Tips for using five-gallon buckets for the RV and campsite

By Gail Marsh
You may have one or two five-gallon buckets stashed in your RV basement right now! There are so many different ways these buckets (and lids) come in handy when camping. You need to check out the following tips and hacks for RVers for five-gallon buckets because they can make RVing easier. Check these out and see for yourself.

Camp toilet

Let’s get this hack out of the way. You’ve probably seen this bucket idea, but if not you can check out this video. Most RVers have rigs that feature onboard toilets, but for those of you who occasionally go off-grid, this well-known hack may be of help.

Campfire and s’mores helper

A five-gallon bucket can hold campfire items: homemade fire starters, fire colorant, marshmallow/hot dog roasting sticks, the book “Campfire Stories for Kids,” a package of wet wipes, and a roll of paper towels.

I love how the bucket keeps everything gathered together, so you’re always ready for an impromptu campfire. When s’mores and storytime end, we have what we need for cleaning up, too! (Want to surprise your fellow campers with unique s’mores? Check out these recipes.)

RV wash

A five-gallon bucket can keep most of your RV washing items together. My husband stores his bottle of car wash detergent, tire shine spray bottle, rags, wash mitts, microfiber cloths, glass cleaner, and paper towel roll inside a five-gallon bucket.

Fish cleaning station

A five-gallon bucket makes a great companion for any angler. Store a cutting board and fillet knife inside the bucket, along with a food storage container and lid, and a package of wet wipes or paper towels. You can sit on the bucket while fishing and when you catch a fish, you’ll have everything you need to clean it. Just place the cutting board on top of the bucket. Clean and fillet your catch, letting the waste fall into the bucket for easy disposal. Place the fillets inside the food storage container and secure its lid.

Wheel covers

Ever since mice ate holes in our first set of wheel covers, we keep our covers and bungee cords inside a five-gallon bucket with a secure lid. The lid seals tightly so no mice or other critter can get inside to nest or nibble.

Air cooler

RVing friends made this air cooler from a five-gallon bucket. You’ll need some tools, PVC pipe, a small electric fan and, of course, a bucket! Watch the how-to video here.

Bucket light

For nights when you can’t have a campfire, try this bucket light. All you need is a battery-powered puck light, adhesive Velcro strips, and a five-gallon bucket. Place one part of the Velcro strip in the bottom of the bucket and the other part on the back of the puck light. Place the lid on the bucket and enjoy!

And more…

Here are a few additional ways that a five-gallon bucket can come in handy while RVing:

• Foot washing (or paw washing for your furry friends) after a hike or day at the beach.
• Collect rainwater or air conditioner water runoff for watering plants.
• Keep a bucket of water near your campfire. Use the water to thoroughly douse the campfire at evening’s end.
• Place a bag of pet food inside the bucket or use a BPA-free, food-grade bucket to store loose pet food.
• Line a bucket with a trash can liner and use it as an outdoor trash receptacle. Pop the lid on to ensure that critters won’t eat food scraps and flies won’t gather.
• Store garden hoses, electric cords, and other items that may otherwise get tangled up or misplaced in your RV’s basement.

How do you use your five-gallon buckets? Tell me in the comments below.

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