Does an RV Need a Vacuum?
Camping is how we experience a simple type of living. We’re out there in the wild, getting close to nature and enjoying everything it has to offer.
We all know camping can be a dirty affair, especially if you’re roughing it in a tent, but RV’s offer an oasis. A clean environment we can stay in that makes camping feel a lot easier.
Related Product: Finish cleaning your RV floors using a Compact Swiffer Sweeper 2 in 1 Mop (click to view on Amazon)
But even an RV can get dirty fast. Between the dusty air from the campsite, and family walking in and out of the camper, the floors don’t stay clean long.
A small compact vacuum is the perfect way to maintain the RV floors quickly and efficiently. They’re faster than brooms and if you get a battery powered vacuum, you can use it anywhere.
See Also: Best Small & Portable Vacuums For RVs & Vans With No Storage
In this review I’m going to go over some of the best compact vacuum options for RV use.
Some of them are corded for a more budget friendly options, but most are cordless and perfect for dry camping.
None of these small vacuums use bags, which means you won’t have to worry about keeping them in your camper. Just empty the dust bin and you’re good to go.
Let’s get to it!
Summary (Links to Amazon)
- Best Basic Option – BISSEL Featherweight Stick Vacuum
- Budget Cordless – Kenmore Cordless Stick Vacuum
- Best Overall for RV – Shark IX141 Pet Vacuum
Best Basic
Budget Cordless
Best Overall
Last update on 2024-11-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best RV & Camper Vacuum Cleaners Reviews & Info
BISSEL Featherweight Stick Vacuum
It doesn’t get simpler than the BISSEL Featherweight compact vacuum. This little powerhouse is perfect for value hunters who don’t need anything too fancy for their RV.
This is a corded options, so you have to be plugged into 120 volt power to use it. That being said if you camp with a generator or portable power station that’s can output at least 500 watts.
One benifit to the corded options like the BISSEL is you get a lot of power. Battery powered vacuums are fantastic but they aren’t always great at cleaning.
It’s also super lightweight because there’s no need for a heavy battery.
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It’s very simple. There’s no moving brush in the floor attachment, so it’s not the very best option for carpets and rugs, but it still does a good job picking up dirt and pet hair from hard floors and furniture.
To turn into a handheld vacuum simply remove the handle. There’s a crevice tool for hard to reach spots and the dust bin is large and easy to empty.
This isn’t what I’d recommend for full-time RVers who don’t have a home base with a real vacuum available, but for weekend campers this is a fantastic choice.
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
- Bad for Rugs & Carpet
- No HEPA Filter
Dirt Devil Power Express Lite Stick Vacuum
If you aren’t for the cordless options, but your RV has a lot of carpet and rugs, the Dirt Devil Power Express is going to be the best choice for you.
It uses a powerful 750 watt motor and there’s a moving brush on the floor attachment.
To power this when your not plugged into 120 volt power you’ll need a generator or portable power station that can output at least 1000 watts.
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It’s still a very compact stick vacuum that converts into a handheld vacuum by removing the handle.
The dust bin is small and only has a 0.4 liter capacity, but it’s easy to empty and the wire mesh filter can be cleaned in water.
There’s no crevice tool but you can still clean corners by removing the floor attachment.
The Dirt Devil Power Express is a step up from the basic stick vacuum options. It’s perfect for full-time RVers and a great choice for campers who usually have 120 volt power available.
PROS
- Handheld & Stick Vacuum
- Lightweight
- Very Compact
- Great Suction Power
- Moving Carpet Brush
CONS
- Requires 120V Power (Corded)
- No Crevice Tool
- No HEPA Filter
Kenmore Cordless Stick Vacuum
Now for the cordless compact vacuum options. Most RVers camp without power at least a few times every year and some of us almost never go places with hookups, so a cordless RV vacuum cleaners make a lot of sense.
The Kenmore is the most basic of all the battery powered vacuums in this review, but it still has a lot of cleaning power.
