Camping in an RV is a lot of fun in part because it offers most of the comforts of home in a portable, compact space. But with all of those elements confined to such a small area, there respective hazards get crammed together and the potential for an accident goes up. Plus, you still have to deal with the trip to the campground which involves towing or driving in a way you might not be accustomed, and then there are the hazards associated with being outdoors. Considered altogether, it’s almost intimidating. But don’t worry, we here at RV Four Seasons Loveland have designed this short guide to help new RVers prepare for basic safety practices. Read on to learn about RV safety, and if you need repairs or services for your RV, stop by our location in Loveland, Colorado. We proudly serve the areas of Wheat Ridge, Denver, and Colorado Springs, Colorado, as well as Southern Wyoming.
Fire Safety
From the propane system that heats your morning shower to the campfire where you toast marshmallows at night, there are several potential ways for a fire to start in or near your RV. Preventing this from happening requires a vigilance with intentional fires and equipment to deal with unintentional ones. At a campsite, it’s easy to let a fire burn unattended while you’re busy. The problem is that an unattended fire can result in the fire spreading. Make sure to always put your fires out completely each night and whenever you leave the campsite. Inside your RV, you’ll want to have plenty of fire and smoke alarms. Smaller campers may only need one smoke alarm, but larger RVs should definitely have multiple with at least one in every room. In addition to your smoke alarms, you’ll need several fire extinguishers. One good approach is to place one near the front door to your RV so that you can have quick access to it if you need to put out a fire outdoors. The more fire extinguishers you have, the quicker you will be able to access one in an emergency. Remember that they need to be regularly maintained in order to be effective.
Towing Safety
One of the more perilous times on a camping trip is the trip there, and that’s especially true for those who don’t have much experience driving with a trailer. You’ll need to always leave plenty of stopping room between yourself and the next car—try to give yourself twice the room you would take with a normal car. Try to avoid passing people unless it’s necessary, as the drafts caused by other cars can destabilize your trailer. Plus, exceeding a speed of 60 mph can be very damaging to your tires. When you turn corners, make sure to use your mirrors to make sure you are clearing any obstacles behind you. When possible, use a spotter to help you with reversing and parking. Give up as many distractions as you drive as possible. It’s best to let the copilot handle any navigation, climate control settings, music selection, and answering of phones.
Medical Emergencies
It’s easy to find yourself far from help while camping so it’s best to be prepared for as many medical emergencies as possible. Try to keep a fully stocked first aid kit. You’ll want bandages for cuts and abrasions, and burn cream helps if you burn yourself. A full supply of medication for the range of stomach problems is extremely helpful, too. If you or any of your family members have serious allergies, don’t forget an epinephrine pen for stopping anaphylactic shock. Make sure to carry an appropriate quantity of all your medications, too.
Outdoor Safety
Spending time outdoors is one of the joys of camping in an RV, but treating nature with respect is important. Leaving wildlife alone is a good place to start (and you might want to bring some bear mace if you’re in their country and they don’t want to leave you alone). Try to always have a partner when you go on outings such as hiking trips or bike rides. A two way radio is helpful for allowing your group to communicate with whoever is back at the RV. When possible, try use maps and GPS to make sure you don’t get lost.
While camping in an RV involves several potential hazards, it doesn’t have to be inherently dangerous if you take the steps to prepare. If you’re looking to purchase your first RV, stop by RV Four Seasons Loveland, located in Loveland, Colorado. We proudly serve Colorado, including Wheat Ridge, Denver, and Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Southern Wyoming.
