9 Essential Dashboard Accessories to Organize Your RV

Navigating the open road in an RV is an incredible adventure, but a cluttered dashboard can quickly turn a scenic drive into a stressful ordeal. When sunglasses, maps, and charging cords start sliding across the dash during a sharp turn, distraction takes over. Equipping your cockpit with the right organization tools keeps critical items within reach and ensures your focus remains entirely on the road ahead.

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Creating a Functional and Clutter-Free RV Cockpit

The dashboard of a motorhome or towing vehicle is significantly larger and deeper than that of a standard passenger car. This expansive surface area easily accumulates miscellaneous items, but it also subjects them to intense vibrations and shifting forces. Without a deliberate organization strategy, this space quickly becomes a safety hazard rather than a functional workspace.

An effective RV cockpit relies on zoning. Items must be positioned based on how frequently they are needed during transit, ensuring that primary navigation tools remain in the driver’s immediate line of sight. Secondary items, such as toll passes, sunglasses, and tire pressure monitors, require secure secondary locations that do not block the windshield.

Achieving a clean setup means prioritizing secure attachment methods and high-quality materials that resist sun damage. Extreme heat buildup under a massive RV windshield can degrade cheap plastics and weaken low-grade adhesives within a single season. Investing in durable, UV-resistant accessories ensures your setup remains stable and reliable through every climate.

Phone Mount – Scosche MagicMount Pro2

A reliable phone mount is the cornerstone of a safe cockpit, keeping your communication and backup navigation tools securely positioned. The Scosche MagicMount Pro2 delivers exceptional stability by using powerful neodymium magnets that hold your phone in place, even on rough, unpaved roads. It mounts easily to your dash or windshield, providing a direct view of your screen without blocking your forward vision.

• Dual-magnet design compatible with MagSafe technology and standard magnetic plates
• 360-degree adjustable swivel head for portrait or landscape viewing
• Suction cup base with automotive-grade adhesive for a semi-permanent, vibration-free hold
• Heat-resistant composite construction to withstand direct sunlight exposure

Before purchasing, consider the layout of your dashboard and the thickness of your phone case. If you use a heavy-duty, extra-thick protective case, you will need to apply the included adhesive metal plate directly to the exterior of the case to ensure a strong magnetic bond. Additionally, ensure the mounting surface is thoroughly cleaned with isopropyl alcohol before installation to achieve maximum adhesion.

This mount is ideal for drivers who want a quick, grab-and-go docking solution that does not require fumbling with mechanical spring-loaded cradles. It is less suitable for those who prefer to keep their phone completely out of sight or drivers with heavily textured, porous dashboards that prevent suction cups from sealing properly.

Non-Slip Pad – Licheers Silicone Dash Mat

For items that do not require dedicated mounting brackets, a high-quality non-slip pad is an indispensable accessory. The Licheers Silicone Dash Mat uses a specialized high-grip silicone formula to keep sunglasses, keys, and loose change firmly anchored to your dash. Its flexible design contours perfectly to curved dashboard surfaces, preventing small items from sliding into the windshield defroster vents.

• Eco-friendly, non-toxic silicone that leaves no sticky adhesive residue behind
• Washable and reusable surface that restores its original grip with a simple water rinse
• Raised borders to contain small rolling items like pens or lip balm
• Integrated multi-angle phone stand for temporary hands-free viewing when parked

Over time, dust and pollen from open camper windows will accumulate on the mat, reducing its natural tackiness. A quick wash with warm water and mild soap immediately restores its grip, making maintenance incredibly simple. Avoid placing this mat directly over passenger airbag deployment zones, as any items resting on top could become dangerous projectiles if the airbag inflates.

This mat is perfect for RVers who need a temporary, flexible landing spot for daily essentials without drilling holes or applying permanent adhesives. It is not designed to hold heavy tablets or bulky navigation screens, which require rigid mechanical mounts for safe travel.

Dash Organizer – High Road Passenger Organizer

When a simple non-slip pad is not enough to hold your travel guides, notebooks, and binoculars, a dedicated console organizer is necessary. The High Road Passenger Organizer bridges the gap between dash storage and seat storage, keeping your essential co-pilot gear organized and within arm’s reach. It features structured side walls and multiple mesh pockets to keep larger items from tipping over during transit.

• Heavy-duty 500D polyester fabric designed to resist wear and tear
• Adjustable strap system to secure the organizer to the passenger seat or center console
• Padded inner compartments to protect sensitive electronics, cameras, or binoculars
• Exterior mesh pockets for instant access to pens, tire gauges, and charging cords

When positioning this organizer, ensure it does not interfere with the movement of your gear shifter or handbrake. Its larger footprint means it occupies usable cabin space, so it is best suited for Class A or Class C motorhomes with spacious center consoles. For smaller Class B camper vans, double-check your clearance measurements between the driver and passenger seats before purchasing.

This organizer is highly recommended for travel teams where the co-pilot manages maps, campground directories, and logbooks active during the drive. It is not suitable for solo drivers with minimal cab space who cannot easily reach the passenger seat area while driving.

