Operation: Streamline the RV!
Hey RV enthusiasts! Let’s talk about taking our camping experiences to the next level. Winter is a great time to cozy up inside, but for us forward-thinking campers, it’s also prime time to prep our rigs for the upcoming season. While the snow swirled outside, I was huddled indoors, fueled by YouTube videos of breathtaking landscapes and campfire singalongs. But those winter nights also served as a powerful reminder of the little frustrations I faced during last year’s camping season.
This year, I vowed to work smarter, not harder. Enter – Operation: Streamline the RV!
I tackled some upgrades that are all about working smarter, not harder. Let’s dive into the projects that made our RV a more comfortable and efficient home on wheels!
Power Play: Keeping an Eye on the Batteries
Gone are the days of battery anxiety! We installed a Victron Smart Shunt Bluetooth battery monitor. This little gem is a game-changer. With a quick glance at my phone, I can see the exact status of our batteries. No more wondering if that extra fridge light show drained everything. Now, I can even show my kids the direct correlation between leaving lights on and a dwindling power supply. Plus, the monitor provides a fantastic estimate of how long our batteries will last, making power management a breeze.
Water You Waiting For? Cleaner, Tastier Travels
Next up, water filtration! We opted for a Rainfresh water filter system. It turns out, clean drinking water doesn’t have to break the bank. This filter is significantly cheaper than the standard in-line options. Now, the installation did require some creative plumbing with custom fittings (a fun DIY project!), but the results were well worth it. Not only does the filter pass the “wife test” for taste (she still uses a Brita filter pitcher), but it also ensures we’re all sipping on the good stuff throughout the trip.
I decided to discontinue using this and go back to the traditional in line filter. This system worked well, but since we move around a lot, I realized it takes a lot of time to drain properly. It would be great if we were stationary, but it’s just not a good fit for us right now.
Conquering Chaos: A Dedicated Sewer Station
Let’s talk about those unsanitary sewer hoses and attachments. We all know the struggle of finding a designated spot for them. This year, we banished them from our precious storage compartments! A simple solution: a plastic ammo box mounted on the rear bumper. This unassuming box now holds all our black and gray water components, with the hose itself strategically stuffed in the rear bumper. It requires some finesse to get the hose in there, but the payoff is huge. We freed up valuable space in the front compartment and kept those icky items far away from our clean gear.
Safety First: Steps That Don’t Slip Up
Speaking of safety, we addressed the sometimes treacherous stairs of our trailer. A thorough cleaning followed by the application of anti-slip tape has made a world of difference. Now, everyone – including our dog and the ever-so-slightly unsteady mother-in-law – can navigate the steps with confidence, especially when they’re wet. While the current brand of tape works alright, it’s designed to be replaceable when it’s worn out which in theory is a good idea. But it doesn’t appear to be very wear resistant so we’ll be on the lookout for a more durable option for the long haul.
Hooked on Convenience: Over-the-Door Organizers
Who doesn’t love a little extra hanging space? We installed over-the-door hooks in both the bedroom and bathroom. These affordable finds (think dollar store!) provide a designated spot for towels, clothes, and hats, eliminating the dreaded floor-drobe situation. Simple but effective!
Stable Solutions on a Budget
For our stabilizer pads, we took a budget-friendly route. We cut up some recycled rubber patio stones from Home Depot into squares. They work just as well as the pricier RV stabilizer pads, and they offer some key advantages: lighter weight when wet (the wooden ones weigh a ton), and a more eco-friendly choice.
Illuminating Insights: Motion-Activated Pantry Light
A small but impactful upgrade? A motion-activated light installed in our pantry. This little guy, another dollar store gem, uses AA batteries and sheds light on those hard-to-reach corners in the back of the cupboard. The jury’s still out on how long the batteries will last, but the convenience factor is undeniable.
Keeping Cool with Rechargeable Comfort
Our final upgrade involved a duo of rechargeable fans strategically placed around the trailer. These lifesavers are perfect for those hot summer nights. You can easily point them right at yourself for a cool breeze without disturbing your partner. Plus, the USB rechargeable feature eliminates the need for pesky batteries.
Bonus
The Power of Checklists: Never Forget a Thing!
While not exactly an RV mod, creating checklists for packing, setting up camp, meal planning, and even tearing down has been a game-changer. These lists ensure we don’t forget any crucial items, keep the little campers engaged (they love checking things off!), spread the workload evenly, and prevent us from overpacking, which is a rookie mistake we’ve all made. My wife tends to pack everything including the kitchen sink, so this helps keep my back from screaming no more.
These upgrades may seem small, but combined, they’ve made a significant difference in how we’ll experience our upcoming camping adventures. Camping should be fun and if you find things that let you work smarter not harder, then it’s easier to make good memories.
Do you have any RV upgrades or hacks that have made your camping life easier? Share them in the comments below! We’re always looking for new ways to improve our travel trailer and our camping experience.
Happy camping everyone! We’d love to see you out there on the open road.
