Maximizing Space: Rv Storage Solutions!
Do you wonder how storage will work in your RV? If you've ever felt like a contestant on a game show while trying to find room for all your belongings in your RV, you're not alone! Maximizing space in your RV can sometimes feel like a never-ending challenge. But fear not, fellow travelers! We've compiled a list of the top 10 storage solutions that will transform your RV into an organizational oasis, making you the envy of every campground.
- Over-the-Cabinet Door Organizer Ever opened a cabinet and wished you could just hang something on the door to save space? Your wish has been granted! Over-the-cabinet door organizers, such as the Simple Houseware Over the Cabinet Door Organizer Holder, attach to your cabinet doors without requiring tools or permanent installation. They're perfect for holding cutting boards, plastic wrap, or cleaning supplies, and are a game-changer for maximizing space in your RV kitchen or bathroom.
Collapsible Storage Bins Collapsible storage bins, like CleverMade Collapsible Fabric Storage Bins, are a traveler's best friend. They offer generous storage capacity for clothes, linens, or other items while being easily folded down when not in use. These space-saving containers not only keep your belongings organized but also save valuable storage space when empty.
- Under-Shelf Storage Basket Wave goodbye to wasted vertical space with under-shelf storage baskets such as the SimpleTrending Under Cabinet Organizer Shelf. These wire baskets easily slide onto shelves, providing additional storage for plates, cups, or pantry goods. It's a simple and effective way to make the most of every inch in your RV cabinets.
- Vacuum Storage Bags Prepare to be amazed by the magic of vacuum storage bags like Spacesaver Premium Vacuum Storage Bags. These airtight bags compress clothes, bedding, and other soft items, significantly reducing their volume. With a vacuum cleaner or a hand pump, you can shrink these bags to a fraction of their original size, creating more room for other essentials.
- Wall-Mounted Magnetic Knife Holder Clear up counter and drawer space by mounting a Modern Innovations 16 Inch Stainless Steel Magnetic Knife Bar on your RV wall. This sleek and functional holder securely stores knives and other metal tools, keeping them within easy reach while cooking up your favorite campground meals.
- Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer Who knew shoes could be so orderly? The MISSLO Over The Door Shoe Organizer is a space-saving solution for storing shoes, toiletries, or other small items. Hang it over a door, and you'll instantly have a clever and organized system for keeping your belongings off the floor and out of the way.
- Swivel Store Spice Rack Spice up your RV life with the YouCopia SpiceStack Adjustable Spice Rack Organizer. This compact and convenient storage solution keeps your spices, condiments, or medications neat and tidy. With its adjustable shelves, finding the perfect spot for each container is a breeze.
- Adjustable Tension Rods Meet the multitasking marvel of RV storage: AIZESI 4PCS Spring Tension Curtain Rods. These adjustable rods can create additional storage space in cabinets, closets, or be used as dividers in larger areas. With their easy installation and versatility, tension rods are an indispensable addition to your RV organization toolkit.
- Stackable Can Organizer Say goodbye to canned chaos with the Simple Houseware Stackable Can Rack Organizer. This handy storage solution keeps your canned goods organized and easily accessible, making meal prep a snap. You'll never have to rummage through your pantry again!
- Slim Slide-Out Storage Tower Introducing the space-saving superhero: the Mobile Shelving Unit Organizer with 3 Large Storage Baskets. This narrow, wheeled storage unit slides effortlessly between appliances or furniture, providing extra storage for cleaning supplies, toiletries.
In conclusion, maximizing space in your RV doesn't have to be a daunting task. With these top storage solutions, you can transform your home-on-wheels into a clutter-free and organized haven, making your RV adventures more enjoyable and stress-free. So go ahead, implement these ingenious ideas and relish the newfound space and order in your beloved traveling abode.
Top 10 RV Leveling Blocks and Leveling Systems
Well, RV leveling blocks might not be the most exciting accessory out there, but they can definitely save you from some awkward situations. Imagine trying to cook dinner in your RV, and your saucepan keeps sliding off the stove because your RV is tilted. Or worse, you're trying to sleep, but your bed feels like a carnival ride because you're parked on a slope. Trust me, it's not fun. That's why RV leveling blocks are a must-have, unless you enjoy eating spaghetti off the ceiling or waking up feeling like you've just survived a rollercoaster ride. So, if you want to keep your RV level and your sanity intact, get yourself some leveling blocks - your inner neat freak and your back will thank you for it!
