RV safety on the road and at the campsite

There's little doubt that the Recreational Vehicle (RV) lifestyle is one to enjoy immensely, something many travellers do. It's a great way to see the country. However, there are a few things to remember, both on a road trip and at the campsite. 

On the road

Ensure that all vehicles are fully serviced. All mechanical items will wear over time and safety items such as brakes and tyres require regular checks and servicing. That also applies to anything that’s been in storage for an extended period. Lubricants and seals can dry out and electrical connections can corrode. 

Particularly with towed RVs, a towing rig should be as level as possible. A tail-down, nose-up attitude for a tow vehicle affects the braking and steering and the headlights will annoy oncoming drivers and be less effective as well. Airbag suspension or a weight distribution hitch may provide a solution but only sometimes fix the problem. In the first instance seeking professional advice is often the best approach. 

Before heading off, it's always a good idea to check that the external mirrors are correctly set, with clear vision down both sides of the caravan and the trailer brakes and running lights are functioning correctly. A problem with many towing combinations is the plug that connects the tow vehicle to the trailer. Dust, dirt, and loose connections can cause issues, as can corroded electrical connections. It's always recommended that gas cylinders be turned off when on the road. A three-way fridge is about the only device that requires LPG and it's better if it's operated off 12V DC. Voltage drop can be a problem but either an Anderson plug connection to the tow vehicle or a DC-DC charger solves that.

Even if you are not a particularly good handy person, carrying a few simple tools is always good - more so if something in your RV requires some sort of special-purpose tool. Even if you cannot use the tools you carry, chances are that someone else nearby will. 

This depends very much on where and when travelling. Whilst an excellent first-aid kit is mandatory in case of an emergency, supplies like water, food and fuel may be necessary for remote areas.

Wildlife on the road, either native animals and birds or cattle and sheep, is a constant problem in outback Australia. The most dangerous times for all are either early morning or early evening. Many travellers like to ensure they are in camp between 4pm and 5pm. That’s not a bad policy and has the advantage of being in time for the all-essential ‘happy hour’. 

There are plenty of couples and families touring throughout Australia but there are also plenty of solo travellers. If you are travelling on your own, then there are a few considerations and the main one is that any RV should be easy for one person to handle and set up. 

A UHF radio is handy for outback travellers, particularly on roads shared with semi-trailers and road trains. Even a handheld unit is better than nothing. Channel 18 is the caravan and campers’ channel and the truckers use Channel 40. Apart from anything else, contact with other drivers allows for safe overtaking manoeuvres. 

At the campsite

Australia is a very safe place for RV camping and, apart from New Zealand, it is one of the safest countries in the world. Caravan parks are usually reasonably secure places and remote locations are even more so. There are literally thousands of places around Australia where it’s safe to travel and camp but a few basic steps will ensure a pleasant stay without problems.

At a caravan park, ensuring all electric cords are in good condition is a good idea. A "test and tag" check by a professional is recommended. However, a simple visual check for damaged or burnt insulation can be done by anyone, anytime. Removing any trip hazards, such ropes or cables, is a good idea, as is not having low hanging open windows at head height. 

Freedom camping is not exactly a safety feature, but avoiding parking on top of any neighbouring campers is always polite. When choosing a camping site, check for hazards and potential dangers like dips in the ground or low-hanging branches. 

If camped along a river, always keep an eye on the weather and listen regularly to a local radio station. Climate change has made the weather more unpredictable and flooding rivers isn't fun for anyone. 

It depends a bit on the camping location but it's a good policy to have tow vehicle or motorhome parked such that it can easily be driven away in the event of a problem. A standard place where the vehicle keys are always kept overnight can be a time saver.

Security

Any RV should have a few basic preventative entry features. A security screen door is a good idea and open windows should be high enough not to allow easy access. That's often problematic with the large bedroom windows that are popular in many vans and a two-tier arrangement is a better idea. Any van should have a fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarm. 

Many Australian travellers are a bit blasé about security measures, particularly in caravan parks. Although not everything can be locked up, it's good to have a secure place, at least hidden if nothing else, for small and valuable items - such as important documents - and avoid unwanted attention. Items like gas cylinders, lithium batteries and bicycles, particularly the battery-powered variety are an attraction for thieves and locking them up in some way prevents losses. When stored in unsupervised locations, caravans are often vulnerable to theft. Devices like wheel clamps, while not foolproof, can act as a deterrent. 

Only a few RVs have them fitted but there are electronic security devices made for RVs which can provide peace of mind when you are travelling with valuable items in your van. A typical example is a WiTi anti-theft device. Its primary feature is that it's connected to the caravan brakes and if the alarm is activated, it will operate the caravan brakes. Other features of this system include a magnetic strip for the habitation door and a motion sensor. There's a motorhome version, too, that operates similarly. 

As part of the anti-theft system, a GPS tracker can be installed. There are plenty of places in any RV where it can be discretely hidden. Some insurance companies will offer a discount if such a device is fitted.