Mike Scarpignato

Mike Scarpignato is an avid RVer and full-time blogger who loves to RV. He started RVBlogger as a way to share all he has learned about RVing and RV Camping. Mike has written hundreds of articles about RV Types, RV Destinations, RV Rentals, RV How To and DIY, RV Maintenance, RV Gear, Supplies and Accessories, RV Storage Ideas and Organization, and RV Renovations and Remodeling. In addition to writing all about RVing Mike has been RVing, camping, hiking, and fishing throughout Central and North America but he primarily travels throughout the United States and Canada. Mike also makes YouTube videos all about RVing on the RVBlogger YouTube Channel with his partner Susan McDonald. Together they create videos about all aspects of RVing from RV tours and walkthroughs, to DIY RV remodeling projects, and videos about the care and maintenance of your RV. Mike and Susan also recommend RV and camping gear, accessories, and supplies that they use personally. Mike and Susan are committed to sharing the knowledge they have accumulated with others who are interested in RVing from newbies to veteran RVers.

3 Best Small Class C RVs Under 25 Feet

👇👇👇 Click the video below to watch the full video 👇👇👇 Why Small Class C Motorhomes Under 25’ Are So Popular If you want the confidence of a motorhome … Read more

ChatGPT Picks the Best RV in Every Category

Newmar Dutch Star Class A Motorhome with black blue and white graphics at a Blue Compass Dealership

We’ve been reviewing RVs on YouTube and our websites for over seven years now. We’ve climbed through storage bays, opened every cabinet, laid on every bed, and talked with … Read more

Would You Let Guests Use Your RV Bathroom?

Would You Let Guests Use Your RV Bathroom? If you’ve spent much time RVing, you’ve probably faced this dilemma at least once. You’re having friends over to your campsite for cocktails, dinner, or a cozy campfire, and someone inevitably asks that awkward question: “Hey, can I use your bathroom?” It sounds simple, right? But among RVers, this is surprisingly controversial. Some people are totally fine with guests using their RV bathroom, while others would rather march them straight to the campground bathhouse. Susan and I have seen both sides—and after one near-flooding incident in our own rig, we understand exactly why opinions are so divided. Our RV Bathroom Experience We’ve owned both a Class A and a Class C motorhome, and we’ve used our RV bathrooms plenty over the years. But one evening, we invited a guest over for dinner and drinks at our campsite, and when she went to use our RV bathroom… well, let’s just say she didn’t understand the “push pedal halfway for water, all the way to flush” rule. She pressed and held the pedal until the bowl was nearly overflowing. We caught it just in time, but it could have turned into a disaster. After that, we learned the importance of explaining how an RV toilet works before letting anyone use it. So when we posed this question—Would you let guests use your RV bathroom?—to our Facebook group, RV Camping for Newbies, which now has more than 250,000 members, the responses were passionate and varied. What Our Community Had to Say We received hundreds of replies, and the results were nearly split down the middle. Some RVers said “Of course!” while others wouldn’t even consider it. Here’s a snapshot of how our community feels: Audra: “Well, if they are in my RV as guests, they’re obviously friends and I would do it in my regular house so yeah, why not?” Eric: “Yes, but I review the rules with every guest—especially on the disposal of toilet paper and other stuff.” Tammy: “Someone that we know and invited to our site, yes. Strangers, no.” Stacie Williams: “I’m on the fence with this one… it would depend on how well I know them.” Barbara: “Never.” Susan: “Yes, but with instructions.” Jennifer: “Only if they promise not to poop in it!” Matt: “My rule is kids, women, and anyone over 50. If you’re male and under 50, walk to the bathhouse.” Rick Beadles: “If I have guests at my sticks-and-bricks home they’re welcome, same for my RV. When nature calls, it calls—no difference.” It’s a perfect example of how personal and situational this question can be. Why Some RVers Say “Absolutely Not” Those who prefer to keep their RV bathroom off-limits have some valid reasons: Limited holding tank capacity. RV black tanks can fill up fast, especially when you’re dry camping or boondocking. Extra flushes mean more frequent—and messier—dumping. Guest “user error.” As we learned firsthand, most people don’t understand RV toilets. One wrong move can mean overflow or damage. Cleaning and odors. Even one guest using the toilet can affect smells and sanitation, especially if they don’t follow the rules. Privacy. For some RVers, their bathroom feels like personal space—especially in smaller rigs like travel trailers or pop-ups. That’s why some people, like our friend who always books a site near the bathhouse, simply steer visitors that way instead. Why Others Say “Sure, No Problem!” On the flip side, many RVers take a “mi casa es su casa” approach. They point out that hospitality doesn’t stop at the campground. If someone is a friend or family member, they see letting them use the RV bathroom as no different than letting them use it in a sticks-and-bricks home. Plus, some guests—especially kids or older adults—might not be comfortable walking to a bathhouse late at night or in bad weather. Several of our members said they simply give a quick tutorial before handing over the flush pedal. As Eric and Susan both said, clear instructions go a long way. The Middle-Ground Approach We’ve found that many RVers take a balanced stance. They’ll let trusted guests use the bathroom but draw the line at strangers or casual visitors. Some even have rules like Jennifer’s “no #2 policy” or Matt’s “age and gender rule.” In our case, if we’re hosting close friends or family, we don’t mind—as long as they get the bathroom briefing first. But if it’s a large gathering or we’re camping near a clean bathhouse, we’ll politely suggest guests use those facilities instead. Tips for Letting Guests Use Your RV Bathroom (Safely) If you do decide to open your bathroom to visitors, a little preparation can prevent problems: Give a quick demo. Explain how to flush and what not to put in the toilet. Post a reminder sign. A simple “To flush: press pedal halfway for water, all the way to flush” note helps avoid confusion. Use RV-safe toilet paper only. And keep it within easy reach so guests don’t grab paper towels by mistake. Crack a window or turn on the vent fan. It keeps moisture and odors under control. Empty your tanks beforehand. Always good practice before hosting guests. Final Thoughts: Courtesy Meets Common Sense Allowing guests to use your RV bathroom comes down to two things—trust and comfort. Some RVers treat their rig like a home and happily welcome guests to use it. Others see it as a delicate ecosystem that only the owner should operate. For Susan and me, we’ve learned to read the situation. If the guest is comfortable, responsible, and understands the rules, we’re happy to share. But we’ll never forget that one near-overflow moment that taught us an important lesson: a two-minute toilet tutorial can save a world of trouble. Whether you’re team “Sure, go ahead!” or team “No way!”—you’re in good company. Just like everything else in RV life, there’s no single right answer—only what works best for you, your rig, and your guests.

