How to Stay Safe When Living in a Motorhome in the USA
Did you know that RV ownership has increased over the past ten years, and now more than 11 million Americans own an RV? RVs are popular due to their comfort, convenience, and affordability.
While living in a motorhome has numerous benefits, learning how to travel safely is essential. If you're new to RV living, you'll need to take the time to learn RV safety tips that will keep you loving the RV life long-term.
Keep reading this guide to learn everything you need to know about staying safe while living in an RV!
Let Friends and Family Know About Your Plans
Communication is the first step to RV safety while you're on the road. While this may seem obvious, it's easy to get caught up in your travels and forget to let your friends and family know where you're headed.
This is especially important when you're traveling hundreds of miles a day. You could experience anything from a flat tire to an accident that requires medical attention.
So, make it a habit to check in with your family before you leave for your next destination. Let them know the route you're taking and the estimated arrival time.
Along the way, send a short text to check in when you stop for fuel or a break. Once you arrive at your campsite, text your location and let them know you've arrived safely.
Always Plan Ahead
Many people who live in an RV like to go with the flow and drive until they find somewhere that looks like a great place to stay.
Although this method can be exciting, it can also become a dangerous travel method. This is especially true if you choose a particular area prone to break-ins or other security problems.
One of the best ways to stay safe is to plan ahead and do some research to find reputable campsites. Check Google to look for reviews and ratings about the campsite. Also, check for ratings on cell data. This is important as some areas might be too remote to get a quality signal.
Remember, you don't need to spend too much time doing this. However, putting in a little effort can save you from problems with safety issues later.
Depending on where you're traveling to, you can use different apps and platforms to find available campgrounds, such as:
- Kampgrounds of America (KOA)
- Reserve America to locate public campgrounds and state parks
- Airbnb offers private sites for short-term stays
- Recreation.gov for camping in federal parks or lands
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
Whether you're at the campground, gas station, or stopping for a meal along the road, you must always stay aware of your surroundings.
Nowadays, many people are glued to their smartphones and not paying close attention to what's happening around them. While it's understandable you'll be taking pictures and posting them on social media for family and friends to see, make it a habit to start paying more attention.
Whenever you stop somewhere, get familiar with the area. Look at the people there, and take in your immediate surroundings.
Additionally, listen to your gut. If you don't feel comfortable about a location, or something doesn't feel right, then you should leave and find somewhere else to go.
It's also essential to always keep your keys in your hand or with you at all times, so you can leave in a hurry if you need to.
Finally, paying attention to how your RV is running is also a part of paying attention to your surroundings. If you notice it's not running as it should, locate the nearest RV mechanic, and have it evaluated.
If your RV is worse for wear, it may be time for an upgrade.
Always Have a Plan B
No matter where you're settling for the night, you'll need a backup plan in case you need to leave quickly. Sometimes you might experience bad weather or a safety issue with the campground that causes you to change your plans.
Before you stop at your campsite, be sure to do a little research to find an alternative site you can safely drive to if needed.
It's also essential to have local phone numbers for police and other emergency services in case you need assistance. You can quickly locate these numbers when you're doing research. You'll need to ensure this information is easily accessible. You can write them down or store them on your phone.
Practice Campsite Safety
Although most campsites or rest areas will have good reviews and seem safe, this doesn't mean you should let your guard down.
Remember, you don't know who is camping with you. So, make it a practice not to venture out after dark or leave windows or doors open while sleeping. You'll also need to be careful not to let strangers into your RV.
Some other ways you can stay safe while camping include:
- Only stay overnight in well-populated parking areas that are monitored regularly
- Hide your cash and other valuables like computers
- Keep your keys by your bed when you're sleeping
- Keep your windows covered to prevent people from looking inside
Be Mindful of Your Health Needs
When you're traveling full-time, the last thing you want to worry about is a health problem occurring. However, it's easy to run into issues like poison ivy or getting stung by a wasp or bee.
You could also encounter something you're allergic to and need medication, like an antihistamine. If you don't have the supplies you need, you could become worse and need to go to the hospital.
You first need to make sure you have a fully stocked first aid kit available. There are first-aid kits created specifically for RV travelers, and they typically have extra supplies included, such as:
- Antihistamines
- Insect sting relief treatments
- Antiseptic wound cleanser
- Calamine lotion
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Splints
- Aloe vera gel
You'll also need to wear protective clothing and protect your skin from the sun. Remember, keeping yourself healthy is one of the best ways to stay safe during your trip.
Staying Safe While Living in a Motorhome
Now that you know how to stay safe while living in a motorhome, you'll be able to enjoy your travel adventures much more.
Remember, your safety is the most important thing, so be sure to do your own research to learn about more safety tips and equipment.
If you enjoyed these RV safety tips, check out our blog for more helpful articles!