The Best Vacuum Cleaner For RVs & Campers

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Keep Your RV Clean With A Portable Cordless Vacuum

Even the cleanest RV gets messy fast. Dusty campsites and constant foot traffic mean your floors need regular attention.

A compact RV vacuum is the best way to keep your camper clean. They beat brooms every time, and cordless models work anywhere, perfect for boondocking and dry camping.

Related Product: Finish cleaning your RV floors using a Swiffer Sweeper 2 in 1 Mop (click to view on Amazon)

In this article, I will cover the top compact vacuum cleaners for RVs and travel trailers. Most are bagless cordless vacuums ideal for off-grid camping, plus some budget-friendly corded options. No bags means no extra storage hassles, just empty and go.

Let’s find your perfect RV cleaning solution!

  • Best Basic: BISSEL Featherweight Stick Vacuum | #1_BISSEL_Featherweight_Stick_Vacuum | A solid, budget-friendly choice for weekend campers who don’t mind being tethered to a cord. | View on Amazon
  • Budget Cordless: Kenmore Cordless Stick Vacuum | #3_Kenmore_Cordless_Stick_Vacuum | A solid budget cordless option that gets the job done. | View on Amazon
  • My Pick: Shark IX141 | #5_Shark_IX141_Pet_Cordless_Stick_Vacuum | Perfect if you want something that works well without a bunch of extra attachments to lose. | View on Amazon
  • Premium: Dyson V11 Extra | #6_Dyson_V11_Extra_Cordless_Vacuum | Unbeatable suction power and tons of tools. | View on Amazon

Click a feature to sort. On phones/small screens, scroll or swipe sideways to view the full table.
ModelBattery PoweredWeight2-in-1BaglessHEPA FilterRun Time (cordless)Link
Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum with Crevice...Bissel Featherweight Stick VacuumNo3.7 lbsYesYesNoN/AAmazon
Dirt Devil Power Express Lite 3-in-1 Corded Stick Vacuum SD22020Dirt Devil Power Express LiteNo4.4 lbsYesYesNoN/AAmazon
Kenmore DS1020 16V Cordless Stick Vacuum Lightweight 2-in-1 Handheld,...Kenmore Cordless Stick VacuumYes6.9 lbsYesYesNo30 minAmazon
Electrolux Ergorapido Pet Cordless 2-in-1 Vacuum Cleaner with...Electrolux ErgorapidoYes7.5 lbsYesYesNo48 minAmazon
Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum with XL Dust Cup, LED Headlights,...Shark IX141 Pet VacuumYes7 lbsYesYesYes40 minAmazon
Dyson V11 Extra Cordless Vacuum Cleaner - Nickel/Red, LargeDyson V11 ExtraYes6.5 lbsYesYesYes60 minAmazon

Vacuum Cleaner Reviews

1. BISSEL Featherweight Stick Vacuum

Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum with Crevice...

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It doesn’t get simpler than the BISSELL Featherweight stick vacuum. This little powerhouse is perfect for value hunters who don’t need anything fancy.

It’s corded, so you need 120-volt power or a generator/power station that outputs at least 500 watts. The upside is you get tons of power and it’s super lightweight without a heavy battery.

It’s really simple with no moving brush in the floor attachment, so it’s not great for carpets but does a good job on hard floors and furniture picking up dirt and pet hair.

Remove the handle to make it handheld, comes with a crevice tool, and has a large, easy-to-empty dust bin.

I wouldn’t recommend this for full-timers, but for weekend campers it’s a fantastic choice.

My Verdict

The BISSELL Featherweight is a solid, budget-friendly choice for weekend campers who have power hookups and don’t mind being tethered to a cord.

Pros

  • Handheld & Stick Vacuum
  • Crevice Tool
  • Fantastic Value
  • Large Dust Bin
  • Lightweight
  • Very Compact
  • Great Suction Power

Cons

  • Requires 120V Power (Corded)
  • No Moving Brush in Floor Attachment
  • Not great for Rugs & Carpet
  • No HEPA Filter

2. Dirt Devil Power Express Lite Stick Vacuum

Dirt Devil Power Express Lite 3-in-1 Corded Stick Vacuum SD22020

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If you want corded but your RV has lots of carpet and rugs, the Dirt Devil Power Express Lite is your best bet. It uses a powerful 750-watt motor with a moving brush on the floor attachment.

To power this off-grid, you’ll need a generator or power station that outputs at least 1000 watts.

It’s still a compact stick vacuum that converts to handheld by removing the handle.

The dust bin is small at 0.4 liters, but it’s easy to empty and the wire mesh filter is washable. No crevice tool, but you can clean corners by removing the floor attachment.

The Dirt Devil Power Express is a step up from basic stick vacuums, perfect for full-timers and campers who usually have 120-volt power available.

My Verdict

The Dirt Devil Power Express is your best corded option if you have carpets and rugs, but you’ll need an outlet to run that 750-watt motor.

