RV Security and Preparedness – Tricks to Keep Protected Whereas RVing

Is RVing Protected?

Kait and I get questions on RV security and boondocking security so much, even when there’s not a worldwide pandemic occurring. A number of individuals are interested by security on the street, and the way we put together for uncertainty whereas dwelling in such a small area.

It’s good to have a way of warning on the subject of exploring distant areas and adventuring into the unknown. However we’ve by no means let our fears cease us. We imagine that with the best preparation, RVing is usually a secure and enjoyable strategy to discover.

Listed below are our greatest RV journey security ideas, multi functional place. A number of these are helpful regardless of the way you journey or the place you reside, so we hope you’ll get pleasure from them no matter the place you might be!

Journey and RV Security Suggestions

Be Conscious of Your Environment

This rule of thumb sounds apparent, however it may be straightforward to neglect. Whether or not you’re parked at a Walmart or in the center of the forest, at all times concentrate on what’s round you. Whenever you cease someplace, get out and have a look round earlier than you decide to staying. We’ve stopped in locations the place we simply didn’t really feel secure. Somewhat than attempt to speak ourselves into it, we’ve moved on.

We’ve additionally realized that these uncomfortable emotions are a matter of perspective. “Unhealthy” neighborhoods usually don’t faze us; we used to reside in a single! We’re extra cautious after we’re within the backcountry in areas which might be unfamiliar to us. Use your finest judgment and solely keep in locations the place you are comfy.

Maintain an Eye on the Climate

As RVers, we’re up shut and private with the weather, so we pay extra consideration to the climate now than we did after we lived in a home. Keeping track of the climate is a key a part of RV security.

All the time know the climate forecast on your space, alongside together with your vacation spot and your route on journey days. It doesn’t matter how sunny and good it’s proper now. There are such a lot of locations the place the climate can change from blue sky to indignant thunderstorm sooner than you’d assume.

Heavy rain can imply the distinction between a dry campsite and a mud pit that feels extra like quicksand. Whereas a little bit of mud would possibly dampen your tenting expertise (pun meant), a whole lot of it may possibly lengthen your keep indefinitely by getting you caught. RVs are heavy and tough to tow out, so this will depart you with a big tow invoice. We’ve seen this occur a number of instances. Don’t let it occur to you!

When pulling right into a campsite or boondocking website, we glance round to see if our website is on greater floor if there’s rain within the forecast. (And sure, we realized this the laborious approach!) We additionally ensure that we aren’t within the path of a wash. Don’t assume you’re secure simply since you’re within the desert, both. Flash floods are frequent in many components of the desert out west.

Extra RV Security Suggestions for Climate:

• Verify the panorama the place you might be. Are you able to see clear paths the place water flows or swimming pools? You don’t need to be camped in these areas. Increased floor with good drainage is finest.
• Know the names of any our bodies of water close to your campsite, in case of a flood warning.
• Know which county you’re tenting in. Climate warnings and alerts will typically be listed by county identify, somewhat than by metropolis. There’s nothing worse than scrambling to determine whether or not you’re within the path of a extreme storm or not.
• Verify the Nationwide Climate Service web site for the updates in the US.
• Examine our favourite climate app, and different apps we love for all times on the street.

If you wish to know what it’s wish to experience out a extreme thunderstorm in an RV, try the video under. We have been nearer to a twister than we’d ever wish to be once more!

Plan Forward

Analysis the realm. A couple of minutes of analysis about a spot the place you’ll be camped could make an enormous distinction in an emergency scenario. Perceive what providers can be found – or not – in your space. The place is the native hospital, vet, or mechanic? On a latest journey throughout the nation in our camper, we had a problem with the truck. As a result of we needed to make sure we didn’t get stranded, we deliberate our route to incorporate main cities with a Ford dealership, simply in case we would have liked a tow or emergency service.

