t break the bank!

Time to complete: About a day or more

Cost: In total over $100+

Our friends over at RV Love have the right idea! If you happen to buy an RV with bunk beds but don’t have children (or have any use for them in general) you could convert the space into a personal office!

This RV mod came from our friends over at Lumber Jocks and we’re so in love with it. Can you imagine how nice it would be to free up some counter space with this mod?

Hell, it would even save space in cabinets! A lot of RVers we’ve met hide their spice rack in their cabinets, but that doesn’t leave much room for pots and pans!

Time to complete: About a day (maybe longer)

Our friends at Love Your RV have some genius ideas when it comes to RV mods. This one , in particular, is something that we feel every RVer should do.

Dealing with a sewer system is one of the nastiest jobs you’ll face when RVing (in my personal opinion) and I think the sewer hose is a pain in the butt to deal with.

With this mod, however, Ray teaches RVers how to better handle this dirty job.

Time to complete: 1-2 hours

It’s no surprise that our RV floors collect more dirt than we’d like them to. Thanks to this awesome company, we can now install a dustpan into our floor !

It’s fairly easy to install and you’re able to empty it at any time!

Cost: $150-$200

RV vent fans can become worn, and many of the stock fans suck to begin with. These Fan-Tastic roof fans are quick and easy to install and super powerful.

Here’s a how-to video by our friends at RV With Tito :

If you’ve ever wished you could use headphones to watch your trailer’s TV, this is the RV upgrade for you.

Our friends at Love Your RV installed a custom headphone jack that runs in the wall, all the way from their TV to the back of their rig. Pretty cool!

You just need an extension cable , some simple tools, and a bit of patience.

And that brings us to the end of our RV mods and upgrades!

These RV upgrades will help you with everything from extra storage space to creating a solar powered rig ready for the wilderness! Some are quick and easy, others require some (OK, a lot) of patience.

If you’re hankering for more ways to improve your RV lifestyle , check out this big list of 40 must-have RV products shared by 30 RV lifestyle experts . They’ve got everything from kitchen goodies to blue ox towing gear, electronics, and more!

Over to you: Leave a comment down below and share your own RV tips and tricks! Are you going to implement some of the ones we’ve shared?

Happy RVing 🙂

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31 Amazing RV Upgrades You Can’t Live Without

We traveled full time in our RV for over 8 years and have been in 6 different RV’s so we have some experience in what upgrades you would want for your RV. In this post we share the best of the best upgrades based on our experience of having spent over 2900 days in our RV.

There are always the basic RV or 5th wheel accessories you need like a sewer hose , RV TV mount , and wheel chocks that you need before planning an RV trip. But the real fun comes when you can start making upgrades to your rig! Whether you full time RV like us or just camp on weekends these upgrades will make you love your RV even more!

Table of Contents

We really like to boondock , so the ability to harness free solar power from the sun is amazing. The word “solar” encompasses many different components to an overall system. This includes solar panels (either on the roof or portable), a solar charge controller to regulate the amount of electricity going into the batteries, an inverter to invert the 12 volt power stored in the batteries to 120 volts as well as batteries, which I’ll talk more about next.

Getting a quality system installed on your rig to meet your needs is a decent investment that can pay off big time. We worked with Future Solutions for a fantastic setup that allows us to be off grid for as long as we want.

RV’s usually come with a single 12 volt battery. This is fine to keep the lights on for a while and run the electrical part of a gas fridge, but if you’re looking to camp off grid, adding more battery capacity or even a different type of battery is one of the best RV mods you can do.

There are many different options out there, lead acid, AGM and more recently, lithium. Having a higher capacity battery bank allows you to stay unplugged longer and really get out to some epic spots.

If solar isn’t an option, then having an on-board or portable generator is great upgrade for dry camping. We have a Honda 2000 watt generator that is a great alternative when we’re in overcast for a few days.

If you want to get out to these epic spots, you need to be sure your rig can handle the rugged terrain it has to go through to get there. We worked with MORryde to have their Independent Suspension package installed on our Montana High Country 5th wheel.

Their Independent Suspension system allows each wheel to move independently of any other wheel up to 5 inches in travel. Usually each wheel is tied to another wheel, either by being on the same axle or by the leaf spring suspension. The benefit is that this allows the wheels to absorb a ton of road shock without moving the house part of the RV keeping your valuables safe and stable. It also helps a ton with towing as you can’t even feel the trailer behind you.

Disc Brakes

Another upgrade MORryde offers, one that usually goes hand-in-hand with Independent Suspension, is upgrading to disc brakes . Trailers and 5th wheels usually come with drum brakes which just don’t have the braking power that disc brakes do. One of my main concerns with pulling a fully loaded, heavy trailer, especially down mountain grades is the ability to stop it. With disc brakes, this is a non-concern as they offer a 40% shorter stopping distance and reduce heat build up.

Tires are very easy to overlook when it comes to an RV or trailer. The only time they’re looked at is when you have a blow out, which is too late. There are many tire brands out there that are known to have blow outs, which is why upgrading tires gives a great peace of mind.

We upgraded from Load Range F 12-ply tires to Provider Radial Load Range G 14-ply tires on our Keystone Arcadia. The difference is substantial. The tires are super heavy duty and can handle the weight of our rig much better.

We also upgraded our rims to a heavier duty rim than what came with the RV. The cool thing is all of these upgrades can be found on etrailer and they can be delivered right to your door. I got all 5 tires and rims (I upgraded our spare tire as well) delivered, brought it all to a local tire shop, they mounted and balanced the tires and I brought it all back and put in on the trailer.

Click here to check out etrailer’s amazing selection of tires and wheels to get your upgrade on!

Tire Pressure Monitor System

Most modern cars have a TPMS built right in, so we’re used to knowing tire pressures in our car and even get notified when they get low. Knowing this information for a trailer is crucial and can be the difference in getting off safely to the side of the road when you have tire problems.

We use the EEZTire TPMS , which is easy to install, easy to use and easy to read. Definitely recommend this.

5th Wheel Pin Box

When towing, safety is your first concern with comfort being the second. With MORryde’s Rubber Pin Box , it essentially eliminates chucking, bucking and jerking by absorbing the energy transfer from the truck and 5th wheel on starts and stops and bad road conditions. This makes towing your 5th wheel safer and much more comfortable, win-win!

Trailer Hitch

If you’re towing a travel trailer, then the hitch is great upgrade. We’ve used a Propride 3P Hitch in the past and it made a world of difference. Again, safety and comfort are your main priorities when towing a trailer and when we were towing our 30′ Jayco trailer, it was swaying all over the road to the point that even short easy drives were white-knuckle ones. No fun. After upgrading to the ProPride 3P, the trailer stayed inline and we had no problems with sway.

We all carry stuff in our RV, sometimes too much stuff. This can mean really using every inch of storage space and make it hard to access some of the things in the storage bays. We upgraded to a very nice MORryde cargo tray that allows us to pull out the tray and access all the stuff that is usually stuck in the middle.

Storage Bay Lock

Believe it or not, most storage bays are keyed with the same key, which is not very secure at all! Changing out your storage bay locks is pretty easy and inexpensive and can be a good way to keep your stuff secure.

Cell Booster

Being out in the wilderness is great, but we still have to work and that requires a cell signal. Having a cell booster on our rig in the past and it definitely helps improve a poor signal.

Another option that is less expensive, but requires a certain connection to your hotspot is this Netgear Antenna . We use this one quite often and it really helps.

Wifi Extender

Another option to improving internet signal in your RV is a Wifi extender. This will grab a wifi signal within a certain range and amplify it in your rig.

Tank Heaters

We love the mountains and that usually means colder temperatures. We have tank heaters for our fresh, grey and black tanks which are turned on by a switch near our control panel and supplies electrically created heat to the tanks so they don’t freeze. Very handy especially when overnight lows get down below freezing.

A must-do upgrade is MORryde’s StepAbove Steps . If you’ve ever gone in or out of a set of fold-out trailer steps, you know how unstable they feel, not to mention the feeling inside of the entire RV tipping over. The StepAbove steps solve that problem with a set of steps that extend to the ground to make them rock solid.

They also have several add-on components to the steps including a strut assist lift that makes lifting the steps very easy, a handrail that connects to the steps for extra stability, a storage box that goes in the space the previous fold-out steps went as well as motion activated lights that install under each step making going in and out much safer and easier.

Stabilizers

Speaking of feeling like the RV is tipping over, upgrading the stabilizers on a trailer is a must. Having 4 kids that like to run around and wrestle, so it constantly feels like we’re a ship out on the ocean.