Pros

  • Handheld & Stick Vacuum
  • Lightweight
  • Very Compact
  • Great Suction Power
  • Moving Carpet Brush

Cons

  • Requires 120V Power (Corded)
  • No Crevice Tool
  • No HEPA Filter

3. Kenmore Cordless Stick Vacuum

Kenmore DS1020 16V Cordless Stick Vacuum Lightweight 2-in-1 Handheld,...

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Now for cordless options. Most RVers camp without power at least a few times a year, and some of us almost never hit places with hookups, so cordless RV vacuums make tons of sense.

The Kenmore is the most basic battery-powered vacuum here, but it still has solid cleaning power. It’s compact at about 7 lbs, and the removable handle turns it into a 3-lb handheld quickly.

The dustbin holds 0.6 liters and is easy to remove and dump. The filter is cloth and washable. The floor attachment has a moving brush, making this great for carpeted RVs and rugs. Comes with a dusting brush and crevice tool too.

There are two power settings – high and ECO mode. Battery lasts up to 30 minutes on ECO and takes about 5 hours to charge. 30 minutes isn’t much, but that’s what you trade for compact size and budget pricing. If you quickly hit the floors once a day, the battery should last weekend camping trips.

The Kenmore is basic but works great in RVs, and might be the best choice for value-focused cordless cleaning.

My Verdict

The Kenmore is a solid budget cordless option that gets the job done, but 30 minutes of battery life means you’ll need to clean fast and efficiently.

Pros

  • Cordless
  • Crevice & Dust Brush Tools
  • Moving Carpet Brush
  • Fast Charge Time
  • Very Compact
  • Washable Filter
  • 2 Power Levels

Cons

  • No HEPA Filter
  • Short Run Time (compared to the others)
  • Limited Suction Power

4. Electrolux Ergorapido Cordless Stick Vacuum

Electrolux Ergorapido Pet Cordless 2-in-1 Vacuum Cleaner with...

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If you bring dogs or cats camping, the Electrolux is an upgrade from other RV vacuum options here.

What sets it apart for pets is the motorized pet nozzle tool, which is a small attachment with a motorized brush inside that grabs stubborn pet hair. You also get a crevice tool, dusting brush, long crevice tool, and a specialized dusting brush for sensitive areas.

All these tools make the Electrolux fantastic for RV use. You can clean everything in your RV with one compact vacuum.

Battery lasts up to 48 minutes on ECO mode and 16 minutes on high. Not great battery life, but that’s what you trade for compact size and budget pricing. It charges fast though, at around 4 hours.

The Electrolux Ergorapido is a solid contender against more expensive models. It has everything you need to keep your RV spotless, and it’s great for pet owners.

Run time is short, but it’s enough for weekend camping and charges quickly.

My Verdict

The Electrolux is perfect for pet owners with that motorized pet hair tool, and 48 minutes of battery life (on ECO mode) is way better than most budget options.

Pros

  • Cordless
  • Crevice & Dust Brush Tools
  • Pet Nozzle
  • Moving Carpet Brush
  • Fast Charge Time
  • Very Compact
  • 2 Power Levels

Cons

  • No HEPA Filter
  • Short Run Time
  • Filter Hard to Remove

5. Shark IX141 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum

Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum with XL Dust Cup, LED Headlights,...

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When it comes to storage, the Shark IX141 packs down to become one of the smallest vacuums in this review.

It uses the standard cordless stick design. The dustbin, motor, and handle are all one unit with a long nozzle that reaches the floor and connects to a motorized floor attachment. The benefit is you get that long reach.

It comes with a crevice tool that attaches to either the handheld or the long nozzle. Not a lot of fancy parts, but that’s almost better for using and storing in a small RV.

The dustbin is fairly large at 0.75 liters and uses a washable HEPA filter. When you’re done cleaning, the handle/motor part sits on top of the floor attachment for compact storage.

There’s only one power level, and the battery lasts up to 40 minutes with a 4-hour charge time. Like other budget models, runtime isn’t super long, but you get lots of suction power so you can clean faster and more efficiently.

I really like the Shark IX141 for RV use – it’s simple, small, and there aren’t tons of extra parts to keep track of.

My Verdict

The Shark IX141 is simple and compact, with solid suction power. Perfect if you want something that works well without a bunch of extra attachments to lose.

Pros

  • Cordless
  • Crevice Tool
  • Moving Carpet Brush
  • Fast Charge Time
  • Very Compact
  • Long Reach Nozzle
  • Washable HEPA Filter

Cons

  • 1 Power Level
  • Short Run Time

6. Dyson V11 Extra Cordless Vacuum

Dyson V11 Extra Cordless Vacuum Cleaner - Nickel/Red, Large

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Dyson is known for cordless vacuums – they were one of the first to make high-quality versions and still make some of the best on the market today.

For RVs, the Dyson V11 Extra is one of my favorite choices if you can swing it. This is the compact vacuum that has everything.

The handle has a small LED screen showing 3 different cleaning modes and battery charge. Dyson has figured out strong suction power for cordless vacuums better than anyone. If you need power, they’ve got you covered.