Here are some popular options of leveling blocks that you might consider:
- Camco Yellow Drive On Tri-Leveler - These RV leveling blocks comes with three levels and has a weight capacity of up to 4,000 pounds. It provides a stable and level foundation for your RV.
- Andersen Camper Leveler - These RV leveling blocks are a unique design that allows you to level your RV quickly and easily without driving onto the blocks.
- Tri-Lynx 00015 Lynx Levelers - These interlocking blocks are stackable and can be configured to accommodate a variety of terrain and leveling needs.
- Beech Lane Camper Leveler - This leveling block system includes two ramps and a chock to level your RV on uneven surfaces.
- Hopkins 08200 Endurance RV Leveling System - This heavy-duty block set includes ten blocks that can be used individually or stacked together to create a stable and level base for your RV.
- BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler - These RV leveling blocks are specifically designed for single-axle trailers and includes a tire-leveling wedge and chock for added stability.
- LevelMatePRO Wireless Vehicle Leveling System - This high-tech leveling system uses Bluetooth technology to connect to your smartphone or tablet for easy and quick leveling of your RV.
- Quick Products QP-UPJACK5-24P RV Stabilizing and Leveling Scissor Jack - This scissor jack system provides stability and leveling for your RV, with a weight capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.
- Reese 94622 Straight Line Hitch with Dual Cam HP - This leveling system includes a hitch and cam system to distribute weight evenly across your RV for a stable and level ride.
Lets Look At These In More Detail!
Camco Yellow Drive On Tri-Leveler:
The Camco Yellow Drive On Tri-Leveler is a popular choice for RV leveling blocks, offering a stable and level foundation for your RV. This block set includes three levels and has a weight capacity of up to 4,000 pounds. The levels are designed to fit most RV wheels, making it easy to drive your RV onto them for leveling. Made from durable, UV-stabilized resin, these blocks are built to last and come with a non-slip surface for added safety. With its easy-to-use design and sturdy construction, the Camco Yellow Drive On Tri-Leveler is a great option for leveling your RV.
Andersen Camper Leveler:
The Andersen Camper Leveler is a unique leveling block system that allows you to level your RV quickly and easily without driving onto the blocks. The system includes two curved ramps that are placed in front of the RV's wheels. To level the RV, you simply drive up onto the ramps until the RV is level. The ramps are made from durable, high-strength polymer and can support up to 30,000 pounds. The Andersen Camper Leveler is easy to use and does not require you to crawl under your RV to place blocks, making it a popular choice among RVers.
Tri-Lynx 00015 Lynx Levelers:
The Tri-Lynx 00015 Lynx Levelers are a set of interlocking leveling blocks that can be configured to accommodate a variety of terrain and leveling needs. Each block measures 10 inches by 10 inches and can be stacked on top of one another to create a level base for your RV. The blocks are made from UV-stabilized resin and are rated to support up to 40,000 pounds. The interlocking design allows you to customize the height of the blocks to suit your needs and the blocks come with a handy carry case for easy transport and storage.
Beech Lane Camper Leveler:
The Beech Lane Camper Leveler is a popular leveling block system that includes two ramps and a chock to level your RV on uneven surfaces. The ramps are adjustable and can accommodate a variety of wheel sizes. The system also comes with a level indicator and a carry bag for easy storage and transport. The ramps are made from durable materials and have a weight capacity of up to 35,000 pounds. The Beech Lane Camper Leveler is easy to use and provides a stable and level base for your RV.
Hopkins 08200 Endurance RV Leveling System:
The Hopkins 08200 Endurance RV Leveling System is a heavy-duty leveling block set that includes ten blocks that can be used individually or stacked together to create a stable and level base for your RV. The blocks are made from durable materials and have a weight capacity of up to 4,000 pounds per block. The interlocking design allows you to customize the height of the blocks to suit your needs and the blocks come with a handy carry case for easy transport and storage. The Hopkins 08200 Endurance RV Leveling System is a versatile and reliable option for leveling your RV.