Our rig came with a 4 point leveling/stabilizing system. We upgraded our 5th wheel landing gear with a MORryde 5th wheel stabilizer that locks it in from side to side motion.

Also, we added MORryde’s Hitch Mount Stabilizer to the rear 2″ hitch receiver on our 5th wheel that really locks us in. It makes a world of difference compared to not having these upgrades. Both of these products are easy to install and can remain on your rig even when you’re traveling.

We also use a set of X-Chock wheel stabilizers to take out any wheel play that may happen. Learn more here 8 Best RV Wheel Chocks And How To Pick Yours .

It seems that RV’s come with too many keys. One for the door, one for the storage bay, one for the engine if it’s a motorhome, one for the leveling key pad, etc. Take one of those out of the equation with RVLock . This keypad lock allows quick, keyless access to your RV.

Water Filter

Nothing is better than water than a cold glass of fresh tasting water. Adding an onboard water filtration system can give you just that every single time you turn on the faucet. We went with the Clearsource Ultra Onboard Pro RV Water Filter System to filter out all the nasty rust, sediment, contaminants and viruses that can live in water.

Installation of the onboard unit was super easy and now I don’t have to mess with inline filters anymore. I simply attach our hose and we’re getting the cleanest and freshest water possible!

Hardwired Electrical Management System

Campground electricity can be spotty. That can either be from an older system or a campground that has outgrown what it was originally designed for. This can lead to low voltage issues which can damage components inside your RV. Not to mention surges or mis-wirings that can also cause big problems.

There are some great surge protectors on the market that help with this problem. I’d recommend a hardwired electrical management system in your RV. This will catch all of those issues before they ever enter your RV. The nice thing about a hardwired system compared to this similar portable unit is that you don’t have to think about plugging in the portable unit. Just plug your cord in like normal and you are protected.

Backup Cameras

Backing in a large trailer is hard! Not to mention the countless number of fights it causes between my wife and I. An easy upgrade that helps with that problem is a wireless backup camera . A lot of trailers come pre-wired for a camera making installation super easy.

Sewer Hose Storage

There never seems to be a good spot to store a sewer hose. Travel trailers sometimes have a 4″ bumper that works well as it keeps the hose outside and not in a bay near your stuff, which is a great idea. Our 5th wheel didn’t have that and neither did our motorhomes.

One the 5th wheel, I installed a sewer hose storage tube under the back of the 5th wheel. Installation was super easy as it came with 4 self-tapping screws that mounts into the frame of the RV. This keeps the hose outside and easy to get to when I need it.

Fantastic Fans with Vent Covers

Air flow is a great thing when you’re in the great outdoors. RV’s can have some funky smells in them so keeping fresh air flowing is a must. Upgrading the ceiling fans is a great way to do that. We have a couple of Fan-Tastic fans that really maximize air flow keeping the RV fresh. We also have vent covers for these fans so they can operate or remain open when we are driving or if it’s raining.

Slide Toppers

Adding a slide topper above your slide outs is a great upgrade. This will keep water and debris from accumulating on your slide out roof so when you pull it in, all of that junk won’t come in with it.

Dometic Awning with Power Channel

Awnings are a great thing to have on an RV. They provide shade and even can protect from rain. An upgrade to the typical awning is Dometic’s 9200 Power Series Awning that comes with a power channel on the awning arm. This allows for many different accessories to be plugged into the channel and to be used while under the awning. Accessories like speakers, fans, lights and more.

Interior Redesign

This is a pretty generic term for a pretty labor intensive upgrade. On pretty much every RV we’ve owned ( Newmar , Winnebago View , Micro Minnie , Jayco , Montana ), we’ve redesigned the interior to give it a more homey feel as well as adding functionality that meets our needs.

This can range from major renovations to small improvements to the kitchen cabinets, counter space or adding wire shelves in the cabinets. It can take some work, but it’s definitely an upgrade that is worth the effort.

Residential Fridge

We have a residential fridge in our RV kitchen, which is the first residential fridge we’ve had in an RV. This upgrade has pros and cons to it. For the pros, we love the space! We have an 18 cubic foot fridge and having a family of 6, the extra fridge space is amazing. For the cons, it only runs on electricity.

This means when we’re boondocking, we need to have enough battery power to run the fridge 24 hours a day. With our setup from Future Solutions , it’s not a problem, but definitely something to think about before upgrading.

Most new RV’s already come with LED lights, but if you have an older RV, this upgrade is a must. Going to LEDs, you’ll save a ton of battery power as an LED light just sips power compared to an older incandescent light. They come in a variety of colors, so they’re not just the bright white anymore.

Digital Thermostat

Some RV’s have the old school lever or dial for a thermostat. A simple and effective upgrade is to swap that out for a digital thermostat. These are much easier to use and read and some are even programmable.

Sleeping in an RV shouldn’t be any different that sleeping in a bed in a house. You can easily upgrade your mattress to make sleeping super comfy. RV mattresses aren’t the best, so we upgraded our mattress to this one on Amazon which has been amazing.

Shower Head

Another easy upgrade that gives better water pressure in the shower as well as conserves water is changing the shower head. We’ve used Oxygenics in the past and it’s an easy and cheap upgrade that’s worth it.

We’ve had 2 RV’s that only had the frosted glass in the front door window. This doesn’t provide the most privacy and definitely lets in a lot of light in the morning. An easy upgrade to fix that is the Slim Shade .

You basically remove the old window and replace it with one that has a built in black-out shade. The shade can open so you can see out the clear glass when you want to and then close to provide privacy and darkness when you want that.

Propane Monitors

Knowing your propane level in an RV can be tricky and most of the time you don’t know you’re low until you’re out. Installing these propane monitors on your tanks can be super helpful to keep the furnace working on a cold night.

Hopefully these RV upgrades will help you enjoy your RV more. Please check back as we’ll keep this list updated with new upgrades we learn about that are must-haves! We also have an awesome list of Best Gifts For RVers !

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Outdoor Fact

31 Cool Ways to Upgrade Your RV – Every RVer Should Know

Over time, RV upgrades have become a hobby of the campers. They look for new, unique ideas to revamp the exterior and interior of the vehicle and improve their lifestyle along the way. The truth is, there’s always room for improvement no matter even if you have a brand-new, top-of-the-line rig. Just keep in mind that motorhome upgrades don’t mean that they have to be something over-the-top. Simple redecorations and enhancements can also make big impacts. In this article, we – Outdoor Fact – will show you the best ideas for RV upgrades.

31 Best Ideas for RV Upgrades and Modifications

Here are some of the most popular and best RV upgrade ideas . These modifications are surprisingly easy to implement but they dramatically improve the quality of your camping life. Consider these RV upgrades if you want to enjoy a more comfortable, functional, and convenient life in your camper.

See this expansive list of coolest RV mods and upgrades collected by recommendation and feedback from 1,000+ RV owners across the globe.

1. Invest in a Quality Shower Head

A long shower is what every RVer expect after a long day on the road. But, t he standard shower heads come with the RVs are nothing special. They just don’t release the water at the right pressure that can give you comfort and relaxation at the end of a long day on the road.

The built-in faucets also tend to be crappy. Replace them with shiny new fixtures and try to choose a low-flow shower head and pull-out sink faucets. A quality shower head will feel good at both high and low water pressures.

2. Install Solar Panels

If you are someone who finds excitement in traveling off-grid or loves boondocking, solar panels and batteries are something to spend your money on. The cost of solar systems is dropping every year.  By incorporating solar power into your own RV, you could easily cut down the utility expense and reduce the dependence on fossil fuel as well.

You don’t have to pay the electricity bills when you have your own solar set-up. It will also save you from the smoke and noise of the generators in remote places.  For boondocking fans, solar power is highly recommended as one of the killer RV upgrades

3. Extra Battery Capacity

It’s one of the RV upgrades that you will need when you don’t stay much in the traditional campgrounds with electric hook-ups, the batteries come with the RV won’t be enough. Installing more batteries means you can store more power generated by the solar panels. As a result, you don’t have to turn on the generator except for emergencies.

Also, choose to upgrade the battery system to a lithium-ion unit. It is expensive but it functions better, has a longer lifespan, and requires less maintenance.

