This week’s episode of The RV Atlas is another Q&A edition, with practical advice straight from our own personal experience and our community. We’re tackling three very relatable camping topics: shoe storage solutions for RVers, tips for buying a used pop-up camper, and advice for planning your first camping trip of the season. Whether you’re a new camper or a seasoned pro, you’ll find something helpful in this week’s listener-submitted questions.

Submitted by: Jess S.

RV shoe storage is a common challenge, especially for families. Here are our favorite ideas for keeping the pile at bay:

We’ve had great success using lidded ottomans, which can store shoes and double as seating. These work especially well near the entry or in front of a bunk for RV shoe storage.

In our Jayco White Hawk, we stored shoes under the TV console. Think creatively—any underused floor space can be turned into an RV shoe storage zone.

We’ve mounted over-the-door organizers sideways near the entrance. These work great for small shoes, especially for kids.

Designate a shoe drop zone with a small carpet or tray. The visual cue can help keep shoes in one place, even if you don’t have a full organizer system.

Shoes will always find their way to the floor. Create a system that works with your family’s habits, not against them. If everyone kicks them off in the same spot, that’s where your solution should live!

Submitted by: Amy R.

Buying a used pop-up camper is a great way to get into RVing on a budget—but it’s important to know what to look for. Make sure you know if you want something solid to camp in, or a project. Those are two very different pop up camper purchases!

This PDF inspection guide is our go-to. It walks you through every major system and area to examine before purchasing.

Are you ready for a fixer-upper, or do you want to go camping right away? Be honest with yourself about your DIY skills and timeline.

Canvas rot, soft floors, and cracked roofs are red flags. Don’t be fooled by cute paint jobs or Instagrammable interiors if the bones aren’t solid.

Some sellers make cosmetic updates but ignore mechanical or structural issues. Ask questions and dig deeper.

The Rockwood OTG is a very basic, durable pop-up starting around $6K–$7K. If you’re open to spending a little more, it’s a good alternative to gambling on a used unit.

Look on Craigslist, RV Trader, and local dealerships for better prices and variety. Facebook Marketplace is convenient but often overpriced and filled with scams.

Above all, don’t buy out of emotion. The best deals are the ones that make sense on paper and in person.

Community Question: Where are you heading for your first camping trip this year? Do you have tips for kicking off the season right?

We always recommend starting with a local shakedown trip—something close to home with full hookups if possible.

If something goes wrong (a broken faucet, a leaky tank, etc.), it’s easier to troubleshoot or head home quickly. This is especially helpful after de-winterizing or making repairs.

Don’t have a nearby campground open yet? No problem. Sleep in your RV in the driveway for a night or two to make sure all systems are go.

Here are a few season openers RV Atlas listeners shared this week:

The goal of your season opener should be simplicity and stress-free fun. Save the big road trip for after you have the RV opened and stocked.

We love answering real questions from real campers in The RV Atlas community. Got a question of your own about RV shoe storage or anything else? Join us in the RV Atlas Facebook Group or send us an email or message on Instagram.

And don’t forget to subscribe to The RV Atlas podcast for more tips, trip ideas, and gear reviews—new episodes drop every week!

The post RV Shoe Storage Dilemmas, Buying Used Pop Ups, Season Opening Trips appeared first on The RV Atlas.