Last Updated on March 18, 2024 by Christina
RV owners and enthusiasts know the cardinal rule of traveling – be prepared for anything. Whether you are camping in the rain or caught in a severe storm, Mother Nature can create many unique challenges for RVers on the road. Campers can encounter anything from severe thunderstorms and hail to tornadoes and hurricanes. Those dangers can seem daunting, but if you plan and create an emergency kit you can be better prepared for when natural disasters strike. All RVers, whether you are a weekend warrior or a full-time traveler, should have an emergency kit ready to go whenever you are traveling.
Must Have Items in Your RV Emergency Kit
Food and Water
There is nothing more essential to life than food and water. It is best to keep a minimum of three days’ worth of both for each person in your group in your emergency kit. When choosing food options, foods must be non-perishable or have a very long shelf life. High-protein items like beans, canned meats and seafood, and even protein bars are also great additions.
Remember to check your supplies frequently throughout the camping season for their quality and expiration dates. Whether you are camping in the rain or dealing with the scorching summer heat – it is always important to keep your food in a cool, dry place to prevent damage or spoilage.
Medical Supplies
You probably have a first aid kit in your RV, but an additional, untouched collection of supplies is a must for any emergency kit. You can purchase a full kit with all the essentials or you can gather supplies yourself. Make sure your kit includes:
- Bandages
- Gauze
- Alcohol wipes
- Burn creams
- Antibiotic cream
- Antibacterial wipes
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Antiseptic wipes
- Medical tape
- Splint
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Medical Grade Gloves
- Hand sanitizer
- Face masks
- Sunscreen
- Pain relievers
- Allergy medication
- Three days’ worth of prescription medication, if applicable
Hygiene Products
Small, travel-sized quantities of hygiene items are perfect for a travel kit. Make sure you carry a small supply of extra hygiene products so you can be more comfortable during an emergency. Having access to a toothbrush, soap, shampoo, facial tissues, cleansing wipes and sanitary products is essential, especially if you become unable to access the items in your RV.
RV Roadside Essentials
If your RV experiences a mechanical or structural issue, it is important to be able to address the concern as soon as possible. Small issues like a leaky roof while camping in the rain or big problems like a dead battery can become larger issues, especially during severe weather. Every emergency kit should have these essential roadside materials:
- Hazard triangles
- Neon vest
- Jumper cables
- Flares
- Tow straps
- Traction mats
- Tire chains
- A spare tire
Items to Take Your RV Emergency Kit to the Next Level
While the listed items above are a good start, you can never be too prepared for an emergency. Take a look at some of these essential items available in the General RV parts store to bring your kit to the next level.
Alphabond TPO Tape
A good rule of thumb when it comes to any emergency repair – you can never have too much tape. Tape can be a temporary cure-all for problems faced on the road. Alphabond TPO tape is the perfect tape for any RV problem.
This tape is specially formulated for RV use. From small leaks to large holes, Alphabond TPO tape can offer a quick fix. It is the perfect, temporary solution for sealing roof joints and seams, tears, punctures and so much more. It adheres to wood, metal, fiberboard, ISO board, concrete, PVC and nearly every other surface of an RV. Installation is easy: Just press on to a clean surface, peel back the clear liner, and apply pressure to the tape facer to activate the adhesive bonding. This tape is essential for everything from small leaks while camping in the rain to damage caused by severe storms.
Lion Cub JC Portable Power Pack
The Lion Cub JC is like a roadside assistance service combined into one. The multi-use tool provides portable power to jump-start your vehicle, air to inflate tires, can power multiple USB devices and is a flashlight. The 4-in-1 power bank weighs less than five pounds and can sit easily in the palm of your hand. Made from lithium iron phosphate, it is the safest technology on the market. It also has a long-lasting life cycle, capable of holding a charge for up to one year. This item is essential for any roadside problem.
First Alert Fire Extinguisher
RVs are required by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to be equipped with at least one safe fire extinguisher. Most RVs are equipped with more than one, but it never hurts to have an extra one in case of emergencies.
First Alert Fire Extinguishers are perfect for almost any RV fire. This brand is capable of handling wood, paper, fabric, flammable liquid and electrical fires. Built tough, this extinguisher comes equipped with a durable metal head.
Be prepared after the storm
One of the biggest potential problems you could face on the road during severe weather is a loss of power. It is always best to be prepared for extended outages when camping in the rain or any other type of severe weather. Most RVs come with a generator already installed, capable of powering up your vehicle. But some still rely on hookup power at a campsite. After-market generator installed by General RV technicians or even just a portable generator you can pull out in an emergency is essential for power during an emergency. Here are a few recommendations from the General RV team:
Go Power! 130-watt Portable Solar Kit
Go Power!’s small, compact solar kit is one of the most versatile and convenient battery charging options. It is perfect for those who don’t want to permanently mount solar to a rooftop or want to supplement an existing system.
The folding solar modules has Anderson-style battery charging connectors which allow you to quickly interchange the charging accessory to best suit your needs. This model is great for maintaining your RV or trailer battery. Adjustable folding legs allow you to maximize solar exposure and for compact easy storage. This unit comes with multiple charging connectivity options and includes a heavy-duty nylon case for storage protection.
Lion Energy Safari LT Portable Generator
If you are looking for a starter generator, then the Lion Energy Safari LT is perfect. The portable solar-powered generator provides safe, silent and renewable power that can help in any emergency. The unit comes with two AC outlets, USB-A, USB-C, four 12-volt barrels and a 12-volt car auxiliary outlet. The Safari LT is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but large enough to power base camp wherever you set up. The 500-watt and 450-watt hours capacity is perfect for weathering out storms and keeping your electronics running for days.
Lion Energy Safari ME Portable Generator
If you are looking to take your generator game to the next level, try the Lion Energy Safari ME. Much like the LT, it is a power punch packed into one conveniently-sized carrying case. This unit can power virtually anything you can plug into a standard wall outlet – power tools, refrigerators, freezers, air compressors, medical devices and so much more. The Safari ME delivers 2,000 watts and has a 4,000-watt surge rating. To put it into perspective, the Safari ME can power a refrigerator for 25 hours with one full charge. It also comes with many different outlets – including two AC, a USB, USB-C and 12-volt ports.
Find supplies for your perfect RV emergency kit
Visit the Parts Department at your local General RV Center to pick up these essential RV parts and accessories. And ask one of our team members for advice on what you may need in your RV emergency kit. Plus check out out great selection of towing equipment, camp kitchen gear, and more! If you have any questions, our RV experts are ready to help.