4. Update the Storage Options

Well, it involves a dozen different upgrades since an RV has limited space. Keeping everything in place and organized will help you to keep your sanity and make your house on wheels feel like a home. These simple hacks will help you increase the storage capacity:

• Install a towel rack behind the bathroom door, so you won’t need an extra furniture piece. Such racks are available at retail stores like Ikea, Camping World, and others.
• It’s hard to keep cups and glasses stationary when the RV is moving. You may also have to deal with frequent spillage accidents. Purchase a couple of cup holders and install them in the kitchen and newt to your bed to enjoy a spill-free life.
• How do you feel searching the entire camper for your shoes? Even if you keep them in a specific place, it will soon become a pile of shoes. Either create a simple show rack with some pieces of wooden planks or craft a fabric show storage that features several pockets.
• Several compartments of huge cabinets or cupboards are often left unused. You can utilize them by installing wire shelves inside them and storing clothes, kitchen accessories, and plastic dishes there.

>> Read more:  10 Best RV Gadgets You Should Equip  <<

5. Digital TV Signal Booster

Modern-day RV upgrades depend much on electronics, which is not a bad thing if you invest in the correct product. A TV signal booster makes sense if you have a vested interest in a great entrainment system. If you’re addicted to television shows or sport events, a satellite dish or signal booster is a must-have item for your RV!

A signal booster will work like magic in streaming more TV stations. Many RVs have options for installing antennas, helping you to catch up mobile television service. A signal booster will also won’t let you miss your favorite show even if you are in a remote area.

6. Hard-Wired Surge Protector

You think that there is no need of installing surge protections since your camper has standard electric outlets. However, it’s one of the necessary RV upgrades since those outlets won’t protect your electronics in the event of a power surge.

Hard-wire surge protector into your RV so that all the appliances are safe even when there is surge or ebb of power in the electric line. It is a slightly costly update but it is certainly cheaper than replacing all the appliances.

7. Roof Vent Fan

You won’t be able to imagine the multiple benefits a vent fan can offer. It will release the hot air outside and keep the interior during the summertime and remove excess moisture from a humid surrounding.

In addition, the fans are excellent for removing the musty smell and cooking odor. There are plenty of styles available and you can choose one with built-in automatic rain sensor or a remote control.

8. Mount a New TV

If you have the habit of hitting the road for long trips, you should spend some money for a standard entertainment system. A quality speaker, headphone, and a mind-blowing selection of songs are the must-have. However, you should purchase an RV TV too, especially when you can’t think of missing a match of your favorite football team or the latest episode of Westworld.

9. Bulk Up Your Inverter

The RV inverter is another necessary electronics for those who like to do dry camping a lot. It converts the power (12 volts) from the batteries into 120 volts, making it ready to power up the everyday appliances and electronics such as hair dryer, toaster, coffee maker, and more.

With this RV upgrade, you are able to store more electricity for extended periods of time. However, since the difficulty level is high, it should take one hour to complete assuming that you have the skills.  In the case you lack confidence in your ability, it would be wise to ask someone to take care of the upgrade in your stead.

10. Digital Thermostat

Most RV models come with a manual slider control thermostat, which is good but won’t come close to the precision of a digital thermostat. Replace the built-in one with a digital version if you want to have an accurate temperature control.

If you own a somewhat outdated recreational vehicle, it’s highly likely that you have to deal with old thermostats that fail to show the exact temperature in the interior. Want to have more power in regulating the interior temperature? Then you definitely have to secure an RV digital thermostat because it’s one of the few RV upgrades that let you control the degrees inside your vehicle. with reasonable accuracies. Buy one here !

11. Ditch The Carpet

As you travel in your RV, dirt shall make their way into the interior of the vehicle which much would be trapped by the carpet. Needless to say, it’s tedious to get all of the particles out of the fabric so you should throw the carper into the trashcan and save yourself a headache.

Additionally, the bare laminate floors of the RV look nice. In most of the case, it’s possible to completely remove the carpet from the floor within hours, depending on the layout of your RV.    

12. Wireless RV Backup Camera

Considering the size of modern-day recreational vehicles, backing up into certain locations prove to be quite a difficult maneuver. It only takes a minor mistake for collisions to take place and after that is obviously an expensive repair bill. But with an RV rear view camera that provides clear vision, you should have no trouble backing up at short notice.

Of course, such an accessory is pricey but it’s among the must-have travel trailer upgrades for people that feel slightly uneasy maneuvering their recreational vehicle in tight spots.

13. Let There Be Light… Under the Bed

To give more space for RVers to store stuff, the master bed of most RV could be lifted up to reveal a convenient storage compartment. That compartment normally lacks illumination which is quite understandable: who want to put light bulbs right under the bed anyway? Nonetheless, in the case you store many tools under the bed, it’s a good idea to install lighting fixtures down there to aid identification.

Multiple RVers like to hang rows of LED light that lit up surrounding space and consume a bit of energy.

14. Counter Extensions

Space is a luxury in usual recreation vehicles and the kitchen is not an exception.  While high-class fifth wheel might offer you some room on the counter, others types have nothing that worth mentioning. That is why if you talk about RV upgrades , you have to include counter extensions.

As the name suggests, these extensions let you prepare meals conveniently and comfortably thanks to the counter room they give. After you are done cooking, the extension could be folded so they don’t get in the way at all.  

15. Chalkboard Fridge Door

You often find yourself having to take note of important issues but unable to locate papers and pens in time? Then you must think about getting a chalkboard fridge door in the near future as it’s one of the RV upgrades that could tackle your trouble effectively and efficiently. Once you have to write something, you just have to go over to the fridge door and jot that down. Use this chalk paint !

The chalks might generate too much dust for the taste of some RVers so keep that in mind as well.   

16. New Storage Bay Locks

Surprisingly, the storage bin of your recreational vehicle is not exactly secured since people that own the same key as you could access its content. Because of that, replacing the lock is amidst the essential RV upgrades for people that care about their luggage while traveling from campground to campground.

Fortunately, it’s generally a breeze to get a new lock for your storage bin and the straightforward installation means you could finish everything in less than half an hour.

• You may also like: 40+ Brilliant RV Storage Ideas and Solutions To Make Your RV Tidy

17. Switch Out Your Lights

Compared to incandescent bulbs that the majority of RV manufacturers use, LED lights consume less energies and have longer lifetimes. Therefore, in the case you want to optimize the confirmation of your RV, one of the first RV modifications you should do is to replace all the incandescent bulbs on your RV using LED lights.

18. DIY Towel Rack

In addition to the lack of internal space, recreational vehicles also don’t have enough racks around for the towels. Luckily, you would be able to address that issue in just a blink of an eye by mounting additional racks. It’s unnecessary to buy actual racks as you could fabricate some from damaged furniture that you no longer use. As a result, if you want to try out some RV upgrades DIY, here is a good one for you.

19. Shoe Storage

Keep tripping over the shoes? Then how about setting up a compact shoe rack to organize the footwear of everyone? Drop by the store, get yourself a compact coat rack and hung shoes onto it. For people that have tons of shoes to take care of, the rack is one the most helpful RV upgrade ideas these kinds of days.

RVers with kids would also love the rack if their children leave footwear scattered over the interior of the vehicle.

20. Pull Out Garbage Can

You could barely find enough space on your recreational vehicle for the essentials so determining a spot for the trash might be a major headache.  Luckily, with a pull out garbage can onboard, you should be able to safely store the trash for later disposal.

The can is one of the amazing RV modifications that offer a lot of values in exchange for negligible investments. You could secure the can in place using bungee cords if you lack shelf space.

21. New Mattress (and Sheets)

It’s impossible to have good night sleeps if you feel uncomfortable on the bed. As we all know, you would not be able to regain energy for a new day if you are unable to sleep well at night. In the case you have trouble sleeping with the original mattress (most of us have!), getting a new mattress plus sheets is among the RV upgrades you must do as soon as possible to guarantee the comfort during the trips.

This  Serenia Sleep mattress won’t let you down! Here RV experts from RV Talk also compiled a list of best selling RV mattresses for your consideration. Make sure to read our list before buying one!

22. Bumper Mount

So you don’t intend to tow cars, trailers and so on behind your RV? Then it’s widely advised that you install a bumper mount on the rear of your vehicle to store stuff. Bike, kayaks, RV accessories,…. many things could fit in the bumper mount and let you save space in the interior. The average bumper mounts on the market nowadays should have an easy time handling up to 600 pounds worth of items.

23. WiFi Extender

In the age of technology, various RVers have the need to stay connected as they travel from place to place. Hence, if you want to access the internet as you go, you should consider getting a WiFi extender at once.