If you’ve spent much time RVing, you’ve probably faced this dilemma at least once. You’re having friends over to your campsite for cocktails, dinner, or a cozy campfire, and … Read more

3 Best Travel Trailers Under 3,500 lbs: 2026 Models!

Hi, it’s Mike from RVBlogger — I’m in front of the camera and Susan’s behind it. If you’re a brand-new RVer looking for a small, easy camper that’s simple … Read more

How to Stop People from Cutting Through Your Campsite

halloween at Ramblin Pines campground where we had a ton of people cut through our campsite

If you’ve ever had strangers walk straight through your campsite like it’s a public sidewalk, you know exactly how frustrating that can be. Susan and I just spent a … Read more

How to Silence a Barking Dog at the Campsite Next Door

How to Handle a Barking Dog at the Campsite Next Door

One of the great joys of RV life is camping in beautiful places and enjoying peace and quiet. But every now and then, Susan and I end up next … Read more

3 Best Travel Trailers for Couples (That We Actually Toured)

By Mike from RVBlogger Susan’s behind the camera, I’m in front of it, and together we walk lots, crawl into showers, measure beds, and poke every cabinet so you … Read more

Cheap Retirement Living in an RV: The Complete Guide to Affordable RV Life

Cheap Retirement Living in an RV

Is Cheap Living in an RV really possible? Yes, it is! You can expect living expenses to range between $1200 to $2500 per month. The biggest expense is…

RV Black Water Tank Cleaning Tips to Eliminate Odors Fast

RhinoFLEX Rhino Blaster-RVBlogger

Updated August 5, 2025 Maintaining your RV’s black tank doesn’t have to be a dread-filled chore. With a few smart habits and simple tools, you can keep your system … Read more

Is Mobile RV Wash & Detailing Worth It? My Experience & Tips

Is Mobile RV Washing and Detailing Worth the Cost?

Updated August 5, 2025 I’ve relied on mobile RV washing and detailing services for years, and I want to show you why they’re worth it. If you’re wondering “Is … Read more

Peace of Mind on Wheels: How Monimoto 9 Safeguards Your RV

Minimoto safeguards RV travel

There’s nothing like hopping in your RV and embarking on a new adventure. The US has an array of attractions, sights, and campgrounds, making it ideal for road trip … Read more

5 Best Small Motorhomes With Slide Outs

Slide-outs are a common feature of RVs that allow you to significantly increase the space inside while still being able to safely travel on the highway. These features are … Read more

10 Best Used Travel Trailers With 2 Bedrooms

Used travel trailers with 2 bedrooms are an affordable luxury for larger families, especially since most of the models on this list allow for more than just two in … Read more

10 Best Used Travel Trailers With Outdoor Kitchens

Travel trailers with outdoor kitchens are an enormous benefit for outdoor enthusiasts. So if you are in the market for the best used travel trailers with outdoor kitchens you … Read more

8 Best Used 4 Season 5th Wheels

How to Drive Your RV in the Snow

4 season 5th wheels are the difference between year-round, life on the road, and heading home to winterize your RV and wait for spring. But since prices are still … Read more

7 Best Used Class C RV Brands

We have toured and reviewed tons of used Class C RVs out there, but what really matters, are the late model Class C RV brands. A brand is a … Read more

7 Best Used RVs and Campers for Tall People

Mike from RVBlogger measuring the ceiling height of an RV camper with his tape measure

We have toured thousands of RVs and campers, and we found the best used (or late model) RVs and campers for tall people. These RVs and campers have ample … Read more

10 Best Used RVs With a Washer and Dryer

Used (or late model) RVs with a washer and dryer are not as common as one might think. However, just having a washer and dryer on board is a … Read more

Best Used Toy Hauler Motorhomes

Thor Outlaw Wild West Edition

Sometimes, our RVs alone aren’t enough; sometimes, we want to bring along an extra toy or two. These four late-model used toy hauler motorhomes are prime examples of rigs … Read more

9 Best Used Truck Campers For Half-Ton Trucks

Truck campers for half-ton trucks are an interesting combination. From a bird’s eye view, they seem like a dichotomy. Does a half-ton have enough payload capacity to handle one … Read more