When it comes to living in an RV it can sound like an absolute dream. There’s nothing like being free from the weight of being stuck from a traditional home. All you have to do is hop in your cute and cozy RV and travel the world, right?
A lot of people tend to wonder, is it dangerous to live in an RV? No! But, the hard truth is that it absolutely can be if you don’t take the proper precautions. From security and safety in the RV to dangers and RV park safety there are some things that you need to know to stay safe with this new adventure you are embarking on.
Security and Safety in the RV
Security and safety in your RV are so important. This wonderful and exciting new journey won’t be any good if you don’t feel safe and secure while doing it. Here are a few different ways you can feel safe and secure in your new RV.
- Theft Control: RVs most of the time have a very limited theft control system. The locks aren’t very strong and there is not an alarm for if someone attempts or succeeds at breaking into your RV.
For your own safety and security, I would recommend taking the time, money, and effort to secure your RV and get a better security system.
You can get better locks for the doors and windows. As well as an alarm system if someone tries to enter unwelcomed.
Another great idea would be to invest in a tow hitch lock so that thieves can’t just hook up to your RV and take off. Remember to always lock the deadbolt and the windows.
- Pest Control: RVs are known for having problems with pest control. They come in through openings that are caused by weathering or a bad seal where the RV pulls out to make the interior larger when it is not traveling. (from the slideouts)
The best thing you can do is get pest removal items like sticky tape, non-toxic sprays, and better insulation and seal products to help seal your RV and keep the pests out.
- Quality Air Control: RVs normally don’t have great filters, fans, and alarms. Investing in better filters, fans, and alarms will help you tremendously in the long run.
You won’t have to worry about dust and debris, humidity, and carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide will kill you if you do not have the proper alarms to detect it.
Taking the time and money to make sure your RV has all the right filters and alarms is definitely worth your time.
- Keep Safety Items and Tools: Also make sure you have what you need in your RV including a toolbox with the most common tools and the specialty tools for your RV.
Also, make sure you have other tools such as an ax, a spare tire or two, an air pump, a specialty jack for your RV, and anything else you feel is important to have along for the ride.
These items can really come in handy when you find yourself in trouble. Make room for these items and do not leave them out off the list.
- Water Quality: The water quality can be terrible. Investing in a water filter that fits onto your tap can be a game-changer.
I specifically prefer the Burky water filter over everything.
Having this item will improve your experience and your overall health. You never know what is in your water and it is always better to be safe than sorry.
RV Dangers:
RVs can be dangerous in a multitude of different ways. For your own peace of mind always make sure you have relevant and up to date safety features in your RV.
Some of the dangers can include:
- Tipping Over: RVs are not generally known for being very aerodynamic. They are huge blocks of metal driving down the street and if not driven properly runs the risk of tipping over and seriously injuring yourself and your passengers.
If the weather is bad enough to make you uncomfortable it is perfectly acceptable to pull over and to wait out a storm. Don’t put yourself in a bad place because you think it’ll be fine.
Always take the proper safety procedures and pull over when you feel uncomfortable.
- Carbon Monoxide: Carbon monoxide is actually a very common danger of living in an RV. Most RVs have carbon monoxide testers but they only alarm at high levels and it may already be too late at that point.
Invest in a carbon monoxide alarm for low levels to help keep tragedies at bay.
- Fires: An RV is just a small metal box and it can be easy for it to catch flame at the drop of a hat. Never use candles and always make sure that anything that can start a fire is properly put away.
This includes electrical items, anything by an open flame, the stove, and anything else you notice that could be a fire hazard.
The biggest thing is to always have a few different fire extinguishers for every area of the RV that is located in such a way that you can easily access them in case of an emergency.
RV Park Safety:
RV parks get a bad rap and usually for a reason. Not every RV park is unpleasant but you never know what you are going to get until you get there.
RV park safety is important for you to know so that you are prepared anywhere you go. Here are a few pieces of advice to help you stay safe…
- Carry Pepperspray: It might sound unnecessary or dramatic but it could help get you out of a bind.
They sell pepper spray at most Walmarts and convenience stores. So I would highly recommend getting one so that you are properly protected.
- Lock Up Your RV: I cannot stress this enough. There are some people out there waiting on just about any opportunity they can get to steal things. Even if you are just running a quick errand you have to lock up your RV.
- Use the Buddy System: Go places with another person. If you are traveling in your RV on your own then consider getting a dog to help keep you safe. More people or dogs can help discourage attackers.
Things to Consider:
Living in an RV can sound fun and exciting and it is, but it doesn’t come stress-free.
You will still have things to worry about and sometimes it can feel cramped like you can’t escape.
If you find yourself in a bind like this all you have to do is do an activity outside.
Get outside and stretch. Get outside and forget about your stress. Get outside and get some room and fresh air. Things aren’t always going to be perfect, but you can do some calming exercises to help get your mind back on the right track.
Another thing to consider is that it can be hard to stay organized in an RV.
The lack of space makes it hard to keep it clean but also to keep it organized. What you can do is downsize and invest in organizational equipment.
Downsizing can help you have fewer things to put away or organize. Along with that investing in organizational equipment can help you to have more places to cleanly keep your items.
Always make sure that when you are on the road everything is in a position where it won’t fly around the RV.
Keep it locked away or secured. Not only is it annoying to find out your items flew everywhere and made a huge mess but it can be dangerous to have things flying around in your RV.
Final Thoughts:
Living anywhere can be dangerous so don’t let it put you off to wanting to be in an RV. The best advice I can give you is to stay safe. Don’t skip over safety features because you feel they are unneeded or unuseful.
Keep yourself safe and take the extra time to make sure that where you go you are being safe and your RV is also safe.
Go out and enjoy your new-found freedom in your new RV. Don’t let your fears stop you from what you want to accomplish but also don’t ignore your fears.
Take action, prepare and do what you have to so that you are safe and secure.