With the extender by your side, you could overcome WiFi dead zones and enjoy well-encrypted connections to public networks. Despite the fact that the device requires a good amount of money, it’s shall let you keep tracks of what is going on around the world at all times.

We’re so honestly impressed with the Bearifi BearExtender . It definitely solved your wifi problems, highly recommend!

24. Better Stabilization

Most recreational vehicles have stabilizations jacks in case RVers have to park over uneven terrain. Nonetheless, the jacks on their own sometimes fail to maintain the stability of the RV which force to find supplements. These kinds of days, it’s a breeze to secure some RV specific stabilization rods. Generally speaking, the rods cost pretty much nothing and they allow you rest/sleep comfortably.

Get one here !

25. New And Improved Shelving

Struggling to allocate spaces for dishes, foods, utensils and alike? What you must do is to add a couple of shelves, ideally wire shelves, to the interior of your vehicle. Such shelves would usually not occupy a whole lot of room and they permit to keep your stuff in order. Because of the intuitive installation, it only takes a moment to set up the shelves.

For an easy set-up, many RVers use this adjustable base cabinet helper – a small product but could make a significant difference to your RV space.

26. Shampoo and Conditioner Holder

To put it plainly, the bathroom on conventional recreational space possesses just enough space for basic features and the RVer. That means you should refrain from bringing all sort of shampoo bottles into the bathroom as you take a shower. But by installing a simple shampoo and conditioner holder, it’s possible to store various bathing supplies in the bathroom.

At a very cheap price,   this one in particular  comes with four dispensers and doesn’t break the bank! Clean, simple design and easy to refill!

27. Create The Perfect Workspace

For RVers that need to work on the road, putting together a workspace on the vehicle is quite a challenge. That being said, if you are willing to invest times and efforts, everything is possible. In the case you have an unused bunked compartment, it should take you around a day in order to convert that into a viable workspace. Here is how to execute the idea!

28. Under-The-Counter Spice Rack

Have a hard time getting pepper, sugar, salts and others?  If that is so, a spice rack could be a nice addition to your kitchen. It would be able to save space on the counter as well as in the cabinet which all RVers appreciate. In term of drawbacks, you need to have some skills to set up the rack and the associated lock mechanism.

29. Upgrade Your Sewer System

Handling the sewer hose is often thought of as one the most tedious tasks that RVers have to perform periodically. However, by implementing upgrades here an there, you could handle the dirty job without trouble.  Depending on the composition of your recreational vehicle, it might require more than a day to finish upgrading the system.

30. RVSkampcan (A Must Have!)

The venerable broom and dustpan clean up dirt fairly well on average but that combo always leave some particles behind. If you want to get rid of every speck of dust, get a skampan for your recreational vehicle. It’s a lid covered compartment installed on the surface of the floor which catches all the debris you push in it.

31. Headphone Jacks For Your TV

Want to watch TV but hate to let the noise bother other people around you? In that case, you should construct a custom headphone jack. All you need are some extension cables, basic tools and a bit of patience in order to get it done.  You need to have basic knowledge about RV electricity as well to do the wirings. Overall, the project would take between 1 and 2 hours to finish.

The Final Words

The original configuration of recreational vehicles nowadays should be able to meet the basic needs of most RVers. However, a lot of owners of RV still feel that their vehicles could definitely  use some modifications here and there. As a result, the subject of RV upgrades is widely discussed and debated amidst enthusiast. Most people don’t think of any update after purchasing a brand-new RV.

The truth is some little enhancements can make your life on the road much better, more convenient, and enjoyable. From brand new motorhomes to venerable campers, every recreational vehicle could benefit from RV mods

Find out some more useful RV upgrades you can make for your RV!

>> Read more about RV camping tips,  click here ! <<

Last Updated on March 29, 2023

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Dennis Taylor

Dennis Taylor - Owner of Outdoor Fact - is a graduate of National Camping School and REI Outdoor School. He knows everything about what gear to take with you, how to plan your trip to stay safe and what to do if you get lost in the mountains. We are lucky to have Dennis with us as he is a ‘walking encyclopedia’ when it comes to the wilderness.

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12 of our favorite RV Hacks, Mods and Products

In more than ten years of rving, we have tried a lot of rv hacks, tweaks, modifications, and products to enhance our rv lifestyle experience. we're always experimenting and trying new things.

• 1 In more than ten years of RVing, we have tried a lot of RV hacks, tweaks, modifications, and products to enhance our RV Lifestyle experience. We're always experimenting and trying new things!
• 2.1 Surge Protector
• 2.2 Step Lube
• 2.3 Thetford Slide Out Rubber Seal Conditioner
• 2.4 Fresh water drain extension hack
• 2.5 Fresh water quick disconnect
• 2.6 Fresh water filter
• 2.7 Fresh water pressure regulator
• 2.8 Happy Camper Black tank deodorizer
• 2.9 Shine Armor Waterless RV wash
• 2.10 Rear ladder
• 2.11 Mega Cuff Hose and cord clamps
• 2.12 Leveling Blocks
• 3 Want to see my remote working hacks?

And folks are always asking us about them. So we thought we'd put together this report showing what we've used in the past with many of our RVs.

AND we're going to update this list (from 2020) in a special Amazon LIVE event coming up on Dec. 28th, 2023, at 3pm Eastern. And if you missed it live, no worries, you can use this same link to watch the replay!

Our Favorite RV Hacks

Surge protector.

The electric pedestals at many campgrounds are outdated and in bad shape. Bad power can damage or destroy the appliances in your RV so getting a reliable surge protector like this is critically important. We bought and use the  Southwire Surge Guard, model 34930 . This unit installs between the electric pedestal at the campground and the power cord that connects to your RV. It provides protection against power surges, open ground, open neutral, Low and High voltage, overheating of the plug or receptacle, reverse polarity, miswired pedestal, and elevated ground. The unit continuously monitors for and displays voltage and Amp draw. It does an automatic reset on power restoration in the event of a blackout so everything is clean before feeding power back into your rig.

One of the most used pieces of equipment on your RV is the retractable step that you use to go in and out. Without frequent lubrication, it squeaks and can easily get stuck. A mistake many RVers make is spraying WD40 on it. Don’t.  WD 40 will collect road dirt and make a mess. We use a product called Kwik Lube . It is a strong, protective grease used for keeping RV steps in working condition. This lube will hold up against water and doesn’t collect road grime. We lubricate out step every four to six weeks..

Thetford Slide Out Rubber Seal Conditioner

A can of this stuff costs just over $13 on Amazon but the rubber seal around RV slide outs is what keeps out water and thus, in our book, anything we can do to protect those rubber seals its pretty important. This product repels water, cleans, conditions and protects the rubber seals around our slide out. It also inhibits damage from those destructive UV rays that beat down on the slide all day long. We spray a light coat on the rubber seals twice a year.

Fresh water drain extension hack

Too many RVers leave water in their fresh water tanks for too long. That water can get real skunky and it is always best to empty it after each camping trip. But the fresh water drain on most RVs seems to never be in a convenient spot. On our Leisure Travel Van Unity model, I had to lie flat on the ground and then reach way under the coach to drain that tank. I saw the solution on the coach of an RVer named Richard McGarrity at a recent rally. So, at Holland Motorhomes in Holland, MI – the same dealer Richard used – I had them add a pipe extension to bring the drain knob out to a location I can reach without having to get down on the ground. They firmed it up with braces and fashioned a shield to protect it from anything kicked up from the road. Cost of parts and labor, about $400.

Fresh water quick disconnect

Speaking of fresh water, here’s something we added to the fresh water hose and the intake connector on our RV – a quick disconnect. This solves the problem of having to thread and tighten the connectors by hand, something that had to be lined up just so and always seems to result in an annoying little leak. The quick disconnect takes seconds, it snaps on and off instantly and is totally leak-free. You can get them at any RV shop or Amazon.

Fresh water filter

One more must-have for fresh water – filters. We use Camco inline filters every time we hook up to a fresh water connection at a campground and whenever I fill my fresh water tank with a drinking water safe hose. They reduce bad taste, odors, chlorine, and sediment, and they also protect against bacteria growth when the filter is not in use inside a hot storage compartment.  We’ve seen too many RVers connect directly to campground spigots with no filter. That’s just not a smart thing to do. Always use a filter. We change them out about every three months.

Fresh water pressure regulator

You need one more thing related to your fresh water hookup on the RV: A pressure regulator. Too much water pressure from a campground’s city water connection can blow out your plumbing lines. Putting this little screw-on connector at one end of the hose regulates water pressure flow to a safe, consistent 40–50 lbs of operational pressure. All RV shops sell these and they are available on Amazon.

