Cool Hacks for RVing with Kids

RVing with kids is so rewarding. RVing is fun no matter how old you happen to be! That said, taking kids out on the road can prove to be a bit of a challenge, especially if you plan to be in your RV long-term. After all, kids need some things that adults don’t, and you might have to get a bit creative to ensure those needs are met.

Fortunately, many have gone before you, and by looking at what worked for them and adding a few tricks of your own, you should be able to find a groove that works for your family.

Here are a few of our favorite hacks for RVing with kids. Take what you like, leave what you don’t, and have a blast either way exploring this amazing country with your little ones.

Make a Storage Bin Bathtub

Bath time may not be your kid’s favorite part of the day, but it is necessary. That said, many RVs don’t have bathtubs, leaving parents scratching their heads about how to get their littlest kiddos clean. Sure, some kids are fine with heading to the campground bathhouse for a shower, or showering off in the RV bathroom, but what about those kids who cannot stand showers?

Believe it or not, this is actually a fairly common problem. The most common solution? A simple storage bin, blow-up pool, or collapsible laundry basket. The parents fill whichever container they choose with water, bathe their kids as usual, and dump the used water down the shower drain.

This is a super simple solution, and keeps the kids clean without the problems presented by showers.

Related Read: Full Time RVing with Kids

Put In Clever Toy Storage Solutions

Anyone who has ever lived in a small space with kids will tell you toys are the bane of their existence. Stepping on a LEGO or a Barbie shoe is never a fun experience, and constantly tripping over slightly larger items is just as annoying.

The best way to solve this problem is to provide your children with a quick and easy way to put their things away. Keeping everything organized during the cleanup process is a bonus because it removes the need to dump the entire bin of toys to find one item.

Wondering how on earth to go about this? The best solution we’ve found is a clear-pocket shoe organizer. Hang this on a door or the wall and use it to organize LEGO bricks, Barbie accessories, and more.

Have bigger items to store? Try adding some TRONES bins from IKEA to your toy storage lineup. These hang on the wall and can hold quite a bit considering their low profile.

Add an Extra Sleeping Space

Not every RV is made for families. In fact, some only have enough sleeping space for two. Obviously, if you plan on RVing with your kids this can be a problem. Luckily, there are ways to add extra sleeping spaces to your rig.

One of the best solutions to this problem is to create or purchase a removable bunk over the cab area of a motorhome. Instructions on how to make your own can be found here. Meanwhile, a pre-made version can be found right here.

Related Read: Three Reasons To Full Time with Kids

Introduce Color-Coded Dishes

Dishes can become overwhelming even in a sticks-and-bricks home. However, when you’re working with a tiny amount of kitchen space, letting dirty dishes stack up simply isn’t an option. Not only will you lose valuable food prep space, you also don’t have enough cabinet space to store extra dishes that can be put to use while others are waiting to be washed.

To solve this problem, many RVing families turn to color-coding their dishes. Each person is assigned a color and has a set of dishes in that color that they are responsible for cleaning. These are the only dishes they are allowed to use for snacks and meals, meaning if their dish is left sitting in the sink, they have to wash it before dinner in order to eat.

Some people use a similar system for towels and even socks and underwear!

Create a Mini Nursery

Have a baby on the way? If you’re living in an RV, figuring out where the little one is going to fit into the picture can feel like a challenge. One super cute option is to use the bedroom closet (if you have one) as a nursery.

This is a project we’ve seen many RVers take on, and the resulting nursery spaces are always both functional and adorable. Not much is required for such a project, but a can of paint, a mini crib, and some precious nursery decor sure can go along way.

Cover the Cushions

A large number of RVs include a dinette with upholstered seating. This seems logical enough. After all, who wouldn’t want to be comfy while they enjoy a meal? The problem is that kids are messy. This is especially true of children eating food, which can lead to some seriously stained upholstery.

For this reason, it is highly recommended that RVers with kids take the time to cover those dinette cushions. They can be covered with clear vinyl if you wish to maintain the current look of the trailer, or they can be covered with a print to create a new look.

Some people even choose to use baby bed sheets as removable dinette covers—which can be washed over and over again—while others opt to remove the dinette entirely and replace it with a traditional table and chairs.

Wear Glow Sticks (No, Really)

Our final tip can be—quite literally—a lifesaver. If you and your children like to spend time outdoors after dark, pick up some glow sticks. Before heading outside for the evening, have each child pick out a glow stick or two to wear however they like. Not only is this tons of fun, it allows you to keep track of your little explorers as they have a blast playing in the dark.

There you have it, some of our best tips for hitting the road with kids and maintaining your sanity. Feel free to add to our list in the comments section! We can always use more tips and tricks.