If you travel full-time with a dog—especially a big, lovable, constantly shedding Lab like our Sierra—you know that pet hair isn’t just part of life. It’s part of the floor, the furniture, the ceiling vent, and somehow even our meals.
After trying more vacuums than I care to admit, we finally landed on one that could keep up with RV living and a furball of a dog: the Shark ION Pet Plus Cordless Stick Vacuum.
This thing has become part of our daily routine. It’s lightweight, cordless, and powerful enough to tackle the trail of dog hair that magically appears, no matter how often we brush Sierra. Whether we’re parked in the red rock dust of Utah or the sandy coast of Texas, the Shark ION Pet Plus has proven to be the vacuum that can handle life with a Lab in under 300 square feet.
In this post, I’m diving into exactly why this cordless stick vacuum works so well for RVers with pets—and what to know before you buy.
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Why We Needed a Better RV Vacuum
Let’s set the stage. RV floors are small but mighty—every square inch gets a workout. Between the dirt tracked in from campgrounds, sand from the beach, and fur flying around after a good brushing, it adds up fast. Our previous vacuum just wasn’t cutting it. It either didn’t have the suction power or was too bulky to maneuver in tight spaces.
We wanted:
- Lightweight and cordless
- Strong suction for fur and kibble bits
- Easy to empty and clean
- A good filter to control allergens
- Something that could pull double duty for floors, couches, and the Bronco
Spoiler: the Shark ION Pet Plus nailed it.
Shark ION Pet Plus Cordless Stick Vacuum – At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | ~7.9 lbs |
| Runtime | Up to 40 minutes (realistically ~25) |
| Brushroll | Self-cleaning PowerFins (great for pet hair) |
| Filtration | Anti-Allergen Complete Seal + HEPA filter |
| Attachments | Crevice tool, pet multi-tool, dust brush |
| Converts to Handheld? | Yes – very handy for stairs and upholstery |
| Storage Mode | Folds in half for easy closet storage |
| Charging | Wall plug-in, no docking base |
Real-World Performance in an RV
We’ve been using this thing daily for a couple of years now. Here’s the breakdown:
Pet Hair Pickup
This vacuum handles Sierra’s fur like a champ. Whether it’s fine hair stuck in the RV carpet or the clumps near her bed, the suction is consistent, and the self-cleaning brushroll means we haven’t had to manually cut hair out of the head (huge win). It also does surprisingly well on throw rugs and our vinyl plank floors.
Allergen Control
The HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal actually work. Our air inside feels cleaner after a quick vacuum run—no more dusty smells or sneezing after kicking up fur. If you or your dog suffer from seasonal allergies, this is a subtle but welcome upgrade.
Maneuverability
Being cordless and under 8 lbs makes a huge difference in an RV. We can sweep the entire rig without moving cords or switching outlets. It swivels well, lies flat to get under furniture, and easily transforms into a handheld for cleaning the couch, cab floor, or our Bronco’s cargo area.
Battery Life
They advertise 40 minutes, but that’s on low suction. We usually run it on standard mode and get around 25–30 minutes, which is enough for the whole rig and then some. If you live in a bigger fifth wheel or plan to do full-house cleaning, a second battery might be worth it.
Pros and Cons
| 👍 What We Love | ⚠️ What Could Be Better |
|---|---|
| Super lightweight – easy to use and store | Doesn’t stand upright on its own unless folded |
| Tackles pet hair without tangles | Battery life on high mode is limited (~15 minutes) |
| No cords to drag around the rig | Not ideal for thick shag or high-pile rugs |
| Great for allergies – HEPA filter + sealed system | Brushroll isn’t removable, which makes deep cleaning trickier |
| Converts to handheld for stairs, upholstery, or the car | |
| Compact foldable design fits well in RV storage spaces |
Should You Get It?
If you live with a Lab (or any shed-happy pup) and full-time RV life is your jam, this vacuum is absolutely worth it. It’s lightweight, powerful enough to handle daily fur storms, and compact enough to fit inside any RV closet or under-bed storage.
We consider it a must-have appliance for pet owners living in small spaces.
👉 Check Price & Reviews on Amazon
👉 Check Out the Shark ION Pet Plus
Lightweight, cordless, and made for pet hair
Perfect for RVers and pet owners who want to keep their space clean without hauling out a heavy vacuum.
Pro Tips for RVers Using the Shark ION Pet Plus
- Clean the filter weekly (especially in dusty places like Quartzsite or West Texas).
- Use the handheld mode for slideouts, dog crates, and truck seats.
- Grab some extra filters if you’re doing heavy-duty cleaning often.
Final Thoughts
A Labrador in an RV is a joy—but it’s also a mess. Having a vacuum that’s built for pet owners makes a huge difference in your daily routine. The Shark Pet Plus delivers in all the ways that matter most to RVers: lightweight, cordless, allergy-friendly, and seriously good at sucking up dog hair.
It’s not the fanciest vacuum out there, but it’s simple, reliable, and RV-friendly—which is exactly what we need.
If you’ve got a dog (or two), I highly recommend adding this to your gear list.
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