Happy Camper Black tank deodorizer

Now let's talk about the black water tank. We all have experienced the odor that can come from those tanks. The most important thing to do to minimize those smells is to use enough water when you flush. And before you empty that tank at a dump station, run lots of water into the toilet. Fill it right up if you can before you empty. As for further reducing odors, we use a holding tank deodorizer called Happy Camper. It’s all organic and comes in powder form. One scoop handles a tank up to 40 gallons.

Shine Armor Waterless RV wash

This is one of the handiest products we’ve ever come across. A lot of campgrounds don’t allow RVers to wash their rigs. But no one likes to have an RV covered in road grime. This little bottle called Shine Armor works wonders. It washes the surface without water, shines, and protects as well. Spray it on a cloth and wipe it on the RV. It’s amazing. We use it for spot touch-ups and even have done the whole RV with it. It took most of the 8-ounce bottle to do the entire RV but that’s about what it costs us at one of those coin automated vehicle washes. It’s not meant for windows but does clean and shine stainless steel and, of course, the RV body.

Rear ladder

We added this accessory ladder to the rear of one of our RVs. There are a lot of reasons I need to get on the roof. To clean the solar panels of debris, to squirt down the roof, to adjust my WiFi and cellular antennas, to check the caulking and to do general roof maintenance. The ladder comes in two sections. The top is firmly attached. A lower section snaps on and stores securely in a side storage cabinet. I ordered mine through a dealer and had it professionally installed for about $475.

Mega Cuff Hose and cord clamps

This is such a simple little do-dad. But so handy. This is the Mega Cuff and it is an adjustable clamp that we use to wrap around hoses and power cords to keep them neatly wound up. We use the large size with a three-inch diameter. The clamp has serrated teeth to get the perfect tightness and it releases easily with just the push of a button. We bought ours at one of the big box home improvement stores, but they are also on Amazon. We found a four-pack listed there .

Leveling Blocks

Last on our list are leveling blocks. They kind of look like giant Lego toys. They’re great for leveling some Class B vans or towable trailers. You put one or two or whatever you need under your wheels. But they are handy even if you have an automatic leveling system like we do with our Leisure Travel Van’s Unity Class C RV. We put these under the hydraulic leveling jacks when parked on grass or soft ground. They’re widely available for under $30 at Walmart, most RV shops, and on Amazon.

How about you? What are your favorite RV hacks, modifications, and products for your RV? Share in the comments below!

REMEMBER we're going to update this list (from 2020) in a special Amazon LIVE event coming up on Dec. 28th, 2023, at 3pm Eastern. And if you missed it live, no worries, you can use this same link to watch the replay!

Want to see my remote working hacks?

I thought I’d put together some of our remote work tips. Some of this material first appeared on the  Leisure Travel Vans Blog  in a post I wrote specifically for them in 2020.

Last update on 2024-05-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Published on 2023-12-26

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

12 Responses to “12 of our favorite RV Hacks, Mods and Products”

December 28, 2023at9:20 am , Mike Cook said:

I added an electrical outlet inside our TT that plugs into the power pole 20 amp outlet outside. This gives a little extra power for things that will trip the breakers in a 30 amp service. (Heaters, hair dryer…) PS. Love your article every day

January 02, 2024at12:57 pm , Team RV Lifestyle said:

Thanks for sharing this tip, Mike, and thank you for the encouragement! Team RV Lifestyle

August 01, 2020at3:02 pm , 17 steps for quick RV setup at a campground | RV Lifestyle said:

[…] 12 of our favorite RV hacks, mods and helpful products […]

August 21, 2019at9:26 am , Brian said:

Really excellent. Short, easy to understand, and all needed information to order. Thanks. Really love your info.

August 16, 2019at9:41 am , Ron Rangel said:

You may consider adding more slip proof step covers to the aluminum steps on rv’s as they get real slippery when wet causing you to fall in or out of rv

August 15, 2019at6:48 pm , Krystal said:

Proof read please

September 04, 2019at5:43 pm , Diane said:

Let he without sin cast the first stone!! Cut them some slack!! Be kind!!

September 04, 2019at5:45 pm , Diane said:

Let him without sin cast the first stone!! Cut them some slack! Be Kind!!

August 15, 2019at6:47 pm , Krystal said:

I 2nd that!

August 15, 2019at11:10 am , Shirley said:

What was the name of the cloth Jen used to clean the interior of van?

August 15, 2019at9:41 am , Judy Hodson said:

We have noticed a lot of campers not using the white tasteless hose for fresh water. Is there another type of hose that could be used? An expandable one would be great but we weren’t sure if they are safe for drinking water.

August 17, 2019at6:52 am , Dan Walters said:

The blue hose with the S.S.fittings are better.I got mine at the RV section at Walmart

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The 25 Best RV Upgrades by Price and Value

Importance Value

Aside from monetary value, there are certain RV upgrades that, despite the cost, may be extremely beneficial and valuable for you to have. We rated each modification based off of how important and valuable we think this item is. Keep in mind that we are full-time RVers , so we may feel that some of these are well worth the cost.

Star Ratings

• One Star = it makes a difference
• Two Stars = It’s worth it
• Three Stars = we use it all the time/highly recommend

Here are our personal ratings for the 25 best RV upgrades, based on cost and benefit, in no particular order.

1. Back-Up Camera

• Three Stars

This is something extremely beneficial and highly recommended for all RVers. Having a back-up camera helps when parking and when traveling down the interstate. A lot of RVs are coming with these cameras already installed, but you can also install the upgrade yourself easily.

2. Dehumidifier

This is one of our biggest comfort hacks for RVers. If you’ve ever felt uncomfortably sticky and that your RV just didn’t feel cool despite your AC running non-stop — a dehumidifier may be the solution. We’ve lived in several places that had triple-digit temperatures and high humidity! After lowering the humidity inside our RV from 100% to 30%, our camper miraculously felt so much cooler and more comfortable. We recommend one that has the capability of removing at least 30 pints of moisture from the air per day.

3. Tire Pressure Monitoring System

One of all RVers’ biggest fears is having a tire blow out while traveling down the highway. We are now at ease on travel days because of our tire pressure monitoring system . It constantly keeps us updated on our tire pressure and warns us if there are any potential problems. It’s a huge peace of mind.

4. Swivel Mount TV

Having your TV connected to a swivel mount means that you can turn and reposition your TV to face several directions. This is really beneficial if you’re someone who loves to wind down in the evenings and watch TV. Before we installed this upgrade, we weren’t able to see the full screen from our couch because our couch is at an angle from the TV. Now we can watch the TV straight on thanks to a TV swivel mount! If you don’t want to install the mount yourself, you can have it installed at a Camping World Service Center.

5. Upgraded Mattress

This is definitely highly recommended and used daily by us as full-timers. The price will vary on how much you’re willing to spend on comfort but, regardless, this is a must-do upgrade. We went with a mattress-in-a-box type mattress and immediately experienced a better night’s sleep. There are lots of RV Bedroom Accessories For Better Sleep and a mattress is #1.

6. Instant Water Heater

For full-timers like us, having access to endless hot water would be amazing. This is one upgrade that we have always wanted to pursue and it is on our list. RV hot water tanks are small, at 6-12 gallons, and run out quickly. An instant hot water heater provides an endless supply of hot water instantly. If you are at a full hook-up site, this means you can take as long of showers as you please. This would be an even more beneficial upgrade for larger families!

7. Indoor Motion Lights

We’ve placed motion light strips all over our camper. From inside our closets and pantry to above our kitchen and bathroom sink — these little lights come in handy. They help you see better when getting something out of a cabinet and they’re also a nice alternative to not turning on bright lights when moving around the camper in the middle of the night.

8. Solar Set Up

We absolutely love camping off-grid and we do so frequently. Having solar panels allows us to keep a full battery while camping , go several days without needing to be connected to shore power, and allows us to not need to run a generator .

9. Pop-A-Plate and Pop-A-Napkin

This is an ultimate space saver and organizational hack. We mounted these plate and napkin holders on the underside of our kitchen cabinets. It helps keep the countertops clear and gives us extra storage inside the cabinets for other things.

10. Slide Topper

Some RVs already come with installed slide toppers or awnings over the slide-outs. Ours didn’t, so we installed one ourselves. Not only does this help prevent tree debris from gathering on the slide’s roof, but it also helps prevent leaks by protecting the slide from rain. It also keeps the sun from beating directly on your slide-out’s roof and may even keep your RV cooler. Before installing our slide topper, we experienced a couple of leaks through our slide during a severe storm. Having our slide topper has helped prevent any further slide-out leaks.

