Finding a good vacuum cleaner that will work in a recreational vehicle might be difficult. To try out several models, it may be necessary to buy multiple machines or visit a store that sells a wide variety of vacuum cleaners.
RVers require a powerful vacuum to remove sand from the beach, desert dust, pine needles from the forest, Fido’s shed fur, and crumbs from midnight nibbles.
RV travelers can use today’s post as a point of reference. We hope this helps you find a sturdy and long-lasting sucker for your rig.
What's inside
Do RVs allow the use of vacuum cleaners?
This may seem like a silly question, but in reality, it’s pretty sensible. Naturally, the answer is contingent on who has the upper hand. The vast majority of RVs can easily operate a vacuum cleaner.
Most recreational vehicles include the option to plug in a vacuum cleaner. The size and layout of your RV will determine the best vacuum for your needs.
A 12-volt vacuum that can be charged or runs off your vehicle’s battery could be the answer for individuals who don’t have a house battery system. Anyone with access to an electrical outlet can use a corded vacuum cleaner to thoroughly clean our carpets.
However, you can use a vacuum cleaner in any recreational vehicle.
It is important to know that RVs require a vacuum cleaner. Many people do shorter excursions and are willing to keep the rig somewhat clean while on the road and then clean it thoroughly once they get home.
While some campers prefer a vacuum, others prefer a broom because their RVs have very little or no carpet.
But this article is for those of us who travel a lot and know how important it is to always have a vacuum cleaner with us.
In a recreational vehicle, what is the best vacuum cleaner?
As much as we’d like to, we can’t confidently claim that any particular vacuum is the greatest RV vacuum on the market. While we will gladly provide the name of the vacuum cleaner we use (and adore) in our own RV, we must warn you that things aren’t always so cut and dry. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to meeting anyone’s needs.
A few of us are in big rigs, while the rest of us are in smaller RVs or vans. There are those of us who have access to more resources. Because of this, we need to narrow the alternatives so that all campers can find something that works for them. So, no matter how you want to travel, we can give you a vacuum cleaner for your motorhome, travel trailer, or big van.
For the first step, we’ll go with what we’re most familiar with: the corded vacuum, as we’ve been living and traveling in a 43′ large rig for nearly 20 years. We’ll then discuss central and portable vacuums, such as cordless and 12V models.
First, let’s clarify our expectations for a recreational vehicle vacuum.
What functions are most essential when deciding on a vacuum cleaner for your RV?
The obvious goal of owning a vacuum cleaner for your RV is to clean it. But before we get to it, let’s take a quick look at some of the more particular characteristics we’d all like to see in an RV vacuum cleaner.
Using the vacuum’s suction to clean up a puppy’s paper disaster
What is the most important feature of a vacuum cleaner? Well-suctioned, there!
This is, of course, a crucial component of any vacuum. To be effective, a vacuum cleaner must stink. Strong suction is the most important quality in a vacuum. Therefore, it stands to reason that the best RV vacuums would also have strong suction.
Maneuverability
To be effective, an RV vacuum must access and clean all parts of the vehicle, no matter how high or low. Having a good swivel head or a compact, the handheld feature is essential in an RV because of all the confined spaces.
Size
An RV’s interior space is crucial. The size and weight of things are crucial considerations. Additionally, we require a convenient location to store frequently used household items, such as vacuum cleaners.
Not everyone has the space for a full-sized upright or stick vacuum; some of us can only keep them in our cars or under the bed. Size does matter!
Input of Energy
Choosing the best RV vacuum for your needs depends largely on how you plan to power your vacuum cleaner.
A corded vacuum cleaner is a good choice if you use it only while hooked into shore power, such as in campgrounds or RV parks, or if you have sufficient solar or generator power.
If you lose power often, you may need to use a handheld vacuum cleaner that doesn’t have a cord. Battery life is important because the duration of use should be equal to the number of times you expect to charge the vacuum after use. (I’ll elaborate later.) Furthermore, a 12V supply may be preferable to some.
The Use of HEPA Filters
Though it’s not a need in a typical home, HEPA filtration is a welcome addition to any RV vacuum. High-efficiency particulate air is another name for HEPA filters.
The HEPA filter uses extremely closely packed fibers (typically fiberglass). Because of this, the filter can effectively remove allergens, such as pollen, dander, and dust mites.
Having a HEPA filter on your RV vacuum is a must.
One using a motor, and one that uses compressed air:
This function is associated with the vacuum’s functionality and the ideal operating surfaces.
