RVing in Canada provides an unforgetable experience filled with spectacular landscapes, so it is important to ensure it is not spoiled by unforeseen dangers. We've all heard stories from those who have blown a tire, forgot vital documents, or were unprepared for camping with children. Basic understanding of RV safety tips and preparing your recreational vehicle for travel is key to an enjoyable trip. This comprehensive guide will provide the basics on RV maintenance, Canadian road rules, the need for insurance, handy camping hacks, recommended products, and even a few notes on winter camping safety. Whether you're glamping in a motorcoach, or towing your family camper that's been passed down for generations - it's time embark on the journey to making your RV safe!
Essential RV Safety Checks Before You Leave Home
Before hitting the road, it's of the utmost importance to inspect your RV thoroughly. The primary areas to ensure you don't have to make changes to your travel plans include:
- Wear & Tear Maintenance: Regular maintenance is the key to safety. Ensure that all of your regular interval items such as fluids and cleanings are up-to-date before you begin your travels. Your engine oil, brakes and battery are essential to safe travels. If you have air brakes, test them at low speeds in a safe area.
- Tire Pressure & Maintenance: Tires can be the root of many issues during what would be an otherwise relaxing vacation. Put new tires on your RV if you are noticing wear and check that all of your tire pressures are up-to-par before taking off.
- Maintain your RV's plumbing: Ensuring that there are no leaks or blockages in your RVs plumbing. This will prevent potential water damage or a pipe bursting during your vacation leading you to a less adventurous hotel room stay.
- Weight Check: Avoid overloading. Ensure that your RV's weight, including luggage, is within a safe weight limit. Be sure that you know your gross vehicle weight rating and plan your travels on roadways that can support RVs like yours.
- Gas System Check: Inspect the gas system regularly for leaks. Be sure that your stove and all of your installed gas appliances are working correctly, and keep the ventilation system clean.
- Emergency Supplies: Always pack an emergency roadside kit, a fire extinguisher and other fire safety essentials, extra food, and plenty of water. The unthinkable can happen, turning a worry-free trip into a nightmare so it is critical to be prepared.
Understand Canadian Road Rules
Understanding Canadian road rules will prevent any unforeseen issues during your journey. Familiarize yourself with Canadian road signs, speed limits, and other driving safety regulations. Take note of any park passes that you may need. Park passes range from $30 to $50 per vehicle on average throughout Canada. Reserve your RV camping spots early in the season as campsites tend to fill up quick. Typical cost of RV campsites start around $30 and can go as high as $100 per night in peak season. Be sure to book the right size lot for your camper so that you are not sticking out into a roadway. Some other Canadian laws to keep in mind are:
- If you are RV camping in a Canadian National or Provincial Park, you must camp in a designated site. Camping anywhere else in the park is prohibited.
- Stealth camping or boondocking is illegal in cities, rest stops and retail parking lots.
- Waste must be packed or disposed of appropriately.
- Ensure that you follow fire safety protocals and adhere to any restrictions.
- Do not feed wild animals under any circumstance.
The Right Insurance Coverage
Securing the proper insurance coverage is not just about complying with the law; it's about peace of mind. There are different types of insurances at varying costs depending on the type of camper that you are insuring. For example, AMA offers travel trailer, fifth wheel trailer, tent trailer and motor home insurance which have varying costs and coverages. It is important to understand if add-ons such as a truck camper are covered under your standard auto policy. Ensuring that your policy covers collision, comprehensive, and liability will not only protect your family, but other vehicles and campers you might cross paths with.
Emergency Preparedness
An emergency plan is essential, especially if you're planning to visit an area with safety concerns such as severe weather or natural disaster. Your campground may provide an evacuation route map; if not, you should make your family aware of where entrances and exits are at the campground in which you are staying. If the campground does not have a muster point, plan to meet somewhere safe such as a nearby roadway or distinctive meeting area.
Canada is a beautiful natural playground full of wonders to explore. We share this land with a variety of creatures who may not take kindly to you setting foot in their home. Never feed animals and ensure that you are aware of dangerous wildlife in the area. To keep your children safe, always ensure that every child is accompanied by an adult at all times.
