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Sleep plays a vital role in our health and well-being. Getting a good night’s rest is one of the best things we can do for our overall health.
This significant element can often become overlooked, especially when traveling.
Being out of our normal routine and in a different environment– with so many things to do, places to see, and adventures awaiting– quality sleep often gets put on the back burner.
Not only that, but as campers, we know that spontaneous adventures come with all of the interesting unknowns. And I mean ALL. In other words, traveling is full of surprises. The good and the… well, not so good…
For example, we find a quiet campground tucked away near a peaceful lake. It’s the perfect place to unwind, relax, and get some much needed sleep. Nothing but the soothing sound of nature and a crisp, cool breeze surrounds us.
But then…
The calming sound of cricket chirps is quickly interrupted by a noisy highway and rumble strip roars. A windy night rattles and rocks the camper, disturbing comfortable sleepers on board. Rowdy campers loudly sing off-key to AC/DC around their raging bonfire a few sites over– keeping campers from catching quality Zzz’s.
Now these slightly exaggerated scenarios are not ALWAYS the case. Still, camping can pose a few challenges. Although you can’t control the weather or who your camping neighbor will be, there are a few things you can do to help get that much needed rest for the following day’s adventures!
Have a Great Night Sleep in Your RV!
Here are a few tips, tricks, and sleep aiding products that can help you catch some quality Zzz’s on your next RV trip.
1.Mattress
Let’s face it. The mattresses that come with most campers are awful…The BEST product worthy of a splurge is a foam mattress topper. Purchasing a topper can turn a lousy bed into an amazing bed of clouds– without throwing tons of money down on a new mattress.
2.Night Shades
Consider having night shades installed if you like to enjoy a late bonfire and peaceful morning sleeping in. Not only do they provide better darkness for a peaceful sleep, they will also tone town traffic lights and street lights in populated campground areas. They also provide privacy and help control temperature, protecting your rig against sun damage. If installing night shades are out of question, a sleep mask is a quick and simple, low cost option that still offers a pleasant dark sleep.
3.Air Conditioning
Air conditioning units differ between rigs. Some RV’s have multiple units, particularly one in the bedroom, and some lack AC units altogether. Staying cool with sounds reflecting white noise can significantly aid sleep. Without a bedroom AC, a small fan creating cool air movement and noise may help tune out interfering sounds.
4.White Noise
A white noise machine can help tune out some of the unpleasant noise from a close highway, vehicles rolling through the campground, or late night campers nearby.
5.Stabilizers
Recreational vehicles, especially travel trailers, can feel very unstable. Every movement can be felt as the trailer sways and jiggles from each foot step.
Ever experience a windy night in your camper? Even the largest motorhomes are effected by wind as it can rock, shake, and rattle to where there is no chance of a “happy camper” come morning. Although the weather is unpredictable, there are a few handy products that can help support your RV and make it more stable. Stabilizing products like: Eaz-Lift Stabilizer jacks, X-Chock Wheel Stabilizers, 5th Wheel Stabilizers like the King Pin, folding Valterra stabilizers (convenient for travel), and BAL”C” Jacks are a few products out there that can keep your camper from swaying.
Tip: Keep your trailer jack legs as short as possible. The more the legs are extended, the more movement you will have. Andersen Jack Blocks are great for this. They prevent the jacks from needing to fully extend, eliminating movement while creating less stress on the jacks from swaying.
6.Select the Right Campground
Busy RV Resorts not for you? Research your destination before you go. Also, look at the location. Is it next to a busy highway? Consider the surroundings and atmosphere that may interfere with a good night’s rest.
7. Request a Site
Sites can’t always be chosen at some RV parks, however you can always try to request a site away from things that can interfere with your sleep, such as: the loud pool open until 10pm, community bonfire, or a large group of campers.
8. Change Sites
We can pick the campground but unfortunately we can’t always pick our neighbors. Perhaps you are assigned a site near an outgoing family who loudly enjoys competitive games until dark. If your sleep, or lack of, is taking a toll on your adventurous spirit, ask the front desk to change sites. Almost ANY campground will do their absolute best to accommodate you if they can!
Have any tips that help you catch some quality sleep while camping?
RVING IS BEING well-rested and refreshed.