There are things about motorhome life that don't come in any manual: you pick them up on the road, or someone with experience tells you and you think "I wish I'd known that sooner". We've collected a good batch of those tricks and hacks that improve everyday camper life, grouped by what they're for. Small ideas, a big difference.
Making the most of space
- Hanging organisers and ones behind doors: make use of dead space for shoes, utensils or toiletries.
- Clear jars and boxes to see at a glance what's inside and stop them rattling around while driving.
- Magnets and magnetic strips for knives, spices or small tools.
- Velcro strips and elastics to secure the remote, phone, cups... so they don't end up on the floor at the first bend.
Comfort on the road and while sleeping
- Made-to-measure window insulators: privacy, less cold in winter and less heat in summer (and no more waking up to the sun at six).
- An outdoor mat at the door: stops all the sand and mud coming inside.
- Dimmable or mood lighting with low consumption for the evenings.
Cooking and water
- A small pressure cooker: saves gas and time.
- A folding spare water container, which takes up little space when empty.
- A chopping board that fits over the sink: you gain worktop space where there wasn't any.
Energy: the trick that brings the most peace of mind
If your battery has an app, get into the habit of checking your state of charge every morning, like checking the weather. In ten seconds you know whether you can afford a relaxed day or whether you should look for sun or a hook-up. It's the hack that avoids 90% of energy scares; we look at this in how to monitor consumption.
Security and peace of mind
- A spare set of keys hidden outside (and well hidden) in case you get locked out.
- A photo of where you parked in large sites so you don't lose the vehicle.
- A visible lock (steering wheel or wheel) deters more than any alarm; we look at this in security and anti-theft.
In short
The best camper tricks are simple: making use of dead space, securing things for the road, gaining worktop space and comfort with little effort, and checking your energy every day. The step you can take today: pick three of these hacks and apply them before your next trip; small details are what turn a van into a comfortable home. To round it off, go over the essential equipment.
