The Essentials Every Nomad Needs on the Road

For those of us who have been on the road before, we know that emergencies, inconveniences, and breakdowns happen at the worst possible time. 100-degree weather and no one in sight? Sure, let’s blow a tire. Backing into a spot and bump the car or rig behind you? Sounds like another day. But with all these problems, there are a few simple ways to avoid total meltdowns and huge expenses.

We’ve selected a few of the essentials you need to have on you at all times to ensure you spend more time driving down the road and not sitting on the shoulder.

RV/Trailer Manual
Not sure where to find something on your rig? Pull out the manual. Even if you buy your RV or trailer used, you can still find a manual somewhere online, at least for most models. Without a manual, you will find yourself chasing your tail around all day. Be sure you keep the manual in a spot that you can remember it at all times.

There are several guides and books out there for you online including general handbooks that can help you fix minor issues. For Airstream travelers out there, here is a great guide to help you learn the ins and outs of your trailer.

Towing Vehicle Manual
If it’s not your rig, it’s your towing vehicle. You’ll also want to keep this manual handy in case your radiator leaks or you need to add a little oil to your tanks. Stuff happens and not every vehicle, model, or make keeps any one part or piece in the same place. This also comes in handy if you have to take your vehicle into a shop that doesn’t have all the right oils and fluids.

Related Read: Know Before You Tow – Dinghy Installation

Tools (And Lots of Them)
It’s all fun and games until the tow truck is 2 hours away and you’re sitting in the blazing sun. Simple problems like flat tires, overheating, tail light and headlight replacements shouldn’t be something you need to take your rig in for. Having a simple bag of tools can save you a lot of time and money. It’s also handy to have an idea of how to problem solve these smaller issues in case you have problems more than once.

A basic tool kit should include:

• Screwdriver (both flathead and Phillips head)

• Flashlight or headlight (for safety)

• Extra screws, nuts, and bolts

• Wrench (adjustable is better!)

• Hammer

• Tape measure

• Sockets & Ratchet Tool

• Pliers

Your rig might require extra tools, so be sure to ask a dealer or a mechanic for a list of tools they think you should carry in case of an emergency. Grab yourself a simple tool kit here.

Emergency Tools & Necessities
Emergencies and problems tend to happen at the worst possible point in your day. Maybe the sun is setting or the road is busy. You should be prepared in case you need to be out of your vehicle and on the road.

Here are a few things to consider buying and adding to your safety essentials:

• Brightly colored, reflective vests

• Cones

• First Aid Kit

• Fix a Flat Kit

• Space Blanket (for warmth in the cold)

• Extra water & food

• Gas tank (if you run out of gas)

• Flashlights

• Duct Tape (always!)

Extra Rig Parts & Fluids
Small parts like tail lights and headlights are easy enough to carry around with you as you travel. If you have an inverter and blow a fuse, you’ll also want to buy extra fuses to bring with you to avoid living without electricity overnight. Small parts, extra oil, and fluid are all small enough to bring with you to avoid serious problems on the road.

Other Items to Consider
The items listed above cover a lot of ground in an emergency. But there are several things that other RVers have listed in their kits that might sound like a good idea to you, so we’re including them here in case you feel like you’ve missed something!

Helpful Tools & Machines

• Jump Start Kit/Jumper Cables

• Utility Knife

• Window Breaker & Seatbelt Cutter

• GPS Communication Device (for when you don’t have cell service!)

Extra Safety & First Aid Equipment

• Heavy Duty Work Gloves

• Latex Gloves

• Tweezers

• Extra prescription medicine

Related Read: RV Living: Necessary Tools and How to Store Them

But the Real Question Is…
Do you know how to use all of these items properly? We all know that having tools comes in handy when we have an emergency, but sometimes we lack the knowledge to know what to do which results in wasted time and money. When you hit the open road, you have to rely on yourself most of the time and it can be daunting and even life-threatening if you don’t know how to solve the problem.

So while this list is something that you should keep on hand, you should do your research on how to use these items before putting them to the test when you’re traveling. Whether you do a quick YouTube search on how to change a flat, read through your manual fully at least once, or take a first aid class, you should take some simple steps to ensure you won’t hurt yourself, someone else, or your rig.

Resources for Learning How to Handle Emergencies on the Road

1. First Aid Class

2. How to Change a Flat

3. How to Survive a Natural Disaster

4. What to Do in an RV Accident

Be Safe on the Road
Being safe on the road starts with you. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your wheels moving forward instead of sitting still. These essentials are meant to help you in times of need, but you have to be willing to stay on top of the issues at hand before they turn into a problem.

Always stay alert, be proactive when driving, and run through your checklist before getting onto the road. RV and trailer accidents are very serious and often end in serious injury or death. Be a responsible driver and ensure the safety of you, your family, and others by bringing all the essentials with you. It’s better to be safe than sorry!