RV Camping Safety Tips

There are many exciting ways to enjoy the great outdoors, but few of them can beat the fun that you’ll have in an RV. Camping is already an adventure on its own and adding an RV to the mix enhances the comfort and convenience of your trip. There are campgrounds that offer plenty of amenities, but you might find yourself wanting to relax in a more remote area so that you can kick back and enjoy nature.

If you’re considering an outdoor camping trip, you’ll want to take your safety practices seriously and adhere to the right type of planning. Schwab's R.V. World has prepared this helpful guide to RV camping safety to get you started. If you’re still shopping for a rig, visit our dealership in Leduc, Alberta.

Pack the Right Gear

Start by thinking about where you’re going and what activities you’ll be doing. If it’s going to be cold and wet outside, you might want to leave the summer clothes at home. On the other hand, you’re not going to need heavy coats in a location that’s experiencing a heatwave. If hiking is on the agenda, be sure to pack durable, comfortable boots and sufficient hiking gear.

For most campers, the appropriate gear will vary depending on where you plan to go and what you need. Wherever you’re headed, be sure that everyone has the basics, such as a first-aid kit and sufficient drinking water. This is even more critical when you’re venturing into extremely remote areas. Even if you feel confident that you’ll have access to clean water, you should pack extra just to be safe and also bring a water filter.

Check the Weather

Before you head out, make sure you check the weather forecast for the area you’re going to be camping in. This will not only help you know what to bring with you, but it can also help you plan your schedule. You don’t want to go hiking on a stormy day. If possible, you should try to look up the daily weather forecast each morning that you’re planning for the day.

Notify Someone of Your Plans

This is yet another factor that holds more importance when you’re in more remote areas. You should always tell someone back home of your plans so they can help you avoid the worst-case scenario. If something bad happens and you’re not able to seek help, this person will be able to let authorities know where you are so they can send help. You can inform a family member, a friend, or even a park ranger.

RV Road Safety

Finally, you need to be fully aware of proper road safety when operating your vehicle. This is a crucial step in the process to ensure the safety of your passengers, yourself, and other drivers. If this is your first time taking a trip in your camper, you’ll want to practice your ability to park, brake, turn, and reverse. Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the RV, you’ll be able to react more quickly and efficiently to obstacles and traffic on the road.

Whenever you’re driving your RV, you should be prepared to let other cars pass you. Additionally, you should never exceed 60 mph. You should also increase your following distance between yourself and the car in front of you. In fact, you should be leaving twice the amount of space you would when driving a standard passenger vehicle.

We hope this guide to RV camping safety has been helpful. When you know you’ve taken all the steps you need to keep you and your family safe, then you’ll probably be able to enjoy all your outdoor activities even more. If you need additional advice or if you’re still in the market for a camper, stop by and talk to our experienced staff at Schwab's R.V. World in Leduc, AB. We proudly serve all those in Edmonton.