There’s no experience quite like traveling around the country in an RV, but RV road trips are not without their hazards. Some of these are more mundane, including the standard obstacles faced by any road traveler; other hazards, though, are more unique to RV travel.

If you’re going to be heading out on an RV road trip, it’s worth knowing what you could face out there — and how best to prepare for whatever you might encounter. Ready? It’s time to take a look at some travel safety tips for those in RVs to ready yourself for your next great adventure!

Basic Travel Safety Tips For RV Travelers

First off, it’s important to go over the standard obstacles you might face when out on the road in an RV.

Be Aware of Bad Weather

You have to face the fact that bad weather is going to rear its head sooner or later and affect your travels; if you’re in the southeast, it may be a hurricane; if you’re in the midwest, it might be a tornado. Visitors to the northeast may encounter Nor’easters. Those traversing the southwest could face monsoons, dust storms, and extreme heat that taxes your vehicle’s engine. 

You might not have the convenience of planning a vacation whenever you want in order to avoid the worst any given season may throw at you. When planning your trip, you should check the weather forecast beforehand. Then, when on your trip, have your phone notifications turned on and audible in case any significant weather alerts suddenly arrive. 

Pay Attention To Dangers To Your RV's Tires

Your RV’s tires are really going to get a good workout on any road trip — and they will likely be the first part of your rig to bear the brunt of any physical hazards you face on the roads. The quality of the roadways you’ll be traveling on will vary, and potholes are a real danger. It’s also worth remembering how heavy an RV can be, and this can cause under-inflated tires to blow out. 

To avoid these dangers causing a disruption to your trip, here are some travel safety tips: Make sure you have a spare tire and that it’s fully inflated. In addition, have a tire repair kit and/or portable inflator on board, just in case. Finally, check your tires whenever you get a chance to ensure they’re full and undamaged. 

Travel Safety Tips To Know Surrounding RVs

Now, you'll learn about hazards more unique to RV traveling, along with some packing tips for travel. Some hazards you encounter while on a road trip in an RV can be quite unique to driving a much larger vehicle.

Height Clearance Dangers

For instance, when roads are repaved, the clearance underneath an overpass (usually, the height ranges from 14 to 16 feet) can be reduced by 2 or more inches. Of course, for those in regular cars and trucks, this isn’t a concern at all, right?

But RVs are much taller than those other vehicles, so you can’t ignore the possibility of hitting an overpass with a significantly reduced clearance. How to avoid this scenario? First, figure out the maximum height clearance of your rig; this will tell you what you have to work with. 

You should also invest in an RV-specific GPS unit (or download an app with the same functions) that can show you the safest, tailor-made routes for RVs. By utilizing these devices/apps, you can be sure that the road you’re on is the best one for you and your rig.

Safety and Security at RV Campsites

You might have a security and alarm system installed at home, with cameras situated at various entry points as well as outside. Unfortunately, not every campground will be as safe or secure as your house (this can be especially so when boondocking out in the middle of nowhere). You need to be aware of potential threats. 

Depending on where you are camping, threats can come from wild animals or even other people. What can you do to stay safe?

If you can, try to arrive at your destined campground while there’s still daylight to help you get familiar with your surroundings. Be sure that the locks on your RV’s doors all work well. 

You might also want to buy pepper spray (to protect yourself in a more urban setting) or bear spray (when out in the wilderness). Follow these packing tips for travel to stay safe!

Finally, see if you have some phone connectivity in case you need to call emergency services. 

Travel Safely in a Cruise America RV

Without a doubt, an RV road trip is an unparalleled experience, providing great opportunities to meet new people and put yourself right on nature’s doorstep. Sometimes, though, nature isn’t so friendly — and the people might not be, either!

The chances are low that anything will happen, but if it does, hopefully, the aforementioned travel safety tips can help keep you and your fellow travelers safe while you’re out on the road. Do you know how you can add to your peace of mind when traveling in an RV?

By renting a safe and secure, quality-tested, and quality-assured RV from Cruise America, of course! Visit today to see how a Cruise America RV can help keep you safe and secure on your next road trip.