Have an escape plan. Park in such a approach that if one thing have been to occur, you may make a fast exit. Every time we park for the evening, we at all times again into our spot. This fashion we’re going through the exit and able to transfer shortly if wanted. Within the backcountry, we ensure that to know the routes out and in. This may generally be completed by a satellite tv for pc map of the realm. At a campground, know the place key assets are situated (water, fireplace extinguishers, bathhouses for shelter, camp hosts, ranger stations, and so on.) in case you want them.

When you’re a visible particular person, try Kait’s tip on parking about two minutes into this video:

Make Certain You Can Name for Assist

One of many issues we love most about touring in a Class B van or 4 wheel camper is that we are able to go nearly wherever. We’ve been out within the backcountry so much, typically with out cell protection. Whereas we love the liberty that comes with being unplugged, we additionally perceive that if one thing have been to occur, we’d be on our personal.

As a result of we work from the street, we’ve got some cool expertise to maintain us related. Our weBoost Drive Attain cell sign booster has allowed us to get usable sign in some fairly distant areas.

However, in fact, counting on a cell sign isn’t foolproof.

Not too way back, I made a decision to take my bike into the woods for a fast experience. One wayward tree stump and a minor crash later, I discovered myself mendacity on the bottom in excruciating ache, with a dislocated shoulder and a disheartening “No Sign” icon on my cellphone.

Luckily, I used to be in a position to hike to a spot with simply sufficient protection to textual content Kait my location. Every time I am going out for a bike experience, I ensure that to inform Kait my route and approximate timing. That approach, if I’m not again by a sure time, she is aware of one thing is improper and the place to go search for me. Had I not been in a position to hike out or discover cell service, no less than I knew she would finally discover me.

We’ve since bought a Garmin InReach Explorer. This can be a satellite tv for pc communication machine that enables us to ship and obtain texts through satelite and in an emergency scenario, push the SOS button to have search and rescue come to our help. The most recent model of the Explorer is the Garmin GPSMAP 66i. There may be additionally the smaller Garmin inReach Mini 2 that’s excellent for hikers and mountain bikers.

Extra RV Security Suggestions for Connectivity:

• Inform your loved ones the place you’re going and if you’ll be in contact. Even after we’re collectively, Kait and I take precautions after we go off-grid in locations with patchy cell service. We at all times let household know the place we’re and when to anticipate to listen to from us.
• Within the backcountry, contemplate registering with the forest service or ranger’s workplace. That approach, they know you’re there and are higher outfitted that can assist you if wanted.
• When you can, carry a satellite tv for pc communication machine so that you’re not depending on cell sign.

Have a Option to Defend Your self

Whether or not you’re at a campground or out within the wilderness, there might come a time when it’s essential shield your self. This may imply safety from one other particular person, or from a wild animal like a bear or mountain lion.

There isn’t a scarcity of selections on the subject of self-defense, from firearms to pepper/bear sprays to blunt objects. Decide the strategy that you just really feel most comfy with. Then, apply utilizing it. No matter you select, it’s necessary that you know the way to make use of it earlier than you ever must. (And hopefully, you gained’t.)

Extra RV Security Suggestions for Self-Protection:

• Belief your intestine. When you’re uncomfortable, don’t rationalize. Both depart the scenario or take steps to make your self comfy, like carrying one of many strategies of self-protection described above.
• Be assured and conscious. Don’t be afraid to ask locals which areas are and aren’t secure for vacationers to go to, particularly after darkish. Strive to not get buried in your cellphone. You’re right here to see the sights, bear in mind? Maintain your eyes up and keep engaged together with your environment.
• Convey consideration to your self. This works for each human and animal predators. Your voice is a robust weapon; use it to carry different folks to your help in case you’re in an uncomfortable encounter with one other particular person, or to let wild animals know that you just gained’t be straightforward prey.
• Take a self-defense class. Even in case you journey with a accomplice who appears like an expert wrestler, you in all probability aren’t collectively 24/7 (even when it’d really feel prefer it at instances), so it’s a good suggestion for every of you to know some fundamental self-defense. (Kait took an excellent self-defense course led by Kathryn Cockrell, who impressed a lot of the following tips. Thanks, Kathryn!)