For air-powered brushes, low-voltage power is used to propel air and vacuum up dust and debris through a narrow tube. Thus, suction is utilized for handling the brush in air-powered versions. This reduces the effectiveness of vacuuming your RV’s carpets. You should use these on concrete floors or on very short carpets.
Suction is not affected when a motor is used to spin the brush. The motorized brushes on upright models work best on carpets with a higher pile (longer fibers) and some high-end RVs.
In terms of Best RV Vacuums, what are the top models available?
As mentioned before, the finest RV vacuum cleaner depends on the RV itself and how you typically travel. However, we are proud owners of our preferred model and sing its praises to anybody who will listen. That’s why it comes first on the list; it’s also our top pick.
First, we’ll talk about upright corded vacuum cleaners, which are ideal for larger motorhomes and travel trailers.
We must begin with our most beloved vacuum cleaner in this group. For the past seven years, we have chosen our Shark Navigator Lift-Away as their top recommendation.
The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away upright vacuum cleaner is our all-time favorite appliance.
We’ve had our Shark NV352 for about a year and have been quite pleased. We love this vacuum more than any other we’ve had.
But keep in mind that we are traveling in a 43-foot motorhome with the best RV solar panel system and a strong generator just in case. To clean the entire apparatus, we simply plug in a corded upright vacuum cleaner and go. In fact, a corded vacuum is our first choice because it eliminates the need to bother with charging several devices. Also, it packs a punch!
Not every camper van owner will find this to be the best vacuum. But if you need a corded upright, this is the best option.
Now that we’ve established that let’s talk about the positive aspects of this void. (Please be patient with us as we operate in the vacuum with which we are most comfortable. Regarding the following examples, we’ll do our best to condense things.
The benefits, first:
It’s really frustrating, to say the least. We feel a little silly (well, not really) admitting that the first time we used it, we did so right after we had finished vacuuming with our old vacuum. The amount of dirt and junk it pulled out of the carpets was horrifying, which showed that our old vacuum wasn’t very good.
It comes with a motorized beater bar that thoroughly cleans carpets.
It can simply be stored in our closet because of its compact size for an upright.
We only have to use one outlet in the center of the RV because the cord is so lengthy. Without repositioning the plug, it can reach both the front and the back (handy for making quick work of vacuuming).
In comparison to similar high-quality equipment, the pricing is quite fair.
There are a lot of extras that help make learning easier and the whole experience more enjoyable. Among these are a short crevice tool, a longer crevice tool, and an upholstery brush (useful for cleaning vent fan screens).
The ability to remove individual pods, or “lifts,” makes the design highly adaptable. That means it’s fantastic as an upright and convenient, lightweight canister vacuum on the go. Perfect for use on stairs or furniture.
Because the head can be turned, it is easy to move and steer even in small spaces.
According to the manual, which we’ve never had to look at, it’s easy to find replacement parts.
And now, the one and only drawback we’ve discovered:
- The length of the hose is limited. However, the convenient lift-away function makes this a minor issue.
- One potential drawback of the Shark is its rather short hose. The one small flaw is more than made up for by the great lift-away feature and the overall good performance.
The information provided is based on our one year of consistent use.
An anti-allergen seal and a HEPA filter are included in the Shark NV352. These help keep the vacuum cleaner free of allergens, dust, and dirt.
The brush roller on the NV352 can be turned off to clean thick carpets and hard floors quickly. Both are in place, and they complement one another splendidly. All of our apparatus.
A total of 14 pounds is the weight of the Shark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away vacuum.
A Lavender SALEShark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum Fitted with a Wide Selection of Upholstery and Tuck-Away Tools
Lavender Lift-Away Shark NV352 Navigator Upright Vacuum Cleaner with Wide Upholstery and Crevice Tools. Simply remove the pod from the base and use it to clean things like stairs and above-ground-level furniture.
Dust and allergens are kept safely inside the vacuum by the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and the High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter.
BISSELL 2999 Multi-Clean Allergen Pet Vacuum
The BISSELL 2999 Multi-Clean Allergen Pet Vacuum is ideal for households with pets that suffer from allergies.
If you frequently travel with pets like dogs and cats, you may find this vacuum appealing because it is designed to pick up pet hair and dander and comes with a dedicated “pet tools” attachment and a floor tool.
Swivel steering and a HEPA-sealed filter system distinguish the Bissell 2999 from other vacuums. User reviews of this model consistently praise how easy it is to use, how well it gets rid of pet hair, and how portable it is. It has a long, detachable wand that is more than 12 feet long. This makes it perfect for cleaning high shelves, ceiling corners, and other places that are hard to reach.
