Thinking of taking your dog along for the ride? Here’s how I prep my RV trip so that my co-pilot—Pippy the Papillon—is safe, calm, and ready to roll.

Whether it’s your first RV trip with a dog or you’re a seasoned traveler looking to fine-tune your setup, this post walks you through every step.

We’ll cover:

1. How to build a safe and cozy RV seat for your dog
2. Why I use a harness instead of a crate in my RV
3. How to secure your dog during an RV trip—safely and comfortably
4. The exact gear I use for comfort and crash-tested safety
5. What to pack for calm, smooth rides
6. How RV community meetups add purpose (and joy) to every trip 

Let’s get rolling…

 

Why Your Dog’s Setup Matters on an RV Trip

RV life with a dog isn’t just about having them along for the ride—it’s about creating an experience you both enjoy.

We go places together. We sleep in new spots. And we do it all in a small, cozy space that becomes our moving home on wheels.

That means comfort.
That means safety.
And that means being intentional about how you set things up before the key turns in the ignition.

Every RV trip we take teaches me something new—and each one starts with getting Pippy’s seat just right.

 

Watch the full set up here!

 

 

Step 1: Build a Base That Fits

Pippy’s ride is a little throne—and yes, she knows it.

Her RV seat setup starts with:

• A base chair with bolsters so she can rest her head
• A waterproof liner underneath (accidents happen, even with well-trained dogs)
• A soft bed insert for elevation and squish 

She’s tiny, so the base alone doesn’t give her the window view she craves. Adding the fluffy bed on top makes all the difference—she gets the view, I get the peace and quiet.

👉 Bigger dog? Skip the insert and let them curl up in the base.
👉 Smaller dog? Elevate with something soft, washable, and secure.

The whole setup is snug, doesn’t shift, and fits beautifully into the RV seat without sacrificing space. We’ve tested it on long drives through Nova Scotia, PEI, and winding through the Highlands. No complaints from the passenger seat.

 

Step 2: Crash-Tested, Not Just Cute

Let’s talk safety.

Just like you buckle up before a drive, your dog should too—especially on an RV trip where highway driving is part of the plan.

Pippy wears the Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness, and it’s the only one I recommend. It’s crash-tested to 30 mph and features all-metal hardware. That matters.

The typical plastic clips most harnesses use? They won’t hold in a crash. I’ve tested and researched more than my fair share. Kurgo’s design has stood up to the test—literally.

If there’s one piece of gear I want every dog owner to get right, it’s this one.

How to Fit the Harness

I always check twice:

• Head goes through first, making sure fur and ears are clear
• Wide plate under the chest
• Narrow strap across the back
• Straps behind the front legs
• Align the stamped metal clips—that’s your security checkpoint 

Once clipped, it’s not budging.

This setup keeps her secure—and keeps me focused on the road.

 

Step 3: Anchor to the Seatbelt (Properly!)

Here’s something you might not know:
Not all harnesses should be clipped at the top ring.

For RV trip safety, I clip through the reinforced loop on the harness back, then run a carabiner through the seatbelt anchor point.

I buckle the seatbelt in first, then attach the harness.
That way, the tension is where it needs to be, and in the event of a sudden stop, the pressure distributes through the harness—not a single plastic tab.

This is a big reason I feel comfortable skipping a crate on shorter drives in our Class B RV. She’s close, she’s safe, and I can focus on the road knowing she’s secure.

 

Step 4: Emergency Backup Leash

I never hit the road without a 10-foot long line clipped to Pippy’s harness. It sits coiled and out of the way—but if we ever had an emergency, I know I can grab her safely and move her away from the vehicle without anyone needing to reach near her face.

This is especially important during meetups or pit stops, where dogs might get overwhelmed or excited.

The RV lifestyle means embracing the unexpected. Having a plan for quick, safe exits is part of that.

 

Step 5: Comfort Is the Secret to a Calm RV Trip

Some dogs love motion. Others… not so much.

That’s where comfort comes in. Pippy knows her routine:

• Same bed
• Same harness
• Same cues before we hit the road 

She curls up in her booster throne, rests her chin on the bolster, and naps through most of our drive.

If your dog is new to RV travel, keep things consistent. Use their favorite blanket. Keep their toys nearby. Give them breaks when you stop.

The goal? Predictability. Dogs love it—even more so in a moving home.

 

Bringing Pippy to RV Meetups

One of the best parts of every RV trip?
The people.

I’ve met some of the kindest, most welcoming folks through RV community events—whether it’s a campground in PEI, a dog-friendly beach pit stop, or a GoRV Canada gathering.

These meetups aren’t just about camping—they’re about shared values:

• Dogs in tow
• Stories exchanged over fire pits
• Tips swapped about favorite routes and dog-friendly spots 

Pippy’s become a bit of a regular. People know her by name—and she knows where the treat pockets are.

 

Why Community Matters

Traveling solo is powerful. But connecting with other RVers reminds me why I do this.

We share:

• Recommendations for pet-safe trails
• How to store raw food in small fridges
  Favorite parks and road-trip podcasts 

That kind of real-life insight is gold.

When you meet people who just get it, it makes every mile mean more.

 

Want the Gear I Use?

If you want your RV trip setup to look (and work) like mine, here’s a quick list. Everything’s linked in my Amazon store:

• Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness – Crash-tested, all-metal safety
• Dog car booster seat with bolsters – Comfort and chin-rest heaven
• Fluffy dog bed insert – For small dog elevation
• Waterproof seat pad – For stress-free mess control
• 10-ft emergency long line – Easy to grab in a pinch
• Seatbelt carabiner clip – Reliable, secure attachment 

Look for the links below, and make sure you tag me if you try it. I love seeing other co-pilots out on the road.

 

RV Life With Dogs Is Worth It

RV trips with Pippy aren’t always perfect—but they’re packed with moments I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Watching her sniff the ocean air in Cape Breton.
Letting her curl up in the same bed every night, no matter what province we’re in.
Knowing she’s safe while I drive through a mountain pass.

That’s the kind of RV trip we live for.

And honestly? The community makes it even better. From chatting with fellow dog lovers at campgrounds to swapping stories and training tips at meetups, I’ve found so much joy in being part of something bigger—something like what @gorvingcanada celebrates every day.

 

Whether you’re prepping your rig, planning your pup’s first big hike, or just soaking in the view with your co-pilot curled up beside you, you’re living the spirit of #gorvingcanada and discovering what it means to truly #findyourwildhood.

See you (and your dog) out there.
—Karen & Pippy 🐾