ANDERSEN HITCHES | RV Accessories and Supplies | Trailer Jack Blocks 2-Pack w/ Magnets | Leveling Stabilizers Jackstands Quickjack | 3608
Andersen Hitches Jack Blocks with Magnets are a unique and innovative solution for leveling your RV. These leveling blocks feature a patented design that allows you to easily and quickly level your RV without the need for jacks or cranks. The blocks are made from durable, high-strength polymer and are rated to support up to 30,000 pounds.
The most distinctive feature of the Andersen Hitches Jack Blocks with Magnets is the inclusion of powerful magnets in each block. These magnets attach to the metal frame of your RV, keeping the blocks securely in place while you level your RV. This means you won't have to worry about the blocks shifting or moving around, providing a more stable and secure foundation for your RV.
The Andersen Hitches Jack Blocks with Magnets also come with a handy carrying case for easy transport and storage. The blocks are lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them a great choice for RVers who want an efficient and hassle-free leveling solution. Overall, if you're looking for a reliable and innovative solution for leveling your RV, the Andersen Hitches Jack Blocks with Magnets are definitely worth considering.
Blue Ox vs Roadmaster: Comparing Tow Bars and Other Alternatives
When it comes to towing a vehicle behind your RV, having a reliable tow bar is essential. Two of the most popular brands on the market are Blue Ox and Roadmaster, but which one is right for you? In this article, we'll compare the two brands and look at some other alternatives to help you find the perfect tow bar for your needs.
Blue Ox Tow Bars Blue Ox is a well-known brand of tow bars, with over 90 years of experience in the industry. Their tow bars are designed to be easy to use and maintain, and they offer a range of options to fit different needs. Some popular Blue Ox tow bars include:
- The Blue Ox Alpha Tow Bar, designed for use with towed vehicles up to 6,500 pounds. It's made with aircraft-grade aluminum and features rubber boots to protect against road grime.
- The Blue Ox Avail Tow Bar, a heavy-duty option designed for use with towed vehicles up to 10,000 pounds. It features a longer and wider design than many other tow bars, making it easier to connect to your RV and towed vehicle.
Roadmaster Tow Bars Roadmaster is another popular brand of tow bars, known for their high-quality and easy-to-use products. They offer a range of options to fit different needs and budgets. Some popular Roadmaster tow bars include:
- The Roadmaster Falcon All-Terrain Tow Bar, designed for use with towed vehicles up to 6,000 pounds. It features a unique design that allows it to be used on uneven terrain, making it a great choice for RVers who like to explore off the beaten path.
- The Roadmaster Sterling All-Terrain Tow Bar, a heavy-duty option designed for use with towed vehicles up to 8,000 pounds. It features a non-binding design that allows for easy disconnects, and it can be used on uneven terrain.
Other Alternatives While Blue Ox and Roadmaster are two of the most popular brands of tow bars, there are plenty of other alternatives on the market. Some other options to consider include:
- Demco Tow Bars - Demco is a lesser-known brand of tow bars, but they offer a range of high-quality options that are worth considering.
- CURT Tow Bars - CURT is a well-known brand in the towing industry, and they offer a range of affordable tow bars that are designed to be easy to use and maintain.
- Reese Towpower Tow Bars - Reese is another popular brand of tow bars, known for their durability and reliability.
Choosing the Right Tow Bar When choosing a tow bar, there are several factors to consider. You'll need to think about the weight of your towed vehicle, the terrain you'll be driving on, and your budget. It's also important to consider the ease of use and maintenance of each tow bar.
In conclusion, finding the right tow bar is an important part of towing a vehicle behind your RV. Whether you opt for a Blue Ox or Roadmaster tow bar, or another alternative, make sure you choose a high-quality product that's designed to meet your specific needs. By taking the time to choose the right tow bar, you can ensure that your vehicle is safe and secure while on the road, and that your towing experience is as hassle-free as possible.
Hue Light Vornado Fan? 5 Things We Should Have Brought for Full Time RV!