In terms of weight, the Bissell 2999 clocks in at a hefty 15.7 kilos.
In other words, your purchase will help animals in need. BISSELL is pleased to back the efforts of the BISSELL Pet Foundation to find homes for abandoned animals.
High Efficiency in Cleaning. Using the strong suction and the Tangle-Free Brush, you can easily remove pet hair and debris from a wide variety of surfaces. ..
Stick Vacuum, Corded, Rocket, Pet, Shark HV302
There’s another item made by Shark, yes. Shark makes high-quality vacuum cleaners. Stick vacuums like the HV302 are compact and lightweight, making them a good option for use in smaller spaces like an RV. It comes with a pet multi-tool and a precision duster and has swivel steering.
The versatility of this vacuum means it can be used on both carpets and hard floors, and it has received rave reviews from both camps.
The Shark HV302’s lightweight design makes it simple to clean hard-to-reach spots like the nooks and crannies of ceilings.
Great suction is a common compliment to the product.
DURABLE CORDED STICK VACUUM FOR PETS WITH SHARK ROCKET DESIGN: The most effective corded vacuum cleaner for hard surfaces and carpets
Wonderful for cats and dogs: The pet-multi tool and similar attachments are quite effective in picking up pet hair, so cleaning up after your pet is a breeze.
Mobile Home Central Vacuum Systems
RV central vacuum systems function similarly to residential central vacuum systems. They can be put up on a wall or in a storage area of a recreational vehicle. If you have a 5th wheel, you can install the suction outlets on the floor, the wall, or the stair kick panel.
When everything is set up and hooked up, you may pull out the hose, open the vacuum outlet by flipping its cover, and insert the hose’s end into the opening. You just plug whatever accessory you’re using into the outlet, and it’ll start sucking.
HP 9880 Product Line In-Wall Central Vacuum System by Dirt Devil
On Amazon, buyers have given this Dirt Devil RV central vacuum system hundreds of five-star ratings, making it one of the best-selling RV vacuums of all time.
This central vacuum is perfect for cleaning the inside of your RV because it has a HEPA filtration system and a number of attachments that are made for RVs. The system comes with a 5-year guarantee, and the vacuum box is made entirely of metal, so it will last a long time.
The vacuum box has a small footprint (6.25 inches by 7 inches by 14.50 inches) and is lightweight (14 pounds). It can only be used with 120V. The system protects itself from overheating and resets itself automatically. A gallon of dirt can be stored.
The installation of this technology is said to increase the value of a recreational vehicle in many reviews. One reviewer even said the hose was long enough to reach from his RV’s door into his car for thorough vacuuming.
BLACK+DECKER Powerful 20-Volt Portable Vacuum
This Black & Decker handheld vacuum contains a lithium-ion battery that provides 20 volts, allowing you to clean your RV for longer. Because of its high-performance motor and swiveling nozzle, it can provide a respectable level of suction for a handheld device.
Although we don’t have this particular vacuum ourselves, we can explain why we think it’s the best of its kind: According to the New York Times Wirecutter, this is the best handheld vacuum available. According to their testing, “no other cordless handheld vacuum” they used “had higher suction than the Dyson DC25,” which is significantly more expensive and out of stock.
It uses cyclonic motion to spin dust and particles away from the filter and has a three-stage filtration system, just like the previous generation. The Wirecutter gave it their top recommendation, even though their tests showed that it only ran for an average of 10 minutes without dimming, which is less than ideal. Users have said that the device’s powerful suction makes up for its short battery life.
The device charges through a standard 120-volt wall outlet and comes with a charging base that can stand on its own. The vacuum’s tiny crevice tool and brush are stored on board for your convenience.
Only three pounds are needed to carry this compact vacuum.
BLACK+DECKER Grey Cordless Handheld Vacuum with 20V Max (BDH2000PL)
Lithium technology for powerful suction and fade-free power; 15-ounce dustbowl capacity
Because of its unique pivoting nozzle, it packs a lot of force into a small package.
Bissell’s Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum, Pet Hair Eraser
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is one of the best handheld vacuum cleaners today. If you’re looking for a cordless handheld RV vacuum, this one has been rated an impressive 4.7/5 stars by over 26,000 Amazon customers.
The 14V lithium-ion battery in this vacuum gives you plenty of cleaning time in a medium-sized or smaller recreational vehicle (up to 17 minutes).