It’s very compact weighing about 7 lbs. The handle is removable and it can be quickly turned into a 3 lbs handheld vacuum.
The dustbin has a capacity of 0.6 liters. It’s easy to remove and dump. The filter is cloth and washable.
The floor attachment has a moving brush (agitator) which makes this a fantastic option for carpeted RVs and rugs. There’s a dusting brush and crevice tool included as well.
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There are two power settings, high and ECO mode. The battery will last up to 30 minutes on ECO mode and it takes about 5 hours to charge.
30 minutes isn’t lots of time, but run time and overall power is what you give up for compact size and budget. But if you quickly go over the floors once a day, the battery should last for weekend camping trips.
The Kenmore is basic, but it works great in RVs and might be the best choice for those who want a value cordless option.
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
- Limited Suction Power
Electrolux Ergorapido Cordless Stick Vacuum
If you have dogs or cats that you bring camping with you, the Electrolux is going to be an upgrade from some of the other RV vacuum options in this review.
The main thing that sets is apart for pet use is the motorized pet nozzle tool. It’s a small attachment with a motorized brush inside that picks up difficult to remove pet hair.
You also get a crevice tool, dusting brush, long crevice tool, and a specialized dusting brush that’s made specifically for sensitive area’s.
All the tools make the Electrolux a fantastic choice for RV use. You can clean everything in your RV with one compact vacuum.
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The battery will last up to 48 minutes when set to ECO mode and up to 16 minutes on high.
Not the greatest battery life but that’s one of the things you give up for compact size and budget.
Even though the battery doesn’t last a super long time it charges fast, around 4 hours.
The Electrolux Erorapido cordless stick vacuum is a great contender to some of the more luxurious models in this review.
It has everything you need to keep your RV in tip top shape and it’s great for pet owners. The run time is a little short, but it’s enough for a weekend of camping and it charges fast.
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
Shark IX141 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum
When it comes to storage, the Shark IX141 can pack down and become one of the smallest vacuums in this review.
It uses the more common cordless stick vacuum design, The dustbin, motor, and handle are all one unit. There’s a long nozzle that reaches all the way to the floor and connects to a motorized floor attachment.
The benefit to this style of compact stick vacuum is you get the long reach of the nozzle.
Included with the floor attachment is a crevice tool that can be attached to the hand vacuum or the long floor nozzle.
It doesn’t come with a lot of fancy parts, but that’s almost better for using and storing in a small RV.
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The dustbin is fairy large, 0.75 liters, and it uses a clean HEPA filter you can wash in the sink.
When you’re done cleaning your RV the handle/motor part can be put on top of the floor attachment for a shorter more compact storage option.
There’s only one power level and the battery lasts up to 40 minutes. The charge time up to 4 hours.
Much like the other budget models in this review, the runtime isn’t super long, but you get a lot of suction power with the Shark so you can clean faster and more efficiently.
I really like the Shark IX141 cordless stick vacuum for RV use. It’s simple, small, and there’s not a lot of extra parts to keep track of.
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
Dyson V11 Extra Cordless Vacuum
Dyson is known for its cordless vacuums, they were one of the first companies to start making high versions of these and they still make some of the best vacuums on the market today.
For RV use the Dyson V11 Extra is one of our favorite choices if you have the resources available to get one.
This is the compact vacuum that has everything.
On the handle there’s a small LED screen that displays the 3 different cleaning/suction modes and shows the battery charge.
One thing Dyson has figured out better than anyone else so far is strong suction power for cordless vacuums, if it’s power you need, Dyson has you covered.
Included with the special motorized floor attachment, you get 8 different nozzles.
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A crevice tool, extension hose, hair screw too (for removing pet hair), mattress tool, combination tool, soft dust brush, dirt brush, and the up top tool.
There’s also a charger, wand clip, and wall dock included for different mounting and storage options.
For using and storing inside and RV the Dyson does come with a lot of stuff you’ll need to find a place for. So it’s both a benifit and a downside.
