Owning RVs for more than two decades has taught me that things go awry more often than I’d hope. Being well prepared for a multitude of mishaps can make the difference between a few bumps in the road and a ruined trip. This video provides a brief overview of everything I carry with me anytime I hit the road. The following article takes a deeper dive into each item and covers additional items for high elevation or winter excursions where cold temperatures are a risk factor. It is my sincere hope that the information here helps you prepare well and feel more confident about your safety for many successful adventures to come.

Tow Vehicle Emergency Items

Zoleo Satellite Communication Device – Some of my favorite places to Scamp are far from any wifi or cell service. The chance to unplug from phone calls and social media is almost the best part. Yet, a way to call emergency services for help is something I never want to do without. So instead of limiting myself to places with reception I use a Zoleo Sat Com device to expand my emergency communication abilities.

This in-depth article covers all the nitty gritty dets on how it works and all the different ways it can be used. The nutshell version is that you can call for help from search and rescue at the push of an SOS button anywhere in the world with a clear view of the sky. There is a check-in button the auto sends an “I’m ok” message to preselected contacts with exact coordinates to keep your loved ones informed and assured that you are safe. There is a Medical Assist option included that provides advice and support for non-emergency situations. You can get first aid advice from medical professionals or find the nearest clinic, hospital, or dental provider while traveling. All 24/7 and included with any service plan. ALL of which can be done through satellite networks far beyond the reaches of cell phone towers.

The ability to call for help anywhere I roam is non-negotiable for me. I consider my Zoleo my most important emergency device.

First Aid

I keep a first aid kit in my tow vehicle and a separate one in my trailer as well. That way if I am out on an excursion with my TV while others are in camp everyone has access to first aid.

This is what I keep in my car:

• Benadryl for unexpected allergic reactions
• Pepto for bad water or when camp food gets to ya
• Ibuprofen a good pain killer with swelling and fever reduction
• Tecu Poison Ivy Gel works wonders on bug bites, stings, burns, rashes, poison oak/ivy and is a topical analgesic.
• Band-Aid Hurt Free Antiseptic Wash cleans and disinfects
• Medical Tape for gauze application and bandaid reinforcement
• Butterfly Bandaids to hold large cuts closed
• Assorted Bandaids multiple sizes and and for multiple locations
• Gauze to apply pressure and cover wounds
• Ace Bandage wraps in case of sprains

Tire Supplies

• Lug Nut Wrentch works for trailer tires and tow vehicle tires
• Puncture Repair Kit quick repair for nail/screw punctures
• Compressor for flat, low, or to refill punctured tires after repair
• Tire Pressure Gauge digital, easy to use, easy to read in the dark.
• Safety Triangles to be seen is to be safe
• Headlamp for nighttime emergencies
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System to know exactly what is going on with the trailer tires and spare.

Tools

• Carhartt Tool Roll fits more places and is softer than a metal tool box if it hits your head in a roll over accident
• Mini Socket Wrench Set SAE or Metric is determined by your tow vehicle
• Gorilla Glue sticks to and fixes anything and everything
• Reusable Zip Ties REUSABLE!
• Mini Wire Brush to clean up corrosion and rust in the field
• 1/2 in Crescent Wrench it is my most frequently used size
• Allen Wrench Set SAE or Metric is determined by your tow vehicle, or both
• Adjustable Wrenches so you always have the right size
• Screwdriver with Multiple Bits compact and convenient
• Electrical Pliers snip snip
• Wire Stripper/Crimper for inevitable electrical repairs
• Linesman Pliers cus you will need them
• Needle Nose Pliers for more precision
• Vice Grips for really tight seals or removing really stuck things
• Duct Tape endless uses
• Electrical Tape will be needed eventually
• Teflon Tape for leaky hoses or plumbing issues
• Metal Wire to quickly adhere or pin up anything that gets too hot for tape or zip ties

Additional Items:

• LifeLine Shovel for unexpected snow, mud or sand
• Ice/Snow Scraper mountain weather can change in a blink
• Wool Blanket emergency insulation if you ever have to spend the night in the car
• Ratchet Tie Down Straps endless uses
• NOCO Car Battery Booster Pack jump yourself, no help needed
• NOCO Boost Case now sold separately
• Anker Battery Bank keep your phone and emergency beacon charged even if the tow is dead
• Fix a Flat quick fix for minor tire damage that will get you out of an unsafe situation to a safer place to change a tire
• Jumper Cables I use them more to help others but we all need help sometimes
• Windshield Sun Visor sun protection and temper control for breakdowns in hot conditions
• Funnel + Tube a secondary option to fill the freshwater tank when pressure is not available
• Recovery Tracks get unstuck in a jif
• Emergency Food + Water – if you get stuck overnight without supplies in the trailer

Trailer Supplies

• AAA Batteries for the Scamp’s thermostat since it is the heater’s on switch
• Water Filter use with the Cnoc bags to never ever run out of safe drinking water
• Cnoc Bags are water collection bags that attach to both ends of my water filter. I use 2 different color 2L bags to differentiate dirty/clean water
• Carabiner to hang the filter system
• First Aid in Trailer compact and easy to stash
• 7 Way Pin Maintenance Kit insurance for always being able to tow legally
• Door Squeak Lube works for stabilizer jacks too
• Rubber Seal Protection basic trailer maintenance
• Hose Washer/Filter to keep the plumbing hookups leak free
• Fuse puller have you ever tried to pull Scamp fuses with your fingers?
• Spare Fuses so you don’t have to do without any of the Scamp’s major systems
• Spare Barrel Fuses for fuse at trailer battery and inside the water heater
• Bungee Cord Set endless uses- fridge door, cabinets, stabilize items for transit, truly endless uses
• Trailer Jack Wheel if I ever need to turn the trailer around by hand
• Tent Stakes for really windy excursions
• Southwire Multimeter the most useful tool an RVer can own

A full demonstration of how to use my emergency water filtering system can be seen in this video:

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