Emergency Preparedness: 3 Tips for RVers

Taking your RV on the road can be the highlight of your year. However, unforeseen emergencies that can derail a trip exist nearly every step of the way, from accidents to injuries to inclement weather.

 

RV driving down the rode

 

Of course, any RVer knows that the best way to avoid emergencies is through smart preparation and planning. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Researching your route before you go, having the right equipment on the road, and taking proper care of your home on wheels in between trips can help you avoid disaster.

 

Consider Your Route

Traveling means getting away, but complete isolation from the outside world is far from safe. This year, it is especially important to ensure that others know where you’re going. Wildfires are impacting RV camping trips across Northern California, and the hurricane season is ramping up across the southeast. Nature can change without much notice. By sharing your route and specific dates with people you trust, you can help ensure that someone will come looking for you if you lose your way.

Even if you’ve traveled the same route a hundred times, you should always share your travel plans with trusted contacts. Of course, part of the joy of traveling is the ability to be spontaneous. There are several apps that can easily share and update travel schedules. This allows RVers to change plans on the fly, while effortlessly notifying those back home. This is especially helpful if you forget to call – or just want to disconnect for a while.

 

Equip Yourself and Your Ride

When you’re on the road, the right tech can make all the difference when it comes to safety. Every RV should be equipped with cell and Wi-Fi signal boosters. Even if you truly want to drive your RV into an off-the-grid experience, being able to stay connected is emergency preparedness 101. Accidents can happen at any time and being stranded with no contact can have devastating consequences.

It goes without saying, but RVs are large vehicles, and they are challenging to operate safely. Other upgrades can ensure that your RV is covered from all angles, both for safety and convenience. For instance, eliminate blind spots with wide-view cameras. Use night-vision to ensure the outdoors are safe before stepping outside. Curb sensors and backup assistance are other quality-of-life upgrades that reduce stress and improve safety.

Finally, no RV is complete without a generator to ensure that you’ll always have the juice needed to stay safe and comfortable. GPS locators, cell phones, and fans can be plugged in without draining the RV’s batteries. Even campgrounds can go off the grid if there’s a power disruption. Don’t be left in the dark. If you’ll be spending a lot of time in nature, consider a CARB-compliant generator. Low emissions are safer for people and the environment.

 

Proper Storage Leads to Safe Travels

Some of the most impactful safety considerations you make happen while you’re RV is parked at home. Properly storing your RV is crucial in the off-season. If you’re storing your RV at your residence, then keep it on the driveway to reduce the risk of tire damage and keep mud and dirt to a minimum.

If you don’t have the driveway space, consider building a backyard pad designed just for the RV. This will prevent damage to your yard and ensure that your RV doesn’t sink into the ground over the winter months. And a brick paver pad is easy to DIY using an online brick paver calculators to figure out the costs. If you go this route, be sure to protect your RV from the elements with a weather-resistant cover or metal carport. This will keep everything from seals and hoses to batteries and engines in good, working order.

If you don’t have the means to store your RV at home properly, then consider reputable self-storage options. Look for options with 24-hour access and a robust security system. Before you transport your RV to a self-storage site, be sure to prepare your vehicle. Disconnect the gas lines and keep your tires at the maximum cold temperature PSI. For longer storage durations, be sure to move the RV regularly to avoid tire damage. Keeping your RV in prime storage condition will help minimize dangerous road events in the long run.

Staying safe on the road begins with smart decisions before the trip. Keep wear and tear low through smart storage. Protect your investment and make sure it stays clean and monitored when you’re not using it. Also, be sure you take advantage of the latest technology to keep you safe. Finally, before any trip, share your itinerary with trusted friends. Getting away is a great way to recharge. The next time you take your RV on the road, though, be sure that you’re doing it safely.

About the Author: Molly Barnes

About the Author: Molly Barnes

Molly Barnes is a full-time digital nomad, exploring and working remotely in different cities in the US. She and her boyfriend Jacob created the website Digital Nomad Life to share their journey and help others to pursue a nomadic lifestyle.