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After nearly a decade of full-time RV travel, I’ve learned that being prepared isn’t just about having enough snacks and water. Flat tires, breakdowns, and roadside emergencies aren’t fun to think about, but they happen. And when they do, having the right gear can turn a disaster into just a minor detour.
We keep a few key safety items in our RV or tow vehicle at all times. This gear gives us peace of mind whether we’re heading to a boondocking site in the desert or stuck in traffic on the interstate. Here are the RV safety essentials we recommend for every trip.
This post is sponsored by etrailer.com. They’re my go‑to for everything RV‑related, from campsite gear to hitches and replacement parts. I’ve been ordering from them for years and always get great customer service. I especially love their detailed product descriptions and video tutorials. They make it easy to get the right gear the first time.
Contents
RV Tire Safety Gear
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Our tire pressure monitoring system provides peace of mind on RV road trips. The TPMS constantly monitors the tire pressure and alerts us if there is an issue.
The TireMinder i10 TPMS is a great option for RV travelers. It checks the tire pressure and temperature every 6 seconds and alerts you if either falls out of your preset range. The TireMinder includes 10 sensors so you can track the tires on your motorhome or all the tires on your trailer and tow vehicle.
Portable Air Compressor
We also travel with a portable air compressor, so we can easily and immediately add air to a tire when needed. We check the tire pressure before every trip, so we can add air at the campsite before hitting the road.
We use the Air Lift Automatic Portable Air Compressor because it is small and easy to use. Our model includes two power options: battery clamps and a 7-way plug, so we can power the compressor with our truck or the RV battery.
It has a long hose, so we can easily reach all of our tires, and the threaded connector lets us air up without holding the valve on the tire.
Tire Repair Kit
Every RV traveler should also have a tire repair kit on hand. The Bulldog Winch Emergency Tire Repair Kit includes 60 essential tire repair items, including a steel T-handle insertion tool, a spiral reamer, 40 self-vulcanizing plugs, 4 valve cores, a 4-way valve stem tool, and a selection of valve caps, all neatly organized in a plastic storage case.
Spare Tire
For cases when the tire repair kit is not sufficient, we also always travel with a spare tire. It may seem obvious that RVers should have an extra tire. However, not all RVs come equipped with a spare, so new RV owners should make sure they have a spare before hitting the road.
Roadside & Breakdown Safety
Reflective Warning Triangles
Over the years, we have blown tires, broken a leaf spring, and heard several concerning noises that forced us to pull over during an RV road trip. Whenever possible, we get off the road and stop at a safe location. Unfortunately, on some of these occasions, we weren’t close enough to an exit to safely make it off the interstate or highway.
To help alert other drivers to our presence, we place warning triangles behind the RV and in front of ourselves. An orange safety vest is also a good idea, so other drivers are aware of you if you are forced to stand on the side of the road.
Flashlights or Headlamps
It’s also a good idea to always carry a light in case you get stuck on the side of the road after dark. We always have a headlamp with us, as it makes it easier if you need to work on a roadside repair at night.
Roadside Assistance Plan
One thing I would never go on an RV road trip without is a roadside assistance plan. Some repairs are impossible to DIY on the side of the road, and without a roadside assistance plan, a tow is going to cost a small fortune.
Roadside assistance plans can be purchased independently or included with your insurance plan or extended warranty plan. Regardless of how you purchase it, make sure you have a plan from a reputable company before hitting the road.
Jump Starter or Jumper Cables
A dead battery is a common road trip issue, so we always carry a pair of jumper cables. Over our years as full-time RVers, we have had to use them for ourselves a couple of times, and we have jump-started other travelers’ batteries many more times.
RVers might also consider purchasing a jump starter, so they can start their battery when no one else is around to help. The NOCO Boost X Jump Starter is your ultimate solution. With 4,250 amps of starting power, this portable device can jump-start up to 10.0-liter gas and 8.0-liter diesel engines.
Basic Tool Kit
All RV travelers should also have a basic tool kit, so they can make minor repairs to their rig. If you are going on an extended road trip, check out our list of recommended RV tools. And don’t forget to pack zip ties and duct tape for quick roadside repairs.
Personal & Survival Essentials
First Aid Kit
Another item we never hit the road without is a well-stocked first aid kit. The Orion Traveler First Aid Kit has over 100 items, including bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, burn cream, sting relief, a cold pack, gloves, scissors, and tweezers.
Emergency Water and Snacks
A few years ago, we were traveling in our RV in California when we were suddenly stopped in standstill traffic. It was over 100 degrees outside, and it quickly became clear we wouldn’t be moving anytime soon. We didn’t have enough fuel to keep our tow truck running for the hours we were stuck.
This experience was a reminder of why we always travel with way more drinking water than we would expect to need on a typical day. We also keep plenty of snacks handy in our tow vehicle and have extras in the RV.
Deluxe Roadside Emergency Kit
If you don’t already have many of these survival and safety essentials, you might consider purchasing the Orion Deluxe Roadside Emergency Kit, which includes many of the items recommended in this article, all packed neatly into a nylon carrying case.
Off-Road RV Safety Essentials
Traction Boards
Traction boards provide traction when your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, snow, or sand. We saw a few RV travelers use these when we were traveling around the Baja California Peninsula and dry camping on beaches.
The TailGater Off-Road Recovery Boards can hold up to 20,000 pounds, and the board ends double as shovels, so you can dig to reach your tires.
Portable Charger
If you are going to be in remote places, you always want to make sure you can be found and call for help if needed. Ideally, travelers to remote places should carry a satellite communication device.
Newer iPhones (iPhone 14 or later) can connect to a satellite to text emergency services, request roadside assistance, message friends and family, and share location — even when users are off the grid with no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
Having a portable charger, like the BioLite Portable Charger, ensures travelers can keep their devices charged, so they can stay in communication until help arrives.
Thanks for reading our guide to RV travel safety essentials! If you take our recommendations, you should be prepared for any roadside mishap.
Once you are prepared for disaster, you can sit back and enjoy the ride. See our favorite ways to make road trips more fun for the whole family.
Happy Camping!
Christina Pate is a seasoned full-time RVer who, along with her husband Justin, has journeyed across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Drawing from her extensive travels, RV repairs and RV renovations, she founded Travels with Ted to guide and inspire fellow RV enthusiasts. Christina is also the co-author of The Owner’s Guide to RV Maintenance and the creator of My RV Log Book.
