How to Pack an RV Emergency Kit
In an RV, there’s always the risk of a roadside breakdown or boondocking mishap. This is why it’s so essential to keep a well-stocked RV emergency kit in your travel trailer, fifth wheel or motorhome. In your kit, there should be three different types of emergency response materials. You should have a first aid kit, of course. Additionally, we recommend a roadside emergency kit with items that will get you back on the highway – especially if you’re out of cell phone range! Lastly, for boondockers and off-roaders specifically, it’s smart to have a small survival kit packed in your rig.
Roadside RV Emergency
A roadside emergency can occur when your car or trailer breaks down on the road, leaving you stranded on your travels. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to pull over on a busy road or somewhere with cell signal. However, when you’re traveling to remote campgrounds and across long stretches of country highway, there’s a good chance you’ll drive for miles without cell signal. This is why roadside emergency materials are important to keep in your RV emergency kit.
Your roadside emergency kit should include a high-visibility vest for each member of your family. This will help other drivers see you at night. Additionally, an LED road flare can help someone find you. You’ll want to pack a flashlight and extra batteries in here, as well as some basic tools. These can be important if it’s a simple task like a tire change will get you back on the road.
Although less for roadside assistance, it’s good to keep tow straps on hand. These are great to have if your RV gets stuck in the mud, or if you happen to come by someone who needs help. Additionally, traction pads can help your tires drive out of the mud.
The last item to include in the roadside section of your RV emergency kit is extra phone chargers and a portable power bank. Even if you can’t plug your phone into a traditional power source, a portable charger will allow you to recharge your phone anywhere so you can call for help.
First Aid Supplies
Whether a natural disaster strikes, your campground is far from the closest hospital, or you simply have a scabbed knee, a first aid kit is essential in every car and RV. You can even have a travel-sized first aid kits to take on hikes and other outings. They’re easy to find online and in some RV parts stores. You’ll often find pre-packed first aid kits ready to go. If you’d rather pack your own, there are a few important items to include.
The first section of your kit should contain bandages and antibiotic ointment so that you can clean and dress wounds. Additionally, we recommend aspirin, a cold compress, nonlatex gloves, a thermometer and tweezers to start your RV emergency kit. Finally, if a member of your family needs medicine like an EpiPen, you’ll definitely want to store an extra in your first aid kit. The American Red Cross has a great list of items that should be kept in your first aid kit.
Survival Kit
The last part of your RV emergency kit is survival supplies! These are especially important for boondockers and off-road travelers. The first item in this kit should be a multi-tool. While you likely have some tools for a tire change, a multi-tool usually has a few different knives and some other helpful options.
Your next survival items should be food rations and emergency drinking water. We’ve also been impressed by the LifeStraw. These handy gadgets remove bacteria and parasites, which helps to make stream or river water safe to drink. They’re small and last long periods of time, so they’re a great addition to your survival kit.
Next, we recommend a pack of thermal blankets. They’re light, compact and can help you retain your body heat on cold nights. A safety whistle is another great addition. Some safety whistles can be heard from a mile away! Lastly, you should keep a NOAA weather radio in your kit. These are especially important in natural disasters. Even if you had cell signal before a dangerous storm, you’ll likely lose it once the bad weather really hits. One of these radios will let you know when the weather will clear up.
Once you have your RV emergency kit packed for any situation, you’re ready to hit the road! Stay safe this camping season with first aid, roadside emergency and survival supplies. If you’re interested in upgrading your RV for the most modern features, safety and otherwise, visit Juniata Valley RV! We have used and new RVs for sale at our Pennsylvania RV dealership. Shop your favorite manufacturers by browsing our inventory online today!
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