The first step to sustainable travel is choosing an Eco-Friendly RV. If you’ve already bought an RV, then the next step is learning how to make your RV more Eco-Friendly!

One of the best parts of the van life is the freedom to explore nature and see all of the beauty that our mother earth has to offer. As nomads and travelers, we should see ourselves as stewards of this natural world. It’s our duty to do everything we can to make our travelling sustainable.

This blog is divided into two parts: first we’ll run over some of the most environmentally friendly RVs of 2021, and then we’ll provide some tips and tricks for making your existing RV more sustainable.

Most Eco-Friendly RVs of 2021

If you’re new to the Van Life, you might be searching for your first RV. We’re glad you’re here, looking to make the most sustainable choice.

This could be fortunate or unfortunate depending on what you’re looking for, but smaller-sized, towable RVs are the most environmentally friendly option. They’re also the most affordable! Our first three picks fall under this category.

But, we know that some of you are looking for more of a ‘house on wheels’ type deal, so we’ll also cover some of those as well.

Remember, there are lots of different sustainable RVs to choose from. These are just some of our favourites!

1.   Airstream RVs

Photo sourced from: https://www.airstream.com/travel-trailers/

Airstream RVs are a sustainable option both from a consumer and manufacturing standpoint. For starters, Airstream’s facilities are fueled by 100% renewable energy. They’ve developed a comprehensive plan for recycling wasted materials during manufacturing, as well as reducing non-recyclable waste. Additionally, they’ve committed to planting enough trees in 2021 to offset the carbon emissions caused by each trailer’s first year of use (including manufacturing AND time on the road). According to the Airstream’s website, 70% of Airstreams ever built are still in use today—that means they’re built to last. Every Airstream is Certified Green, meaning they’ve met reputable standards for sustainability.

2.   Luna Trailers

Luna Trailers by inTechRV are a compact, lightweight option for those who want to travel sustainably. Luna trailers are so light that they can be towed by most vehicles. You won’t even need a huge gas guzzler to travel with it!

3.   Scamp Trailers

Photo sourced from: https://www.scamptrailers.com/

If you’d like a slightly larger trailer than the Luna, then Scamp Trailers might be for you. They’re another lightweight option that tow easily behind most cars.

4.   Jayco 2022 Swift

Photo sourced from: https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2022-Jayco-Swift-20A-5017367879

Another company that commits to environmentally friendly production is Jayco. Their company is nearly 100% landfill-free after launching their EcoAdvantage Program.

Class B motorhomes are more efficient than class C or A, so our recommendation is their Class B 2022 Swift.

5.   Dethleffs Solar Assisted Electric Motorhome

Photo sourced from: https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1112479_dethleffs-solar-assisted-electric-motorhome-concept-unveiled

Dethleffs is a German company making leaps forward towards fossil fuel-free van life. The concept for their solar assisted e-home takes gas entirely out of the picture. It uses electricity as its primary source for power, with solar panels as a backup method of energy generation.

6.   The Tribrid

Photo sourced from: https://www.motor1.com/news/306607/eco-explorer-camper-van/

Looking for fuel efficiency? Look no farther than the Tribrid Ecocamper. This van can get up to 1,000 miles per tank! Between its low emissions and endless electric energy, this has to be one of the most environmentally friendly motorhomes on the market.

How to Make Your RV More Eco-Friendly

There’s a range of changes you can make to reduce your environmental footprint. Some are bigger reno’s, some are small but conscious lifestyle choices. No matter the size, each of these changes make a difference. 

1.   Install Solar Panels

Solar panels are a great way to make the ‘domestic’ aspects of your RVing more sustainable. Solar panels can help power your appliances, and will recharge your battery no matter where you are.

In addition to making your RV more eco-friendly, it’ll really make your RV feel more like a home. If you want to charge your phone or use your appliances out in the bush, you won’t need to worry about killing your battery (so long as you’re in the sunlight, of course).

And it gets better: they’re quiet and don’t stink like a propane generator.  

Additionally, consider using a solar water heater for your cooking, showers, and sink. It’s the most environmentally conscious way to get hot water on the road. 

You can take your RV to the experts, or DIY it. Interested in doing it yourself? Here’s a great video tutorial on installing solar panels for beginners.