11. New Shower Head

Upgrading to a new shower head is beneficial for many reasons! Choose one that is designed to save water and preserve hot water. They also have options where you can regulate your water pressure for a better water stream when showering. This is an extremely affordable and easy upgrade that you’ll thank us for every time you shower. We have the Camco shower head with an on/off switch. This shower head is a huge upgrade compared to the original shower head that came on our RV.

12. Streaming Device

For all the movie and TV lovers out there, having a streaming device is a great way to upgrade your entertainment. RVing isn’t about sitting inside and watching TV, but if there’s a rainy day or you enjoy watching TV at night — this is something that you want to have! Not all campgrounds have great cable options, so having your own source of entertainment comes in handy. Just remember that some campground wifi can’t handle streaming, so you may have to use your phone as a hotspot for your streaming device.

13. Lithium Battery

We chose to upgrade to a lithium iron phosphate battery over a lead-acid battery for a few reasons. Although more expensive, they are less maintenance, have a longer lifespan, and most importantly, you’re able to use more of the battery capacity. They’re lower maintenance because you no longer have to worry about watering your battery. Certain lithium batteries weigh half the weight of a lead-acid battery.

Lead-acid batteries only allow you to use about half of the battery; discharging lead-acid batteries beyond halfway can be damaging. With a lithium battery, you can use almost the full battery capacity without worrying about damaging it, which allows for a much longer lifespan. Our lithium battery has made boondocking so much easier thanks to its large power capacity. It was worth every penny.

14. Ice Maker

Some RVs have built-in ice makers on the refrigerators. Our does not. We could easily freeze ice the old-school way, but having our own portable ice maker is a nice change. It’s easy and efficient and a great way to have refreshing drinks in the summer.

15. RV Lock

This is something that every RVer needs. Did you know that most RVs use the same universal key to unlock the doors and compartments? It’s true! Having an RV lock not only helps keep you safer, but it’s also convenient. No more worrying about locking yourself out or forgetting the key. Just enter your own custom code and you can have quick, easy access to your RV.

16. Portable Power Station (Jackery/EcoFlow)

Portable power stations are convenient when needing to power appliances away from power sources. They are essentially a portable power bank that allows you to have power on the go. It’s a great alternative to a gas generator as a way to run appliances or keep your gear charged. Some things we power with our portable power stations are coffee pots, toaster ovens, camera gear, laptops, and our phones.

Portable power station costs vary depending on brand and power output. Aim for a power station rated for 1500 watts if you want to power a coffee pot or cooking appliances. If you only want to charge your gear, then you can aim for a 250 or 500-watt power bank.

17. Electric Cooler

RV refrigerators come in several different sizes. Ours is only 6 cubic feet. Since we are full-time, having an electric cooler helps us maximize our refrigerator and freezer space. It’s been so nice to have the extra food storage and it fits perfectly underneath our fridge without taking up too much additional space.

It’s something we use every day and is extremely beneficial for us to have. These refrigerators can either be used as a freezer or a refrigerator depending on what temperature you set them on. We like using ours as additional freezer space so we can store more frozen goods. A popular brand of electric coolers is Dometic , but there are other brands out there as well.

18. Portable Propane Fire Pit

This is one of our favorite RV items! Propane fire pits are absolute game-changers when it comes to camping. You don’t have to worry about firewood, smoke, or clean-up. In just seconds, you can have a blazingly, warm fire anywhere. When you’re done, just turn it off. It’s that simple.

19. Wifi Camera

We have a few wifi cameras throughout our RV. Some we have pointing outside our windows and front door and another we set up inside for when we’re away. Having wifi cameras is a great way to keep an eye on your fur babies while you’re away. Obviously, internet access is required to use these cameras. We usually either have it connected to the RV park’s internet or our Verizon hot spot.

20. Patio Mat

We love having a patio mat for several reasons. A cute patio mat really can add some coziness to your campsite and really ties everything together. It’s also nice to put over the dirt or grass at a campsite to give you a clean place to walk and helps keep dirt from being tracked inside the RV. Some campgrounds will have nice concrete patios, but overall, we still like using our patio mat.

21. Blackstone Griddle

The majority of our cooking is done outside on our Blackstone griddle . From grilling steaks and burgers to sautéing veggies for fried rice — the Blackstone does it all! Grills and griddles are becoming more and more popular in the RV community and it’s a no-brainer as to why. They’re affordable and compact making them the perfect griddle for RVers .

22. Surge Protector

A surge protector is one of the most important safety upgrades an RVer can purchase. They help protect your electrical system from fires and damage. We have a Hughes Power Watchdog EPO and absolutely recommend it. They will vary in price based on the number of amps your RV uses, brand, and if it has emergency power-off features. This is another one of those peace-of-mind gadgets that are worth every penny. It’s also something you will use every day when your RV is connected to power or even connected to a generator.

23. Temperature Monitoring System

For all RVers traveling with pets , a temperature monitoring system is a must-have. Along with our wifi cameras, we use this device to ensure that the RV temperature is safe for our cat. You never know when your RV may lose power, so having this device helps us ensure comfort and safety for our fur baby. Like the wifi camera, this device operates over wifi and sends us text and email notifications if the temperature limit we programmed is reached.

24. LED Lighting

A lot of the newer RVs have switched to indoor LED lighting, but this is something you can do on your own as well. It’s easy and affordable and also extremely beneficial. Older lighting uses more power, isn’t as bright, and burns at a hotter temperature. Updating your interior lights with LED lighting is much more energy-efficient, brighter, and helps keep the RV interior temperature cooler for enhanced comfort. These are also very easy to install being that all you have to do is remove an old bulb and replace it with a new LED bulb .

25. Strong Vent Fan

There are after-market fans out there that you can install in your RV vent to replace those that come with it. They are much stronger and help with better air movement and circulation, both of which help cool down your RV. Some of the most common brands are MaxxAir and Fan-Tastic Fan. We installed one in our truck camper and we rarely ever have to use our AC because it does such a great job circulating the air and keeping our camper cool.

One of the features that some of these fans offer is rain detection. When it senses rain, the vent automatically closes to prevent rain from entering your RV. While this is a cool feature, it also means you can’t circulate air during rain storms. We recommend choosing a fan that has a built-in cover or installing a vent cover over the vent. That way you can still run the fan during inclement weather.

Check Out Camping World

There you have it — 25 of the top RV upgrades that we highly recommend! Everyone has a different budget, so consider your own finances and what you can set aside for upgrading your RV . There will always be new and improved RV products entering the market. You will be able to stay in the know regarding the latest gear by visiting Camping World .

Remember, this list doesn’t even begin to cover all of the modifications you can do, but it should help you get started. Make sure you check out your local Camping World and the new Design Center for all of your RV projects and upgrades.

• Comment (2)

Can you provide an estimate for the services cost for the recommended best 25 upgrades? I’m not very handy and will need to have most of this work done by a services person.

Our service department is your best resources for cost estimates of this nature. You can contact them here: https://rv.campingworld.com/rv-service-maintenance

Hope that helps!

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18 RV Mods And Upgrades To Consider

If you have had your RV for very long at all, odds are you’ve either upgraded it, or thought about upgrading it. There are many different ways to get even more out of small space. There are also lots of tips and tricks that can be done to make use of spaces you might not have otherwise thought of.

We are going to give you 18 modifications and upgrades that you might want to consider for your own RV.

1. Build A Portable Solar Panel : Adding solar power to your RV will absolutely lengthen the amount of time you can go before needing a traditional charge. You’ll be charging on the go, every time the sun is shining! While there are some limitations, and you’ll need to purchase an inverter to make it function appropriately, it will be well worth it.

2. Under Bed Lighting: If your RV happens to come with a tilt-up bed, as many do, then you have a lot of storage space under there. However, it might be too dark to utilize as you’d like. You can install a light directly under the bed for a better view. You can either have it wired into your electrical system or simply use a “tap light” that can be bought just about anywhere and runs on batteries.

3. Fishing Pole Holders: A lot of RV owners happen to be avid anglers but often complain of having a hard time storing their poles inside the RV. A simple modification using 3M-type wall mount hanging clips can cure that problem. Using these types of mounts are the best way to attach something to an RV wall, as they are thin and may be very close to wiring.

