Safety First! Every RV should be equipped with an emergency roadside kit and safety products. Here's what we recommend for RVers…
The inner boy scout in all of us tells us we need to be prepared in case of an emergency. But all too often, we ignore that inner voice, especially when it comes to emergency preparedness.
Nobody likes to think about all the bad things that can happen on the road. So, it’s easy to adopt the “it won’t happen to us” mentality. We know better but don’t do better.
The other pitfall we fall into is procrastinating. We put “buy roadside emergency kit for RV” on our mental To-Do List… and never get to it. We've made it easy for you by collecting some of our favorite items in this Amazon list – RV Safety Essentials
In fact, I bet a bunch of people will do the same thing even after reading this article. To avoid that, I’ve included helpful links so you can quickly and easily buy the emergency supplies you need.
If you buy something through our links, we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep our lights on so we can continue to provide helpful resources for RVers. Read our full affiliate disclosure here.
Emergency Roadside Kit & Products to Choose From
Since you’re traveling in an RV, I’m assuming you already have tools every RVer needs. So, most of the basic emergency roadside kits would be redundant as far as some of their contents.
So, I’m going to include one complete roadside emergency kit that I don’t think is redundant. Then, I’m going to list individual items to help you build your own emergency roadside kit that will supplement the supplies you likely already have in your RV.
1. Emergency Roadside Kit with Air Compressor
I think this is a well-rounded kit that contains all of the main “bigger” items you may need without all of the fluff other big kits have. It’s highly rated and made by a veteran-owned company called Everlit Survival.
Unlike standard roadside kits, this one comes with a digital air compressor, which can really come in handy when RVing in remote locations. A slow leak in a tire can turn into a big problem quickly. That’s where the air compressor comes in.
(Already have an emergency kit, but want a portable air compressor? Check out these 5 Portable Air Compressors.)
The other main items include 12 ft jumper cables, a tow strap, orange triangle reflector, window break tool, and first aid kit. Plus some other useful small items, including gloves, poncho, thermal blanket, etc.
It comes in a sturdy carrying bag. It is covered with a 60-day hassle-free return and 1-year satisfaction warranty.
2. Heavy Duty Tow Strap
The tow straps included in emergency roadside kits (including the kit listed above) usually only have a break strength of 10,000 lbs. That’s great for a car… not an RV.
That’s why it’s a good idea to carry a heavy-duty tow strap in your RV in case you ever get stuck in mud or snow. Granted, not any vehicle can pull you out. But, if there’s a fellow RVer with a tow vehicle around… you’re in luck.
This Rhino USA tow strap is lab tested with a 31,518 pound break strength. That covers pretty much all Class B & C motorhomes, and even many Class A motorhomes (usually 16,000-30,000 lbs).
3. CARTMAN Warning Triangle (Pack of 3)
These fluorescent triangles are highly-rated on Amazon because they are DOT approved and come in a set of 3. If you already have most of the tools and first aid supplies, these are a good supplement.
Since RVs are big, you’d think people can easily see them. But if you’re around a corner or protruding into the road, these will help safely guide cars around you.
4. High Visibility Safety Vest
It’s also worth having a high visibility safety vest in your roadside emergency kit. They fold down to nothing, so you don't have to worry about space. It’s less than $10, too, and will last forever.
I also think they’re an excellent item to keep in the RV anyway, especially if you travel with a dog. It’s smart to wear it when you’re walking your dogs in the evenings or night.
(By the way, I have other Pet Travel Accessories, including a pet first aid kit you may want to check out.)
5. Emergency Keychain Car Escape Tool
The emergency kit I listed above includes an escape tool. However, I still recommend you get this keychain version because the one in the kit won’t do you any good if you’re trapped inside the cab.
Jennifer and I first learned about this tool in 2013, after a fiery crash claimed six lives because they couldn’t break the automotive safety glass.
This keychain keeps the very tools you need to escape within reach: a seat belt slicer and glass breaker.
BONUS: HOKENA 11 Piece Set
We like everything HOKENA has in their store. And if you have a good memory, you might remember them as one of our Sweepstakes partners! Good products, good people.
BONUS: RV Roadside Assistance
In addition to having an emergency roadside kit, I highly recommend RV Roadside Assistance. At some point or another, every RVers ends up on the side of the road. It’s just a fact of the RV lifestyle.
Jennifer and I use Good Sam Roadside Assistance, and we have been very happy with them. However, there are other roadside assistance clubs you can join.
Don’t Procrastinate Any Longer
There are a lot of emergency roadside kits and products available. Some may be overkill, some may be underkill. But ALL are better than nothing.
So, I encourage you to carefully consider the items on this list. A single item on this list can not only help you in a roadside emergency, but others you encounter while on the road.
If you realize you need or should buy something, don’t wait! Don’t put it on your imaginary To-Do List. Just get it done now so you can travel with real peace of mind, not ostrich-head-in-the-sand peace of mind.
RV Travel & Road Safety Tips
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In this video, we share stories and feedback from our viewers about their experiences with accidents and road emergencies. Cautionary tales and lots of great tips to keep you safe while traveling.
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