The motorized brush, upholstery, and crevice tools are just some of the accessories included with the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser, which also features a big dirt bin and triple-level filtration.
Despite being 16 inches in length, this vacuum is only 3 pounds. You can power the vacuum with the four lithium-ion batteries that are provided. Remember to power it up every once in a while!
Buy a Bissell, help animals: for every Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Li Ion activated, the company will provide $5.
Using a powered brush tool and a lithium-ion battery, you can get rid of dirt and pet hair that is more stuck in.
Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner from BLACK+DECKER, the Dustbuster
A more normal handheld vacuum, this Black & Decker Dustbuster has almost 42,000 ratings on Amazon, with 87% giving it 4 or 5 stars.
This Dustbuster has a high-capacity bagless dirt bowl, a push-in brush, and a crevice tool. Even though the runtime varies from 10 to 15 minutes, most reviews agree that the suction is good for such a small unit.
Users have reported that this battery only has to be charged for three to six hours before it can be used without a power source. It has a lithium-ion battery within.
This lightweight cyclonic vacuum weighs only 2.11 ounces and comes with a 2-year warranty.
Carpets, upholstery, the inside of a car, and other surfaces that get a lot of use can all benefit from having extra hair, dirt, and debris removed.
CONVENIENTLY SMALL AND LIGHTWEIGHT – Very portable and manageable, especially in confined situations.
QYHY Lightweight and Portable 12V Car Vacuum
This portable unit powered by a 12V wire and intended for use in the auto detailing industry.
When the vacuum is turned on, the LED light turns on. The vacuum can be used for both dry and wet cleaning. It comes with a slot pipette, a long hose, and a brush nozzle. It is said to have a powerful motor and good suction. In addition, a HEPA filter that can be cleaned is included.
The length of the 12V power cable is 16.4 feet. Even though it’s only 1.9 pounds, this unit delivers quite a punch.
powerful vacuum and minimal weight. The powerful motor in this car vacuum has a maximum suction of 8000 psi and operates at a quiet 100 watts/12 volts.
Completely multipurpose tools and equipment. This lightweight car vacuum has a pipette with a slot, a long hose, and a brush nozzle.
Best RV Vacuum for Allergies: The VonHaus 2-in-1 Stick & Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
Pollutants in an RV can be especially troublesome for those who suffer from allergies. The HEPA filter in the VonHaus vacuum is good news.
This lightweight (5.5 lb.) stick vacuum can be used on hard surfaces or low-pile carpets. It can be a portable tool to clean upholstery and other flat surfaces.
The telescoping handle can be modified to fit the user’s height when the stick is in use. It may be extended to a maximum length of 48 inches.
This bagless vacuum has an exceptionally large dustbin capacity, measuring 1.3 liters.
The Things That We Enjoy
Asthma and Allergies Relief with a HEPA Filter
There’s a good reason why we named this VonHaus the “Best for Allergies.” You may get rid of allergens floating around in the air of your RV with the help of a HEPA sponge filtering system. Because of this, allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander will be taken away and trapped.
If pollution could be kept in one place, it might help with sneezing, skin irritation, itchy eyes, and wheezing.
Conveniently Extending Handle
To our knowledge, this is the only RV vacuum on the market with a retractable handle. Telescopically, it can be adjusted to any length up to 48 inches.
It’s easy to use and won’t bother your back if you’re on the shorter side, thanks to this feature. And if you are taller, it can keep you from hurting your back by making you bend in a way that isn’t natural.
Appendices & Accoutrements
To help you clean up after messes, you may choose from a tiny brush, an extension tube, and a crevice tool. Select the appropriate one, and you should be able to clean just about everything.
Having a shoulder strap is a nice bonus, and this one has one. This makes holding the device in one hand easier because the weight is distributed more evenly. The strap can be quickly fastened or removed as needed.
Stretchy Cable Measures 19.7 Feet
Your freedom of movement will not be restricted by the cord. Its length of 19.7 feet means that you can cover a lot of ground without having to switch outlets.
The fact that there are two cord wraps is also a nice touch. These aid in efficiently unraveling the cord, fastening it, and stowing it away.
That Which Displeases Us Is Not Sucked Up Rug with a Deep Pile
If you have a carpet with a higher pile height, you may find that this vacuum has insufficient suction power. Users have reported that they have to make multiple passes to collect all the trash.
You shouldn’t have any issues if your RV has flooring or low-pile carpets largely.
Hero Cordless RV Vacuum Cleaner Tineco A10
Easy RV cleaning relies on lightweight construction. That’s why this lightweight stick vacuum is a great choice.
