Ever wonder what it’s really like to live out of an RV while running a business and bringing your dog along for the ride?
Well, I’ll show you.
I’m Karen Laws, the Ontario Dog Trainer—and this June (which happens to be National Camping Month, who knew?), I hit the road with Pippy, my little Papillon, for a few days of RV life done my way.
I didn’t plan this trip around the holiday, but I’m not mad about the timing. Thanks to a bit of prep and the support of Go RVing Canada (who genuinely care about this lifestyle and it shows), I’ve got the freedom to work, play, and travel how I want—without stress.
So, let me walk you through how I set things up, what gear I love, how I stay connected, and why this kind of life fits me (and my dog) like a glove.
What RV Life Means to Me
I didn’t grow up camping. I’m not a tent girl. I’m a get-one-more-client-in-before-I-leave kind of girl. So when I bought this Class B Pleasure-Way van in 2022, it was never about roughing it—it was about moving freely, working when I want, and still getting a good night’s sleep.
It’s clean. It’s reliable. It’s all mine. And most importantly: it’s easy.
This setup means I can:
- Roll out last-minute without fuss
- Bring Pippy wherever I go
- Sleep safely, cook simply, and work remotely
- Skip the campground hustle (and avoid setting up tents in the dark)
RV life is about making room—for nature, for peace, and yes, for the dog crate.
First Thing I Do When I Arrive? Internet.
That’s right. I don’t fire up the grill. I don’t crack a cold drink.
I set up Starlink.
As a business owner, staying connected matters. Whether I’m answering a coaching email or leading a group call, I need Wi-Fi that doesn’t crap out halfway through a sentence. Starlink’s my lifeline.
And let’s be real—if it’s raining, I can still stream a webinar or catch a show with zero lag. That’s the kind of RV life I signed up for.
Outdoor Setup: Quick, Clean, and No Tents Required
When I pull in late (which I always do), I want to be functional fast.
Here’s what I set up outside:
🟢 Must-Have Gear:
- Sand-sucking mat – Keeps dirt and dog hair out of the van.
- Adjustable-height table – For cooking, gear, laptop, whatever I need.
- RUX box – Waterproof, tough, and holds all the “where do I put this?” stuff.
- Woods Arctic cooler – Claims to keep ice four days. Testing that as we speak.
- Outland Living fire pit – Still figuring out how to light it, but it’s coming.
- ROLOF bug screens – Custom fit, made in Canada. Absolute game changer.
And yes, I’ve got solar panels, a generator (loud, but there), and even an outdoor shower for post-hike cleanups.
This isn’t camping. This is controlled comfort. And I love it.
Why I Travel in June (and You Might Want to Too)
Here’s the secret: RV life is best when the parks are quiet.
June is perfect. Kids are still in school. Trails are wide open. Campsites aren’t full. I stayed at Ferris Provincial Park this week and barely saw a soul. That’s peace you can’t buy.
Pro tip: Midweek camping in June? Chef’s kiss.
Wanna See Inside the Van?
Watch here.
My “Tiny Home” With a Job to Do
When I open the sliding door, Pippy’s crate is front and center. Shoes are contained. Storage is tight but tidy.
🟢 Indoor Setup Highlights:
- Seat-back organizers – Poop bags, umbrellas, wipes, all out of sight.
- Packing cubes – Everything’s in its place. No chaos.
- Three-compartment shoe bin – Keeps the mud from spreading.
- Hooks, clips, and stick-on gadgets – I use every inch of this space.
- Privacy curtains – I sleep in peace, no peeking.
It’s minimalist, yes. But I’ve got space to move, cook, sleep, and even work if the weather turns on me.
The Kitchen: Small Space, Big Function
I’m not gourmet on the road—but I do like to eat well and keep things clean.
🟢 My Go-To Items:
- Collapsible wash bin (Canadian Tire!) – Wash dishes inside or out.
- Rubber stove cover mat – Gives me counter space when I need it.
- Microwave, fridge, and pantry shelves – Small, but mighty.
And yes, there’s a sound bar and a TV. Haven’t used them much—but they’re there when I’m ready.
Staying Organized on the Road
If there’s one lesson I’ve learned from RV life, it’s this: containment = sanity.
I use a hanging organizer for skincare, face cloths, deodorant, sunscreen—everything that used to roll around and drive me nuts.
One section is for kitchen stuff. Another for bath. The third for “Karen needs to feel human.”
Simple.
The Bathroom: Not Glamorous, But It Works
I’ll be honest—I don’t use the indoor shower. It’s tight. The curtain’s annoying. There’s barely room to turn around.
But the outdoor shower? That I use. Especially in summer.
Bonus hack: I added a tension rod to the bathroom so I can hang paper towels and toilet paper. Frees up floor space, and no drilling needed.
How I Work (and Stay Charged)
This isn’t just a vacation. It’s part of my business life.
🟢 My RV Workstation:
- Starlink – Reliable internet, even deep in the woods.
- Lume Cube – Great lighting for calls and webinars.
- Hooks for gear – Keeps cords and chargers tidy.
- Laptop table – Pulls out when I need it. Folds away when I don’t.
This setup lets me teach, coach, and connect without ever feeling stuck. I can do a Zoom session from a trailhead if I need to.
Pippy’s Setup: Safe, Cool, and Always Included
RV life with dogs isn’t an afterthought. It’s part of the plan.
Pippy rides in a crash-tested harness. Her crate is her home base. She’s got her mat, her fan, her bowls—all the things she needs to feel settled.
🟢 Dog Travel Essentials:
- Crash harness
- Collapsible food and water bowls
- Longline
- Cooling mat
- Crate fan
She’s a seasoned traveler now. She settles fast, sleeps well, and loves being part of the adventure.
Minimalist, Not Missing Anything
The more I do this, the more I realize how little I need.
Everything has a place. I don’t bring what I won’t use. I don’t buy what I can’t store. And because I’m not juggling gear or fussing with camp setup, I get to enjoy the best parts of RV life: the stillness, the freedom, and the deep breath that comes with stepping outside.
This isn’t a break from my life—it’s part of it.
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 life 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 🐾