If you’re a weekend camper or still have a home base, you could leave some of the accessories at home, but if you live full-time in an RV it might be a little more difficult to find a place for everything.
But overall you’re getting the famous Dyson engineering and quality if you go with the V11 Extra. It’s a fantastic portable vacuum with a lot of cleaning power.
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
What To Look For In An RV Vacuum
Corded Vs. Cordless
First thing to consider is whether you need a corded or cordless stick vacuum.
I know that a cordless vacuum sounds awesome and more convenient to use, but it has its limitations with battery life being the biggest one.
A vacuum that you’ll have to place near an outlet and charge up suddenly doesn’t sound as convenient.
But then there are the limitations a corded one has, you’re going to need an outlet.
If you’re the kind of camper that likes to boondock, you’ll need an inverter or a generator to be able to use a corded vacuum cleaner.
You can also use a solar-powered generator, and I recommend reading our post about the best ones if that’s something you’re interested in.
If you’re in a small apartment or cabin with access to a lot of AC outlets, either kind is going to be fine.
2-in-1
Are you going to clean more than your RV floors? Like your truck, mattress, ceiling, or closets?
A 2-in-1 is extremely versatile due to the fact that you decide what and how you want to use it.
Note that there are also 3-in-1, and 4-in-1 products. That usually just means that there are attachments included meant for specific purposes.
Since most include several accessories, you’ll have a lot of choices where one tool might work better on a hairy couch than a different tool.
A portable 2-in-1 vacuum cleaner with the right tools can be a godsend when it comes to cleaning the inside of an RV.
But if all you’re going to clean is your floors, there’s no need to splurge more for a 2-in-1.
Battery Life
If you do decide to go for a lightweight cordless vacuum, battery life is the biggest factor.
You probably won’t need than 15 minutes to clean a small RV, but if you have a big RV and a big truck that needs to get clean, you might need at least 30 minutes.
Grab a broom and a dustpan and see how long it takes to go through your whole RV, to get an idea of how long it takes to clean your specific RV.
Suction Power
If you have pets, kids, or a dirty husband/wife, suction power is going to be more important.
Without a lot of suction power, you’re probably going to have to use a broom and a dustpan before you vacuum to get rid of most dirt and debris.
Storage
Where are you going to store it, and would you prefer it if you could take it apart and put it in a box?
Some products let you do this, while some don’t. Some stick vacuums come with wall mounts so you can hang them in a closet while not in use.
The corded options have a way to coil up the cord for easy storage.
Noise
More suction power or output power usually means more noise, although it’s not guaranteed.
If you live in an RV park or an apartment complex and want to keep it as quiet as possible, this might matter to you.
Weight
Another reason why 2-in-1 vacuums are great is due to how lightweight they often become when you take off the handheld section.
A lightweight stick vacuum can be held over your head to clean ceilings and shelves. If the vacuum is just one big piece it won’t be as easy to lift it off the floor.
Weight also matters if you’re traveling since every pound adds to the total weight of your RV with all of your stuff in it.
Not only does this decrease your gas mileage, but also brings you closer to the total weight limit of your setup.
I recommend reading our post on towing capacity to understand how the total weight of your RV, or truck and trailer, is very important.
The RV Vacuum Cleaner We Use
When we started our full-time RV living journey, we thought a broom and a dustpan would be enough since the space inside our 30 ft travel trailer is so small compared to an apartment or a larger RV.
Some RVs come with built-in vacuum systems, but our travel trailer didn’t.
Boy, were we wrong! With nature right outside our home on wheels, it’s impossible to stop dust, dirt, and debris from entering our camper as soon as we open the door or even just a window.
Also, since we boondock (dry camp) a lot, the dust from the gravel roads always finds a way in.
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We ended going with the BISSEL Featherweight Stick Vacuum (click to view on Amazon).
It’s not cordless, but it’s bagless which means that the dirt collects in a dust bin that we empty into the garbage.
We power it using our portable power station.