It can be converted into a handheld vacuum, a major plus in our book. It can be used on furniture and other flat surfaces after being expelled from the stick.
All 350 watts of the brushless motor’s output come from the 2000 mAh lithium battery. To your relief, the battery can be removed and swapped out when it dies.
Pressing a button causes the trash can to release its contents into the trash can, making it simple to clean up after use.
Two years of protection are included with your purchase of a Tineco A10.
The Things That We Enjoy
Those are Three Useful Add-Ons
The many extras that come with this machine are fantastic. A crevice tool is available for cleaning extremely tight spaces. A tiny power brush and a dusting brush are included as well.
Once you have the proper attachment for your vacuum, you’ll be ready to clean every crevice in your RV.
Electroluminescent Power Bristle
It can be challenging to spot dust or grime sometimes. This, however, does not imply that you must ignore it in favor of vacuuming.
The power brush’s built-in LED light is a great feature. This facilitates cleaning in hard-to-reach places, like behind and under furniture. It reveals any hidden dust bunnies.
Filtration in Four Stages
Allergies are the last thing anyone wants to think about while trying to relax in an RV. This vacuum cleaner eliminates the need to.
Because of the RV’s four-stage filtration technology, dust mites and allergies are effectively removed. No need to worry about allergens getting through, as it can catch 99.9% of them.
Mode of Constant Power Supply
This hoover has a locked switch that maintains constant power. Control is provided by a trigger, and suction power is maintained by a lock throughout cleaning sessions.
Tineco A10 cordless vacuums have a cleaning time of up to 25 minutes. However, you only have 10 minutes to complete a thorough cleaning on the highest setting.
The Things That Bug Us
Dissatisfied Customers Due to Insufficient Suction
The suction has been a source of contention for several buyers. It’s not uncommon for a user to make multiple passes over the same area to completely clear it of dirt and debris. Unless your RV has deep-pile carpeting, this shouldn’t be a problem.
The Dyson DC59 is the most powerful cordless RV vacuum.
A powerhouse, if such a thing exists, could be found here. Among the most reputable brands of vacuum cleaners, Dyson is responsible for this model.
It’s not simply Dyson’s stellar reputation for quality that makes this vacuum so appealing. As a result of its effectiveness and adaptability, we have decided to incorporate it.
It has a lithium-ion battery that will allow you to clean it for up to 24 minutes. The docking station can fully charge your device in as little as 3.5 hours.
Another stick vacuum that may be used as a handheld is the Dyson DC59. Its dust bin can be quickly and easily emptied into the garbage with a single button push.
The Things That We Enjoy
Suction Power: 28 Air Watts
The cleaning power of this Dyson is the best of any cordless vacuum tested. In addition to the regular mode, a “boost” mode increases suction power. So, it’s ideal for any sort of cleaning you could need to do.
Suction power in the usual setting is 28 air watts, sufficient for basic cleaning.
If you switch to Boost Mode, the output will increase by nearly 200 percent to 100 air watts. If you need a truly powerful cleaner, look no further than this one.
Structured for Multiple Uses
Because of its flexible nature, this model can be applied to many different situations. It’s a compact stick vacuum that can convert into a handheld device. Everything from the ceiling to the floor to the furniture may be easily cleaned.
Because of how light it is, you can easily lift it over your head or slide it under a couch without any trouble. You can snap on a crevice or combination tool for even more precise access.
The powered brush is fantastic for thoroughly cleaning the carpet pile.
Dual-Cyclone Radial Structure
Do you, or anyone in your household, suffer from allergies? When you spend a lot of time outside, this can become an issue. So you don’t want the RV’s air to aggravate the situation.
The Dyson DC59 has a sealed system, so no particles or allergens will be released back into the environment. The two-tiered radial cyclone design keeps all the debris inside the can.
Longer Guarantee Period
Dyson is widely recognized as a reliable brand among the many vacuum cleaner manufacturers. Therefore, it is quite unlikely that this equipment will malfunction.
But if you do, Dyson promises to make the necessary repairs. If you have any issues with this product within the first two years, you can take advantage of the warranty they offer.With the light cleaning required daily, this should not be a problem. With the light cleaning required daily, this should not be a problem.
There’s a chance that it won’t be large enough to last you through a thorough scrub. It may take a bit long to empty the garbage bin.
Is there a vacuum cleaner in your RV?
Please let us know if you tow your RV with a vacuum by leaving a comment below. Please tell us all about it if you have one you adore.
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