Along with the motorized floor attachment, you get 8 different nozzles: crevice tool, extension hose, hair screw tool (for pet hair), mattress tool, combination tool, soft dust brush, dirt brush, and up-top tool. Plus a charger, wand clip, and wall dock for mounting and storage.

For RV use, the Dyson comes with lots of stuff you’ll need to find space for, which is both a benefit and downside. Weekend campers could leave some accessories at home, but full-timers might struggle to store everything.

Overall, you’re getting famous Dyson engineering and quality with the V11 Extra. It’s a fantastic portable vacuum with serious cleaning power.

My Verdict

The Dyson V11 Extra has unbeatable suction power and tons of tools. It’s not as budget-friendly, and it comes with a lot of accessories to store in your RV.

Pros

  • Cordless
  • 8 Cleaning Tools Included
  • Moving Carpet Brush
  • Fast Charge Time
  • Very Compact
  • Long Reach Nozzle
  • Washable HEPA Filter
  • 60 Minute Run Time
  • 3 Cleaning Levels
  • Most Powerful

Cons

  • Very High End Choice
  • Lots of Accessories to Store

inside an rv 5th wheel with lots of carpet that's just been vacuumed with a portable compact cordless vacuum cleaner for rv and camper use
Inside an RV with tons of carpet that needs a good compact vacuum with a moving brush floor attachment.

What To Look For In An RV Vacuum

Corded Vs. Cordless

First, decide if you need a corded or cordless stick vacuum. Cordless sounds more convenient, but battery life is the biggest limitation. Having to charge a vacuum near an outlet suddenly doesn’t seem so convenient.

Corded vacuums need an outlet though. If you boondock, you’ll need an inverter or generator to run a corded vacuum cleaner. You can also use a solar generator.

If you’re in a small RV with lots of AC outlets, either works fine.

2-in-1

Will you clean more than RV floors? Like your truck, mattress, ceiling, or closets? A 2-in-1 is extremely versatile since you decide what and how to use it.

There are also 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 models. That usually means more attachments for specific purposes.

Since most include several accessories, you’ll have choices where one tool works better on a hairy couch than another.

A portable 2-in-1 vacuum with the right tools is perfect for cleaning RV interiors. But if you’re only cleaning floors, no need to pay extra for 2-in-1.

Battery Life

For cordless vacuums, battery life is the biggest factor. You probably won’t need more than 15 minutes for a small RV, but bigger RVs and trucks might need at least 30 minutes.

Time yourself with a broom and dustpan to see how long your specific RV takes to clean.

Suction Power

If you have pets, kids, or messy family members, suction power matters more. Without strong suction, you’ll need to sweep before vacuuming to get most dirt and debris.

Storage

Where will you store it? Would you prefer taking it apart and putting it in a box? Some products let you do this, others don’t.

Some stick vacuums come with wall mounts for closet storage. Corded options have cord storage built in.

Noise

More suction usually means more noise. If you’re in an RV park or apartment and want to stay quiet, this might matter.

Weight

2-in-1 vacuums are great because they become lightweight when you remove the handheld section. A lightweight stick vacuum can reach ceilings and shelves. If it’s one big piece, it’s harder to lift off the floor.

dog on mat
Somebody that is not excited about the vacuum.

Frequently Asked Questions About Camper Vacuum Cleaners

What does kPa mean?

If you’ve looked at advanced vacuum cleaners, you’ve probably seen a kPa rating. This is the kilopascal measurement, the difference between normal atmospheric pressure and the pressure inside the vacuum hose.

Higher kPa means more suction pressure. Typical vacuums create around 17-20 kPa of suction.

How does a bagless vacuum work?

A bagless vacuum handles dirt the same way, but instead of going into a bag, it goes into a bin. The bin removes easily so you can empty it into a garbage can. Most are easy to clean and safe to rinse under cold water – just make sure it’s dry before putting it back together.

Can you use a robot vacuum in an RV?

Sure, most robot vacuums work in RVs and don’t require Wi-Fi to run. Wi-Fi mostly connects to phone and computer apps, but isn’t required for most models.

I recommend the eufy BoostIQ (click to view on Amazon). It’s a good entry model that works well for pet hair, carpet, rugs, and hard floors.

robot vacuum cleaner on the floor
You can use a robot vacuum cleaner inside an RV or small cabin.

Why does it matter if a battery is removable?

If you can’t remove the battery, what happens when battery capacity drops to half after a year or two? It probably goes in the trash.

Do you want to buy a new vacuum every two years, or just buy a new battery and have it perform like new? Being able to buy a replacement battery and recycle the old one is better for your wallet and the environment.

The more parts you can replace when they underperform, the better.

How do you clean RV floor vents and ducts?

You can remove the vents and stick a long vacuum hose down there, but be careful since duct material might not be very durable. You don’t want to poke a hole or tear the ducts.

by Jenni
Jenni grew up in a small town in Idaho. With a family that loves camping, she has been towing trailers from a very young age.

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