Even though it’s one of the budget models, it does a good job with cat and dog hair on the linoleum.
It can be frustrating to use since we have to go over it more than once in the carpeted areas, but it’s acceptable.
Still, my point is that you don’t necessarily need to spend hundreds of dollars to keep your RV clean.
Frequently Asked Questions About Camper Vacuum Cleaners
What does kPa mean?
If you’ve looked at some of the more advanced vacuum cleaners, you’ve probably come across a number that tells the kPa rating.
What this is talking about is the kilopascal measurement, which is the difference between the normal atmospheric pressure and the pressure inside the vacuum cleaner hose.
A higher kPA difference means more suction pressure.
What’s a good kPa rating?
The typical vacuum creates a suction of around 17-20 kPa.
How long does it take to vacuum an RV or camper?
It depends not only on how big your RV is but also on how dirty it is.
If you have limited power or battery power, I suggest getting a broom and a dustpan to get the bulk of the cleaning done. Then you can use a vacuum to finish it up.
To know how long it takes to clean your specific RV, you can grab a broom, start a stopwatch, and sweep until you’ve covered every part of your camper.
Then you will have a rough estimate, even though you’re going to be faster with a vacuum.
How does a bagless vacuum work?
A bagless vacuum still takes care of your dirt, but instead of going into a bag, it goes into a bin.
The bin is easy to remove so you can empty it into a garbage can. Most of them are also 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 can be used in RVs and do not require Wi-Fi to run.
Wi-Fi is used mostly to connect to apps on phones and computers, but it’s not required with 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.
What is a 2-in-1 stick vacuum cleaner?
A 2-in-1 stick vacuum cleaner means that it’s a stick vacuum with a handheld section that comes off.
This is great if you’re not only cleaning floors but want to be able to stick the vacuum in your closets, under counters, your truck, or in furniture.
A 2-in-1 vacuum often has parts that are easy to pick apart so you can within seconds change out a tool for another etc.
It also makes it easier to store since you can take parts off and store on top of each other, compared to a stick vacuum that is a fixed length and is bulkier to store.
What’s the best 12V powered vacuum?
12V vacuums are mostly for cars and trucks, since they’re powered off of the 12V cigarette plug.
If your RV or van has a 12V cigarette port in the living area of your camper, you could use one to clean floors and carpets as well. Since they’re mostly handheld, it’s not as convenient but it’s doable.
I recommend the Black+Decker Flex 12V which is bagless, has a flexible hose, and is relatively powerful.
Why does it matter if a battery is removable?
If you can’t remove the battery, what happens when the battery capacity has dropped 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 for it and have it perform as new?
Being able to buy a new battery and recycle the old one will not only be better for your wallet but also the environment.
The more parts that the user can replace on their own when they under perform, the better.
Can Dyson batteries be replaced?
A lot of the Dyson models have replaceable batteries. I recommend buying from their website directly since you want to get a genuine Dyson battery.
This is where you can also see whether your specific model has replaceable batteries or not.
There is also a detailed instructional video made by Dyson that shows how to replace the battery.
Can you use a stick vacuum on the carpet?
There is a lot of different types of stick vacuums out there. A lot of them come with different attachments and most of the time a carpet attachment is included.
How do you clean a Dyson filter?
Dyson filters are pretty easy to clean. You simply remove the filter, clean it in cold water, let it dry, and you are good to go.
For more detailed instructions check out Dyson’s website.
How do you clean RV floor vents and ducts?
You can remove the vents and stick a long vacuum hose down there, but you need to be careful since the duct material might not be very durable.
You don’t want to stick a hole or tear the ducts.
Are stick vacuum cleaners any good?
Yes, they are. Stick vacuum cleaners are very versatile and often come with a lot of attachments making them great for cleaning all kinds of surfaces.
There are two main kinds, corded and cordless. The right one for you is a personal choice but corded ones usually last longer and have better suction power.
Have questions about RV Vacuum Cleaners? Leave a comment below.