2.   Insulate Your RV

Insulating your RV is an effective, easy, and green way of staying warm (especially in those extra chilly winter months). Here are some ways you can warm your RV the green way:

1. Using foam or materials like Reflectix, cut the shape of your windows (but just slightly larger). These can be used as window coverings during the night time to keep your van extra warm.
2. Find any exterior areas of your vehicle that might let cold air leak in (such as your outdoor shower, storage, or any power lines) and insert pieces of styrofoam to add an extra layer of protection.
3. Add styrofoam over your interior exhaust van
4. Install skirting around the bottom of your trailer to prevent cold air from hitting the bottom of your trailer. 

Watch this helpful tutorial on RV insulation.

3.   Fill Up With Green Fuel

If your RV or van takes diesel, consider switching to Biodiesel.

Biodiesel is made from natural, renewable components such as soybeans, algae, canola, and animal tallow. It emits less carbon dioxide and less particulate matter than regular diesel. Even better, biodiesel is nontoxic and biodegradable!

4.   Switch to LED Lights

If you’ve got any incandescent lights in your vehicle, switch to LED asap. LED lights use less electricity and last way longer than their counterparts - which also saves you money. And lowers your risk of draining the battery.

They’re also cooler. Cooler as in *they’ll make you way cooler* as well as temperature-wise. They convert more energy to light than heat, and will emit less heat. That means keeping your van cooler too, and you might feel less compelled to turn on the AC.

5.   Install Low Flow Faucets and Shower Heads

By installing low flow faucets and shower heads in your RV, you can reduce your water waste by up to 50%. You’ll also spend less time refilling your fresh water tank, which means more time spent enjoying your time on the road.

6.   Make Purchases That Last

Because our levelers are extremely durable, they’re likely to last you for years. Whereas cheap plastic counterparts or wood break more often, meaning more plastic going to the landfill and more trees dying. Lynx Levelers have a 10 year warranty - that’s a whole decade (or more) on the road without replacing.  

Cover all your RV leveling needs for just $97 with the Lynx Essential RV Leveling Pack.

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Being able to hit the road and rest at any moment is the dream life for any traveler. 

Owning an RV means you can go on fun adventures while camping, visiting your favourite national parks, or driving to cross off some of your bucket list items. 

If you can’t get a good night’s rest in your own RV, then you will have a less comfortable and enjoyable experience. 

This month we share the one tip that will completely transform your RV experience.

Imagine how difficult it would be to sleep on an uneven surface. 

You would be rolling up against a wall, frustrated as you retrieve your pillow from the floor once again, or jarred awake in the middle of the night as your RV suddenly rocks out of nowhere, or one of your kids has to get up and use the restroom. 

No one wants to sleep on a slant at night with their feet tilted in the air and their head pointed downward. 

When the morning comes around, you’ll be lucky if you managed to get a few hours of sleep before you’re suddenly on the floor and realize that your RV moved yet again, and you woke up before the crack of dawn. It’s difficult to get a good night’s rest in your RV if you’re constantly finding yourself sleeping on an uneven surface.

If you’re traveling with your kids and/or spouse, think about how they must be feeling too. 

Leveling your RV allows you and your family to sleep with comfort and prevents any middle-of-the-night movement. A slanted or downward-sloped RV is no way to live life on the road. 

The best part is that the benefits of leveling your RV don’t stop at getting a good night’s sleep. 

You’ll find that when you level your RV, it will also be easier to cook, shower, and yes, even spend some quality alone time in the loo (which, if you’re traveling with kids, may be the only place you get some alone time). 

Leveling your RV also allows your refrigeration to work efficiently, especially if your rig is a vintage masterpiece, and prevents it from malfunctioning prematurely.  

What exactly does leveling your RV mean?

We’re glad you asked.

Leveling refers to lifting the RV by raising each tire appropriately to obtain levelness that is comfortable and safe.

Lynx Levelers make it easy to level your RV and bring you closer to the best sleep you can get on the road!

One Lynx block raises your RV by one inch. For a two-inch raise, you’re going to have to build a pyramid with three blocks. With the easy instructions below, we’ll focus on leveling your RV with three blocks. You can also see a full video demonstration here if you need visual instructions.

1. Find a site that is solid ground and leveled. Clear any large rocks out of the way.

2. Before you start leveling, you’re going to want to get your RV in the exact position it will end up once leveled. To do this, you’re going to stack your blocks directly next to the wheels you want to raise, and you’re going to make two pyramids rather than one big stack (that way you’ll have blocks left over when you need to stabilize the RV).

