Gabe and Rocio are two digital nomads who have spent the last four years traveling full-time. Following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, they sold everything they owned, moved stateside, and began their RV lifestyle. They are currently traversing the lower 48 states with their dogs, Wilson and Journey, in search of all the beauty the U.S. has to offer.
Featured RV: 2021 Thor Motor Coach Sequence 20L
After taking countless RV trips all across the country, Gabe and Rocio know a thing or two about staying safe when traveling. And while each rig and adventure is different, there are some critical things that everyone should consider when planning their next RV camping trip. Here are six essential tips for staying safe on the road.
Before you leave, know if your destination allows open fires or if there is a fire ban or restriction in place. A simple Google search should provide this information, but you can always check at the local ranger station once you arrive just to make sure, as fire restrictions can quickly change. If your destination does allow fires, always burn it in a designated fire pit and never leave it unattended.
Most smartphones can give you instant access to a 10-day weather forecast. However, platforms like YouTube can help provide live camera views of your destination, and websites like RV Weather are great for more detailed weather warnings and conditions. In addition to checking the forecast for your destination, it doesn’t hurt to also know seasonal weather and conditions for the surrounding area. For example, are you visiting Florida during hurricane season (June to November) or California during fire season (July through October)? Knowing this information ahead of time may impact how long you stay and what items you pack.
It’s critical that you figure out how to get where you’re going—which not only includes road closures and road conditions but also height and weight restrictions. Using an RV-specific navigation app, like inRoute or RV Trip Wizard, can help flag any potential hazards on your route and ensure that you and your RV get to your destination safely.
Always let someone know where you’re going to be and how long you’ll be gone for. Oftentimes, when you’re RVing and camping, you’ll be in remote places with no service so it’s important that someone knows your location in case something goes wrong or you need help. If you’re concerned about cell coverage or access to service, consider buying a satellite communication device. These small devices can send text messages even when you’re really far off-grid.
Wildlife not only includes animals but plants as well. Do your homework and see what plants and animals live around your destination and plan accordingly. You may need to bring calamine lotion for poison oak or bear spray for late-night campsite visitors. To help avoid any unwanted visitors, always store your food and toiletries inside a designated bear box or inside your RV.
An emergency kit includes both a first aid kit and a roadside kit. Having some medical basics, such as antiseptic wipes, gauze, Ibuprofen, and water, is critical for your health but you also need to be mindful of your RV’s health. Wrenches, extra fuses, duct tape, and a bubble level are all great to have on-hand in case you need to do some quick RV maintenance. Try to keep both of these kits together in an easy-to-reach place, and let everyone in your party know exactly where it is. This way, if something does happen, someone will know exactly where the emergency kit is and can access it quickly.
Class B motorhomes are small, streamlined and ready to roll. Nimble and more fuel efficient than Class C motorhomes, Class B motorhomes offer living space best suited for small groups. Most Class B motorhomes do not offer slide outs yet still offer luxurious amenities like galley kitchens, beds and restrooms.
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