Have an Emergency Plan and Assessment it Typically, Particularly for Extreme Climate

What is going to you do if there’s a pure catastrophe in your space? How about in case you get separated out of your accomplice? Is there a gathering level? Run by way of numerous eventualities so that you just’re ready if one thing does occur.

For instance, if we’re at a campground and there’s the chance it’d flood, Kait and I’ll put together to bug out if wanted. We’ll unplug from the pedestal, put free gadgets away, and get the car able to drive at a second’s discover.

This doesn’t imply it is best to by no means get comfy at a campsite! Be adaptable and alter to your circumstances. Would we put together for flood circumstances in southern California throughout a drought, if there was no rain wherever inside 100 miles? Most likely not. But when we have been in a low space with rain ten miles away that would trigger a flash flood, we’d be paying consideration.

Maintain Passengers Protected Utilizing Seat Belts When Touring in a Motorhome

Most motorhomes have at no less than two seats with seatbelts – the driving force and passenger seat. When you’re touring with buddies or household, ensure that your RV has sufficient seat belts to accommodate everybody. Whereas it might be tempting on your passengers to roam across the RV whilst you’re driving down the street, they need to stay buckled. Not solely may they get severely injured if the driving force needed to, for instance, slam on the brakes, however they may additionally impression the driving force inflicting them to lose management. For these of you with journey trailers, no passengers ought to be allowed to experience within the trailer whereas it’s happening the street.

When you want further area for family and friends, have one in every of them observe alongside in a automobile so that everybody can arrive secure and benefit from the trip.

Create a Pre-departure Guidelines

A guidelines may also help you guarantee that free gadgets get correctly secured, bay doorways get closed, levelers get pulled up, tires get pressurized to a secure vary, and so forth. We’ve seen and heard tales of individuals driving out of the campground with their awning or stairs out, or dragging their energy twine behind them (I’m responsible of this one myself.)

Too many instances, we discovered ourselves with a drawer flying open as we drove as a result of we’d forgotten to latch it. These kind of oversights might be harmful. So, we made ourselves a guidelines. You could find our RV checklists right here.

Don’t Overload Your RV

Overloading a motorhome places extra stress and put on on the tires, suspension and braking techniques. This may trigger untimely failures and a rise in braking distance, making it more durable to keep away from an accident.

For trailers, even you probably have a heavy responsibility truck able to towing properly over your trailers GVWR (gross car weight score), overloading a trailer will stress the body, wheels, axles, brakes and so on of the trailer.

All RVs include a sticker (usually a yellow sticker on the entrance door or contained in the RV close to the driving force’s compartment) that can specify the car or trailer GVWR. That is the max gross weight that the RV ought to be. When you have a truck or motorhome, there must also be a GCWR (gross mixed weight score) which is the max weight of the car plus something your towing. They can even usually checklist a carrying capability. That is the distinction between the curb weight of the car and the GVWR. The carrying capability is how a lot stuff you may carry alongside nevertheless it additionally contains any passengers, water, and so on.

weigh an RV. Most truck stops may have a CAT scale. Merely drive onto the size and push the decision button. Somebody will pop on and ask you a couple of questions…usually they’ll need your truck quantity and some different issues truckers want to supply. We merely inform them we’re a personal RV. As soon as they weigh you, go inside and pay (as of penning this it’s $13.50) and so they’ll hand you a weigh slip. This may present the load of your entrance wheels (steer), rear wheels (drive) and the trailer together with a mixed weight.

Verify Tire Pressures Commonly

An improperly inflated RV tire can result in overheating and trigger the tire to blow out. This may result in extreme injury to the RV and a lack of management, particularly for big Class A motorhomes since they’re so tall and heavy. We’ve had a number of folks we all know have tire blowouts, one in every of which precipitated the motorhome to veer off the street and into an embankment, totalling the RV.

When checking tire pressures, search for any dry rot and be aware the date that the tires have been produced. There’s a 4 digit code – the primary two are the week of the yr and the second two are the yr the tire was manufactured. RV tires have a lifespan of 5-7 years, no matter what number of miles are on them.