In addition to having a plan, a well-stocked first aid kit is crucial. Regularly update it with necessary items and any prescribed medications. You can find fantastic kits specific to RVs with everything you should need on Amazon Canada or at a local camping store. In some cases, campgrounds may have emergency and first aid kits available to purchase - but this should not be relied upon.
Handy Camping Hacks and RV Products
One of the best ways to enhance your RV journey is to use tried and tested camping hacks and quality RV products. Quality RV-specific GPS systems can guide you to RV-friendly routes. Solar-powered products can also help you use less power. If you're a glamper, there are a number of home comforts that are styled for camping available as well. Here are some must-have products that you will want to bring along:
- Surge Protector Power Bars: The safety of your devices is also important! While campsites might provide power, they can be highly unreliable. A surge can happen at any time and cause damage to your electronics. Always pack at least one surge protector to keep it safe.
- Solar Charger: Both a safety tool and a fun gadget, a solar charger can get your devices charges quickly when you aren't near an outlet.
- RV Leveling Blocks: I don't care what you tinfoil hat folk think; the Earth is not flat. That can be proven when you park your RV on an uneven surface. RV leveling blocks ensure you aren't rolling out of bed at 3am.
- RV Wheel Chocks: Similar concept to the leveling blocks, you don't want to go to bed parked at your campsite and wake up parked in a river.
- RV Extension Cords: Some sites may not have their outlets in a convenient spot. It is always handy to have a proper recreational vehicle extension cable in the event that you're not up-close once you found the perfect spot.
- Water Filtration: There are plenty of devices and additives to keep your drinking water clean.
In addition to these items, be sure to check out our article covering the top RV camping hacks that you need to know for some of the best information in ensuring your travels are worry-free.
Plotting Your Own Travel Plans
I've always been a spur of the moment type of person, but planning your RV route is a critical must-do for any trip. Here are some important factors to consider:
- RV Height & Weight Limits: Some roadways, campsites, ferries and bridges might have height and weight limits. Examine your entire driving route and ensure you are within the vehicle limits.
- Road Conditions: Poor road conditions can make travel a nightmare. Chart your course on major highways and avoid gravel side roads.
- Weather Forecast: Weather can impact travels severely; especially if you are camping off highway. If weather concerns pop up, ensure you plan for extended stay plans or re-route to another destination with reduced risk. Driving in poor weather can be dangerous for RVs; especially with the unpredictable nature of other vehicles.
- Campsite Availability: Your travel plans will lead to some overnight stays, without a doubt. Always ensure that you book your campsite ahead of time whenever possible. If the site is not able to be pre-booked, show up early to be sure that you can snag a spot.
- Leaving Canada: If your travels take you outside of Canada, be sure that you are aware of travel rules in your destination. You may also need to insure for out-of-country travel.
Winter RV Safety Tips
For the brave adventurers planning a winter camping trip, RV safety is paramount. Ensure your RV is winter-ready with proper insulation and heating throughout. Some tips include adding marine vinyl on your windows, purchasing thick area rugs for floor insulation, and installing drapes made of a heavy material. You should be packing different heating options including propane and electric in the event that one or the other is not usable in your situation.
In addition, it is of utmost importance to clear off your roof, awning and slide-outs of snow and ice regularly. Ice can build up and slide off leading to RV safety hazards. Always carry chains if you expect to be driving in snowy road conditions, and be understanding of the risk of avalanches in some areas. Preparing an avalanche safety kit could be essential if your RV is in the path of danger/ Prepare for an extended stay in the event of road closures or snowouts.
For a full, comprehensive guide - check out this fantastic video from Keep Your Daydream:
Respect the Environment
Canada is a miraculous country, filled with nearly every campers delight imaginable. It is important to keep it that way. Here are some considerations to take:
- Dispose of waste properly and responsibly
- Minimize your noise polution when possible
- Minimize light pollution when possible
- Refrain from smoking tobacco or any other product near other campers; they may be trying to enjoy the fresh air
- Respect the wildlife in the area
- Respect the natural habitat; leave no trace whenever possible
Recreational vehicles can lead to unique adventures as you journey across Canada, creating new memories and taking in the beauty that is this amazing country. By keeping safety at the front of your mind, you amplify your RV camping experience with the peace of mind in knowing that, even in the worst case - you are prepared. It's time to forget the boring life, start your truck, hook up your trailer and tow your way into RV excitement! Happy RVing.