One of the quickest ways to ruin a travel day is opening your RV cabinets and finding broken dishes, shattered glass, or cookware scattered everywhere after arriving at camp.
Between rough roads, potholes, suspension movement, and constant vibration, RVs experience far more movement than many owners realize. Fortunately, there are several simple things RV owners can do to help protect dishes and reduce damage while traveling.
Use Non-Slip Shelf Liner
One of the easiest and most effective solutions is adding non-slip shelf liner inside cabinets and drawers.
This helps:
- Reduce sliding
- Absorb vibration
- Minimize rattling
- Keep dishes from shifting during travel
Separate Plates and Bowls
Avoid stacking dishes directly against each other.
Many RV owners use:
- Felt separators
- Foam sheets
- Paper towels
- Rubber shelf pads
between plates and bowls to help reduce impact damage.
Use Plastic, Melamine, or RV-Friendly Dishware
Traditional ceramic dishes can break easily in an RV environment.
Many RV owners choose:
- Melamine dishes
- Lightweight dish sets
- Stainless steel cups
- Acrylic drinkware
These options are often more durable and safer for RV travel.
Secure Cabinet Doors Properly
Always double-check cabinet latches before towing.
Loose or weak latches can allow cabinets to open during travel, causing dishes and cookware to fall out.
If cabinets frequently open while towing:
- Inspect latches
- Adjust catches
- Upgrade weak hardware if needed
Avoid Overloading Upper Cabinets
Heavy dishes stored in upper cabinets create more movement and stress while towing.
Try to:
- Keep heavier items lower when possible
- Distribute weight evenly
- Prevent items from shifting excessively
Add Tension Bars or Storage Dividers
Small tension rods or cabinet organizers can help hold dishes and cookware in place during travel.
These are especially helpful for:
- Pantry areas
- Plate storage
- Under-sink storage
- Refrigerator organization
Drive Smoothly When Possible
Sometimes protecting your RV interior comes down to driving habits.
Slowing down over:
- Railroad tracks
- Potholes
- Uneven pavement
- Driveway entrances
- Bridge transitions
can help reduce interior movement and protect not only dishes, but also cabinets, appliances, furniture, and suspension components.
Final Thoughts
A little preparation goes a long way toward protecting your RV interior while traveling.
Simple items like shelf liner, dish separators, secure cabinet latches, and thoughtful storage can help prevent broken dishes and reduce unnecessary rattling and movement inside your RV.
Safe travels and happy camping from all of us at California RV Specialists.
California RV Specialists
200 S. Cherokee Lane
Lodi, CA 95240
209-263-7040
www.calrvspecialists.com
