How to Handle When Things Happen: The RV Emergency Plan

Kim Martinez
May 24
3 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Life on the road is an adventure, but even the most carefully planned RV trips can face unexpected challenges. When one reservation falls, they can all tumble like dominos. Here's your comprehensive guide to handling those "sharp turns" in your journey with grace and flexibility.

1. Mechanical Issues: Your RV's Unexpected Pause

Prevention First:

While not everything can be prevented, regular maintenance goes a long way. Keep up with fluid changes, filter replacements, and scheduled service to minimize roadside surprises.

Your Action Plan:

• At a Campground: Ask hosts for reliable local RV mechanics

• On the Road: Consider mobile mechanics who come to you

• Towing Support: Invest in a comprehensive towing plan like Coach Net, but read the fine print before you need it

• Emergency Packing: Keep a "quick evacuation" bag with essentials for a few days without your RV, including pet carriers for your cats

Making the Most of Downtime:

Turn unexpected stops into mini-adventures! Visit local attractions, enjoy regional cuisine, or treat yourself to that pedicure you've been postponing.

Salvaging Your Itinerary:

• Cancel stops you definitely can't make

• Negotiate shorter stays at upcoming locations

• Accept non-refundable losses when necessary

• Focus on getting back on track at a realistic pace

2. Weather Challenges: When Mother Nature Intervenes

Stay Informed:

• Use premium weather apps for extended forecasts

• Enable weather alerts along your planned route

• Check conditions not just at destinations but all points in between

Safety First:

• Pull in slides during high winds to protect toppers

• Seek shelter at rest stops during severe weather warnings

• Remember: RVs and strong winds don't mix!

• Check out our RV Tornado Safety Checklist (https://www.travelwelllive.com/post/rv-tornado-safety-checklist-a-travel-well-live-well-essential-guide)

Flexible Planning:

• Communicate delays to upcoming campgrounds

• Use weather delays for meal prep or route planning

• Consider it part of the adventure!

3. Campground Unavailability: When Your Spot Disappears

Due Diligence:

• Read reviews for reliability concerns

• Keep reservation confirmations accessible

• Confirm site dimensions match your 44ft Class A needs

Emergency Overnight Options:

When your reserved campground suddenly becomes unavailable, here are places to stay in a pinch:

• Harvest Hosts locations (membership required)

• Boondockers Welcome hosts (now part of Harvest Hosts)

• Retail Parking: Walmart, Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops, Camping World

• Home Improvement Stores: Lowe's, Home Depot (check with manager)

• Restaurants: Cracker Barrel (typically RV-friendly)

• Casinos: Often welcome overnight RV parking

• Rest Areas: Rules vary by state, but many allow overnight stays

• Truck Stops: Not always ideal but reliable in emergencies

• 24-hour Businesses: Some grocery stores and gyms

• Membership Organizations: Elks Lodges (if you're a member)

• With Permission: Church parking lots, fairgrounds when not in use

• Public Lands: BLM and National Forest Service dispersed camping

• Other Options: Visitor centers, truck washes, Planet Fitness (with Black Card)

• True Emergencies: Hospital parking lots

Always check with management when possible and respect local ordinances.

4. Health Issues: When Wellness Takes Priority

Preventive Care:

• Prioritize your health and wellness routine even while traveling

• Stay hydrated and maintain healthy habits on the road

Emergency Preparedness:

• Learn how to use your phone's emergency SOS features

• Familiarize yourself with emergency clinic locations along your route

• Consult campground hosts for local medical recommendations

Travel Medical Kit:

• Digital blood pressure monitor

• Thermometer

• Pulse oximeter for oxygen levels

• Basic medications and first aid supplies

• Copies of important medical information

Adjusting Your Plans:

• Don't hesitate to postpone travel if you're unwell

• Consider shorter driving days during recovery

• Use unexpected downtime to rest and recharge

The Travel Well Philosophy

Life on the road mirrors life at home—unexpected challenges require flexible solutions. When things don't go according to plan:

1. Take a moment to process what's happened

2. Identify ways to minimize disruption

3. Embrace the new direction your journey has taken

4. Add missed destinations to your future travel list

Remember, the true adventure often begins when the original plan falls apart. These unexpected detours often lead to the most memorable experiences and stories for your Travel Well, Live Well blog!

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