Essential Items to Have in Your RV Emergency Kit

No one likes dealing with emergency situations, especially when traveling in an RV. But, inevitably emergencies and accidents will sometimes occur. For that reason, it’s always best to be prepared to handle whatever the situation is as best you can. Most people consider having a set of jumper cables and a tire iron “good enough” to constitute an emergency kit in their cars and trucks. But an RV isn’t a car or truck, and when you’re on the road for days and weeks at a time, the type and severity of potential problems that can occur increases dramatically. As such, it’s important to have an emergency kit on hand that can actually help if the need arises.

As you prepare an emergency kit for your own RV, here are just some of the items to consider including:

1. Tool kit – This should include your standard flat head and Philips head screwdrivers and hammer, but also items like wrenches, a multipurpose tool or knife, and the one thing no tool kit should ever be without – duct tape.
2. Traction aid – Whether you keep tire chains or a few bags of kitty litter on hand, having something to provide traction for your tires when you’re faced with mud or snow can help save the day.
3. Flares – Flares may seem unnecessary, but they can truly help keep you safe when you have to pull your rig over to the side of the road. Not only will lighting flares behind and in front of your RV help create a “safe zone” and make you more visible to other drivers, lit flares will also work in any weather, day or night.
4. Flashlights – It can never hurt to have multiple flashlights stored around your rig because you never know when you’ll need a light. Consider keeping one each in the cockpit, bathroom, kitchen, bedrooms, and bays so you always have one in easy reach.
5. Batteries – Keeping extra batteries on hand to power those flashlights is key, but don’t forget to have batteries for other devices you may use on your trip, too, such as a weather radio or camera.
6. Wheel chocks – A must-have for any RV, wheel chocks will help keep your rig from rolling when not in use. If you’re underneath your RV or in an otherwise compromising position in which you could get hurt if the vehicle started rolling unexpectedly, use wheel chocks on your tires.
7. Fire extinguisher – These helpful aids aren’t just for your home. Keeping an extinguisher on hand can help you keep small fires from getting out of hand.
8. First aid kit – Items such as bandages, gauze, and antiseptic wipes typically come standard in most pre-packaged first aid kits, but don’t forget to add things like over-the-counter and prescription medicines that you may need.

And yes, you should also include a set of jumper cables. While preparing for the worst isn’t always an enjoyable task, doing so could prevent a few headaches and may even save your life in the future. So, take time and make sure that you have an adequate supply of emergency staples on hand before you head out on your next trip. To learn more about traveling safely in your RV, contact us today!