4. Custom Storage Boxes: Working much like toolboxes for the bed of a pickup truck, custom made bumper storage boxes have a great many benefits for extra storage. This modification is a bit more challenging, but can be found at a great many places online, especially from metal fabrication businesses.

5. Slide Out Trash Can: Since space is very limited inside an RV, storing trash can be an obstacle that tends to be very messy. Installing a slide out trashcan into a cabinet area is a fairly simple task. You can buy a kit that works for a regular small sized trash can, just be sure to check the weight limits. If things get too heavy, problems could arise and you’ll defeat your purpose.

6. Sliding Cargo Trays: This works the same way as the slide out trashcan modification, but with the storage area outside the RV. With this one, you will want to work with materials that are more heavy duty, as the weight concern could be a real issue here.

7. Sewer Hose Storage: Storing your sewer hose in the bumper or the built in storage space can be troublesome as well as not providing enough space for the longer hoses that are sometimes needed. Several RV companies make kits that can easily be added to the outside undercarriage of an RV for storage of hoses much larger than what you normally have. And everyone knows your sewage hose can’t be too long.

8. Key Holder: One of the most simple, yet most advantageous modifications is the key holder. No more losing your keys because someone left them “somewhere” and you can’t find them. You can find them just about anywhere, or you can custom make your own with your preference of woods and hook holders for matching your interior.

9. Extensions For Your Counter: Some people who don’t go out that much in their RV may not make great use of their kitchen, but for those that do, a counter extension can be a beautiful thing. This is another item that can be purchased as a kit, but you can also make your own if you wish. Another option is to buy a butcher block cutting board to go over your burner grates if you don’t use your stovetop that much.

10. Lexan Screen Door: Lexan is just like plexiglass except that it is lighter and less expensive at the same thickness level. Having this screen door modification allows you to close up on hot days when you want to run the AC but, at the same time, don’t want to lose the beautiful view or the natural lighting. Fairly easy to install, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to get this mod / screen room .

11. Backwards Facing Camera: Do you ever wonder how some people can back their RV a lot more easily than most? Odds are, they have this wonderful modification. They are easy to find, not horribly expensive and easy to install. It makes backing and maneuvering practically a one-person job. At the very least, it will help immensely.

12. Battery Monitor: If you have a battery bank, and especially if you have solar panels installed, you cannot afford to be without this upgrade. A battery monitor allows you to see at a glance, exactly how much of a charge is left in your batteries. You’ll know exactly when you need to recharge and you’ll never be caught in an emergency with no power.

13. Bug Screens: You can purchase these must-have’s at any RV store and online as well to put over vents, plugs and exhausts to keep out bugs, spiders, wasps and an array of other crawling things that you just don’t want in these places. It works especially well at keeping out wasps, which can translate into a lifesaving technique for those with allergies.

14. Flashlight Holder: A very simple modification that can be placed just about anywhere. Just purchase a piece of pvc piping and something to close off one end. Cut it as long as you need it for your flashlight to fit and attach it to the wall where it will be the handiest. You’ll never have to forage around in the dark for your flashlight again.

15. Chalkboard Fridge Door: You can purchase vinyl covering that turns any surface into a chalkboard. Putting this on the front of your fridge automatically turns this usually unused space into a great note-taking center. Keep up with items you need without making an actual list and everyone can add to or take away from it any time.

16. RV Step Rugs: This quick and easy modification can be done just about any time. You can find rug remnants at many different stores including Lowe’s or any carpet store. Just buy a few, cut them to fit and attach them to the steps. No more tracking in snow and rain.

17. Light Replacements: If you are trying to save power between charges, this is one of the very best ways to do it. Replacing regular bulbs with LED’s will cut down immensely on how much power they use.

18. Upgrade RV air conditioner: On a hot summer day, the best quality RV air conditioner is essential. The last thing you want is having no air-con in the middle of the desert.

Jill Miller is the founder of Your RV Lifestyle. Trading corporate America for the open road, Jill, along with her partner Jose, began their RV journey, making an unconventional start by wintering in New Jersey. A natural adventurer, she was motivated by a desire to explore the USA and beyond, embracing the varied landscapes, communities, and cultures across the country.

For Jill, the allure of RV living was not about material accumulation, but rather the pursuit of an adventurous, fulfilling lifestyle. A lover of golf, bicycling, hiking, and line dancing, she has carried her passions across the country, engaging with them in diverse settings. Jill’s commitment to the RV lifestyle came after years of careful research, numerous consultations with RV owners, and personal trials, including living in a rental RV.

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8 Insanely Easy RV Mods That Take Less Than An Hour

• Maintenance, Modifications and Repairs

RV mods and upgrades don’t always have to take weeks or months. These simple ideas from iRV2 members should only take you about an hour or less and they’ll make a huge difference.

1. Get rid of odors with a holding tank vent

Average time: 10-20 minutes

These holding tank vents can be attached to your RV’s plumbing vent to get rid of black tank odors . They rotate 360 degrees and use the power of the wind to draw the smells up and out. Installation only takes about 10-20 minutes using silicone or roof sealant. No drilling needed!

2. Upgrade your showerhead

Oxygenics Showerhead. Photo via iRV2 member Msbehavin

Swapping out your RV’s showerhead with an aftermarket option will give you longer, nicer showers. The Oxygenics BodySpa showerhead uses less water and has a better water pressure than the standard factory-made showerheads. They can be installed in only 10-20 minutes using a screwdriver and some Teflon tape.

You can read more about the Oxygenics showerheads on Do It Yourself RV .

3. Replace your RV’s door lock

Electronic Door Handle – Photo by iRV2 member LBZYA

With a keyless touchpad lock , you won’t have to worry about taking your keys or fob while you’re out for the day; the door can easily be unlocked with a 4-digit pass code. The locks can be installed in only 10-20 minutes without any wiring.

They’re available for travel trailers and motorhomes and powered by AA batteries. Read more about upgrading your locks in this RV LIFE article .

4. Use Command Hooks to hang things around your RV

Command Hooks. Photo by iRV2 member dkingpt

Average time: 1-5 minutes

You can mount almost anything in your RV with Command Hooks. The brand makes small , medium , and large utility hooks, as well as a wide assortment of other hanging strips.

The durable large hooks can hold up to 5 pounds, meaning you can use them to not only hang towels but also lightweight baskets on the wall for extra storage. Check out our post here for more ideas on how you can use Command Hooks around the RV.

5. Add a screen door opener

Camco Screen Door Opener. Photo via Amazon

Average time: About 5 minutes

If you have the type of RV that requires you to open the slide to open your screen door , then you’ll love this inexpensive fix . You will need to drill a hole in the small sliding door, but aside from that, installation is a breeze and can be done in a matter of minutes.  

6. Mount a wire rack to hold magazines, brochures, receipts, etc.

Magazine rack. Photo by iRV2 member LAC

Average time: About 5-10 minutes

Mount a wire rack on the wall or anywhere you have open, usable space. They can hold magazines and books, as well as important papers, brochures, campground maps, receipts, and other documents that you would like to keep organized.

7. Swap out your door window

Upgrade your RV door window. Photo via Thor Forums/Tom N3EQF

Average time: About 20-45 minutes

It’s fairly easy to replace your existing window with this tinted one from AP Products. It also comes with a sliding shade so you can block out the sun as needed.

8. Add a battery-operated wall lamp

LED wall light. Photo by iRV2 member LAC

These LED lamps can easily be stuck on the wall using 3M wall tape . iRV2 member LAC shares, “I like to sit back on the side of the dinette cushions with my back to the rear large window and read…this is a great lamp. Flexible arm.”

You could also use these lamps anywhere you need extra light, like in the bathroom or under cabinets.  Since they only require AA batteries, no wiring, drilling, or power is needed.

You may also like these 10 RV Kitchen Ideas That Cost $50 or Less

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A place to learn about modifications and repairs for the legendary Casita molded fiberglass travel trailers

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Come say hi at the quartzsite rally, how to replace casita tongue jack with side-wind crank model, where to find casita and other molded-fiberglass trailers for sale, how to convert watts to watt-hours: an explanation of power consumption calculations, is casita more durable than airstream, guide: how to secure your generator to the trailer tray, mod: a cheap and comfy mattress, repair: replace the casita upper refrigerator vent cover, community mod: replace your casita door window with a integrated shades, mod: add a trailer tray to your tongue, we bought a casita.