Now that we've been on the road awhile ( we went full time RV in late 2020), we realized that some things just should have made the trip with us instead of being gifted to the big Goodwill or sold on Craigslist. We tried to make the best guesses on what we really needed, but sometimes you just have to get on the road to figure it out!
Top 5 things we should have kept for full time RV
Extension Cords
The first item on our list is extension cords. We did a good job balancing the amount of outdoor extension cords, but we really underestimated the amount we needed for the inside of our coach! Mainly power strips and those 3-way prong things.
Keurig Coffee Maker
Christy just LOVES her coffee - we make a big pot every morning. But sometimes we liked to have a single cup and loved our Keurig Coffee Maker for just that. The downside of it (and the reason we didn't bring it along) is it takes a fair amount of counter space, and that is limited (even in our 45 foot coach!).
Hue Light Bulbs for Full Time RV
We LOVED our home automation when we were in a sticks and bricks - having all the lights voice-controlled was super handy and we quickly became dependent on it. Most our our automated lights came from Hue - while hue bulbs are the most expensive, they are also clearly the best. Unfortunately we sold ALL of them (except for a strip and one lucky color bulb I missed!).
Now we realize using AC lights in a big coach is not a big deal! While we don't have a ton of fixtures, we did add one additional color strip in the master bedroom and
Full Time RV Silverware
Silverware you say? You didn't bring silverware? Well of course we did silly! BUT we got rid of a lot more sets than we should have. Christy was in "camping mode" when she downsized what we had, and it turns out we are not really camping, but essentially living in a small apartment! We ended up buying 4 more settings of silverware to fill up the drawer. Part of the reason for this is that we love our dishwasher, and we wanted enough silverware to not run out before the dishwasher was completely filled up. If you wash your dishes immediately after a meal, this won't be a problem for you!
Vornado Fan - Keeping Cool While Full Time RV
We had a lot of fans throughout the house, and really liked having them as a supplement to the air conditioning (or on their own when it wasn't as hot) - but we figured in the coach we wouldn't need that many. So we ditched everything except one old box fan (which gets a ton of use by the front door in the coach). We also purposely bought a Dewalt Jobsite fan:
The theory was that a fan with a battery would be great to use inside or outside (although the bright yellow industrial look of the Dewalt is hilarious in our coach! As it turns out, this fan sits in the window sill of the master bedroom (and is controlled by an Alexa-enabled plug)
So at this point we had a box fan for the front, and the Dewalt in the back bedroom. What was missing was a small fan that could pull air in from the side window - not as obnoxious as having the big box fan in the front that we trip over, but enough to get some airflow in the coach. Unfortunately we had the perfect fan for this and got rid of it when we sold the house - Vornado fan:
These fans are quiet and move a lot of air for their size. So we had to buy a new one. Since we had good luck with our old Vornado, we went with a small tabletop version for the coach:
This fan has been great! We also have it on an Alexa plug (we went with Kasa, and they have been super reliable). So now, all we have to do is say "Alexa, turn on front fan" and we get a nice air flow through the coach. And this Vornado fits the decor of our coach well, and doesn't stick out at all.
Top 5 Accessories For Your RV
These are the top 5 accessories for your RV that can make your travels easier. Because sometimes it just takes a few accessories to make your life either. During our travels we have found a few must-haves to make our travels easier.
Top 5 Accessories For Your RV
Shark Genius Hard Floor Cleaning System
We wanted to find something that would clean our floors without having to get on our hands and knees and do a great job. After some research, we bought the Genius Steam Pocket Mop.
This steamer isn't the cheapest, but it's pretty reasonable around $120. It came with 2 mops which is really nice, and it's easy to buy more if you need them, like this six-pack for $30. What we love about this steamer is you can just throw the pad in with your wash once it gets dirty, keeping cleanup to a minimum. It also has 3 levels of steam, depending on how bad your floor is. If you have some really bad spots on your floor, just flip the mop and hit it with steam directly. Pretty cool!