3. Use the Lynx Cap on the centre of your pyramids. This gives your tires a smooth, gentle surface to rest on.

4. Pull your rig forward, and slide your levelers into place. You’ll know exactly where to put your stack because you’ll be able to see where the tire was.

5. Slide the levelers behind the tires. For a seasoned leveler, you can use a Lynx Stop ‘N Chock for the rear pyramid. That way, when you roll over your levelers, you’ll have some backing and know when you’re sitting pretty.

6. Now, put your RV in reverse, roll back onto your levelers, and add your second Lynx Stop ‘N Chock.

With millions of products sold over the last 20+ years, a 10-year warranty on your levelers, and a 5-minute setup, you can sleep like a baby knowing that Lynx Levelers got your back!

The biggest change with the overall look of RV interiors is how much more closely they follow residential trends than they did even a few years ago.

In the age of popular design platforms, such as the DIY network and HGTV, more people are becoming aware of home trends. The demand for more modern or forward-thinking designs for RVs has been on the rise. 

Let’s dive into a few tips on how you can transform your RV interior to something that looks and feels like a modern home. Switching your flooring, installing granite countertops, painting, and decorating are all on the agenda!

Vinyl Plank Flooring

Photo Credit: localcolorxc.com

Vinyl plank flooring is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This type of flooring will serve as the base for creating an RV space that looks like home.

A few benefits of vinyl plank flooring:

• Water-resistant
• Cost-effective
• Safe from temperature variations
• Can withstand normal wear and tear

There are a variety of vinyl wood patterns to choose from. We recommend going for a pattern with a darker shade, rather than a red or piney pattern, to create a refined and elevated final finish.

Granite Countertops

Photo Credit: @_the_fergusons

Introducing natural stone like granite to your RV is a great way to create a modern-home look.

The natural and diverse look of granite can be a major improvement for RVs. Granite countertops can be installed in kitchens and bathrooms. Matching floors and backsplashes can bring the design together. 

A quality granite counter brings durability and elegance. There’s no need to worry about caring after granite surfaces thanks to products specifically formulated to clean, seal, and polish granite.

Easy peasy!

Paint Walls and Cabinets

Photo Credit: Pinterest

This is a great way to completely transform the interior of your RV in one step. White walls and cabinets can drastically elevate the look of your RV and make it look like a sophisticated home on wheels. 

The most important consideration when choosing paint and/or primer is what type of surface you’re painting.  

Generally, you want to look for paint that will adequately cover and adhere to whatever surface you’re painting. The interior walls in recreational vehicles are usually made from thin plywood panels and have a special vinyl coating. The special covering is similar to wall paper, and it’s not really designed to be painted. This makes painting the interior of an RV more difficult than painting standard walls in a residential home. Taking your time and being patient with your prep work is essential for painting an RV successfully.

Here are some simple steps to follow to paint your RV:

• Sand the walls – This will help the primer adhere. Consider using a sanding sponge to make this process easier.

• Clean the walls – Use a TSP cleaner and degreaser. After cleaning, rinse the walls with water and let dry completely.

• Prime the walls–  RV walls aren’t made of sheetrock like in a normal house, so you need to use a specific type of primer to prep the walls for paint. For the best results, be sure to use bonding primers, as they are able to bond securely on slick surfaces compared to traditional water or oil-based primers.

• Paint the walls –You can choose to use a paint brush,  roller, or paint sprayer. We recommend painting the walls and ceilings with a paint sprayer. On the cabinets, we recommend using a combination of the paint sprayer and paint brushes to get even coverage around all of the corners

Decor

Photo Credit: barefootdetour.com

This is the easiest way to create an RV space that resembles your home. Consider hanging  family pictures, art, or beautiful photography to create a comfortable environment. 

Command hooks and Velcro strips are effective in hanging things in your RV without damaging the walls and keeping them secured in place while you’re on the road.

Having a comfortable space where you can relax is what home is all about. Be creative and include items that resonate with you, such as throw pillows, blankets, basket-woven bins, hanging plants, and furniture. 

A tip to consider when choosing items to decorate your RV with is including similar color tones and patterns to create a cohesive look.

Additionally, since most RV interiors are shades of brown, adding color in small ways can make a huge difference to make your RV “pop.”

Home sweet home!

P.S. To make sure your RV really feels like home, it needs to be level. After all, your house is! Always have your Lynx Levelers in tow.