By Gail Marsh
Being prepared for winter emergencies is crucial for your safety. Here’s a list of 20 items to keep in your vehicle during the winter. (Note: Many of these items may prove useful in all seasons, not just winter.)
Items to keep in your RV for winter emergencies
• Blankets or sleeping bags: These can provide warmth if you’re stuck in your RV or tow vehicle for an extended period of time.
• Warm clothing: Pack extra layers of clothing, gloves, hats, and waterproof boots to stay warm.
• Non-perishable snacks: Energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits can be useful in case you’re stranded for a while.
• Water: Always have extra water in your vehicle. Consider a thermos with a hot drink as well.
• Flashlight and batteries: A reliable flashlight can help you see in the dark, and extra batteries ensure it stays operational.
• First Aid kit: Include basic supplies like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any necessary medications.
• Shovel: A compact snow shovel can be handy for digging your car out of snow or creating a path.
• Ice scraper and snow brush: Keep your windows clear for visibility.
• Traction aids: Sand, cat litter, or traction mats can help if your car gets stuck in the snow or ice.
• Jumper cables: Cold weather can be tough on car batteries. Jumper cables can help restart your car if the battery dies. Even better, carry a car battery jump starter like this one with you. (It’s saved the RVtravel.com staff on multiple occasions!)
• Tow rope or chain: In case you need to be towed out of a snowy area. Here’s a good one to consider.
• Reflective triangles or flares: Help others see your vehicle with LED triangles or flares, especially in low-visibility conditions.
• Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife: Useful for various tasks, including minor vehicle repairs.
• Windshield washer fluid: Ensure the washer fluid is suitable for winter conditions. Top off your wiper fluid reservoir and carry an extra container of windshield washer fluid inside your vehicle.
• Cell phone charger: A car charger or portable power bank can be crucial in case your phone battery runs low.
• Emergency radio: A battery-powered or hand-cranked emergency radio can keep you informed about weather conditions and road closures.
• Emergency whistle: Use it to attract attention if needed.
• Matches or lighter: Useful for starting a fire in an emergency.
• Towels or rags: Wipe away condensation or moisture inside the vehicle.
• Map and compass: In case your GPS or phone is not working.
Remember to check these items regularly to ensure they are in good condition and have not expired. Additionally, always let someone know your travel plans and expected arrival time during winter trips.
Have you ever experienced a winter travel emergency? Tell me about it in the comments below, please.
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RVT1239
This was fun. I have a folding shovel somewhere. I bought it when we got our 1st rig over 25 years ago. Used it once to pick up dog poop. A tip for those who want to buy a radio: Don’t get a crank one.- They die very quickly. Just keep a reminder to change batteries now and then. I think I have one of those triangular reflectors…..probably under the shovel. Tow straps;whistle-no. My multi tool has a broken knife blade. -They sure have gone up! My favorite is the Leatherman Wave- it has the least number of tools but the most important also. This was a great article, thanks!
Wait a minute! Store water in the the RV in the winter? Yes you can, even in freeze conditions. I bought these water jugs specifically because they are freezable. Naturally you will have to thaw them if frozen, but you will have water ready to go.
Whenever we camp in cold weather, we take our Mr. Buddy heater with us. If the furnace happens to malfunction or a battery issue, we can still stay warm.
I would not recommend carrying chain to use as an assist in vehicle recoveries. It is heavy, a pain to handle, does not stretch and (unless specifically selected for a high breaking strength) typically has a much lower breaking strength than heavy duty nylon recovery straps. Carrying one (or more) of the nylon recovery straps is much preferred. Also remember your InReach or other satellite communicator.
How often do you wash the salt off your RV and has it showed rust from salt.