Camping in small RVs and trailers can be a thrilling and rewarding adventure, but it comes with its own set of challenges. In this blog post, we’ll explore 11 essential tips that will arm you with the knowledge, hacks, and inspiration needed to make your camping trips in compact spaces truly unforgettable.
Maximize Your Indoor Storage Space
Expandable Shelf
One of the easiest ways to maximize your indoor storage space is to install an expandable shelf. By adding an expandable shelf to your cabinet, you can double your storage space and store things both above and below the shelf. This will also help you keep the space organized and make it easier to find your stuff.
Bins
Bins are your small RV or trailer’s best friend. They are an easy and effective way to keep your things organized and maximize your storage space. By using bins, you can keep things on the top shelf organized too.
Wall Space Storage
Using your wall space for storage is another great way to maximize your indoor storage space. You can hang a shower organizer in your bathroom and get all your bathroom stuff in there, including eight rolls of toilet paper. This is a great space-saving idea that can help you keep your small RV or trailer organized.
Remember, maximizing your indoor storage space is key to keeping your small space clutter-free and organized. By using expandable shelves, bins, and wall space storage, you can easily double your storage space and keep your things organized.
Compact Kitchen Cooking Hacks
Grill Cooking
When it comes to cooking in a small RV or trailer, compact kitchen cooking hacks are a must. One of the easiest and most delicious ways to cook is on a grill. Whether it’s steaks, chicken, or hamburgers, food always tastes better when it’s cooked on a grill. Plus, you don’t need a lot of extra cooking gear to make really good-tasting food on a grill.
Prepare Meals Ahead of Time
Another great cooking hack is to prepare your meals ahead of time. This is especially helpful when you don’t have a spacious cooking setup like you do at home. You can plan meals for two weeks and use stacking tips to get a lot of food into a small refrigerator. This way, you can have home-cooked meals without doing any cooking in your small kitchen space.
Keep an Essential Packing Checklist
To make sure you have everything you need for your camping trip, it’s important to have an essential packing checklist. Prioritize your essential items and get rid of the stuff that you don’t need. This will help you avoid overpacking and clutter in your small space.
Create a checklist on your phone using the notes app, so you know exactly what you need to bring along with you on your next camping trip.
Overnight Guests
Tent and Sleeping Pad
If you have guests staying overnight in your small RV or trailer, you can provide them with a tent and a sleeping pad. This will make sleeping on the ground more comfortable, especially for guests of different ages. The sleeping pad is a great addition and can be easily stored in a small travel bag.
Hammocks
Another option for overnight guests is to provide them with a hammock. Mini tents and hammocks can fold up into small travel bags, making them an excellent space-saving solution. Hammocks are also a fun way to enjoy the outdoors and create unforgettable memories with loved ones.
Note: It’s essential to prioritize essential items and get rid of the stuff that you don’t need when packing for your camping trip. Stick to your essential packing list to avoid clutter and maximize your small space.
Prepare for Rainy Days
Book and Movies
Always make sure to have a book or downloaded movies on hand in case of rainy days. If you don’t have access to Wi-Fi or a strong cell signal, downloading movies ahead of time is a great option. In a previous video, I shared how to watch downloaded movies on your RV’s TV. If you’re a reader, keep a book in your camper for entertainment.
Deck of Cards
A deck of cards can provide endless hours of entertainment during rainy days. I always keep the game Racco in my camper for this reason.
Rain Jacket and Water Shoes
Always keep a rain jacket in your camper, as well as water shoes. These items have come in handy many times, especially during rainy weather. A rain jacket that folds up and doesn’t take up much space is ideal. Water shoes can also be useful during rainy weather or when walking through wet areas.
Be Bad Weather Prepared
NOAA Radio
As a camper, it is important to be prepared for unexpected weather changes. Being caught off guard and not knowing bad weather is coming can be scary, especially when you’re in a small RV or trailer. One time when I was solo camping, I felt like the wind was going to lift my camper up or flip it over. It was really nerve-wracking and terrifying.
To stay safe, I highly recommend investing in a NOAA radio. This radio acts as your guardian angel against bad weather because it will alert you anytime bad weather is coming. It is an essential tool that could save your life.
The NOAA radio does not require Wi-Fi or a cell signal to work, which is great news for campers who are off the grid. I personally use a NOAA radio that has a hand crank that I can use to crank it if the battery is low or dead. This ensures that I’m always prepared for unexpected weather, keeping myself and my loved ones safe.
Sleep Comfortably
Pillows
When it comes to sleeping comfortably in a small RV or trailer, having the right pillows can make all the difference. I always bring along my favorite pillows from home, but if you’re short on space, consider investing in compact travel pillows that can be easily stored when not in use. Memory foam pillows are also a great option as they can be compressed for storage and will quickly regain their shape when unpacked.
Battery Powered Fan
Staying cool and comfortable while sleeping in a small RV or trailer can be a challenge, especially during the hot summer months. That’s why I always bring along a battery-powered fan to help circulate air and keep me cool throughout the night. Compact and lightweight, these fans can be easily stored when not in use and are a must-have for any camping trip.
Froli Sleep System
If you’re looking for the ultimate in comfort and support while sleeping in your RV or trailer, consider investing in a Froli Sleep System. This innovative system uses individual springs that can be adjusted to provide customized support for your body. Not only does the Froli Sleep System help you get a better night’s sleep, but it also improves air circulation and reduces moisture buildup, making it a great investment for any RV or trailer owner.
Conclusion
In summary, these top 11 small RV and trailer camping tips are essential for any camper who wants to make the most out of their camping experience. By maximizing indoor storage space with expandable shelves and bins, using compact kitchen cooking hacks, having an essential packing checklist, being prepared for rainy days, and bad weather, and sleeping comfortably, campers can create unforgettable camping adventures.
Additionally, having a tent and sleeping pad for overnight guests and preparing for rainy days with books, movies, and games can make any camping trip more enjoyable. Remember to prioritize essential items and get rid of unnecessary clutter to make the most out of your small RV or trailer space. With these tips, campers can have a lifetime filled with camping fun memories.
🔗 Resources Mentioned in this Video
– Clever Small RV Storage Ideas Video: https://youtu.be/i_a1nGA14as
– Prepare food ahead of time hack video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZqgtAskzaY
– How to Download Movies Video: https://youtu.be/cKJkiWN_FoY
– Clam Tent setup video (owner tells all!): https://youtu.be/qWxxolcemEk
– Download My Camper Teardown Checklist: https://randisadventures.com/hitch-trailer/
– Download My Camper Setup Checklist: https://randisadventures.com/travel-trailer-setup-checklist/
– Froli Sleep System installation video: https://randisadventures.com/froli-system
– Girl Camper: https://girlcamper.com/
📣 📣 If you want to attend next year’s Randi’s Adventures “Wanna Camp Together” watch this video for details: https://youtu.be/QvklsrIpOBI
Buy Resources Mentioned in the Video (affiliate links)
– NOAA Radio: https://amzn.to/45y4qDk
– Froli sleep system and SAVE 15%: Go here: https://froli-systems.myshopify.com/?ref=randi and use PROMO code Randi at checkout.
– DeWalt Fan: https://amzn.to/3KHzgS9
– DeWalt Fan Battery: https://amzn.to/3P0KTpY
– Clam Quick-Set Escape Tent: https://amzn.to/2QXixBo
