By Gail Marsh
Who’s the most prepared person on earth? Justin Case. This old joke gives RVers the reason why being prepared is so important.
We never know when or how an emergency may affect our RV travels. That’s why we all need RV emergency tips—just in case.
Out of nowhere
Even the best-planned RV trip can go sideways. Out of nowhere, we may face flat tires, mechanical failures, sudden storms, or medical issues (like when my husband had a heart attack at a Love’s truck stop!). By preparing in advance, you’ll reduce stress, stay safer, and genuinely enjoy the freedom of RV life.
RV repair fund
Unexpected repairs can be expensive and stressful without a financial cushion. Financial experts suggest maintaining a dedicated RV repair fund for unexpected costs. Start small if needed. A $500 “starter” fund can prevent costly debt cycles when faced with a sudden repair bill.
Fix that flat
A flat tire can sideline your adventure anywhere from a remote boondock site to a crowded rest area. Carry a properly sized spare and know how to change it—if you are physically able. In addition to the spare, include:
- Jack or tire ramp rated for your RV’s weight
- Tire pressure gauge (and consider a TPMS [tire pressure monitoring system] for real-time monitoring)
- Tire plug kit for quick puncture fixes
Comprehensive emergency plan
Proactive planning helps you act calmly under pressure. Map out responses for key scenarios:
• Evacuation planning. Keep your essentials—documents, medications, cash, and a minimal change-of-clothing kit—in a single “go bag” for quick exit. Identify nearby evacuation routes and alternate destinations ahead of time (campgrounds, friend’s RV park, even state fairgrounds).
• Flash flood preparedness. If you camp near rivers or in washes, understand flash flood warning levels. The National Weather Service reminds us that a flash flood warning means “flash flooding is imminent or has already been reported—move to higher ground immediately.” Always check local flood alerts, and plan high-ground escape routes.
• Medical emergencies. In areas with no cell coverage, having a first-aid kit plus a pocket guide is vital. The American Red Cross’s auto kit includes bandages, antiseptics, and a clear guide to administer aid safely. For serious incidents, consider a satellite phone—devices like the Iridium GO! let you trigger SOS signals and send texts when cellular towers are out of range.
• Local evacuation routes. Beyond natural disasters, some areas may require lockdowns (e.g., firefighting operations). Check with campground hosts for designated shelters or alternative exits and keep a printed map in case GPS fails.
RV emergency kit
Instead of ad-hoc packing, assemble a dedicated kit stored in one accessible compartment. Your kit should include:
First-aid supplies
• Comprehensive first-aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, trauma shears)
• Pocket first-aid guide for quick reference
• Personal medications and copies of prescriptions
Roadside safety tools
• Warning triangles or LED flares for nighttime visibility
• Tow straps and traction mats for getting unstuck
• Portable air compressor, hose, and nozzle for tire inflation
Communication and navigation devices
• Cellular booster or Wi-Fi hotspot for weak-signal areas
• Satellite communicator (e.g., Garmin inReach® or Iridium GO!®)
• NOAA Weather Radio or hand-crank emergency radio
Essential survival gear
• Non-perishable food and water sufficient for 72 hours
• Multi-tool, flashlight, fire starter, and survival whistle
• Blanket and emergency poncho for weather extremes
Training, maintenance, and drills
• Regularly inspect tools, batteries, and supplies—replace expired items annually.
• If you are physically able, practice changing tires, using a jack, and deploying warning triangles before you need them.
• Role-play emergency scenarios with your travel companions to ensure everyone knows their role and the location of essentials.
Have you ever experienced an emergency while RVing? Tell us about it in the comments below.
RELATED
- Disaster preparedness: Packing an evacuation ‘go’ bag
- A heart attack at Love’s Truck Stop: RV trips don’t always go as planned
- Be prepared for an emergency: Do, and have, these three things
- Are you ready for an emergency? You sure?
RVDT2913
We recently took a trip with our RV down through Delaware. Between the 1st two state parks we stopped for gas. When we arrived at our next stop we smelled gas and discovered the fuel pump associated with the generator was leaking gas. It took awhile and lots of brainstorming to find someone to come look at it, figure out what was going on, and stop the leak. Surprisingly, I found an electrician company by doing a search on Google Maps for mobile generator repair. They came to where we were camping (there was no way we could drive the RV to a repair shop). They capped the fuel line and solved the problem, which could have been a disaster.
Post medical information for each occupant on the refrigerator. This includes known medical conditions, (especially drug) allergies, medications used, primary doctor (name, location, phone), location of health insurance cards, and emergency contact (name, phone). This quickly gives EMTs and/or paramedics critical information that either the patient or companion cannot quickly remember under stress. REVIEW THIS INFORMATION REGULARLY FOR CHANGES.
Thank you for the list, Gail. Some we have and I used your link to order one we lacked. Closest event to an emergency was in a dead-cell-phone area in western British Columbia. Dog #3 was discovered to have a rash. Nearby travelers with satellite coverage graciously did a search that revealed the rash was not serious enough to require immediate treatment. The following morning we drove until we found internet coverage and got advice from our vet. Have a great day and safe travels!
Fantastic article! Thanks for the tips. I have a free First Aid app in my phone that is very good. Except for the emergency call function, it can help determine the issue and give instructions even with no cell service.
Use a dry erase board and put your location (campground name, site # or gps coordinates etc) so in the event you need an ambulance or police you can quickly access that info. Also learn how to drop a pin to send your location.
So what’s up with freezing q-tips? You pictured it, used a tantalizing headline, but never explained it.
I can’t figure out what you’re referring to, Melody. Have a good evening/night. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com