No matter where your RV adventures take you, it never hurts to be prepared. While it is a good idea to check the weather before setting out on your trip, it’s always a good idea to expect the unexpected and prepare accordingly. While the idea of hitting bad weather on your journey may seem stressful or overwhelming, with a little advanced preparation, you’ll be well prepared for almost anything Mother Nature can throw at you. In this article, we go over the basic safety supplies you should have on hand in an RV and then talk about weather-specific essentials that can bring you piece of mind on your trip.
Basic Emergency Supplies
Before you set out on your next RV trip, there are a few basic emergency supplies you should always have on hand. Keeping these things in stock in your RV can help bring you peace of mind and make sure you’re fully prepared for the unexpected.
- Emergency light sources (flashlights, lanterns, etc.) and batteries
- Flares, traffic safety signals (reflectors, cones), and a signal mirror
- First-aid kit and emergency medications
- Basic RV repair supplies, including tire patches, jumper cables, etc.
- Spare blankets and cold weather gear
- Tire chains
- Extra water and water purification supplies
While many of these items are not weather-dependent, they can make your next RV trip much more secure. Being sure you have the basics to maintain your RV and a few emergency repair items can save you some trouble in a pinch. It is important to note that batteries and other charged items lose their charge faster in cold weather, so be sure to routinely check the status of these items.
RV Supplies for Cold Weather
If you’re looking to travel to an area prone to colder weather, ensuring your RV is well insulated is the first step. However, if you are caught in cold weather, there are some things you can have on hand to make sure you stay nice and warm. Things like spare blankets, extra coats, gloves, hats, and insulated sleeping bags can turn a cold snap from a surprise to an adventure in seconds. In addition, keeping plastic sheets and duct tape on hand can help you insulate your RV windows in a pinch and can also help you make quick repairs should the need arise.
If you are in an area prone to snowfall, keep a collapsable shovel in your RV. You can also keep ice melt and cat litter in your RV in case of icing. Cat litter can provide traction for your tires if you find yourself parked on a patch of ice, while ice melt can keep your RV steps from turning into an impromptu skating rink.
Another thing to keep with you when traveling somewhere with colder weather is emergency heat sources. These include electric heaters, fire-making supplies, and instant hand warmers. While you should never start a fire inside your RV, being able to create an auxiliary heat source outside your RV can help in a pinch, and making a campfire where allowed is always a fun experience for any trip.
RV Supplies for Hot Weather
Many of the same emergency supplies apply to hot weather as cold weather, including insulation gear. However, for places prone to heat spikes, making sure you have extra drinking water is crucial to staying hydrated and healthy should the weather turn on you. You also want to ensure you park your RV somewhere in the shade and bring backup fans or portable AC to help keep the temperature down. Remember, never drink water found in the wild without boiling it, and always only drink from unknown water sources as a last resort.
RV Supplies for Rain, Sleet, and More
Making sure you have waterproof clothing can go a long way toward keeping you comfortable in inclement weather. In the case of rain and other forms of precipitation, your RV preparation is connected to where you choose to set up camp. If you are in an area with a lot of rain or flood warnings, avoid camping on a lower campsite as this may flood. Similarly, parking against a hill may lead to runoff and a damp campsite. In general, the plastic and duct tape we mentioned before can be a lifesaver if your RV starts leaking. Be sure to regularly check the seals on your windows and doors to avoid leaks, and pack extra spare clothes in case of unintentional water contact.
RV Supplies for Power Outages
As mentioned above, bringing light sources and backup batteries can be a lifesaver in an unexpected weather event. You should also pack backup charging devices and solar-powered chargers, as these can be useful in any camping situation. For the most part, temporary power outages are nothing to worry about if you have a basic emergency kit on hand, so be sure to prepare in advance, and you’ll be more than ready should your power cut out.
If you’re getting ready to go on a trip, stop into Good Sense RV to get an RV tune-up. We ensure your RV is in top shape and prepared to take on anything life can throw at it, so you can confidently adventure. If you’re interested in making an appointment or would like to check out any of the RVs on our lot, give us a call today. We’d be happy to check out your RV and make sure you’re ready to explore the great outdoors with peace of mind on your side.
