Skip to Content

Our Top Ten Rules for Getting Along in a Motorhome

| Updated Jun 20, 2023

Getting along in a motorhome is certainly a challenge at times. Over the years, Jennifer and I have learned that it mostly comes down to organization and logistics.

As the year ends, a lot of newcomers are planning or have just bought their first RV. I can make that determination by the many questions I ask about how two people (and a dog) can get along in an RV, specifically, a class B campervan type.

So I went to the video vaults and dusted off this oldie but goodie. Everything still applies. 🙂

So consider this a survival guide born from trial and a lot of error on my part during our travels in a Class B motorhome.

The precipitating incident that got me thinking about this occurred early on in our RVing life, when Jennifer and I were doing some stuff and, well… I forgot we were in a small motorhome:

The video – done some years ago when we had an older Roadtrek but still accurate content-wise for today – explains, and offers up our top ten tips to surviving in the closer quarters.

And near the end of this post, I'll share another video specifically for men and one great post for women by Jennifer.

The Biggest Lesson

But the biggest thing we have learned and can share is this:  If you don’t get along at home, don’t expect to get along in a motorhome.

Two people can share space in a motorhome, but without mutual respect, there will be major issues when the inevitable little conflicts arise. It should go without saying that you need to really like each other to live on the road.

Our Top 10 Rules for Getting Along in a Motorhome

You may have your own suggestions about other rules, or offer some additional insight. Please post under comments below.

For those of you trying to watch video on bad Wi-Fi at campgrounds, here's the Top 10 in text form:

Mike and Jennifer getting along in a motorhome

Rule #1.

If you don’t get along at home, don’t expect to get along in a motorhome. Two people can share space here, but the most important rule is mutual respect and don’t try to do two different things in the same space.

Rule #2.

Don’t overpack. You don’t need more than two-or-three days worth of clothes or food. Laundry can be done in most campgrounds, groceries can be obtained in the towns you visit. Besides, you can get fresh, locally grown produce from the locales you visit…and that means food will be at its freshest.

Rule #3.

Everything in a place, and a place for everything. Agree beforehand where you will store things and, when done using, return them to that place and nowhere else.

Rule #4:

If you travel with pets, they need a place, too. Assign them their spot in the motorhome and train them to sleep there. Not in front of the bathroom door where you’ll trip on them in the middle of the night.

Rule #5.

As best as you can, plan your meals ahead of time. Grill outside as much as possible. And if you dirty a dish or glass, clean it and put it away right after eating. Clutter is the motorhome’s greatest enemy.

Rule #6.

Don’t overdrive. 350-400 miles a day should be the longest you go in a single day. Remember, you’re motorhoming because it’s fun. Driving too far ad too long makes everyone cranky.

We opt for meandering off the interstate whenever possible.

Rule #7.

Stay fit. Eat right and Exercise. Traveling is no excuse to pack on the pounds. Take long walks. Bring a bike. Find and visit health clubs along the way. Too much sitting, like too much driving, is not good for anyone.

Rule #8.

Explore. Use your GPS or Google the towns you’re in for the unique places. Learn the town’s history. Visit its museum. Try to eat at locally-owned restaurants, instead of fast food places. Don’t be in such a hurry all the time.

Rule #9.

Be careful buying souvenirs. Your motorhome only has so much space. Ship the must have things home instead of jamming every available storage spot with things that aren’t essential for being on the road.

Rule #10.

This is the big one. See, conflict will be inevitable. Apologize when you're wrong and don’t hesitate to forgive when you've been wronged.

What about newbie advice for women?

Jennifer discusses this in great detail in another recent post.

What are your Tips for Getting Along in a Motorhome?

We'd love to hear your advice for getting along in a motorhome. Please share in the comments!

Mike and Jennifer's Great Lakes Bundle – 2 ebooks!

Our Top Ten Rules for Getting Along in a Motorhome 2

This bundle is our popular Upper Peninsula RV Adventure Guide PLUS our newest Adventure Guide – The Great Lakes Shoreline Tour! Both ebooks will give you plenty of ideas and resources to enjoy this part of the US.

Explore this Bundle and plan your next trip!


Mike Wendland

Published on 2021-09-30

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

9 Responses to “Our Top Ten Rules for Getting Along in a Motorhome”

October 02, 2021at8:56 am, Bev Parkison said:

Very good list and guidance for RVING couples! I would add that everyone needs their own space and that is why I drive my 4wd Jeep Renegade separately on most trips. It is my space to take whatever I want in the car. The one ton dually Ram tow vehicle is his space to take what he wants. Plus the Jeep is wonderful for exploring and adventuring! We have two RVs, a 36’ fifth wheel and a high end truck mounted camper to choose from depending on which one fits our needs for each trip. I think we have this RVING thing perfected!

Reply

November 27, 2015at6:56 am, Buy RV Lights said:

Wonderful information shared. Thanks for this lovely post.

Reply

August 14, 2012at1:07 pm, JJ (RVing Toadless) said:

Also, a Type A and Type B may have issues. Although I’m mostly solo, I once traveled with a Type B (I’m Type A). That created “tension” because the Type B person didn’t operate on the same “plane” that I did. I don’t push myself when I travel, I try to relax, but I found that the Type B person was way more “relaxed” than I was, and caused some “tension” in the “what time do we leave” issue.

Reply

July 21, 2012at6:37 pm, Ellen said:

Thanks, Mike! Appreciate your posting the text version and now that I can read it, I’ll add my enthusiastic thumbs-up to your Top Ten! We’ve been on the road full-time for more than three years now (newbies compared to many of the great people we’ve met on the road) and though we’ve seen and experienced the most amazing things in this time, we’ve also been through some wild curve balls too. Having a great relationship trumps it all. If a couple doesn’t have mutual respect nor a sense of humor, you might as well stay at home.

Reply

July 20, 2012at9:23 pm, Mike said:

Sure. I’ve added it to this post. I know what you mean about lousy wi-fi in campgrounds. I’ve yet to find one that delivers a speedy and reliable connection.

Reply

July 20, 2012at9:13 pm, Ellen said:

Any chance you can post this Top 10 list outside of the video? We’re on the road (all the time — we’re full-time RVers) and have limited wifi, so we don’t “do” online videos… bandwidth never seems adequate for a good stream in the RV parks and campgrounds, regardless of how good they say their connection is!
Thanks!

Reply

July 19, 2012at12:50 pm, Charles Catron said:

Good job. When Snowbirding or long term camping. A couple times a week take a break away from each other. Let your partner have sometime alone.

Reply

July 17, 2012at9:33 pm, Alex said:

Super !
This is real “10 Gold rules” Last , one of the best !

Reply

July 17, 2012at1:29 pm, Karon M said:

Technology helps simplify life on the road. My Kindle has replaced the crate of books we used to haul down the road and the iPod allows us to relax to our favorite music. Recipes are scanned or tracked down online. And, of course, the digital camera is always at hand so we can share our adventures with those we’ve left at home.

Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top
10 Shares
Share
Tweet
Share
Pin10
Email