Water Pressure Regulator
We thought a water pressure regulator was kind of a nice-to-have, but we took ours off for a few days to test an issue with our icemaker. What a mistake! The PEX connection in our master bath started leaking, causing water to get all over the floor (and even worse, under the tiles). The cold hard truth is you NEVER know what kind of pressure you are going to get at a RV park, and your RV is not equipped to handle high pressures (even worse than a house for sure). You can get a decent one here. Check out our in-depth article for more information!
Top 5 Kitchen Gadgets for RV Living
Our kitchen gadgets for RV living aren't too much different than the ones we had in our house. But there are some nuances - the smaller kitchen means that we have less of everything. Gadgets that can do multiple tasks are high on the list. Big bulky appliances are a harder sell - if they don't make the cut they get quickly dispatched (We're looking at you, air fryer). Here are a few of the things we just love in our RV!
Top 5 Kitchen Gadgets for RV Living
Kitchen Mama Electric Can Opener Kitchen Gadget
We just recently bought this hands-free can opener and really loved it! You can open your cans with a simple push of a button. No more sharp edges and it's battery operated. When finished, it removes the top for easy disposal with no mess! When you have 7 cans to open for our Instant Pot chili, this device is killer!
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
For us, we just LOVE our instant pot to make some of our favorite meals. There are so many things you can cook in an instant pot. Garrett makes the best Instant Pot chili and I like to cook our oatmeal groats for breakfast. You can also boil the perfect eggs and steam veggies very quickly. Perfect tiny living appliance.
The Original Hotpop Microwave Popcorn Popper
You would not believe how good the popcorn is from something so simple. This Hotpop Microwave Popcorn Popper is simply a silicone bowl with a silicone lid. And we find it super easy to use. Here's the steps we do:
- Add popcorn - We usuallyput anywhere between 1/3 cup to 1/2 cup of kernels in the bottom. We really like Orville Redenbacher popcorn in the 8 pound container. It is cheap and tasty!
- Add Oil - We usually spray a little bit of no-calorie olive oil, or pour in some real olive oil (adds calories, but the corn is even juicier!)
- Add salt - Grind some salt on top of the kernels
- Shake the Kernels up!
- Microwave on High - We found that 2:30 was the sweet spot in our old house microwave, but it takes 5 full minutes in our crappy Samsung microwave in the RV. It also wastes almost half the kernels for us in the Samsun (that did not happen with the Whirlpool we used to have). Still tasty either way!
- Add more salt - We throw in a bowl then put a bit more salt on the top. We like salt!
Brita Water Pitcher with 1 Filter, Large 10 Cup
We decided to buy this Brita Water Pitcher with filter for an extra water filtration system even though we have water filters in our coach. This BPA-free Grand water pitcher with filter holds 10 cups of water. Love my Brita!!
Command Traditional Plastic Hooks
We bought these command hooks to hang our kitchen towels so they would be out of the way. They are easy to install and are damage free hanging on the wall. They come in a variety of different sizes and colors. We purchased the brass nickel one.
Jeep Wrangler JL Bike Transport - 5 Best Options
Jeep Wrangler JL bike transport options can be tricky - you definitely have a couple challenges when you want to transport a bike or two.
The main disadvantage compared to older jeeps is the placement of the backup camera - it sits right in the middle of the spare tire! Older jeeps didn't have the camera, so bike racks could screw onto the spare tire bolt pretty easily.
The other challenge with a jeep is the tail gate - because it swings outward, any sort of rack that uses the hitch will make it impossible to open the back, which is super inconvenient. There are only a couple options that can swing away and avoid this problem.
So in our quest for our Wrangler rack, we put together a simple list of requirements:
- Handle two mountain bikes
- Allow the gate to be easily used with the bikes on or off
- The backup camera should be still useable when the bikes aren't mounted
- Not stick super far beyond the back of the Jeep
What We Chose
For us, it came down to the Hollywood Racks SR1 spare tire rack. This Jeep bike rack ended up being a pretty inexpensive solution and working out really well. We wish it could have been a bolt-on solution, but the straps turned out fine (although a bit messy, we could probably clean that up).
After two months of use, we just leave the rack attached to our Jeep and throw the bikes on the back anytime we want to take them to the beach. If we are going somewhere we can't watch the bikes, we throw on our Vulcan 9 foot chain with Viro lock on the bikes. Ironically, the lock cost even more than the rack itself - but it's a serious lock.