RV GPS Navigator – Garmin RV 890 GPS Navigator

Relying solely on standard smartphone mapping can lead to disastrous encounters with low-clearance bridges and weight-restricted roads. The Garmin RV 890 GPS Navigator is engineered specifically for large vehicles, offering custom routing based on the exact height, weight, length, and width of your rig. Its massive, easy-to-read screen ensures you never have to squint at small text while managing a complex highway merge.

• Large 8-inch high-resolution display with dual-orientation viewing options
• Custom RV routing that accounts for vehicle size and weight restrictions
• Preloaded directory of RV parks, services, and national park land campsites
• Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity for easy map and software updates without a computer

Operating this navigator effectively requires an initial time investment to accurately input your vehicle’s profile details, including propane tank status and axle weights. The unit also requires a reliable 12-volt power source, meaning you will need to plan your cable routing to keep the dash clean. Keep in mind that while the screen is highly legible, its size requires a sturdy mounting position that does not block your critical windshield view.

This navigator is a must-have safety tool for drivers of Class A motorhomes, large fifth wheels, and travel trailers who travel frequently on unfamiliar highways. It is unnecessary for drivers of small camper vans who can safely navigate standard routes using standard mobile map applications.

Visor Organizer – Cocoon Grid-It! Organizer

The sun visor is often underutilized, yet it is the perfect location for storing lightweight, frequently used tools without taking up valuable dashboard space. The Cocoon Grid-It! Organizer features an innovative grid of slip-resistant elastic bands that hold items securely in place at any angle. It allows you to customize your storage layout for charging cables, tire pressure gauges, and penlights.

• Proprietary rubberized elastic weave that maintains tension over years of use
• Sturdy, rigid backing board that prevents the organizer from sagging when fully loaded
• Universal strap system that attaches easily to any standard RV sun visor
• Flat, low-profile design that does not interfere with the visor’s folding mechanism

Be mindful of the overall weight you add to this organizer, as overloading it can cause your sun visor to drop down unexpectedly on rough roads. Keep items flat and light, saving bulky items like heavy multi-tools or thick flashlights for your glove box. Ensure the straps are pulled tight during installation so the board does not vibrate against your windshield.

This accessory is ideal for tech-focused travelers who need to organize a variety of small cables, adapters, and tools. It is less useful for those who only need to store paper registration documents, which are better suited for a traditional zippered pocket organizer.

USB Charger – Anker PowerDrive Speed 2

Keeping high-drain devices like tablets, GPS units, and smartphones powered up is essential on long driving days. The Anker PowerDrive Speed 2 plug-in charger fits securely into your vehicle’s 12-volt accessory outlet, delivering ultra-fast charging speeds without overheating. Its premium build quality ensures a consistent electrical connection, preventing the frustrating power drops common with cheap plastic chargers.

• Dual Quick Charge 3.0 ports delivering up to 39 watts of total output power
• Patented MultiProtect safety system to shield devices from surges and overheating
• Subtle, non-distracting LED ring to help locate ports in low-light conditions
• Compact, flush-fitting metal alloy casing that blends seamlessly into the dash

Before purchasing, verify if your specific devices require USB-A or USB-C connectors, as this model uses standard USB-A ports. You will need to pair this charger with high-quality, heavy-gauge cables to achieve maximum charging speeds. Additionally, some older RV 12-volt outlets can be slightly oversized, so ensure the charger’s tension springs seat firmly into your socket.

This charger is perfect for drivers running multiple power-hungry navigation and camera apps simultaneously on long trips. It is not suitable for modern setups that rely exclusively on USB-C Power Delivery (PD) connections unless you use compatible adapter cables.

Cup Holder Expander – WeatherTech CupFone

Standard dashboard cup holders are rarely designed to accommodate large insulated travel mugs or hold smartphones in an easy-to-read position. The WeatherTech CupFone solves both problems by sitting securely inside your existing cup holder and providing a stable, elevated mount for your phone. It utilizes an adjustable base system to guarantee a snug fit in almost any vehicle cup holder configuration.

• Interchangeable base cups to fit various cup holder diameters perfectly
• Open-access bottom design allowing easy charging cable connection while mounted
• 360-degree rotation capability for quick adjustment to any viewing angle
• American-made, high-grade plastic construction that resists fading and warping

Because this unit sits in an existing cup holder, it will occupy one of your beverage spots unless your RV features multiple console pockets. It positions your phone lower than a traditional windshield mount, which is excellent for keeping your view of the road clear, but requires a quick glance downward to read map details. Ensure your cup holders are located in a comfortable line of sight before choosing this mounting style.

This mount is best for drivers who despise windshield suction cups or adhesive dash mounts and want a heavy-duty, removable phone holder. It is not recommended for vehicles with extremely low or rearward-facing cup holders that force the driver to look too far away from the road.

