RV Prepping: You Fail to Plan; You Plan to Fail

Prepping means not just planning ahead, but also knowing what to do when your plan doesn't quite work out and you have to improvise. Although there are many different sites online with tons of great information—and you can also prepare by watching a few episodes of "Survivorman" or "Man vs Wild"—when you need the info, you probably aren't going to have Internet or electricity. In that situation, a good survival book like "How to Stay Alive in the Woods" and a few basic skills and tools are your best bet.

Even if you don't see yourself as a survivalist, you may need to evacuate your RV during a seasonal tornado or flood. In those situations, it's good to have a plan. What do you need? Food, water, shelter—or at least the methods and knowledge to acquire those things—are needed. The ability to be prepared to leave whenever necessary is also a good idea.

Bug-Out Bag Must-Haves

Basically, as far as a bug-out bag goes, you need a light-weight, durable, easy-to-carry bag that has multiple sections. This allows you to easily organize your survival gear, medications, and food, etc.

If possible, try to keep a couple-day supply of any daily medications, vitamins, or supplements that you take in your bag secured in a dry, cool location. Pack a decent first-aid kit either that you assemble yourself or one you purchase from a big-box health-care store like CVS or Walgreens. Include a pair of sturdy walking shoes or sneakers and a clean set of clothing along with extra socks.

It's also a good idea to bring a few power bars or several days-worth of freeze-dried food packs and your important personal and vehicular insurance documents—like RV, life, and health insurance papers, etc.—in case you need them or happen to be displaced for a little while.

Related Read: Bug Out Bag Essentials for the Prepared RVer

Homemade Shelter

Keeping a tent and sleeping bag in the trunk of your "towed" is advisable, but if you have to travel by foot, something a bit less cumbersome is preferable. There are many easy options, such as a small poly or canvas tarp that can be draped over a clothesline or bungee cord to create an easy shelter from the elements. By lining it with felled boughs and branches in a simple "teepee" formation, or covering it with "Duck Tape" you can add an element of insulation that keeps out moisture, mold, and the cold.

Firestarter Options

From wind and waterproof lighters to no-fail matches, there are several options for ensuring you can make a fire to keep your space warm, as well as cook your meals. Truly, although bringing a magnifying glass to make fires on a sunny day or rubbing a couple of sticks together could get the job done, unless you've experimented with those skills, the likelihood that you can make a fire using one of these methods is slim.

Keeping a Stormproof match kit like the ones found at Cabelas or a lighter like the Ultimate Survivor Technologies TekFire Lighter is the best option for most people.

Related Read: How to Start a Fire without Matches – Part 1

Fishing and Trapping Fish

Furry creatures are generally more difficult to catch than those found in a lake or creek. If you have some plastic bottles found along the side of the road, however, you have an option. Just take a 2-liter soda pop, water, or juice bottle (leaving the lid intact) and remove the label with your finger or a sharp utility-style knife. Then use a knife or your car keys to make a cross (about 3-inch by 2-inch) on one side of the bottle. Push the four corners on the plastic "cross" down into the bottle.

In order to use the trap, begin by tying the trap with a bit of string or twine to a nearby rock or tree. Then, place some leftover food or pet food inside and let it float to the bottom of a nearby pond or river for a few hours or overnight. The fish go inside the trap but can't usually get out. The next day, merely open the lid of the 2-liter and you have some tiny little horderves, or (worse-case) the day's meal.

Finding Edible Plants

With much less effort, you can graze, but you should be careful. There are a few ways to determine what plants you should avoid. Steer clear of those that have the following properties:

• Any plants that have an “almond” scent in the leaves or "woody parts" that aren't actually almonds

• Anything inside pods

• Any bitter or soapy tasting plants (interestingly, the herb cilantro/coriander tastes this way to some people, but is totally harmless)

• Anything with a discolored or milky sap

• Grain heads with spines, fine hairs, thorns, pink, purplish, or black spurs

• Three-leaved plants

Many berries and roots are good to eat, but if you don't recognize them, it's best to consult a book or locals.

Sewing Kit

One of the main things one should always pack is a small sewing kit. It can help you repair clothing and darn socks, but it can also help you stitch any wounds you (or your family) may get. It's good for you, good for your family, and good for friends and neighbors. Of course, a sharp needle is only helpful with the following item for sterilization.


Water Tablets

The other things that any RVer should keep on hand are water tablets. These helpful tools make sure the water you're drinking (from whatever source—keep in mind we're talking about emergencies) and food you're making with this water are healthy or at least sanitary. Fortunately, there are many options to choose from; tablets for large tanks and others for single-use containers.

In Conclusion

If you choose to grab nothing else when evacuating your RV, grab something for reliable fire-starting, something to ensure you have fresh water and/or can cook, and your essential paperwork. Hopefully, you'll need none of these things, but anything else—such as major cooking-ware and clothing—can be purchased or improvised. Again, it is better to prepare and plan ahead than it is to fail. Luck favors the prepared when it comes to prepping.