There is a little bit of rust on the bolts after a couple months, but nothing too serious. Honestly, we can't beat this for the price. If we wanted to move to E-bikes, we will also have to get a new rack, as the Hollywood Rack (like any other tire rack) just isn't strong enough to handle the weight.
Don't Want a Spare Tire Rack - Use a Hitch Rack
Hitch racks are more pricey, because they require more parts and have to be stronger since they stick further out the back of your jeep. It is definitely a downside to have the bikes stick further back - when we are set up to tow the Jeep with our 45 foot motorhome, any added length is not welcome! The . Obviously, you need to have a hitch on your Jeep for these to work. Most are adaptable to either 1.25" or 2" hitches.
The big challenge on the Wrangler is that spare tire. You have 3 options here:
- Get rid of your spare
- Use a hitch extender
- Use a swing-away
Getting Rid of Your Spare
This is certainly an option, and many Wranglers with 37's or bigger don't run with a spare anyway. But you need to have a way to deal with flats - fix a flat or some other option. And you will still need a swing-away or swing-down if you want to be able to
Hitch Extender
A hitch extender lets your bike rack sit further back on the back of your Wrangler. Make sure it has the weight capacity rating to handle both your rack and bikes.
Swing-aways
A swing-away also extends your bike rack out from the back of your Wrangler, and has the added benefit of allowing the rack to swing away from the back of the Jeep, allowing you to open the back fully.
RackAttach
The RackAttach from 1up is a solid option for a swing-away. It is pricey - the cost was $400 with tax and shipping to our location.
Hitch Racks
Hitch racks are a better option for heavier bikes. They are typically built far sturdier because they are hanging off the back of your hitch. The downsides pretty big also:
- Cost - usually much higher, some even approaching $1,000 or more by the time you are fully set up.
- Length - they put your bikes much further behind your jeep, especially with an extension or swingaway.
- Weight - Because they need to be more sturdy, the hitch itself weights much more than a spare-mount rack. If you have to remove it often, better hit the gym!
Rockymount Backstage
The Rockymount Backstage has a built-in 180 degree swingaway. Pretty heavy duty, and can handle up to 120lbs. This is enough to handle all but the largest e-bikes. They sell an 8" hitch extension will probably be necessary to clear your spare tire. One cool feature is it can swing down or swing away.
Quadratec 2-bike Platform Rack
The Quadratec 2-bike rack can be used on a stock Wrangler JL without an extender or a swingaway. It lets the back gate open by swinging down. If you have a bike in the inner position, it will seriously limit the amount you can open your gate.
Thule
Thule is pretty much the king of bike racks. They are also some of the most expensive racks made. They have a ton of different, models and the Thule Pro XT2 is a great choice for a Wrangler. It also drops down, but if you want it to move out of the way of your gate (especially loaded), you will need a swingaway.
Kuat
Kuat makes very nice a very nice swingaway rack in the NV 2.0. It does come in pretty expensive at $789, but it already has the swing-away built in which is really nice.
10 Things We Love For Our Motorhome
Living in our motorhome is very different than our house in many ways. Some things that make no sense in a house are critical (or at least super useful!) in a motorhome. Here are a few of these things.
Surge Suppressor
When we move from camp to camp, the quality of provided utilities can vary widely. Since we have a really nice solar system with upgraded inverters, we want to make sure we do everything we can to protect them from fluctuations in the local quality of electricity. Low-quality wiring to the power post, bad connectors, or many other issues can cause brownouts, spikes, and other transients that could damage our equipment. We have a Southwire surge suppressor to meet this need. It is expensive but we feel it's worth it!
Lippert Waste Master
In our opinion, not all sewer hoses are created equal. The Lippert Waste Master is definitely more expensive than most (like $125 vs. typical hoses). But it has some nice features that we really appreciate. For one thing, it has a cam-lock for an attaching to the tank connector, instead of the traditional bayonet lock. This arrangement is SUPER easy to deal with and seems cleaner to me. On the other end is a gate valve and clear window to see the progress of your black/gray dump. The materials used for the hose seem noticeably better quality than most, and easily expand or contract as needed. They also have an extension kit (which also uses the cam locks, and for some reason is even more expensive) if you need to reach extra far to get to your sewer connection.