Car Trash Can – Hotor Trash Can with Lid

A clean cockpit requires a dedicated space for waste, otherwise receipts, wrappers, and empty water bottles will inevitably clutter your console. The Hotor Trash Can with Lid provides a compact, leakproof solution that mounts easily to your center console, seat headrest, or dash area. Its clever rubberized lid allows you to discard trash easily while keeping unsightly waste and odors completely contained.

• 100% leakproof inner lining that prevents liquid spills from damaging your RV’s carpet
• Adjustable tightening straps to mount the can securely to various interior fixtures
• Magnetic lid closure that keeps trash securely inside even on bumpy roads
• Mesh storage side pockets for spare liner bags and hand sanitizer bottles

While the interior lining is fully waterproof and washable, using small plastic liner bags makes emptying the bin much faster and cleaner. When mounting the trash can, choose a spot that is easily reachable from the driver’s seat but does not obstruct your legroom or block access to lower dash controls.

This trash can is an absolute necessity for long-distance RVers who prefer to minimize stops and keep their driving cabin pristine. It is less critical for weekend travelers who make frequent stops and empty their vehicles at the end of every short drive.

Sun Shade – EcoNour Windshield Sun Shade

A hot dashboard can quickly degrade plastic components, ruin sensitive navigation screens, and make your RV cabin unbearably hot when parked. The EcoNour Windshield Sun Shade blocks harmful UV rays and reflects solar heat, protecting your interior electronics and reducing the load on your vehicle’s air conditioner. Its lightweight, collapsible design makes it easy to store in seat pockets when not in use.

• High-density 240T polyester material for superior reflection of heat and UV rays
• Two-piece overlapping design that allows for a custom fit on various windshield shapes
• Durable steel ring connectors that maintain their shape after thousands of folds
• Compact storage pouch included to keep the shade compressed and out of the way

Because RV windshields are massive compared to standard passenger cars, measuring your glass before ordering is absolutely critical to ensure full coverage. Setting up the shade takes a small amount of practice to pop open and tuck behind your sun visors, and folding it back down requires a simple twisting motion that has a slight learning curve.

This sun shade is essential for RV owners who park in high-heat environments or storage lots and want to protect their dashboard investment. It is not necessary if your motorhome is equipped with high-end, built-in motorized night shades.

How to Secure Dashboard Accessories for Safe Driving

Securing items to your dashboard is not just about keeping the space tidy; it is a critical safety practice for highway driving. In a sudden braking event or collision, any unsecured object on your dashboard can become a high-velocity projectile. Mechanical clamps, heavy-duty suction mounts, and vehicle-specific brackets should always be prioritized over loose bins or weak double-sided tapes.

When using adhesive mounts, surface preparation is the single most important step for long-term stability. Clean the dashboard surface thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol to remove all traces of vinyl protectants, dust, and oils that prevent adhesives from bonding. Allow the surface to dry completely, apply the adhesive at room temperature, and let it cure for at least 24 hours before hanging any heavy devices.

Finally, establish a routine checkup for your mounts before starting any major road trip. Fluctuating cabin temperatures can cause suction cups to lose their vacuum seal and adhesives to soften over time. Tug gently on your GPS and phone mounts before shifting into drive to ensure they are still firmly anchored.

Keeping Your Dashboard Visuals Clear and Distraction-Free

The primary purpose of organizing your dashboard is to maintain a completely clear, unobstructed view of the road and your vehicle’s instrument cluster. When installing GPS units, phone mounts, or backup camera screens, ensure they are positioned below the hood line or tucked into the lower corners of your windshield. Check your local state laws, as some jurisdictions have strict regulations regarding where electronic devices can be legally mounted on front glass.

+-------------------------------------------------------------+ |                     WINDSHIELD VIEW                         | |  [Keep Clear]                                 [Keep Clear]  | |                                                             | +-------------------------------------------------------------+ |                       DASHBOARD AREA                        | |  [GPS Mount]            [Dash Mat]          [Phone Mount]   | |  (Low Corner)          (Center Flat)        (Low/Console)   | +-------------------------------------------------------------+ 

Cable management plays a major role in keeping your visuals clean and your controls accessible. Loose cords hanging down from the dashboard can easily hook onto your gear shifter, turn signals, or even snag on your knees while driving. Use small adhesive cable clips to route power cords along the seams of your dashboard paneling, keeping them taut and out of the way of all moving parts.

Lastly, pay attention to screen brightness and reflection, especially when driving at night. Position your electronic screens at a slight angle to prevent their light from reflecting off the side windows or windshield directly into your eyes. Utilize automatic night-mode settings on your GPS and smartphone to dim the displays, keeping your night vision sharp and your focus on the road.

Conclusion

Creating an organized, functional cockpit is one of the easiest ways to improve your safety and comfort during long days behind the wheel of your RV. By investing in dedicated mounting solutions, heat-resistant non-slip surfaces, and smart cable management tools, you protect your electronics and eliminate hazardous driving distractions. Take the time to secure your gear before your next departure, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a professional, clutter-free dashboard.