Different Verify Objects: Brakes, Propane Tank, Batteries, and so on

Common upkeep in your RV is essential. When you would possibly get away with not changing a set of squeaky brakes in your automobile, it’s a unique story you probably have a 20,000 pound motorhome that’s towing a 5,000 pound Jeep. I at all times love to do a walkaround of the RV to visually verify totally different elements. I’ll verify the propane tank for leaks, rust, free fittings, and so on. I’ll have a look at the batteries to verify for corrosion and free connections. I additionally like to have a look at the body and tow hitch to verify for any apparent cracks and whereas I’m down there I’ll maintain an eye fixed out for any leaking fluids.

So how typically must you do these checks? It actually is determined by how typically you employ your RV. When you’re RV sits so much, then I might recommend a very good walkaround earlier than each journey. When you’re a full-timer who’s at all times on the transfer then it’d make sense to verify each time you’ve the oil modified.

Preparation is Key

An enormous a part of RV security is solely being ready. Listed below are some ideas that can assist you put together for absolutely anything that RV life would possibly throw at you.

Have a First Help Package

We’re our personal first responders. Having a primary help package and understanding use it may possibly make fast work of a finger that you just sliced open whereas chopping onions or save a life. First help kits are available in all styles and sizes nevertheless it’s good to have the fundamentals readily available and construct the package from there relying on what you assume you’ll want and what you know the way to make use of.

Together with fundamental first help gadgets, we at all times carry a trauma package with us that features a tourniquet, sucking chest wound patches, intubation tube, Israeli bandages and some different goodies. Whereas we discover these to be crucial gadgets, they’re ineffective with out the correct coaching. We have been in a position to take a CPR and first help class by way of our native county’s well being division. There are different organizations that host a lot of these lessons just like the YMCA.

Have a Supply of Clear Water

We at all times carry a number of RV water purification techniques in our camper, despite the fact that we principally camp in locations the place clear water is available. Our predominant system is the Journey Berkey, which is ideal for RVing, however we’ve discovered others that work nice as properly.

So long as we’ve got entry to a water supply – any water supply – we are able to purify it and drink water that gained’t get us sick. When there’s a pure catastrophe like a hurricane, an earthquake, and even one thing as unprecedented because the COVID-19 pandemic, bottled water is without doubt one of the first gadgets to vanish from retailer cabinets. As a result of we’ve got our Journey Berkey, we by no means have to fret about how we’ll get clear ingesting water. Learn extra about what we consider the Berkey and the place to purchase one.

Have an Emergency Meals Stash

A part of our RV security and preparedness plan is to at all times have 30 days or extra of meals with us. Chances are you’ll assume that’s not doable in a small area like a van or a truck mattress camper, however let me guarantee you – it’s!

Right here’s the important thing, although: solely retailer meals that you just’re really going to eat. We love dry items like rice, quinoa, beans and different grains. They’re straightforward to retailer and have a protracted shelf life, so we purchase them in bulk. Once we open a bag, we purchase one other one to switch it.

Kait can even purchase freeze dried meals or MREs for me once they go on sale.

Extra RV Security Suggestions for Meals Storage:

• Along with dry items, canned meats or fish (we choose sardines in oil) are additionally nice to have readily available. We will eat them as snacks, or add them to energy bowls.
• When meals you get pleasure from go on sale, purchase further and add them to your stash. You don’t want to do that abruptly; it may be as straightforward as simply selecting up an additional merchandise or two each time you store. Once we traveled with our canine, we saved a stash of treats and pet food for them, too.

Carry Some Instruments and Have a Fundamental Understanding of Your RV

This fashion, if one thing breaks, you might not must pack up and drive to a seller for service. Having your house in a service bay might be an aggravating expertise, and it’s good to have the ability to keep away from the prices concerned with having another person full your repairs.

When you can troubleshoot and even repair one thing your self, it can save you money and time, and get again to having fun with the RV life-style. 