Tire Pressure Monitor System - TST 507 Color
Lets clear this up right away - We LOVE our TST 507 TPMS. We have a 50,000lb motorhome, with 8 wheels. And we drag a Jeep Wrangler with 4 more. So we have 12 tires rolling down the road anytime we move. Any one of these blows out and we could have anything between an inconvenience and a complete disaster. Our TPMS doesn't guarantee that we won't have a catastrophic failure of a tire, but it certainly gives us a fighting chance to know a tire has abnormally low/high pressure or a temperature extreme. Even a 30 second warning could make the difference between pulling over smoothly and this:
Our TPMS has worked flawlessly so far - a nice bright color display, sensitive alarms and a good quality case and mount system.
Outdoor Rug
Seems like a simple thing, but having an outdoor rug like this one really makes the outside of our motorhome a bit nicer. Recommended! Our reversible mat is 9x18, it is also available in a smaller size.
We also got stakes to make sure the rug didn't blow away in the wind - these Prest-O-Fit ones worked well for us.
Brita Water Filter
A lot of people love their Berkey water purifiers - but we decided to go a different route. Brita makes a water filter that is pretty cheap, and gets the job done. The water we are getting in Tampa has a noticeably bad smell/taste, and the Brita fixes that.
Water Regulation - Definitely!
When we lived in our house, we didn't think much about water. You call the water department, get your service on and thats about it. But the world is a bit different for travelers. The quality and quantity of water you get from any RV park or random water source can vary significantly. Because of this you will want to get a water regulator - The PEX and plastic pipes in your RV cannot withstand high pressures and you can end up with a serious leak and expensive damage to your home. And no one wants that! We went with a pretty cheap option - Around $22 when we bought it on Amazon: For our motorhome, we use the Kohree RV water pressure valve.
The reality is that most of the cheap regulators on Amazon are getting pumped out of a couple Chinese factories and are just that - cheap. This one seems to work fine, although our pressure has dropped at the tap (maybe we need to set the pressure higher, but it could be flow restriction issue with this valve). You could try to adapt a household regulator like this Zurn Wilkins - but that seems like wasted effort for something that is effectively a consumable at $22!
RV Toilet Paper - The Dirty Truth
Why is toilet paper a big deal in an RV? One very simple reason - if you clog up your black tank, you are going to have a very big mess on your hands. Unlike a house, every RV has a holding tank for your solids and liquids. When you clog a toilet in a house, you can usually fix it with a plunger, or an auger if it is especially bad. But in most cases, the issue won't be too bad because toilet paper flows through the smooth pipes in the house and out to the local sewer system (unless you have septic).
Contrast that to an RV, which essentially has a big plastic box that lets all that goodness sit and gum up together until you get around to emptying the tank. If your paper won't break down sufficiently, it will make a huge wad that will never make it out the tank drain. So it matters very much what you actually put down the toilet - wipes and paper towels are definite no-no's. And you need to be very careful with what kind of toilet paper you use. We considered quite a few options, weighing cost vs. ability to break down.
What we found was Cottonelle septic-safe toilet paper works perfectly fine (at least for us!).
It's only 1-ply but very soft and strong. We have a macerator in our master bathroom which helps break down the paper, but in the half bathroom we don't have a macerator and it's never been a problem at all.
Cottonelle Ultra CleanCare Septic-Safe
Thetford AquaSoft
Another septic-safe RV toilet tissue is Thetford AquaSoft but we found the cost is much more than Cottonelle and not as soft. We are sure its a great option, but unless we start having issues we are not going there! Thetford Aquasoft is marketed for RV's - designed to break down very easily. If you find that the Cottenelle isn't working, this could be a good option.
Scott Rapid-Dissolving
Scott Rapid-Dissolving is another popular choice for RV's. They claim it breaks down faster than the leading brand toilet paper. Scott Rapid-Dissolving is made for RV's but the rolls are smaller than regular toilet paper. We found you get much more paper with Cottonelle family mega rolls and it cost much less than Scotts.
