5 Essential Tips You Need to Know to Live Safely in an RV
Recreational Vehicles, or “RVs,” are a symbol of freedom and adventure. Combining your home with traveling can be one of the most enjoyable experiences out there. RV culture is very popular in many areas of the United States, with California being the state with the highest number of RV sales.
However, like with all things fun, there are certain dangers that this unique lifestyle can bring. Living in an RV has its own set of challenges and difficulties, and knowing some basic safety tips can go a long way in giving you and your loved ones peace of mind when you are traveling and camping around the country.
1. Stick to Safe Routes
While it can feel adventurous to go where the wind takes you and drive to unknown areas, you are opening yourself up to increased risks. These risks aren’t always from people. They could be the wild animals, the weather, getting lost, or even having your RV break down. In case you are planning to travel with pets, do a short test trip to see how your pet adjusts.
Sticking to safe routes when living in an RV is important for several reasons. Safe routes generally have well-maintained roads, appropriate signage, and minimal traffic, which help to reduce the risk of accidents and other hazards.
Some roads and areas are not suitable for RVs due to narrow lanes, steep grades, and low clearance, and if, by some chance, you end up needing medical help, you don’t want to be in a place where ambulance and emergency services can’t reach you.
By avoiding areas that are known to be hazardous or difficult to navigate, you reduce the likelihood of breakdowns and other issues that can cause delays and extra expenses.
2. Get a Good Insurance Policy
Insurance for RV campers is an essential consideration when hitting the road in an RV. It can provide coverage for a wide range of potential risks and damages that may occur while on the road or parked at a campsite. Getting an RV insurance quote and investing in a good policy is something every camper should be looking into.
Without the proper insurance coverage, RV campers may be left to pay for expensive repairs and medical bills out of pocket. There are a few types of insurance options that you can get, with the first type being liability insurance.
This type of insurance can provide coverage for any damages or injuries that an RV camper may cause to others while operating their RV. This can include coverage for any legal fees or settlements that may result from an accident. Without liability insurance, an RV camper may be held personally liable for any damages or injuries they cause.
Collision and comprehensive insurance is also something to look at and covers damages to the RV if it is involved in an accident or if it is damaged by other events such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. Without insurance, RV campers may be left to pay for costly repairs out of pocket, which can be financially devastating.
3. Develop Situational Awareness
Situational awareness is the ability to be aware of your surroundings and potential dangers. RV camping is an experience that can expose you to a wide range of hazards and risks, both while driving and while parked.
You probably have some experience with situational awareness when driving regular vehicles, but due to the size of an RV, you want to be a little more alert here.
When not driving, be aware of the kind of places you decide to camp in, especially if it’s not a trailer park or a camping ground.
An RV is not that secure of a vehicle, regardless of what the seller would have you believe. When you are camped in a quiet area and notice sketchy-looking people nearby, it’s possible to feel quite unsafe.
You don’t get the kind of security that a regular house provides you, and the difference is clearly felt. Add to that, a lot of these vehicles love to use big windows made of glass, which tends to lower your confidence in its security even more. The best solution to this is to always be aware and alert of what's happening around you, even if it is peaceful and quiet.
4. Avoid Drawing Unnecessary Attention
Drawing attention while RV camping can be problematic for several reasons. One of the main reasons is that it can make you more vulnerable to theft and other crimes. RVs are often equipped with valuable items such as electronics, appliances, and personal belongings. Drawing attention to your RV may make it more likely that it will be targeted by thieves.
Never tell people that you are traveling alone. If you are camping for a while in the same spot, you might not be able to convince people of this, especially when they see no one else around, so try not to stay in one place too long. Also, never show off expensive gadgets or items that tell everyone, “Look at me. I’m rich.”
5. Have a Backup or Escape Plan
Having a backup or escape plan is an important consideration for RV campers because it can help to ensure your safety and well-being in the event of an emergency. Some key elements of a backup or escape plan may include:
A communication plan: This includes having a reliable way to communicate with loved ones and emergency services, such as a cell phone or satellite phone, and a list of emergency contact numbers.
Knowing your escape routes: Make sure you know the location of the nearest exits or escape routes in case of an emergency. It’s also important to familiarize yourself with the surrounding area and know the best routes to take in case you have to evacuate quickly.
Set up camp in such a way that you can leave at a moment's notice. You don’t want to be stuck putting things back into your RV when you need to be getting out of there immediately.
Having emergency supplies: In addition to a basic emergency kit, ensure you have enough water, non-perishable food, flashlights, first aid supplies, and a portable charger for your communication devices.
Knowing about potential hazards: A lot of campers prefer to travel in areas that are prone to wildfires or extreme weather events. You don’t want to deal with this in a reactive manner. Always plan out each trip. This can’t be overstated.
Conclusion
RV Camping is one of the most interesting and enjoyable forms of travel that you can experience. Campers are a passionate bunch, and even global pandemics haven’t brought down their spirits. While it can be thrilling to only have the road in front of you as your companion (if you are going solo), you do want to keep safe.
We hope the tips in this article have helped remind you of the different aspects to be aware of. As a final note, be careful if you decide to bring any sort of weapon with you for self-defense. You can get into a lot of trouble if you are caught transporting a firearm across some state lines.
