As you venture onto the open road and away from home, RV safety is likely top of mind. Are you prepared for an emergency? Do you know what to do if you find yourself in an unsafe situation? Have you taken precautions to prevent your vehicle from breaking down and being stuck on the side of the road?
Sometimes worries about breakdowns and safety can hold people back from traveling and experiencing new adventures. September is National Preparedness Month, and we believe that with the right safety tips and preparation, your next trip can be memorable, safe, and enjoyable.
Here is Our Complete Guide to RV Safety and Preparedness.
Pre-Trip Planning
Before taking off on your next adventure, it’s best to do some pre-planning and research. You’ll want to be sure that you know where you’re headed, how long it will take to get there, and what the driving and weather conditions will be on the way.
Check the Weather Forecast
While it may look sunny and nice at your current location, you should be aware of what you’re driving into and what the weather forecast looks like for when you arrive at your destination. Consider the following:
Watch the local and regional weather reports. What do the driving conditions look like? Is there potential to be driving into a thunderstorm?
Review the map surrounding your campsite. Will your camping site be near a large body of water that could pose potential flooding issues?
Research which county you’ll be staying in so you know which weather warnings may apply to you.
Check the landscape of your camping site. Does it sit on higher ground or is there potential for water to pool?
Research Your Campsite Location
When you arrive at your planned campground, you’ll want to have a firm grasp of the surrounding area and community. You’ll want to make sure you have access to amenities and that you can receive cell service. Before you take off for your trip, research the following:
Where is the local hospital, mechanic, or vet, in case of emergency?
Are you able to find a proper cell connection should you need it or will you need a different satellite communication device?
Is your desired campsite easily accessible and near the attractions you’d like to visit?
Can you maneuver your RV easily into its parking space and throughout the campsite you’d like to stay at?
Are there other potential campsites nearby in case your desired site feels unsafe or isn’t easily accessible?
Prep Before You Leave
Oftentimes, your RV may be relatively packed and ready for your next adventure. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t complete a vehicle check or review a list of packing essentials before you go. When planning your next trip, be sure to:
Inspect your RV for mechanical issues, low tire pressure, and fluid levels that may need to be topped off.
Create a checklist of essential items to pack on your trip. Keep in mind that this should include camping gear, cooking supplies, and registration plus insurance for your RV, as well as clothing and toiletries.
Check that all of your items are secure inside your RV so they don’t shift or break during travel.
Think about your arrival time before you leave. If possible, it’s best to arrive at your campsite before sunset so you don’t have to set up in the dark.
Oakley Executive RV and Boat Storage makes it easy to retrieve your RV for your next adventure! Our convenient location with RV storage near Antioch, as well as our paved and angled parking spaces, can help you save time when you’re ready to take your next trip.
RV Safety While Driving
Safe driving practices, navigation tools, and emergency preparedness are all important things to consider before leaving.
Now that you’ve planned your trip, know where you intend to stay, and feel safe and secure about what you’ve packed, it’s time to hit the road. However, driving a large RV can be a change from driving a regular vehicle due to its wider, longer, and heavier manufacturing.
Here are a few tips to stay safe on the road and enjoy your drive with less stress:
Drive slowly so you have plenty of time to react to other drivers or changing road conditions.
Leave plenty of space between your RV and the vehicles around you due to the longer braking time of your vehicle.
Be aware of your surroundings, being mindful of overpasses, low bridges, and merging traffic.
Use GPS and maps to stay on track during your drive.
Emergency Preparedness
Even after you check your vehicle and make sure it’s safe and ready for travel, there’s still a chance that you may run into an emergency situation on the road. And, despite your best efforts, no one can predict a breakdown. By having the right emergency tools, you can be ready to handle any emergency situation. Here are a few things to always have on hand:
An emergency kit that includes essential items like a flashlight and first-aid supplies.
Extra bottled water - enough for 1 Liter per person.
An emergency food stash.
Tools such as tow straps, tire chains, a portable air compressor, jumper cables, and tire equipment in case you need to change a flat.
Road triangles in case you need to pull off to the side of the road.
The National Safety Council also provides a list of what you should keep in your car or vehicle in case of an emergency.
Campsite Safety
Once you arrive at your destination, it’s time to think about campsite safety. You’ll first want to check your surroundings. If you don’t feel safe where you are, consider finding another campsite. It’s important that you feel safe and secure with your RV while you travel.
Here are a few other things to think about when it comes to campsite safety:
Consider backing your RV into its sparking space so that you can easily exit if you need to.
Before connecting to the electrical hookup at your space, be sure that your RV's electrical system is compatible with the campground's power supply.
Safely handle propane by checking for leaks and turning it off when not in use.
When hooking up to the campsite's water supply, use a potable water hose designed for RV use.
Follow campground rules for waste disposal, and only use designated dumping stations.
Is your campsite without a waste disposal option? At Oakley Executive RV and Boat Storage, we offer a complimentary private dump station as one of our many features and amenities.
Security and Theft Prevention
By following a few security measures and staying vigilant, you can also reduce the risk of theft or security concerns while parked at a campsite. Here are a few ways to keep your items secure and ensure safety when traveling with your RV:
Lock all entry points into your RV including doors and windows.
Consider investing in security systems or motion-detection lighting.
Secure your valuables like jewelry, electronics, or documents in a safe location.
Enjoy interacting with other campers, but be sure not to divulge any sensitive information to those you don’t know.
If you plan to stay in one location for an extended period of time, try getting to know your neighboring campers to create community awareness.
Traveling and camping with your RV can be a fun and exciting adventure! With a few quick precautions at your chosen campground, you can also make sure you and your vehicle stay safe and protected.
Departure Safety
When your trip comes to an end, it’s time to pack up your RV and head for home. But safety is just as important when leaving your campsite as it is when you begin your journey. Creating a departure checklist can ensure that you and your RV are ready for a safe trip home.
Here are a few things to have on your checklist:
Campsite cleanup. Make sure that all your camping gear, outdoor equipment, and personal items are securely packed and stowed inside your RV. Also, clean up any trash in your area so your campsite is as clean as it was when you arrived.
Inspect your vehicle. While you may have inspected your RV before you left, it’s important to give it another check before you head home. Look for any loose items, such as hoses, cables, or stabilizer jacks, and stow them securely. Your awning should also be retracted and safely in place.
Check your interior storage. Secure interior items to prevent shifting during transit. Close and lock cabinets and drawers to avoid spills.
Before leaving your campsite, double-check that all safety measures have been followed. Having a checklist can help not only ensure the safety of your RV but also contribute to the overall safety and cleanliness of the campground for fellow travelers.
Are You Looking for RV Safety When You’re Not on the Road?
When traveling with your RV, don't let fears of breakdowns or safety concerns hold you back. With the right preparations and mindset, you can explore with confidence.
When you’re not on the road, look to Oakley Executive RV and Boat Storage to safely store your vehicle. Our State-of-the-Art storage facility allows you to easily and safely retrieve your vehicle for your next adventure. Learn more about our pricing and secure your spot today.
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