In case of an accident, natural calamity or other disasters, you can’t depend on the rescue team to be there right away, so an RV emergency kit is necessary. Armed with RV kits you’ll be able to face different problems while being fully equipped.
9 rv emergency kit you Must Have
The following items need to be in your emergency kit:
1. Water
Water keeps you hydrated and refreshed during hot summer days. Hydration ensures your body’s organs function properly. Your water supply should be a gallon per day per person and be certain the water has been treated and is safe to drink.
2. Food
Pack high protein foods as it’ll keep you full. Check the expiry dates and go with foods that don’t spoil easily like peanut butter, granola bars, canned meats, nuts and so on. You can also add freeze dried meals, mix soups etc. You can include other types of food as long as you’re able to prepare them.
3. Insulation
Get a sleeping bag for each person in the RV. You’ll want clothing to keep you warm in case your fuel supply goes down and you’re wet. Fleece and wool are ideal and will provide warmth. Take into consideration the kind of weather you’ll run into.
4. First-aid Kit
You can buy a ready made first aid kit in a pharmacy, but feel free to add other items you deem is necessary. You should include any medication you take in the kit. And make sure you know how to use the items in the kit before you head out the road.
5. Tools
Your toolkit should have caulk, glue, duct tape, drop cloth, step ladder, level, hatchet, drill and drill bits, caulking gun, adjustable wrenches, a multimeter, an electrical test kit plus nuts, bolts and screws. Don’t forget spare tires and a jack.
6. Extra Parts
Bring extra parts that your RV may need such as fuses, bulbs, spark plugs, hose clamps, hoses, belts and so on.
7. Flashlights and Extra Batteries
Crossing unfamiliar roads at night, repairing parts and replacing tires can be difficult without a flashlight. Always have a flashlight with you and also spare batteries.
8. Spare Cash
Credit card is handy but in the event of a natural disaster you’ll need hard cash. For fuel, food and other items you’ll find cash necessary.
9. NOAA Weather Radio
NOAA offers weather updates, news and updates 24/7. Keep one close by so you’ll never have to worry about missing out on the next weather update. Living on an RV means you’ll need to keep an eye on the weather and that’s what NOAA radio will give you.
23 Emergency Gear You Should Have On-Hand
Aside from the items listed above you’ll also want to include the items below.
1. Containers
You’ll need plastic bottles and containers for water and food. Organize the containers in the cabinets so you’ll have easy access to them when necessary.
2. Water Purification Tablets
You can never be certain of the quality of the water supply when you’re in the woods. If you’re in the wilderness you’ll find water purification tablets essential.
3. Extra Non-Perishable Food
We mean canned food as they’re going to last a while without needing replacement. There are also high calorie food bars which provide a lot of nutrients and keep you full. Needless to say you need a can opener.
4. Documents and Paperwork
Bring copies of your registration papers, licenses and other pertinent documents. In case of an accident or something comes up you’ll have all necessary papers.
5. Backup Supplies of All Prescription Medications or Medical Devices
Bring along sufficient supplies of any medication that you or anyone on the RV will need. Better yet, your medicine supply should last a few more days than your intended journey duration. In case your travels take longer than expected you’ll still have sufficient supplies left.
6. Emergency Heat Blanket
An emergency heat blanket is going to come in handy in case the furnace breaks down or you’re in a cold place. There will be times you’ll want to keep warm so keep these blankets around.
7. Waterproof Flash Drive with All Important Documentation
Most of your papers have been digitized, but you need physical copies of your RV title, insurance papers and so on. Keep physical copies in safe and digital copies in waterproof flash drive. You can also store these documents online.
8. Extra Clothes
Don’t just pack the exact amount of clothes you need. Pack a few more than what you may need so you won’t run out of clothes to wear.
9. Warning Triangles
You’ll want these if you need to pull your RV over. Bring out these warning triangles and you’ll be able to warn other vehicles that are speeding by.
10. High Visibility Vest or Reflective Tape
A reflective tape and high visibility vest complement warning triangles. Put these on so drivers will see you and your RV as you replace the tire or fix a problem.
11. Tire Chains or Traction Aid
Either one of the two will be indispensable if your RV gets stuck in snow or mud. Just put these on and you’ll be able to extricate the RV.
12. Tow Strap
It’s going to take a serious problem for an RV to need a tow. But just in case it’s better to have a tow strap ready.
Relevant Article: Our 9 Shocks for Towing a Travel Trailer
13. Spare Tire and Jacks
You carry a spare tire in your car, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t do the same with your RV. Don’t forget to bring a jack that can handle the weight of your vehicle.
14. Ice scraper
An ice scraper is absolutely necessary if it’s winter and snowing. Use it to scrape ice from the windshield. It’s a tool you’ll only use during the cold weather, but it’s better to have it in your RV as you might forget to pack it later on.
15. Seatbelt Cutter and Window Breaker Tool
No long explanation needed for these tools. In case of an accident and you’re trapped in the RV, use either one to get out.