Small But Might: Tiny RV Trailers That Will Make You Want to Hit the Open Road

Posted: December 19, 2023 | Last updated: December 19, 2023

Downsizing, RV-Style

Mention an "RV," and images of massive, gas-guzzling homes on wheels that appeal mainly to those nearing retirement is what might first come to mind. But an industry trend driven by — who else? — millennials is seeing recreational-vehicle profiles getting "smaller, sleeker with more technology built in," Recreational Vehicle Industry Association spokesman Kevin Broom told The Spokesman-Review . Cheapism has rounded up a few of these tiny RVs that are turning heads, at a number of different prices, from more affordable trailers that cost less than $15,000 to luxury motorhomes that ring up at a staggering $500,000. 

Polydrop Trailer

A more angular take on the ubiquitous teardrop trailer profile, the Polydrop looks like a tiny spaceship, especially with its gull-wing doors raised. At just over 12 feet long, with a double layer of insulated wood and aluminum skin, it's designed to be cozy, even in cold weather.  

Polydrop Trailer: The View Inside

Like other trailers with similar profiles, the Polydrop includes a cabin with sleeping space and storage, and the camper's back opens up to a minimalist, mod-looking cooking space that includes a cabinet for electronic components and two storage drawers — no cooktop, sink, or refrigeration here. Polydrops start at $12,500.

inTech RV Flyer Chase

This Indiana company offers a number of RV models considered tiny by today's standards. The Flyer Chase is one of the more versatile options with plenty of available add-ons and mods. At 7 feet, 5 inches long and 3 feet, 9 inches high, it sleeps two, but can accommodate up to three more people with an add-on tent feature. 

inTech RV Flyer Chase: The View Inside

RVers who really like to get off the beaten path can do so with the Chase's off-road tires, all-aluminum, fully welded cage frame, and lift kit. Larger versions of the Flyer — the Pursue and Explore — come with slide-out kitchens and tip-outs for extra sleeping space. New models of this trailer start at a little above $13,000.

For more great RV articles, lifestyle stories, and money-saving tips,  please sign up for Cheapism's free newsletters .

This pop-top, "original A-frame" camper was conceived of in the early 1970s. It now comes in 10 versions with differing features. These include exterior options such as an outdoor shower, baggage doors, LED running lights, exterior outlets, off-road axle, outside grill, and more. Interior options include a shower, toilet, and front and/or rear beds. 

Aliner: The View Inside

Some models include a refrigerator, microwave, and stove-top. The company also makes a small-footprint, teardrop-like RV camper called the Ascape with solar panel and flat-screen TV options. Plan to drop at least $29,000 for the latest Ascape models, depending on size and features.

Aero Teardrop Steel

Portland, Oregon-based Aero offers a number of customizable tiny RV models, but the 5-by-10-foot Steel is its most compact they currently offer. Like many teardrop-style trailers, the Steel features a sleeping cabin and galley that can be configured several ways. It also comes with a Bluetooth stereo system, hardwood cabinetry, LED lighting, and underfloor storage.  

Aero Teardrop Steel: The View Inside

Custom options such as exterior finish, wheel type, tongue storage, and awning, as well as interior add-ons such as TV/DVD player and stainless steel countertops increase the price. Aero has a super-intuitive trailer-building feature on its website that lets customers know exactly how much each feature costs. Models start at $18,850.

Scamp Trailer

Scamp has been making trailers since the 1970s, and is still going strong . The camper's original aerodynamic profile remains on the modern standard and deluxe models, available in 13- and 16-foot trailer versions, as well as a 19-foot fifth-wheel version. This latter option comes with oak or birch hardwoods, a larger bath area, more storage, and space to accommodate a larger refrigerator. 

Scamp Trailer: The View Inside

With a convertible dinette and queen-bed loft area, the super-sized Scamp can sleep five to six. Expect to spend around $19,900 for the smallest version and between $24,000 and $36,000 for larger models.

T2RV Dinky Dub Sleeper

If you're a fan of the VW Bus, you'll love the Dinky Sleeper's design, which looks a lot like the classic vehicle, only in towable form. This tiny RV comes with or without an outdoor kitchenette, and both models include a custom queen mattress and options such as privacy window shutters, roof rack, AC/heat, portable cooler, indoor curtain track, and pop-up top with weather curtains.

The Coolest VW Vans Through the Decades

T2RV Dinky Dub Sleeper: The View Inside

Dinkys can be ordered in a choice of colors, and are easily towable at about 1,000 pounds. The kitchenette version starts at $31,000 and one without at $28,400.

nüCamp TAB Teardrop

For the RV owner who likes a nod to vintage styling combined with Amish craftsmanship, there's this line of tiny towables. Unlike most other teardrops that have a kitchen accessible from outside, nüCamp's TAB models includes it inside, and there are even floor plans that include a wet bath.  

nüCamp TAB Teardrop: The View Inside

The camper's base package includes central AC and heat, a 19-inch TV/DVD/radio combo with Bluetooth technology, and an external shower for hosing down gear, pets, or yourself. Optional features include LED lights, solar panels, a Yakima roof rack, off-road tires, and more. Prices for these trailers start in the low $24K range and can exceed $35,000, depending on model and features.

Taxa Outdoors Cricket

With a dry weight of just over 1,700 pounds and a design inspired by NASA, the easily towable Cricket has a ton of features that make this tiny RV versatile. Once parked, campers can open a pop-up roof for added ventilation and space. It also comes with a built-in, birch plywood kitchen, under-bed storage, and a bed that can be converted into seating.  

Taxa Outdoors Cricket: The View Inside

Available options include a portable toilet, kids' berths, window AC unit, and more. The Cricket also has thoughtful exterior details — bottle opener, carabiner clips, hot/cold exterior shower — that any adventure-thirsty gearhead will love. The base model goes for around $43,500.

Opus OP 15' Hybrid Caravan

Built with "tough luxury in mind," this tiny RV includes a bamboo interior, a pullout stainless steel kitchen that includes a chopping board, prep deck and pantry access, as well as an electric Dometic cooler that has both refrigeration and freezing compartments, and a pop-up roof that provides extra headroom. 

Opus OP 15' Hybrid Caravan: The View Inside

The OP's interior includes a leatherette dining area, shower/toilet combo with hot water availability, a king size bed and twin bunks, and plenty of available storage via a wardrobe and other storage areas. At nearly 5,000 pounds, it'll require a more robust vehicle to tow it but, as GearJunkie once noted , with this many features, it "may be nicer than your home." Models start at $54,000.

Airstream Basecamp, Caravelle, and Bambi

The classic silver bullet company offers these three models that range in starting price from $59,300 to $74,000. All three are 16-footers, although the Bambi can sleep four at that size, and also comes in 19-, 20- and 22-foot versions.

Airstream Basecamp, Caravel, and Bambi: The View Inside

All three come with a functioning kitchen and waterproof interior bathroom (as well as exterior shower with hot and cold water). The Bambi and Basecamp have a base weight of 3,500 pounds making them easy to tow — although the Bambi might require a regular rather than midsize SUV. The base weight of the Caravel is 4,300.

Winnebago Revel

The Class B — commonly called van campers — is another category that lends itself well to smaller footprint RVs, and Winnebago's Revel is a popular, award-winning choice in this genre. It's the first off-road ready camper to be mass-produced and sold in the U.S. in decades, and Outside magazine called it a "breakthrough camper van." It includes a power-lift bed with under-bed storage, an all-in-one gear closet and wet bath, and swivel cab seats, as well as a kitchen with single-burner induction cooktop, stowable countertop extension, and 2.5 cubic foot fridge.

Winnebago Revel: The View Inside

Other desirable features include AC/heat, dual-pane acrylic awning windows with shades for ventilation, and snap-in screens on sliding and rear doors to "let the breeze in while keeping the bugs out." All that versatility comes with a bit of sticker shock, however — new models start at $210,292.

Winnebago Boldt

Following the success of the Revel is Winnebago's newest camper van, the Boldt . Built on a 24-foot Mercedes-Benz chassis with a V6 diesel engine that's also available in a 4x4 option, this modern motorhome includes safety features such as airbags, blind-spot monitors, and assist systems for auto-high beam, active lane keeping, and active braking. The two floorplans combine sleeping areas, galley kitchens, and dining areas.

Winnebago Boldt: The View Inside

Winnebago claims it's the "most comfortable B-van ever created" and, with a starting price of $245,587, it should be. For that amount of money, travelers also get Corian countertops, an AI voice interface system, integrated Wi-Fi, a 24-inch LED TV and sound system, and enough extra insulation to make it four-season road-worthy.

Discover more fun RV and camping stories   right here .

This article was originally published on Cheapism

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