We have been reminded simply how worthwhile this may be not too long ago, after we found a leak within the roof of our new camper. The producer advised us we may take it to any RV restore store to have it fastened underneath guarantee. Sounds nice, proper?

The issue was, the rain wasn’t going to attend for us to get someplace for service, and we didn’t need any water injury to our camper within the meantime. As a substitute, I fastened the roof myself. This saved us getting any mildew or water injury, and we have been again on the street the next day. 

We’ve been in a position to keep away from getting towed or having to get a resort room whereas our RV sat in a service bay on many events, as a result of I had my instruments and the essential information of use them.

Extra RV Security Suggestions for RV Restore:

• When you aren’t positive repair one thing, perform a little research. Don’t really feel like simply since you haven’t achieved one thing earlier than, you aren’t able to doing it. With the best instruments and a few dedication, you may actually shock your self. Like something, do your analysis and proceed with warning. YouTube and RV boards can present a wealth of knowledge, however you probably have any doubts, contact an expert.
• Maintain digital copies of manuals for fast reference when one thing goes improper. (Digital copies are additionally searchable so that you don’t must flip by way of the complete guide to search out what you’re on the lookout for.)

Have a Again-up Plan

Even in case you’ve had reservations for months, at all times arrive with a back-up plan. We’ve pulled into campgrounds with plans to spend a couple of weeks and, on account of climate or the campground itself, determined to depart prior to deliberate. Since we hardly ever make reservations, after we decide a spot to remain, we’ll even have an concept of different spots we are able to go in case our authentic plan falls by way of.

The few instances we’ve been caught with no back-up and wanted it, we’ve discovered ourselves burdened and scrambling to discover a place to sleep. Not enjoyable.

Whereas You’re at it, Have a Plan to Hunker Down

When you’re a full-time RVer like us, you might not have a house base to return to if it’s essential cease touring and keep in a single spot for some time. Like, say, if a worldwide pandemic breaks out!

Even if you’re not coping with campgrounds closing and states shutting down throughout the coronavirus outbreak, you might want a spot to name dwelling for some time. For instance, we would have liked a spot to remain for some time once I had shoulder surgical procedure final yr. We maintain an inventory of family and friends we are able to name on if we want a spot to park briefly.

For longer stays or in locations the place we don’t have that sort of help, we are able to discover a resort or guide a long-term keep at a campground. Whenever you guide an prolonged keep someplace, there may be often a reduction within the type of a weekly or month-to-month charge. We’ve discovered these can generally be greater than 50% off the common nightly charge, so store round and don’t be afraid to ask.

Extra RV Security Recommendations on Preparation:

• Perceive your insurance coverage insurance policies …. BEFORE you want them. We knew we had roadside help included in our coverage, however till we learn the tremendous print, we didn’t know any of the particulars. It’s good to have the small print helpful if you want them, like the truth that your coverage might solely cowl 1 hour of a mechanic’s labor on the website of a breakdown and a tow of as much as 300 miles.
• When you have medical insurance, are you coated in locations the place you’re touring? For a few years, we solely had protection in Texas (the state the place we’re domiciled). Be sure to’re clear on what your medical insurance covers in case you’re exterior your house state or nation.

Is it secure to journey in an RV?

It’s as secure as you make it. When you observe the information I’ve specified by this put up then it’s my opinion, that touring in an RV is usually a secure strategy to journey. After all issues can at all times occur however that’s true for touring by aircraft, automobile and prepare.

Is it secure to reside in an RV?

Once more, I might say it’s as secure as you make it. Concentrate on your environment, the climate and be ready if one thing ought to occur. An RV isn’t a sticks and bricks home – that means that if a extreme storm comes by way of, your RV might not climate it like a set dwelling would, particularly on the subject of one thing like a twister. That mentioned, the fantastic thing about an RV is you could transfer it out of the trail of hazard (assuming you knew it was coming).

I hope this put up makes you are feeling you could be secure nearly wherever, as long as you are taking the time to arrange. As with all journey value taking, there are dangers, however we predict they’re value it. When you have methods to arrange that we haven’t mentioned, please share them with us!

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