16. Extra Light Sources
We mentioned flashlights and spare batteries, but it won’t hurt to have additional light sources. A headlamp is especially suited if you need both hands to conduct repair work. Other light sources include LED lanterns, lighters, water resistant matches, candles, glow sticks etc.
It’s not necessary to have all of these, but the flashlights, batteries and headlamps are important.
17. A Mobile Device Charger
Your mobile phone can do just about everything these days, but it’s only effective if there’s enough charge. Make sure your mobile device is charged so you’ll get the most out of the device and the apps.
18. Analog Compass
GPS is nice, but what if you find yourself in a location without power and Internet access? That’s why it is best to have an analog compass as it will provide some directions even if you there is no power.
19. Knife
From self defense, food preparation, cutting rope and carving, a knife has many possible uses. You may opt for a kitchen knife, a pocket knife or a multi-purpose Swiss Army knife. Whatever it is you prefer you’ll find a knife useful.
20. Jumper Cables
You always have a jumper cable when in your car, and you should have the same approach when in an RV. In the event the vehicle refuses to start, you can give it a push with jumper cables.
21. GPS Satellite Tracker
A GPS satellite tracker is mandatory if you plan to go into the woods or anywhere cellular signal is poor. A GPS tracker is especially handy if you’re camping. Of course you’ll need the appropriate gear if you plan to camp out.
22. Hand-Crank Radio/Flashlight
With this you’ll have access to news and weather updates even if there is no other power source available. Just like an analog compass, a hand crank radio is something to consider if you’re headed into the boondocks.
23. Solar Powered Cell Phone Charger
Solar power is all the rage today, so it’s no surprise that solar powered cell phone chargers are now available. Is your phone running low on battery and you don’t access to electrical power? That is where this charger comes in. Just plug in your phone and watch your mobile phone battery get restored.
The RV Emergency Kit Preparedness Supplies
Here is a quick guide on what a typical RV emergency preparedness kit may look like. This is just a general guideline and you can add or remove items as you prefer.
- 2x emergency communications planning cards
- 2x N-95 dust mast – flat
- Loud 2 tone whistle
- 3x green light stick – 12 hour
- 2x waterproof poncho
- 6x emergency candles
- Waterproof matches
- 4 pairs hand warmers
- 300 lumen flashlight with batteries
- USB mobile phone charger
- NOAA / FM / AM solar radio
- LED flashlight
- Emergency hand-crank radio
- First aid kit (enough for number of people in RV)
- 20 water purification tablets
- 6x 4.22 oz emergency water drinking water pouch
- 2x 2400 calorie emergency food bar
The RV Emergency Kit Roadside Supplies
- 5 x 7 feet blue tarp
- Emergency help banner windshield
- 50 yard duct tape
- Utility knife
- Latex gloves
- Work gloves, heavy duty
- Seat belt cutter tool
- Window breaker
- Snow and ice window breaker tool
- Tire repair kit
- 6500 lb capacity tow rope
- 12 ft jumper cable
The numbers given in the above list should be modified according to your needs. The amount given can and should be adjusted to match your requirements.
What Should Be In Your First Aid Kit?
Whether you live in your RV or use it only on the weekends, always carry a first aid kit. We already mentioned this earlier, but this time let’s take a look at the specific items it should contain.
- First aid kit instruction guide (learn how to use the kit before you head out onto the road)
- Thermometer
- Eye wash
- Eye pads
- Instant cold compress
- Calamine lotion
- Aloe Vera gel
- Burn cream
- Antibiotic ointment
- Sting relief pads
- Medical tape
- Dressing
- Adhesive bandages
- Sterile gauze
- Alcohol prep pads
- Antiseptic towelettes
- Sterile gloves
- Safety pins
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Wound closure strips
- Bandages
- Medication (antacids, anti-diarrhea, paracetamol, aspirin, antibiotics and any other medications that you take)
There are multi piece first aid kits available, or you can purchase these pieces one by one, it’s up to you. Don’t forget to bring prescription medicines you take. You should also bring sunscreen, an insect repellent, soaps and a hand sanitizer are also necessary to keep your hands clean and for washing up.
Depending on your needs, cough drops may come in handy and also cold medication for the cold winter months.
A few more things to keep in mind.
- Check the expiration date of all the medication. Make sure they will not expire while you’re on the RV.
- Update the stock and supplies regularly. Review the first aid kit after a long trip and replace the expired ones.
- Check your supplies of band aids. Don’t let them run out.
- Keep tabs of the items in the first aid kit that you use and those that you don’t. As you spend time in the RV you’ll figure this out.
- If you are bringing pets in your RV, don’t forget to bring medication for them too.
Kits for emergency situations are sometimes overlooked as we focus on food, drinks, gadgets and other equipment. While we all want to have a good time it’s better to be read for any eventuality. With a fully equipped emergency kit you’ll be ready for anything.
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